Rating is for great service and letting me feel the vibe of Billy Bob Thornton's barfly character in Goliath. As touristy as The Santa Monica Pier area is, you walk into this place and feel like there's a neighborhood. read more

Chez Jay - Steakhouses Near Me - Santa Monica, California

One of the most amazing hidden gems since 1959! I love this place, and the owners really put their heart and soul into the community. Did you know that one of the peanuts from Chez Jay is on the moon and the Maryland had her last meal here? It is a Place full of history, and works with some of the best steaks and seafood in town. read more

It was my first time there. The experience was awesome, food, drinks service and atmosphere sealed the deal.

I only rated one star because I didn't see anything less. In town for business, stopped in because the place was recommended. We were told the kitchen was closed AFTER the bartender said it was open. It wasn't ten minutes later that we overheard another couple given a menu and the specials. We left. Went across the street to Bruno's - which is 5 stars and highly recommended read more

Beachy atmosphere on the new back patio! Relaxing spot for a meal and a drink or two. read more

Chez Jay - Chill new back patio. I love it! - Steakhouses Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I came here at the recommendation of my brother who used to live in Santa Monica. I was pleasantly surprised to run into this place trying to kill some time. I didn't realize it was going to be so close to our hotel! What a score! This is your consummate hole in the wall/dive bar. Its dark, a little grungy and somewhat uninviting. When we first walked in, we were met by a tall, lanky bartender in a crisp white shirt who told us we could sit wherever we wanted. We chose a booth seat and immediately noticed the peanut shells on the ground (at first I thought it was hay! haha). I ordered the eggs Benedict and a Bloody Mary. The hollandaise was perfect and the eggs were poached just how I like them - a little runny so you can dip your hash browns in the yolk. yum! The meal was on the greasy side but what do you expect for a dive bar. My bloody Mary was a little stiff but I wasn't complaining. My husband had a couple of long island ice teas and said they were stiff just how they should be. We came here a second time the night before we left and my husband had a couple more long island ice teas while I sipped on some bottled water. We both remarked that we wished we had a place like this back home. The ambiance really makes this a great place. The walls are dated and covered with entertaining memorabilia. The music is bluesy - at least it was while we were there. The bartender was also the waiter and sometimes he was gruff or grumpy but it gives the place character and it's not personal - he treats everyone like that. If you are in the area, you gotta check this place out but bring your thick skin with you. read more

Chez Jay - Eggs Benedict - On an English muffin with Canadian bacon & hollandaise sauce $8.25 - Steakhouses Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Chez Jay is one of the great Santa Monica institutions. Incredible history in this place, not to mention great drinks and food too. A true classic. We went to the new back patio and it's very well done. Spacious and airy. A welcome addition to the neighborhood and one of the great bars in Los Angeles. read more

Fun dicey bar populated with entertainment industry types. You have to order food and alcohol from the bar. They will bring you the food. It's definitely a fun experience and my friend who brought me here apparently always makes a pilgrimage to this bar when she is in the local area It's tiny and dimly lit and festooned with Christmas lights and faux French awnings. What's not to like? read more

See all

I struggle with rating..... Food 3 ish Ambiance 5 plus! I love this place. Great location. Fun to take people who have seen Goliath. Food isn't winning any awards but it's honestly pretty good! read more

Giving this one a solid 4. This place has history - it's been around forever and we've passed it many times, without really thinking about stopping. It has a dive type atmosphere. It's loud and dark. They bring peanuts to the table and you throw the shells on the floor. It's that but more...they also bring veggies to your table along with the peanuts. The menu is fairly simple, and they brought over a board that showed tonight's specials. Our table ordered the chicken quesadilla, a steak dish, the special steak Sinatra, chicken Chez Jay and chicken marsala. We all ordered salad and the Italian dressing that came with it was great with a touch of parmesan. They brought garlic bread to the table too. The stand-out dishes of the night were the steak Sinatra and chicken marsala. The chicken marsala was excellent. I had it with au gratin potatoes and it was just great. The rest of our party liked theirs but weren't as wowed. They brought us a complimentary dessert at the end of our meal. I'm not a fan of loud restaurants because I like to talk with the people we dine with, but even with that, we really enjoyed it. Just a word of warning - it doesn't look like the prices are up to date on the website. We are looking forward to returning! read more

