While this place is cool because it's on the beach, you are actually in sand while you are eating. I was not wearing the proper shoes lol. Still, I had high hopes for this place but our waiter was terrible, took him a while to take our order and was MIA for most of our dining experience. The food was okay - we shared some Brussel sprouts which were crispy and tasty. I got the salmon but it was super buttery, as was the mashed potatoes. Parking was $6 for two hours which isn't too bad for Santa Monica. Overall a decent experience but could have been better. read more

Back On the Beach - Brussel sprouts - American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Whenever I do a beach walk I love to come here and get their fish tacos. Sometimes there is a wait but it's worth it for the location alone. The servers are always nice and the food hits the spot after an active day in the sun. Between the colorful umbrellas, chairs, and tables in the sand and the fact that dogs are permitted outside, it's my favorite lunch spot at the beach in the area. Breakfast there is good too (I like to swap out the beans and rice that come with the fish tacos for another side). read more

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What an amazing restaurant directly on the beach. I am a sucker for an outdoor patio with an amazing view. I have yet to have something here I have not liked. Classic and fresh food with an ultimate patio on the beach. read more

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My wife and I used to bike from Venice to Back on the Beach for breakfast. Those days are long gone, but we drove there for breakfast shortly after Pacific Coast Highway, closed due to the January 2025 wildfires, was reopened. Service was good, the beach ambiance was still there, but the breakfast was very disappointing. The cheese omelet was watery to the point where we wondered if it was made of real eggs or that stuff you pour from a carton. The potatoes were cold. The blueberry pancakes were fine but were served with two, tiny balls of butter and a small serving of syrup. Frankly, we've had much better at Ihop. Since the meals and one coffee tallied more than $50 including tip (more if you have to pay for parking), I'm afraid that Back on the Beach cafe is going to remain a treasured memory from days passed. read more

Came here for a birthday brunch and it was lovely! Ordered... Mimosas...5 stars. Prosecco and orange juice - can't go wrong with that Salmon tacos...5 stars. Delicious, hot and plentiful. Highly recommended Service...5 stars. I like my servers to give us space to chat, eat, and drink. He checked off all the boxes, as we were never rushed. Setting... 5 stars. It just doesn't get better than here on a warm day. When sitting outdoors, your table and feet are literally on the sand in a less crowded stretch of the beach, north of the SM pier. People are chill, it's family friendly and very clean. read more

Back On the Beach - Outdoor seating area - American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Nice location right on the beach. Good menu from salad, sandwiches and fish tacos. I've been here about five times and always a good option to meet a friend or relative for lunch. Very cordial service. read more

Only good thing about this place was that is on the beach and has an amazing view. ------View 5 stars Very disappointed in my meal and it was a waste of money. I tried to eat it but couldn't, I filled up on the potatoes and bread. ----Food 3 stars - didn't drain water from spinach in the omelet, no flavor, soggy. Love the scone, potatoes needed to be cooked a little longer. Mimosa was good! Customer service 5 stars - Dora, my waitress was very kind, assisted me with the table umbrella and was pleasant, and didn't rush me. read more

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this is the average score of food and service. food: 5. service: 1 or 1.5 food review: the lemon hazelnut cake is divine! it tasted like keylime pie but the crust in between the custard is so crispy and what a pleasure to eat, especially with their black coffee! also order the pina colada smoothie (no alcohol). it was perfect on a hot sunny day. experience (disappointment): after visiting the Guest house and stroll around the beach. we wanted a quick bite and not a full lunch. being sat without a wait (there's a wait if we wanted to sit outside) our server came took our order. our items came and i don't recall she came back and checked on us while i could hear and see her checked on the tables in front and behind us. then when we are ready to pay, she was no where in sight and we had to flagged down her colleague to help us. I feel like this is one-off and people have bad days...still, the whole experience left us a bad taste in our mouth. read more

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Fresh delicious meal by the sea! Our effcient kind server Gavin even helped sing Happy Birthday on pitch :) to my dear friend Maribel. She enjoyed the signature Marion Davies salad with a scoop of Tuna Salad I had the crispy flavorful Cafe favorite White Cod Fish sandwich. Great setting especially for locals not during summer vactioners rush. Plenty of parking and nice wooden patio walk out to the ocean! read more

