I was surprised by the flavor of the food, didn't expect it to be good but pleasantly surprised. Great dice bar feel with good food & friendly staff. read more

I don't even know where to begin, but I'll start with the fact that I made the grave mistake of ordering their so-called "butter steak." Butter? Where? Steak? Debatable. What arrived at my table was a sad, chewy slab of beef that tasted like it had been marinated in regret and cooked by a chef who was clearly taking out a personal vendetta on my taste buds. The menu promised a tender, buttery experience. What I got was a piece of meat so tough I thought I was on an episode of Survivor, gnawing on a piece of tree bark for sustenance. I don't know what they did to that steak before it landed on my plate, but I suspect it involved a fistfight, a microwave, and possibly a car tire. The only way this thing was absorbing butter was if I personally injected it with an IV. Service? Oh, they were nice, but I have to assume that's because they knew they were complicit in a crime. The ambiance is charming if you enjoy eating in what feels like your uncle's weirdly dim, overly salty basement, where peanuts are somehow more of a main course than the food. Final verdict? I left Chez Jay feeling personally victimized, $60 poorer, and questioning every life choice that led me to that moment. Avoid at all costs, unless you have a strong jaw, low standards, and an unshakable desire to be disappointed. read more

Nostalgic visit, great experience, especially chatting with the long-time owner while we enjoyed our delicious lunch.

This dope little spot puts the word establish in established and establishment. You can't go wrong with the food or the drinks and the location is prime in the heart of Santa Monica. You can't go wrong if you take a dive in this bar... read more

Absolutely one of the best experiences in a bar or restaurant I have ever had! I walked in went to the bartender and ask if I could get a table he walked me over to the two open tables and said you can have either of these brought us drinks in a super timely manner he was super cool and engaging in conversation we decided to get dinner and it was amazing shrimp cocktail was fantastic. Had the fillet with a peppercorn sauce I believe, it was amazing too. My wife ordered salad witch came with house made dressing she added a side of the mushrooms which were by far the best I've ever had anywhere the chef came out of the back latter and I got to talk to him he was super cool I can't wait to go back. read more

Oh, Chez Jay, how I love you! This 65-year-old establishment beautifully blends all the best parts of a classic beachfront dive, old-school Hollywood steakhouse, and a Cheers-like neighborhood bar where everyone knows your name...or at least what you're drinking--which should be martinis, by the way. It's a literal time capsule that has remained effortlessly cool and alluring while still being welcoming to anyone and everyone who walks through its doors. From Chef Memo to the father-son owner duo, you can feel how much heart they put into this gem of a place. We're truly so fortunate to have a place like Chez Jay filled with people who make up the Chez Jay family Oh, and I haven't even mentioned the delicious dishes!!! That'll be for another review ;) read more

My favorite place to hang out in Santa Monica. I was worried they might not make it through the pandemic, so when we made it back into town for AFM this year, one of the first things we did was to check on Chez Jay. Thankfully it survived and will remain my go to for great conversations and good beer in a great location. I hear the food is good, too! One of these days I'll actually try it. This is a small bar, so you may not find a spot to sit right away. There's a second backyard bar behind the main building and I've gone back there to have a drink while I wait for peoe to b leave up front. That helps sometimes. The backyard spot lacks the ambiance of the main front bar, but it's pleasant enough. I suspect it exists because of COVID-19. Service has always been great here and I've had some great conversations with some really interesting folks. Also, this place has quite a history. Look that up if you are interested. Stop by during AFM and maybe I'll see you you there. read more

Chez Jay - G&T - Steakhouses Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Loved the ambiance of this historical charming place. The wonderful staff were eager to share the cool history of the place. Super friendly staff, excellent manhattans. Loved! read more

Met up with some friends at Chez Jay for dinner a while back. Had a great time. Didn't quite start out that way though ... because of parking. I read online that there's a private lot. I didn't get there early enough to snag one of the spots and had to eventually pay for one of the paid spaces, in the same parking lot. This was after a few laps looking. It's Santa Monica. If you know, you know ... Service was excellent. Funny and friendly. Attentive but not hovering. Just as most hope service is when you're out and about. I don't remember her name. I really need to make it a point to note names down to give people their due credit. I also enjoyed the food. See pics. Steak cooked as requested. Drinks not watered down or too boozy. And I loved the dessert. I didn't want to share but I also didn't want to order a second one. A good time was had. And I'll definitely be back. Note - the dining room isn't very big. Not sure I'd include this on a list of places if I needed to accommodate a large party. read more