$120 Just for my entree. My girlfriend ordered the Filet $39. I ordered the Filet with a lobster tail "Market Price" (which ended up being $120) That means if my girlfriend had the filet for $39 and I had the same cut of meat for $39, the remaining $81 was for a Lobster tail? $81 FOR A LOBSTER TAIL??? Seriously Chris? (owner) I could go to the Lobster restaurant across the street or the Ivy, half a block north, and get much better food, for much less money. Not to mention a far superior interior dining room. I realize Chez Jay is a dive bar and people like to slum it, and hang with bar flies sometimes, and that Chez Jay USED to be known for having pretty good food, but gimme a break. Shouldn't the server inform the customer that they're ordering a $120 plate of food? (Moral obligation?) Or did she omit that bit of info so the bill would be inflated, and she would get a bigger tip? Hmm (fyi, I tipped her $60) Can't believe you're ripping people off like that, and you're only a block away from the Santa Monica Police station LOL Never, ever going back. read more

Ambiance and back patio is awesome. Throwback and great atmosphere. Back patio food is more casual and probably more worth it than inside restaurant but this place is historical and a staple to LA. read more

I love coming here. I don't come specifically for the meals, as they're a little overpriced, but it's nice that a bar of this type has a real kitchen with real chefs going in it, so if you decide you'd like to eat something after a cocktail or two, you're not limited to nachos and deep-fried garbage. Free peanuts, a real family feel (you do often see large families with kids having dinner here)... it's a great spot to have in the area. read more

Joint....dive bar .... really neat place with interesting staff and patrons. Food is really good especially the daily specials....very generous drinks at reasonable prices. Was in here almost every day during our week in Santa Monica....very entertaining place if you like characters and places that are a little different!!! read more

Horrible service, rudest valet parking people in all of L.A. This place is NOT iconic! And the way they treat women is pathetic!

eh, nothing special. food was ok, drinks were fine. I guess it has history so that's what people like. oh and they used to have a chained up captive elephant which some people think is cool? read more

Rudest bartender/server I have ever met (older lady with gray hair: Mrs. H). No hospitality and just NASTY attitudes. Shocking! Food was not great. Service horrible read more

I've been coming to Chez Jay for 25 years and the good news is that it hasn't changed a bit!! Still comfy dark red leather booths lit by candlelight. Still delightfully generous cocktails. Still marvelous food like the sand dabs and butter steak. Still able to picture the Rat Pack at the polished bar. It is a wonderful piece of history. read more

A wonderful dive bar! Peanuts on the floor, rustic furniture, but good drinks and excellent food at reasonable prices for Santa Monica. read more

Chez Jay - Chez Jay: the ultimate Santa Monica five bar. Long may last! - Steakhouses Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Love the vibe here! Food & cocktails are great as well. Servers are friendly and back patio is very chill.

Went there with friends for breakfast today and food was really, really good. Crab Benedict was perfect (real crab fir $13.00), J scramble yummy and the 2 + 2 + 2? there was nothing left. The only thing we would have changed were the potatoes which were pretty salty but other than that great breakfast and great prices. We'll be back. read more

Chez Jay - Jays scramble - Steakhouses Near Me - Santa Monica, California

See all

I've been coming here for decades I miss Jay. He had the best stories, but the place still rocks. Still has all the charm and appeal.

I eat at Chez Jay ever time I am in Santa Monica. I bring my students each year and they all walk out throughly impressed by the food and friendly service. The butter steak never disappoints. And the stories that come about the history of the place are always fun to hear. A local place that has remained true to its identity. Keep it up! And, see you next year! read more

Closed Mondays during the day now and no posts about change on Yelp Facebook post on door or message in phone etc ~ Chez Jay also will not serve you food 20 minutes before shutoff time for lunch ~ I wasted 2 trips to Chez Jay due to incompetence ~ Good thing many competent eateries in Santa Monica ~ I love Chez Jay but they've become rigid read more