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Three of us girls had a beautiful day here. Food was delicious! I had the breakfast back on the beach egg sandwich and it was delicious! My friend had the pasta mama and she shared with me! It was so nice, had eggs in it and I love eggs! My other friend had the vegetarian power bowl, she liked it also. Seeing the sandy beach in front of us was very relaxing. I will be back! read more

Back On the Beach - Me and my friend. - American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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This place stays busy and is right on the sand so you have an amazing view and ocean breeze. The staff is friendly and service is great. The food is tasty, normally I'll order a few things, but I chose the Shakshouka and it was hearty and filling. (This dish has lamb, so if it's not your thing, still think you should give it a chance). Definitely would recommend and will be coming back to try a few other menu items. read more

Back On the Beach - Shakshouka - American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Nice little resturant with indoor and outdoor seatings. Outdoor seating is right on the beach and tables and chairs are on the sand. Tried the fried calamari - nothing crazy Chicken salad sandwich - decent sandwich with fresh toppings Fries - decent Upside is the seating outdoors is cool get the fresh breeze and clean air from the ocean. read more

Love love love! What could be better than sitting with toes in the sand, a good cocktail in hand and yummy food? And really nice servers too! read more

Delicious Burgers and Breakfast sandwich. I lived in the palisades bowl and used to walk there to eat . My house was destroyed in the fire. I pray it will be rebuilt and i can walk there again. read more

Gorgeous view right on the beach on the sands. Great food! Great place to go on any days of the week special weekend. Good service! Casual atmosphere. read more

I frequent this restaurant every Wednesday since beginning of summer and I've had a good array of their food on the menu. Chicken fingers tend to be over fried sometimes but cooked perfectly. They are pretty tasty Sweet potato fries are good with the hot dog and the fruit for kids meals is always fresh with the exception of today with not so good grapes Their grilled fish tacos are good I've had one solid there and I promised myself I will never order another salad there because my salad had unwashed lettuce. Were you bit and crunched on greeny dirt I've had their power bowl. I wish they gave you an option to add shrimp, but they didn't offer shrimp and it's pretty good. I always end up with a cookie to go, but today I ordered each of their cakes which are also pretty good Raspberry chocolate and lemon mousse But when I paid my bill, I noticed that each slice of cake was $10 each So I paid $20 for two slices of cake where I could've easily purchased a cake completely somewhere else Who has really and I understand we went through Covid but honestly what business truly has the audacity to charge a guest $10 a slice of cake? That is just insane. Will I go back? Yes because that's where I go after my Wednesday morning activity Will I order cake again? absolutely not Sidenote, yes, it being in Santa Monica. Yes, it being a restaurant that is overly priced, I think maybe they can provide cleaner high chairs for children to sit on As an employee or owner of that restaurant, would you like to sit on a sandy, crusty chair for a meal that you were going to pay for? I think it's a fair complaint because kids are people to, and I would not like to sit on a crusty, sandy chair to enjoy a meal then I'm going to pay extra for especially the cake No reflection on the server he did a great job today and I appreciate that read more

Back On the Beach - $10 a slice. Each is $10. Like whaaaat?! - American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Great reasonably price food. Choice of eating inside or out. Friendly personal. My Bloody Mary was good.

I really enjoyed this spot. My omelette was very good. Cooked just the way I like it and the scone as a finishing touch was delicious. My friend liked his heuvos ___ egg breakfast too. The prices are lnt too bad, parking isn't too bad either. read more

Back On the Beach - My friend liked his heuvos breakfast too... - American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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This is totally a casual California beachside dining experience. You sit right on the beach while enjoying burgers and fries as the Pacific Ocean waves crash in front of you. I came here for Sunday brunch with a friend and loved how families were here, small groups of teenagers were here, workout buddies were here, and even a dog and baby were here. It's a great place for anyone looking for an affordable on-the-beach experience. It's located right at the Annenberg Community Beach House so you could spend an afternoon or evening swimming at the pool, playing in the playground, or of course enjoying the beach. I'd get here early as its first-come, first-served. The tables are also spaced out as well, so we felt safe eating here. Enjoy! read more

