We visited The backyard at Chez Jays in Santa Monica on a Sunday afternoon, looking for a dog-friendly spot, and it turned out to be a delightful choice. The atmosphere is super cute and cozy, reminiscent of relaxing in your own backyard, which is fitting given the name. The staff and other patrons were friendly, making it a welcoming environment for both us and our dogs. We ordered nachos with chicken, but I found them lacking in cheese, and the addition of lettuce felt a bit off for nachos. The guacamole also could've used a bit more flavor. On the brighter side, the drinks were enjoyable; I had a michelada, while my friend opted for a Mai Tai. She also tried the chicken sandwich with fries and really liked it, especially the slaw that accompanied it. Service was decent, sweet and attentive, though it could've been a bit quicker. A nice perk is the parking lot, though keep in mind that you need to pay during certain times. Overall, it was a pleasant experience, but there's room for improvement in the food. read more

See all

The service was excellent. The dog friendly ambiance was great. The food was standard but we will definitely be back to bring our dog to the beach! The inside is funky and cute. The tots were crisp and under seasoned which was a good thing. Everything else was standard. Nothing to write home about. Would have liked more gluten free options! read more

See all

We had a family dinner there on Sunday. It's pretty delicious! It's a good staple. I do like the steak inside. Better separate restaurant different menu even though same location different vibes though. Outside is more of like a summer Fourth of July kickback hang out and inside is more bar dark style! Wish they had Coke zero on tap outside other than that can't complain too much . Service was good given how busy they were , they tried, and they were friendly read more

Laid back vibes. Decent food. Sunday late day happy hour. I had a house margarita, which was tasty, but I didn't get asked if I wanted salt so I thought maybe it wasn't an option. I believe tahin and salt rims are available. I was advised that the fish and chips wasn't cod, but mahi mahi. I really enjoyed it, but fries were undercooked and not consistently seasoned. read more

The Backyard at Chez Jays - Fish and chips - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

It's a great little hidden gem! A nicely decorated backyard patio, great staff and drinks!!!

Great atmosphere for families with kids to enjoy what is basically bar food & burgers. Prices are on the lower side. Menu unacceptional. Service was great. Atmosphere could use a freshioning up and a good cleaning . read more

Today my husband and I had a really good time with our granddaughter. We spent time in Santa Monica, and she was in the mood for fried chicken. The Yelp faves this option. It is a good surprise because the bar in front of the restaurant is an iconic and many gold stars went there. It appears in many movies or series. The restaurant at back is really cool, good music, great vibe, delicious food. The nachos are different, light, fresh and good portion. Our granddaughter loved the chicken. The draft beer Santa Monica blonde is delicious. The service is very nice, they give time to talk, no pressure to order. It is good the Oreo dessert, different. The be price really reasonable for the area. Take your friend who came to visit Los Angeles there. They have a good price Happy Hour. read more

See all

Oh my goodness! This pace was amazing. The atmosphere ugh! The music alone made us want to sty all day. Sebastian was our bartender drinks were amazing!!! Highly recommend people!!!! Perfect way to start our Sunday!!! read more

Love this place. Bartenders make great drinks and the vibe is chill and fun. Have had a few of the food options on the menu but go for drinks more often. Try the cocktails, you won't be disappointed. And it's a dog friendly patio :) read more

The Backyard at Chez Jays - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

See all

Great happy hour. Nice set up in the back of Chez Jays; which is a great bar in its own right but the Backyard is a nice addition. Good food and good drinks. read more

Sfiff, good drinks cohabitate with equally good food. Live music just enhances the experience

Cute spot, great pre-dinner cocktails! Didn't get food, but other customers seem to ordering food!