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What can you say about this iconic Santa Monica restaurant? There's nothing like it. The food is great. The service is great. The atmosphere is great. We love it. read more

Chef Guillermo is thee best in the west! 5 stars! Delicious! The ambiance is like home, like a family and this place will always be special to my family. read more

Very surprising and hate even leaving a review like this. Sat for dinner and literally had three tables walk in 30 minutes after our order was in we left after waiting an hour for our food and nothing. Waiter was not helpful, said the chicken takes a long time to cook. Really? Disappointed as we had out of town guests to share this institution. read more

First, Chez Jay is iconic. Been around since 1959, and had a supporting role in Goliath with Billy Bob Thornton. I've had my eye on Chez Jay for a number of years and finally a group of 7 of us ate dinner there. Expectations exceeded! Second, the service was awesome. We literally had folks always around filling waters, asking if we needed more beers or cocktails, etc. almost ever present but not intrusive at all. Third, the food was excellent. Many of us had the steak and shrimp combo which was really excellent - especially the shrimp. Everyone had great things to say about their food. Lastly, the interior, and music, is old school. I loved it. Added bonus: Looks like it does on Goliath! We all enjoyed it. Booking via Yelp was a breeze. Definitely will be back. read more

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Great local watering hole with a no frills vibe. Friendly service and a rustic, festive energy with string lights that gave the place a really charming look. The only thing cuter was my date but just barely. Will be tough to top next time we go out read more

Old school hole in the wall (dark, peanut shells on the floor, many older regulars at the bar), steeped in history from Marilyn/JFK lore to the Pentagon Papers. It's small, so make a reservation. Food reminds me of "John Henry's" in Palm Springs--menu descriptions and preparation you would have seen in the 70s, but simple things that are great endure. The Sand Dabs are a home run, and loved the "La Jolla" potatoes (like creamy, cubed scalloped potatoes). Great place to take out of town guests. They have a small parking lot that was free last night (a Saturday), but it fills up so public parking garages are a short walk. Don't confuse the main restaurant facing Ocean Ave with the outdoor cafe in back which has a different menu featuring more casual items like nachos and chicken tenders in contrast to the fine dining in the small main restaurant. read more

Recent personal recreational trip to Santa Monica, put me within walking distance of this lovely establishment. Beautiful outdoor seating area; advise you to look past initial curb view and come out back! Nice menu, absolute pride in ownership and service lead by Chef Guillermo. Wait staff was friendly attentive yet not smothering. The steak was grilled to perfection; nice balance with fries and grilled vegetables. Festive atmosphere among the outdoor diners. Love this place and will return for sure. This place is a jewel. Prices are excellent too. read more

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I can't believe I've lived in this town for so long and it's the first time I've ever been to this super cool bar/restaurant?! The history and story this place must have hidden inside the walls must be amazing. It felt like I stepped in to the 1950's. Vintage decor and 50's booths and old Hollywood was lit up all over. Our server was super sweet. Blonde hair German descent lady that was pleasant and so sweet. She was accommodating and busy with her section. I had the swordfish and it was delicious. Not to mention an order of the Brussel sprouts. Tangy and delicious. Food was very good as was the fun vibe. Parking for me was difficult which was annoying. They do not have valet. My party was late but one wrong turn took me down to the PCH. Yikes don't do what I did. I eventually found parking on the lot beside them which saved me. That's my only complaint about coming here. They are in a tough spot. Happy I finally came to try this place out! Epic and so cool! read more

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A real landmark with great everything ! Always a pleasure to partake in meals and libations .