Chez Jay - Steakhouses Near Me - Santa Monica, California

A MUST STOP if you're ever in Santa Monica. This is the tiniest little local hangout. It's not fancy, it's not overpriced. There is 1 waiter and seats about 20-30 people. Maybe. We went there on the recommendation of a friend who used to live there. It's right off Ocean Ave across the street from the beach. We beat the rush that night and were immediately seated. You'll first notice that there is straw on the floor. I'm not sure what it's for, but it's there! The decor is outdated but you're not there for shiny surroundings. You're there for a steak. At least you SHOULD BE! I got steak and shrimp. The most delicious fresh plump fresh shrimp soaked in garlic butter. A medium rare ribeye cooked to perfection and their homemade chunky cheese potatoes. I honestly felt like my grandma had just made me dinner (seriously she used to serve us steak & shrimp all the time). It was great to sit in the dimly lit restaurant and catch up on the goals for the week, observe the locals hanging out in there that all seemed to know each other. Honestly 2 of use ate giant steak meals with wine and salads and spent around $50. That is pretty unheard of in that area. This place does it right all the way and I can't wait to travel back out west to enjoy it! read more

We both had the butter steak which was very good. Service was good. Place was loud but that didnt bother us at all..

I was there on a weeknight. It was quiet, the slow roll of waves may have been audible in quiet Chez Jay, the captain's steer on its façade wheeling us into drunken vulnerability. Arianna. My beloved ex, the one that symbolizes lust in all of my work, drinking beside me like a flicker. I felt her leg and she was there, despite now belonging to someone else. She was upset because I wouldn't succumb to her advances. But I was hurt. She left me for someone I was once close to and lied about it, and I found out days before our meeting at Chez Jay. I forget what Chez Jay had served me... Did I even order? For I was still raw with heartache, sipping, and speaking to Arianna, and instead of bringing up our dysfunctional tryst I decided to vent about the art scene and how close-minded it was while claiming to be open-minded, that it fought for the disenfranchised only when the disenfranchised legitimized the privilege-guilt of those on top. That one can be a token, and that I refused to be Orientalized. They would not exoticize me the way I exhalt Chez Jay... The ego dictates. Arianna sipped her beer, disinterested. Chez Jay's neon sign lit her like moonlight. She'd shine through my car window when I'd dropped her off at the art school dorms, and I saw her replicate the sensation in a wooden booth at Chez Jay. Chez Jay was a stand in, a back drop. Chez Jay served exactly the way it needed that night, like a tacit and obedient spouse, cradling our shoulders from the cold of life. She told me that she knew I would be famous, but she didn't know at what expense. She told me that she regrets hurting me, even though my rich relatives hadn't yet come out of the woodwork. But I knew things about rich L.A. I had my first guitar lesson from the son of the Beach Boy that drowned not far from Chez Jay. Perhaps at the docks right across PCH. I knew I'd be weak to Arianna's advances eventually. That three glasses of reasonably priced wine (I remember now, it was Sauvignon Blanc), would take a bat to my knees and throw me in her lap. That she'd whisk me from Chez Jay like a stork with an urgent delivery. Arianna was the mother. I, the son. Chez Jay the adversary on my shoulder, tugging at my earlobe. read more

Locals felt like locals. Food is solid. PB birthday party, had almost entire little place. read more

Free peanuts, good people and decent beer. What the hell else could a person ask for in a local bar and food joint. I'm hoping to be able to come hang here again sometime soon. read more

Chez Jay - Interior - Steakhouses Near Me - Santa Monica, California

It's a fun vibe. Much smaller than expected. We had great customer service. I took my husband for his birthday and he enjoyed the steak. I don't eat meat but had a fish dish and it was very bland, I barely touched it. But I did eat all of the La Jolla potatoes they were delish but rich I think it hurt my tummy, but something's are worth it ;) read more

