Very nice atmosphere and family friendly. My pancakes were very fluffy, light, and delicious. Juan was a lovely waiter, very knowledgeable of the menu. The staff was welcoming. read more

We had the most amazing time & it was my friends birthday! This place made it so magical! The live guitar'st on Sunday bunch did a shout out & sang happy birthday & the kitchen made a birthday surprise pancake!! We LOVE this place! Great food and friendly staff! Clemente an amazing waiter and we had so much fun!! read more

Brightside California Kitchen - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Came on a Saturday afternoon for brunch, and was seated right away. It was a full house but seats were available. The service needs a lot of improvement. After 15 minutes of ordering our drinks, we had to remind the server to bring our water cups. Our coffee and tea didn't come till 20 minutes after ordering. The inside was nice and modern. The food portion was generous and was delicious. Overall, the service ruined our first and only experience here. read more

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I never got to try this place back when it was Jinky's, but I'm so happy to have a solid brunch spot in downtown Santa Monica! Parking is easy with the P6 public garage on 2nd Street - it's free for the first 90 minutes. My coworkers and I stopped by for brunch and were all impressed with our experience. I ordered the Brown Butter Benedict with an iced latte on the side. I have a weak spot for hearty, savory breakfasts, and this Benedict really hit the spot. The combination of Canadian bacon, pulled pork, runny egg yolks, English muffin, and hollandaise resulted in the perfectly decadent bite every time. The staff were able to accommodate my request to sub out half of the potatoes for some arugula instead, which made me feel marginally better about devouring such a hearty meal. I don't always expect restaurant coffee drinks to be that great, but I really enjoyed my iced latte as well. I look forward to visiting this spot again! read more

Brightside California Kitchen - Brown Butter Benedict, delicious! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Juan is amazing! Very attentive and friendly. First time here and it's been a great impression. We got three dishes and it's great that you can add sides too. Plenty of seating so an open and wide ambiance! read more

Brightside California Kitchen - Pulled Pork Sandwich and Brown Butter Benedict - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

We came on a rainy Saturday morning and stumbled upon live jazz day! The ambiance could not have been more perfect - cozy, relaxing and full with melody. Service was good. We ordered: 1. House coffee (free refills) 4/5 Decent. 2. Brioche French toast : 3.5/5 Too much cream on top. Couldn't taste the brioche texture. Felt mushy. 3. Southwestern burrito 4/5 Tasty but the fried chicken was a bit much flavor wise. It overpowered the rest of the ingredients. The food could use more finesse in terms of flavor and texture. Ambiance was excellent! read more

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Can't go wrong with Brightside California Kitchen! Came with two friends for brunch around noon on a Saturday. We were seated immediately and given menus. I ordered a mimosa ($9) and one of my friends got the mega size mimosa which was $4 extra. My other friend got a beer on tap. The menu is big enough where there's something for everyone. I ended up deciding on the steak and eggs only because picanha is my favorite steak. I have only seen this cut at Brazilian steakhouses. Can I say that this dish was cooked perfectly. The steak was medium rare and the chimichurri and butter sauce on top was perfect. The potatoes were also flavorful with their seasoning and were lightly fried. The over easy eggs were runny and perfect. The service was excellent. The tables and bathrooms are clean. Paid street parking but there's also a paid parking garage connected to Santa Monica Place that people can park in. read more

Brightside California Kitchen - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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This was the BEST smoked salmon bagel I've ever had in my life. All of the ingredients were really fresh, no complaints. Juan was our server and he was nice and attentive. There was a live singer and was not a wait when we arrived. I would recommend this place for everyone to visit. I'm looking forward to my next visit.​ read more

Brightside California Kitchen - Menu - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Amazing breakfast in Santa Monica! We got the Benedict with salmon, omelette, cappuccino and OJ. The food was absolutely delicious, great portions with a yummy arugula side salad that comes with both dishes. Our server was kind and attentive. Highly recommend this place for a great meal with great service! read more

Brightside California Kitchen - Benedict - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Food was great. Service was not. It was not super busy and yet we couldn't get water or attention timely.