Great service, friendly atmosphere, and cute patio with neighborhood vibe. Great hidden gem for groups of friends at brunch looking for a quiet spot. read more

Chez Jay - Avocado toast - Steakhouses Near Me - Santa Monica, California

A Santa Monica Classic, strong drinks, good food and good bartenders. If you want a table, make sure you get a reservation because it fills up fast and is always busy! You can stand at the bar as well. The truffle fries are a great addition to any cocktail. read more

Service terrific! Sebastian a great waiter. Excellent drinks and food at a fair price. Friendly atmosphere.

It is nostalgic, with friendly staff, and cozy booths. My fellow diner enjoyed the Sticky Toffee Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream.

Pop in after a long drive. The neon lights caught our eye while craving a steak dinner. We poked our heads in and found out that there were no tables available with out a reservation for the night, the suggested the adjacent restaurant in the back that shares the same kitchen but their menu is different. We asked if we could eat at the bar and they said if a seats available. We decided to wait. And eventually scored some seats at the bar. We don't wait too long after ordering drinks. We ordered the special ribeye steam clams with butter herbs garlic wine sauce Brussels sprouts a wedge salad and potatoes. Worth every wait. Service was amazing at the bar. The host was nice and assertive. The food runner was attentive and we had great drinks. We are soooo glad we made an unexpected stop and will be returning very soon. Oh we even had left overs and still tased just as good as when they brother the food out. Soooo good and delicious!!! read more

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I should start w the dinner order got a little messed up but I still loved the whole experience. I got there before my reservation to sit at the bar and it was just what I needed. I could feel the ice shards in my martini. The bartender was great and was even wearing a Regal Beagle t-shirt which went straight to my heart. I karate chopped peanuts on the bar and threw the shells on the ground. I bought my out of town friend a birthday drink and had a wholly adequate steak. Actually it was good but I don't go to this type of place expecting some dry aged tomahawk. It was exactly what I was hoping for and I can't wait to go back. Our server sort of delayed putting our order in by accident but she was super apologetic and I know these things happen and also the fact that it is such a mom and pop type place is everything. Anyway, they made up for it and the steak was actually better than expected. I don't know why I didn't go there more when I lived in the neighborhood. But I am so grateful that places like this still exist - my nostalgic funny bone needs tickling and this is like a balm for my soul. Thank you awesome staff! Oh, and please tell the manager to consider making large prints (maybe even canvas?) of the elephant. I would absolutely hang that on my wall. read more

Good food. Old school place I have been coming to since I got married and the service is fast. They are on top of everything. Seating is uncomfortable. I know there are other places to eat, but this place has sentimental value to me so I keep coming. read more

Old school LA. Might not be the best steak in the world but it's the best staff, scene, cocktails and conversations. No pretense. Adored.

Amazing vibes in the Backyard @ Chez Jay. Unbeatable service, great drinks & food. Trumer Pils on tap - we were in heaven. We went 3 times in a weekend - just kept ending our days there. Don't miss Chez Jay! read more

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

This is a 5 star dive if there ever was one. We stopped here on the way home from the genesis open at riviera country club. Quite the change of scenery. We didn't see Billy bob thornton who it was rumored frequented this place we still had a good time people watching. On a beautiful rain free day. The drinks were well made the beer was cold & tasty and the service was good too. read more

Decades of memories with Jay, Alice and Mike. Always a good experience, good food, great bar.

Classic SaMo vibe. Love this spot. Sand dabs. Steak Au Poivre. Epic cocktails. Been our go to for generations.

My 1st visit to Chez Jays was on my 21st B-day in 1964 and have enjoyed it ever since...with Jay and Michael and now his son, Chris...the La Jolla Potato's and their Sherry Wine salad dressing are my favorites and their Sand Dabs Almandine Chez Jay is to die for...been feasting on these dishes for 60 years! Y U M !! read more