This place is very dark, dingy and small. Very cramped inside. We made reservations for 5:30, which is when it opened. We walked up about 15 mins early, and as we got to the door, we were yelled at from inside saying "5:30". and that was it. No Hi, or anything like that, just a rude "5:30". shortly after 5:30, an older lady came to the door, and looked at us. Again, no hi, or anything like that, just looked at us. We told her we had reservations and she opened the door. We wanted a table, but were given a half booth, half table. When we mentioned we wanted a full table, we were given an attitude about it. We were hungry so we stayed (we prob. should have left). It was very dark where we sat, and had to use the light from the open door to see or my phones flash light. Service and food was ok, but not good or great. We got the Sautéed mushrooms and shrimp for aps, and the mushrooms were not really sautéed, more raw then anything else. My mom wanted calamari and even though they had just opened, a few mins after we ordered, we were told they were out. Main meal wise, the food was good but not great. We also ordered desert, and that was good as well. Then we got the bill. This place is way over priced and they don't share any info up front. We were charged a $60 service charge. There were 5 of us and when My wife asked about it, she was told it was a mandatory tip since there was 5 or more people. This charge is not on their menu, not on their website, and I didn't see a single sign anywhere saying anything about this. If you have a choice between this place, and another, go to the other place. Very over priced and not worth it. read more

A very laid back divey place. It's a great place to meet up with friends and have a good time. As for food - you are not there for food.... the menu does offer a good range of things. Don't expect gourmet though, just quick and done fill up your tummy kind of things. There are many steak items but my friend didn't enjoy the steak so much... It's a good time to be had by all. Don't be picky. read more

Great time tonight at Chez Jay. Cocktails, salmon salad, and burger were great. Service was superb and friendly. Great back patio too. Had the chance to meet former owner and son of current owner, Michael. What a great guy. Wonderful spot. We look forward to our next night together. read more

Ive been here once for my friends dad's bday. We ordered clams and calamari for appetizers. Let me just tell you.... THE BEST F*CKING CALAMARI EVER! well in my opinion... its breaded and very very tender. Im not sure what kind of sauce they serve with this but its close to a honey mustard flavor. The steamed clams were off the hook, they give you little forks to dig out the slimeballs and you can dip them in vinegar or lime or both.. On the entree. Fiilet Mignon. what can i say... it was cooked to perfection. i like my meat medium cooked and it was cooked to perfection. We also brought in some wine and it complmented every single piece of food we ate. the service was great and the owner came out a couple of times to pour the wines into hour glasses and make sure everything was on point. I love you chez jay, im coming back for more. A definite bring a date location. read more

See all

I'm writing to contradict negative reviews I saw on Yelp. Waiter and other service people were prompt and as helpful as in a 4-star restaurant. Steaks and swordfish were excellent, a great place for dinner in Santa Monica. Thank you, Chez Jay. read more

Oh Hollywood motif as well as not a large dinning room. The food was excellent.. We went cuz Andy Zimmerman featured it on his show. My friend wanted to try the Sand Dab Amandine, she loved it.. Me and my other friend had the steak, it's an old school steak place. The waitress was the best very friendly and diner focused.. read more

Poor customer service. Waitress failed to follow instruction of no butter on steak. Ruined the night for the group. Manager said you should have said so. Other people in group told him that I had. Dripping with butter and had to be remade. read more

If you're looking for cool vibes, a local dive experience and simple Italian-inspired fare, visit Chez Jay near the Santa Monica Pier. It's a local landmark and I was delighted to learn that some of the servers have been working here for 20+ years! Chez Jay is a fun place to grab a drink at the bar, but I highly recommend staying for dinner. The menu is delightfully down-to-earth and I loved the experience. It's the kind of place that gives you a starter salad and a bread basket. Their scalloped potatoes are incredible! It's a petite venue, so not the best place to bring a huge group. Take your time here and support a little piece of local history. read more

This gem of an institution was recently introduced to me by a friend an LA and I'll be eternally grateful. Not only is it a legit dive bar but, the kitchen is serving up some decent food too! We were able to find a table up front during a Sunday happy hour and ordered a couple bottles of Sauvignon Blanc to share. Our server was attentive, friendly and prompt. We ordered a few food items to share (including the daily steak special), a prime waygu filet with truffles and it was a great cut of beef. Pretty damn decadent if you ask me... I just want to be clear that the 5 star rating is mostly for the environment and "feel" of the space. It's clear that Chez Jay is a local joint and I love it when neighborhoods get behind an older restaurant. I'll be back. read more

Great Bloody Mary's..Just reopened patio..Real cool vibe. Not pretentious like 3rd St..Has a handful of free parking spots. Love it....Bathrooms need a redo..that being said..it's part of the charm of this institution. It's part of our So Cal History. read more