My husband and I just got off a week long cruise and headed toward our next point of interest of Santa Monica Pier. Tired and hungry we pulled over and searched for a place to eat and found this little gem! The brunch menu isn't massive, but there is something for everyone. The 'backyard' is cute and charming, the food so delicious, the hosts personable and respectful and the music awesome! Plus they had plenty of off street parking available. Oh and although we didn't get one, the Bloody Mary, was loaded and looked amazing!! We definitely recommend this wonderful restaurant and will definitely go back!!! read more

The Backyard at Chez Jays - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

See all

I was in Santa Monica for a few days from Denver a couple weeks ago and always wanted to go here. Luckily this place was only a couple blocks from my hotel & I'd rather not unwind at a hotel bar. Totally chill vibe, I went there 3 of the 4 days I was there. Shout out to David, Julie, Sean & Abel for the stellar hospitality!!! read more

great spot to hang and have a few drinks. a real day drinking spot. just a nice vibe with a lot of shade and seating. would be even better if they could somehow fix the fly/gnat problem. read more

What a cool backyard! Fun atmosphere but not too loud on a Friday night. I must have driven past this place hundreds of times and never knew it was there. Friendly staff and casual menu. I was there on an awful first date but would definitely be back with better company to really enjoy it. read more

First of all, just the ambience of this place is amazing. Service was impeccable. And honestly, the food was absolutely incredible. I really wish I would've taken pictures. I got the eggs Benedict and it was probably one of the best eggs Benedict ever. read more

At the last minute we decided we wanted to go to Chez Jays for dinner. It was already 5:00 pm on a weekend. We called and spoke to Julia. We weren't able to get a reservation inside the restaurant but Julia was nice enough to get us immediately seated outside at The Backyard at Chez Jays. It was perfect because we had a small dog with us. Stu was our server. He was friendly and provided good service even though they were packed, thanks to Julia's helping hand. Bar service was a little slow because they only have one bartender on the patio, but they did their best to get drinks out as quick as possible. As for the food, we ordered calamari, the backyard burger, crispy chicken sandwich, butter steak, and New York steak. I would not recommend the calamari as the breading was too thick and not that good. The burger was also not great. The meat was bland and had no flavor. However, the chicken sandwich was flavorful - juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The bun was soft and perfectly toasted. As for the steaks, it's definitely does not compare to Ruth Chris but you can't go wrong for the price. Totally worth it. They seasoned them well and cooked them at the perfect temperature. The fries were also good. Perfect amount of salt and perfectly crispy. I would definitely come back for the chicken sandwich and the atmosphere. Julia made our dining experience very pleasant. She definitely good at her job. Thank you Julia and Stu for excellent and friendly service. read more

See all

Wonderful brunch choices especially the challah French toast and the eggs any style with delicious hash brown potatoes and an arugula salad. We also love lunch there-the Mahi-Mahi sandwich on a toasted bun with yummy homemade tartar sauce was outstanding. The grilled hotdog was quite good also. Both came with French fries which could have been a little hotter! read more

Was stressing finding a location that wouldn't break the bank and was near the ocean in Santa Monica. Needed to accommodate a party of seven people. Enter the Backyard at Chez Jays. Simple meals, got lucky with in lot parking, chill vibes! I'll be returning to this spot. read more

The food is so yummy. The staff super friendly, bartender & servers and it's dog friendly. Such a cool laid back vibe and even though it's on a main street you don't get that traffic noise. read more

Lovely place to enjoy meal ! Nice pancake with warm whisky syrup! Love the mimosas. Breakfast platter portion too small. Should have ordered breakfast burrito. Great attentive service. read more

The Backyard at Chez Jays - Pancakes with whiskey syrup - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

My hamburger was delicious and they made some honey mustard for my fries although it is not a condiment they usually offer. The wait staff is very attentive and the outdoor ambiance was festive but not too loud. Highly recommend. read more

Jay has transformed their back patio into an upscale-yet-chill area for meeting up with friends for drinks. A meal here is optional; no pressure from staff to order more than drinks. I highly recommend the Hibiscus Martini ($13). The bartender makes martinis in the classic 1930's style. The Hibiscus Martini is made with Ketel One vodka, Hibiscus syrup, and St. Germaine (a French liqueur made with hand-picked elderflowers). The vodka is not mixed into the drink. Instead, it is poured into a hollowed-out, inside-out half lime, which is floated on top of the drink. Then the vodka is set alight! The flaming drink is quite a dramatic way to start off the night! We also tried, and recommend, the Mai Tai. The bartender is very experienced and knowledgeable and a joy to chat with. There are a few firepits to gather around. The center area is the coveted prime spot with comfy couches. Just wish all the seats in the Backyard were cushy, comfy. Love that the whole area is dog friendly. We'll be back! read more