Back On the Beach - Back on the Beach Burger - American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

We enjoyed brunch on the patio. Literally in the sand, such a fun way to start the morning. The service was great, and the portions were huge. We liked everything we ordered and will definitely recommend to friends! Parking- there's a lot right outside the entrance, but you have to pay to park. Keep that in mind before you arrive. read more

Back On the Beach - Menu cover - American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Perfect spot for breakfast or any meal on the beach . The tofu scramble is delicious , servers are friendly snd you truly can't beat the location and the view . I'd eat here everyday ! read more

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Loved the place so cozy and cute. Cafe is right on the beach with beautiful view! Sitting outside on the sand on a beautiful SoCal day with outstanding flavorful dishes is as good as it gets. The staff is amazing here everyone is kind, attentive, and makes the experience great. Paid parking available on site for $3 per hour. I highly recommend this place! read more

Back On the Beach - Beach Life - American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Best lunch in Santa Monica!! The food is great not awesome but very good. The best thing about Back on the Beach is it's right on the beach, as close as you can get in Santa Monica!! Dip yo feet in the sand while you enjoy lunch!! A huge added plus is that the annenberg beach house is right next door!! The Annenberg is an old exclusive famous pool house that now is open to the public.. it's more suited for kids.. and then you can walk to the beach!! Another plus, is that it's about a mile north of the Santa Monica Pier, so less people read more

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Currently, my addy is Oceanside in Venice Beach. When not shooting the daily routine is strap on the K2 rollerblades and go for a 5 mile skate after a smoothie at breakfast for a lil body fuel. Somewhere on this roller skating adventure a few things happened guys. I got hungry, thirsty, and sweaty although the temperature has been a breezy 68 degrees. Ya feel the heat a lil more with a seaside workout. Skated right up to Back on the Beach café not knowing if I could skate right in and I needed a face mask also. Which they were kind enough to provide, thanks! We were seated out front, skates off, toes right in the sand, breeze in your hair and were offered a delicious menu, chalk-full of vegan options. Which you know I adore! I ordered chocolate chip, banana pancakes and iced tea. But guys, the chocolate chips and bananas were embedded in the pancakes and then placed on top additionally, as per photos attached. I mean, seriously does it get anymore delectable than that?! Nope. Whip cream on top of the entire situation is they accept Apple Pay. A casual, elegant establishment with a delicious brunch. I'm actually craving breakfast for dinner now. I'll be back this week guys. Rollerblades and iPhone in hand, ready to chill seaside. read more

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Great breakfast burritos. The pancakes look amazing... next time Its a fun place to experience in the summer. read more

This is our absolute favorite spot to meet friends and family. We've been coming since the Annenberg opened here and the food is consistently good. The servers are excellent and extremely patient when crowds are crazy here. Come early to find parking! read more

On a cold and chilly (Los Angeles) Saturday morning, coming here all bundled up, I met my friend Karyn for breakfast and a catch up in person. Outdoor dining here is so wonderful! Sweet smelling ocean air, children running around at the playground next door & friendly diners smiling and enjoying a gorgeous day in Santa Monica...wonderful service. And I discovered their mini scones that were perfection with my scrambled eggs and crispy potatoes! The waitstaff is fabulous as are all the folks working there. Parking lot was completely full after we situated our vehicles. I love this restaurant for it's diverse menu and the beach vibes! We sat for 2 hours without interruptions nor " time to leave" attitudes from anyone! Great for taking a walk afterwards just to look at the ocean views! Highly recommended and there is indoor seating but everyone was sitting outside! read more

Came here for the first time to celebrate a birthday and had mimosas and brunch. EVERYTHING was awesome!!! It was relaxing and casual. Incredible ocean views (no ugly oil rigs blocking the horizon) with tables right on the beach! Food was delicious, and they had healthy substitutions available as well. We love that they text you when your table is ready, so you can be looking out at the ocean while waiting. There's also a bike path and separate walking path plus a playground next to the restaurant. Our server, Jasmine, was extremely kind and helpful. She had the best personality, and the manager was great too. We will definitely be back. This is now our favorite oceanside place! read more