The food at Chez Jay is quite good, but only if you know what to order. The restaurant opened in 1959, and seems to be still frozen in that year, in a good way. It's an authentic dive joint from a bygone era. The table cloth is checkered red-and-white gingham. The table lamp is a candle in a red textured glass globe. The booths are red vinyl, dark and cramped. Our server, Petter (yes, with two "t"s), has been with the restaurant for 25 years. It's that kind of place, vintage and genuine. The room is small, with a bar on the left (seats for about 8), four tables down the center, and six booths on the right. Max capacity about 50 people. It was jammed on Thu at 6p. Many regulars at the bar. Service is friendly and attentive. The menu is seafood and steak in traditional 1950s style. Scampi with Fresh Garlic & Shallots was a solid hit, perfect presentation and excellent flavor in every sense. Garlic bread was sublime. La Jolla Potatoes (an au gratin offshoot) were tasty. Sand Dabs Sauté Almondine was (I'm sorry to say) a disappointment. It's a signature dish of Chez Jay, but the flavor didn't live up to the presentation. Nothing wrong, just not enough right. Ditto the Swordfish Béarnaise, not egregiously bad, but very disappointing, mild and forgettable. The béarnaise was missing something. The kitchen was out of Grilled Atlantic Salmon (Petter says it's a favorite of Chez Jay regulars), and perhaps we would have been better pleased with salmon or steak. Our whiskey sour was served over ice, ordinary but crafted well. Coffee was good. So overall, two dishes kinda failed, or at least failed to impress, but everything else was remarkably good, and we had old-school fun. I'm definitely coming back at least once more to try the steak and perhaps Herb's Shrimp Curry. Note that Chez Jay shares the building with an entirely different new-ish restaurant in the back called The Backyard at Chez Jay. This latter venue is an outdoor fire-pit bistro in a hip-casual 21st-century style. The two restaurants have entirely different menus, separate kitchens and different servers. This review is only for the original restaurant. read more

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A perfect dive bar and restaurant. When you walk in you can feel it. Sat at the bar on a PACKED Sunday night. Jeff the bartender is a legend. Drinks are SO stiff and everyone is happy all around you. So much to look at all over the place. I wish Chez Jay was in my home town. It would be my spot. I'll be back here many a time I can assure you A+ read more

Chez Jay - Jeff the bartender and his pal - Steakhouses Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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As historic frequenters of chez jay we had not been around for a while since we moved out of the area. When we came back, we were so happy to see that Heike was still here! She's always been our favorite.. did was even better, and history still the same! read more

This is a go to place in Santa Monica! Good food, free peanuts you can toss shells on the floor after consuming. Very laid back.

We were sat in a private booth towards the back & our sever was super friendly and professional. Shrimp cocktail, Caesar salads and garlic toast to start was amazing. Sand dabs, swordfish dishes and filet mignon were all tasty, hot and not skimpy in size too! Had a couple gin martinis as well and well executed. We all liked this place. Feels genuine and not too touristy. We'll be back read more

Chez Jay is a great spot right in Santa Monica. I'm not sure if parking is difficult as we walked across the street from the Marriott. When we came around 5:30 it was empty, but it slowly started to pick up over time. The food was great, and the bartender was very entertaining, although her humor might be considered a little savage for some people hahaha. Did I really order chicken at a steak restaurant? You bet. I got the chicken marsala with the scalloped cheesy potatoes, and it was great. The service was super quick and no one in our party had to wait for any of their food or drinks. read more

Dinner for 4 on a Thursday at 7pm. Small parking lot was full, we had to circle for street parking. No Valet. Busy inside. They only seat once the entire party is present. There were several groups waiting for their people, the entryway was crowded. It's loud inside, I later saw a warning from my phone! Food was tasty. Portion sizes good. La Jolla potatoes are kinda like scalloped potatoes. Sticky toffee pudding to share was great. read more

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

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Usually eat outside First time inside was a 10 Great service, lively ambiance, and the staff amazing , food Filet, halibut, scalloped potatoes, wedge salad Prices reasonable I highly recommend # 10 read more

Very cozy and iconic place to enjoy an amazing steak dinner in Santa Monica. They only have 10 tables inside so definitely make a reservation. We scheduled early at 5:30p which may have been their first seating so we were seated right away. Later we saw people waiting outside on the sidewalk so they may have had later reservations and waiting for a table to open up so just something to keep in mind. Food and drinks came out quickly, and all of the food was delicious! Steaks were juicy and tender, and the shrimp scampi with rice pilaf was also very nice. Don't skip the cheesecake for dessert! read more