Had the eggs Benedict and it was delicious. The sauce and the shredded pork made th eggs Benedict event better than the traditional. I wish the potatoes were crispy, with the seasoning they would have been great but alas they were soft but otherwise it was very good. read more

Such a cute place, service was great and quick. I stopped as a random place with no plans but was hungry. My Bloody Mary was AMAZING I had to have 2. Food was good, could've used more potatoes but it was worth it. I ate my food too fast to take a picture lol read more

Brightside California Kitchen - Bloody Mary - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

This is a rebranded cafe that used to be called Jinky's cafe. The waffles were filling and tasty, more country style than light and fluffy. French toast was cooked just right. The fruit that came with it was fresh and high quality. The SaMo sandwich was a great Vegan option. Tasty and very filling! The vibe is relaxed and casual, feel free to wander in right off the beach. The music adds to the chill vibe; classic rock! The service was pretty quick, the staff were all attentive and happy to help all the customers. read more

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I must say walking into this promenade adjacent gem on Broadway I was greeted warmly by the staff who not only strive to make service a top priority but who serve up eats and specialty cocktails (for my friends who drink not me) that not only look visually stunning but also satisfy the palate. I loved the eggs Benedict. They're running a 5 dollar per drink price for margaritas all month in honor of cinquo de mayo! I mean that's less than half the price of any happy hour menu anywhere. Hand made. Mocktails avail for sober folks! I love this breakfast spot open to 3pm daily - it has very comfy booths and a warm and light decor. I'm told that the owners are going to expand to dinner soon and that means the Brightside will be shining even brighter to bring light and happiness to Santa Monica. read more

It was my first time there. The monte cristo is to die for! But what impressed was how well the place functioned on a very busy morning. They were efficient and work so well as a team, seamlessly helping each other so that no customer felt a delay in service. read more

We got the Monte Cristo, Brioche Breakfast Sandwich, and Salmon Benedict. All were DELICIOUS. Service was prompt, courteous, and thorough.

The amazing food was served as deliciousness accompanied with incredible live jazz ambiance - and then outperformed once again by all the amazing staff that made my wife's special birthday lunch memorable. Special shout out to Cindy for going above and beyond for us in service, and all the other staff who who made this first visit a a one of a kind joyful experience. Thank you Brightside crew & may God bless! read more

Brightside California Kitchen - Breakfast - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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We had a super enjoyable time here! Food was delicious and our server, Juan, was super kind and welcoming. The music played also really adds to the whole vibe! I would recommend the place to anyone looking to enjoy good food and have a good time. read more

Brightside California Kitchen - Sunshine smoothie, Brightside Burger - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Came here for a run club event, food was delicious and staff were amazing!! Highly recommend. read more

Brightside California Kitchen - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Back again!! Juan created a beautiful hand- crafted Bloody Mary, no mixer! It is the right balance of acidity & perfect ratio of vodka. Don't forget to ask for him:) read more

Brightside California Kitchen - Bloody Mary from scratch! Made by Juan - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

The customer service at this location is exceptional staff are genuinely kind and welcoming. The food is delicious and absolutely worth the visit. Beyond that, the view is beautiful and calming, and the playlist adds a really nice touch to the overall experience. Juan especially made the experience more pleasant because of his hospitality I will definitely come again with friends :) read more

Brightside California Kitchen - Sunshine smoothies and a burger with fries - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Lovely clean and bright restaurant, came for breakfast and served by Juan. Great service and very attentive. Excellent food, highly recommended. read more

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I was pleasantly blown away by the quality and taste of the dishes here. For being a newer joint everything was dialed in. The service was awesome, the restaurant is cute, and the food was fantastic. All eggs Benedict's should come with pulled pork. I don't think I'll ever find another benedict as good as the one at Brightside. The brown butter hollandaise was exquisite. Across the table my friend ordered the Monte Christo. Luckily for me, we're close, and willing to share bites of our orders. The Monte Christo was a perfect combination of sweet and savory. Truly the quintessential breakfast sandwich for someone that can't decide between French toast or an egg dish. 10/10 would recommend, and am already planning my return for lunch. read more