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I usually love it here but I got the breakfast burrito and got BAD food poisoning. ): The place is so nice and pretty though and the workers are so so sweet. The people who clean up too. Food just made me so sick. I was dead for two days. read more

My Birthday party couldn't have been more fabulous! Great food! Great atmosphere! Great service! Everyone raved about it. Couldn't have picked a better place to celebrate! read more

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I've been a few times, never had an issue, So it's very disappointing to receive the customer service that I experience today, I wanted to bring my mom to come try this spot because she's never been before, when we got there, it was extremely hot like the ac wasn't on, We picked a table, that sat four, the server (Thick red hair server) came and asked us how many were in our party. I told her it was for two she then asked if we could sit at a two table instead, she was very rude and had attitude when my mom told her Why can't we just sit here, she rolled her eyes to my mom and I. and then proceeded to say yeah I guess.. "There was a lot of open seating, so I'm not sure what the big fuss was all about. It made me and my mom feel very uncomfortable so we decided to leave. Never ever again will I come here. Very disappointing, They need to hire new staff that are welcoming and not with such attitude. I will mention this to my family and friends that live in the area not to come, read more

KERRIE IS THE BEST WAITRESS! so patient and kind and knowledgeable and the food was soooo delicious and the ambiance was beautiful

Bad expensive food. Not much to choose from. Service was slow. Ambiance was good. It was mainly portions of the food and $$$$

The food was fine, the service ok, and the view was great. But the rigid custom care was unacceptable. I absolutely do not agree with wasting food, I asked for a half order of French toast. I offered to pay the same amount and even would have been fine with a service charge for making a substitution. I'm disappointed by this level of care. Not only do I not need the calories but I do not want to be wasteful. I just think it's unacceptable to not be willing to make adaptions to request in a restaurant and service based business. Oh, and it's overpriced. Do better. read more

It wasnt my first time but usually didnt feel like sharing experience as it seems like everyone is happy enough . but today it was different, Young Hostess was polite and sweet , gave 30 mins walk-in wait on Saturday and they sat me on time , greeted by lovely Rona ( if i spelled it right ) , i ordered immediately ( Mushroom burger + Beer ) and received it in less than 15 minutes . Staff is friendly.. over all peaceful, lovely experience.. read more

Back On the Beach - American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Stopped here for lunch while on a bike ride. Was not a planned stop, so wasn't sure what to expect. Ordered the burger and fish and chips, both were good. Fish was hot and fresh, but a smidge too oily. Burger was great! Sat inside due to the hour wait for outside (inside wait was 15 min), but next to the window was nice. Pretty causal spot. Not sure I'd make an effort to go back, but did not disappoint for just randomly stopping in. Server was friendly and efficient, but disappeared for a few minutes once we asked for the check. So that wait was the only downside. read more

Back On the Beach - American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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There's a hair in my lunch! I ordered the salmon a la plancha and this is so disgusting. I've been here before and the food is great but I won't be eating here again. You can't even say it's mine because I have my hair up and it was underneath all the food. read more

Back On the Beach - Salmón a la plancha with a hair in it. - American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

What a perfect place to go during covid. We sat at one of the tables on the beach. View was great. Weather was perfect. Great people watching if that's your thing. We ordered some white wine and a mimosa. Refreshing. For lunch we had the Fred's salad. Yum!! Chicken and potatoes were a perfect combo. It's pretty large. For dessert we had the lemon and hazelnut cake. Very light. Our server, Mark, was fabulous. Only con was that the chairs were not very comfortable. read more

Back On the Beach - Lemon and hazelnut cake. - American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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We love Back on the Beach Cafe. It sits in front of the Annenberg Community Beach House on Santa Monica Beach. You can eat indoors, but who would want to when you can sit outside on the patio, which is a fancy way of saying "tables in the sand." Yep. Pull up a seat, kick you shoes off and dig your toes in the sand. Breakfast is our favorite, but their whole menu is delicious, definitely not your run of the mill menu. This morning I had the breakfast quesadilla- egg whites, spinach, jack cheese and chicken chorizo served with breakfast potatoes. Mmm! read more

I live in Oklahoma but I come to California twice a year to see family and I always make sure I stop by and eat here. I get the African inspired dish and it's absolutely delicious! read more