Best Sports Bar Restaurants in Santa Monica
11 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
The Brixton
Approachable gastropub fare with California touches and daily happy hour specials
Notable Picks
#1
The Brixton
8.3
This neighborhood gastropub delivers elevated bar food with California flair, anchored by crowd-pleasing dishes like short rib poutine and duck confit fritters alongside classic comfort fare. The daily happy hour and eight-TV sports setup make it equally suited for casual drinks or full dinner service, drawing both locals and visitors since 2015.
Must-Try Dishes:
Short Rib Poutine, Fish & Chips, Corned Beef Reuben
What Makes it Special: Approachable gastropub fare with California touches and daily happy hour specials
8.2
This authentic British pub serves hearty lamb burgers and classic beef patties alongside pints until 2 AM nightly. The Beatles tribute nights and karaoke create a lively atmosphere that keeps locals coming back after the tourists clear out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Burger, Classic Pub Burger, Fish & Chips
What Makes it Special: Only spot serving burgers until 2 AM in downtown Santa Monica
8.1
Established in 1920, this legendary Route 66 roadhouse brings authentic sports bar culture to the Promenade with over 175 beer options and a 1000-item menu. The historic venue serves classic buffalo wings alongside their famous chili varieties, maintaining its status as a Santa Monica institution for over a century.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Buffalo Wings, Famous Chili, Prime Rib Dublin Dip
What Makes it Special: Century-old institution with 175+ beer options
#4
Vito's Pizza
8.1
East Coast-style pizzeria serving thin-crust New York pies with crispy char and proper fold. The family-owned spot draws locals for its coal-oven taste and communal bench seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Cheese Slice, Pesto White Pizza, Pepperoni Pie
What Makes it Special: Authentic New Jersey-style pizza with that distinctive East Coast thin crust
Worthy Picks
#5
Chez Jay
7.9
Historic dive bar steakhouse established in 1959, featuring peanut shells on the floor and a legendary jukebox. This Santa Monica landmark has hosted celebrities for decades while serving classic steaks and seafood in red vinyl booths.
Must-Try Dishes:
New York Steak, Fresh Catch Scampi, Jay's Surf & Turf
What Makes it Special: Santa Monica Historical Landmark since 1959
#6
Cabo Cantina
7.8
This party-centric cantina near the Promenade serves mega margaritas and late-night tacos until 2am daily. Known for its 2-for-1 happy hours and raucous atmosphere, it's where beach vibes meet border-town energy with affordable street tacos and bottomless specials.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Tacos, Fish Tacos with Habanero Sauce, Grilled Shrimp Tacos
What Makes it Special: 36oz Mega Margaritas and kitchen open until 2am every night
This authentic Cork-owned Irish pub serves jumbo buffalo and teriyaki wings alongside Guinness and live sports. A 30-year Santa Monica institution with 15 TVs and NY Giants game-day crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo Wings with Hot Sauce, Teriyaki Wings, Black & Blue Burger
What Makes it Special: Authentic Irish pub with UFC fights and trivia nights since 1994
7.8
This neighborhood sports bar combines California comfort food with over 20 TV screens, maintaining a locals-first vibe with affordable happy hours and late-night service. The recent management team emphasizes attentive service and safety, offering pool, shuffleboard, and solid bar fare like burgers and tacos at prices rare for Main Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tavern Burger, Chicken Tacos, Veggie Tacos
What Makes it Special: Budget-friendly neighborhood bar with exceptional value and caring staff
#9
Busby's West
7.7
A full-scale sports bar that doubles as a game hall—beer pong, shuffleboard, arcade cabinets, and air hockey spread across multiple rooms alongside wall-to-wall screens. The draw is the activity density: groups come to play as much as watch, with standard bar food (wings, smash burgers, loaded nachos) keeping the table fueled between rounds. Expect volume—50 TVs, DJ sets, and weekend crowds make this a commit-to-the-energy kind of night, not a drop-in-for-one spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Best Damn Chicken Sandwich, Carne Asada Fries, Wings
What Makes it Special: Full-sized sports bar with beer pong, shuffleboard, arcade games, and air hockey alongside wall-to-wall TVs for every game.
7.6
Since 1902, this boardwalk institution feeds beach-goers classic burgers and cold beers with sunset views. While kitchen closes earlier, the bar stays hopping late with 35 TVs broadcasting games and a crowd that spans from lifeguards to tourists.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Beach Burger, Buffalo Wings, Fish Tacos
What Makes it Special: Century-old boardwalk landmark with ocean views
7.5
This beachside bar and grill delivers hearty BBQ baby back ribs alongside live music and ocean breezes. Since 1996, they've mastered the art of smoky ribs paired with craft cocktails, creating a laid-back surf shack vibe that captures Santa Monica's beach culture.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Surf & Turf Combo, Coconut Shrimp
What Makes it Special: Live weekend karaoke meets BBQ on the pier