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I love already loved Brightside for brunch/lunch, but I recently had my 50th birthday party there and they absolutely knocked it out of the park! The food was amazing. My guests were raving about the steak with chimichuri. And the cocktails were perfect. If you're looking for a location for your next event you should definitely consider Brightside. read more

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I had the best brunch experience of my life here. The food was absolutely delicious, everything was fresh and full of flavor. The service was even better ,everyone who works here is incredibly kind, attentive, and welcoming. They truly make you feel special from the moment you walk in. I would come back a thousand times, honestly even every day if I could. Highly recommend this place to anyone looking for an amazing brunch! read more

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The service is amazing!! Juan took care of us and service was amazing! Took my friends from out of the country and staff made us feel super welcome! We had the burgers and they were too good! Staff y'all did amazing Thank you!! read more

What a great spot! Chill vibes for breakfast, brunch, lunch and the staff told me that soon they will have dinner!! They do have coffee, soft drinks and alcohol. Food is gorgeous and delicious. Coffee is solid. Service is very friendly and fast. I've been several times now and have always had a lovely experience. There is parking in the garage around the corner that has 1st 90 minutes free. Just a block from the Santa Monica Pier. read more

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Best pancakes I've ever had without any hesitation. I definitely recommend going there for breakfast! read more

Brightside California Kitchen - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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I ate the lemon pistachio cream crepes and they tasted heavenly, with just the right amount of sweetness. Juan, my server, was also great. Will definitely return read more

Brightside California Kitchen - Lemon pistachio cream crepes, a side of well-done fried eggs, and hot chocolate. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Fresh strawberry margarita!! NO MMS!!! Juan our server was very friendly and made sure we were taken care of! Food was good and our French fries were fresh af! read more

Brightside California Kitchen - Fresh strawberry margarita!! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

We were seated and asked for coffee and water- it took 10 minutes before our coffee arrived, but no water. We had to ask another waiter for water. When water was delivered, we asked for two straws. The waiter said okay, but never came back so we had to ask another waiter for straws. At this point, it took three waiters to finally complete our coffee and water service. When our food came, my husband asked for tobassco. The waiter acknowledged, but again, never came back so we had to ask another waiter. We finally got our tobassco. The food was okay, but the service was horrible. We will never go back there when visiting Santa Monica. read more

Great service, food was perfect and the music was on point If you're looking for a breakfast spot, EAT HERE :) read more

Brightside California Kitchen - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Had a great experience the food was amazing. The Benedict with pulled pork was the best I have had!!

This by far has been my greatest experience ever. Shout out to Juan for recommending the strawberry margarita !! So delicious! I would definitely recommend this place ask for Juan to be server. read more

Brightside California Kitchen - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Food was amazing, local artist playing music and the service (Juan) was exceptional. I ordered eggs Benedict and the Mrs. ordered French toast. If it wasn't rude we would have licked our plates. Highly recommend. read more

I LOVE this place! Coffee, service, food and ambience is top tier! Great place to brunch! I will definitely be returning!

Amazing food and even more amazing drinks! We had the Bloody Mary and strawberry margaritas. So good. Juan was a great server, which is why we went back the next day. Thank you! read more

A rebranding of an old favorite - Jinky's. I teach a class of 30 people called "Restaurant Critic" at SMC Emeritus, where we eat at a different restaurant every week. We've had many experiences and this was one of the best. The staff and management were very friendly and helpful. The food was great and it was a lovely environment. Many places we go to are very noisy. This one was quiet even with the din of all 30 of us talking at the same time. We will definitely be back! read more

I love this place !! This place is now my go to spot for brunch !! I would recommend the strawberry margarita! I was to give a big shout to Juan! He's customer services is top notch !! Thank you Juan for always makes my wife and I welcome! read more

Delicious food and excellent customer service! Our food we delicious and our server was extremely nice and welcoming. I record the chicken and waffles! read more