It was my first time visiting this spot today and let's just say this is no ordinary place. They've been around for decades, and even some of their employees and customers have been here for that long. Inside you will find an old piano with a picture of a handsome guy on top. There's also a wall picture of women sitting at the bar with an elephant leaping on their bar counter; the pic was taken at least 30 years ago as well (Yes! A real life elephant came in for a drink and yes he was old enough!) Well I thought this was stuff they collected at a pawn shop until Chef Memo took me by the hand and introduced me to that handsome guy who is still their customer 30 years later! He was sitting at the bar, enjoying a drink and everyone around him. Turns out one of the women on the wall photo is also still a customer there too! I was so touched to see this place as not just an ordinary business but a place that many people consider home. I love how they value their customers and treat them like family. Thank you to Chef Memo (Guillermo) for introducing me to the history of Chez Jays and to the very humble gentleman who's picture sits right on top of your piano :) Special thanks to Julia and the bar tenders who made us feel so welcome and taken care of too! read more

Love The Backyard!!! Best kept secret on the westside hidden behind it's big brother Chez Jay. Lots of regulars, staff will get to know you by name. Cozy, laid back atmosphere with amazing cocktails and food for a GREAT price in Santa Monica! For drinks the Frozen Passion Fruit Margarita, The Juan Margarita, Coco Cabana! For food try the Southwest Chicken Nachos, shrimp Caesar salad, the "Famous Chez" Burger and don't forget the fried Oreos!!!! Yum read more

See all

I loved Chez jays, it was my first time coming here, and they were packed. But they were very accommodating, which I appreciated. Once we sat down, we quickly ordered our drinks and our waiter helped us pick out the most delicious meal ever. This place is very much good for quick hangouts quick bites. It is bar vibes but it's amazing. The food quality is great and the prices are so affordable For what I've seen in LA. read more

See all

Chez Jays Backyard never misses. The seating area is intimate but they were able to accommodate a large (and growing) party of us. The food was fresh, the drinks were tasty, and they made accommodations for dairy-free diet. Couch seating was so comfortable and, as always, the playlist was on point. Great place to go with a group of friends! read more

Fav outdoor spot in Santa Monica. The staff and drinks are amazing! Get the Hotel California or Blackberry mojito, you will not regret it. read more

The Backyard at Chez Jays - Strawberry and blackberry mojitos. - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

There are so many good things to say about The Backyard and Chez Jay. The food, the staff and the atmosphere are second to any other in Santa Monica. But right now, I'd like to take the opportunity to critique the Eggs Benedict, always one of my favorite breakfast dishes, this one is the best from perfectly poached eggs with thin slices grilled Canadian bacon atop a delicious toasted sourdough muffin. Served with breakfast potatoes, perfectly cooked with onions and peppers. Although as we all know it's about the hollandaise sauce. It is homemade and consistently perfect. Stop in for brunch on the weekends. Well worth visit! read more

We were in the area for a long weekend, and we ended up here 3 times! The ambiance is great, food was amazing, drinks were great! The kids loved the fried Oreos and sitting around the fire on the cozy couches. Service was outstanding. Highly recommend if you're in the area! read more

Chill place Like their drinks A little pricey but thats the new reality Highly Recommended read more

The steak sandwich was incredibly flavorful and tender! Delicious ciabatta roll with juicy pieces of tender steak dripping with meat juice! Thin crispy fries and an ice cold Santa Monica blonde beer to go with it sure hit the spot on a calm Saturday afternoon! We arrived at 12 noon and the servers stated they didn't serve the dinner menu until 3pm. When we were about to turn around and leave, the chef came out of the kitchen and said he would serve us the dinner menu especially for us! read more

Fantastic fried chicken sandwich and friendly quick service. I recommend it! BTW, Yelp has it wrong -- it's just The Backyard, not related to Chez Jay other than it's behind it in a connecting building. read more

We stopped in at The Backyard while we waited for our dinner reservations inside Chez Jay's. We figured we would check it out for a couple drinks. It's awesome! The vibes are wonderful and it's a cozy space. We decided to sit at a corner booth, which even had padded seats and pillows. The Backyard was the first place during our vacation that had White Claws. I was very happy about this. We were there during happy hour, so enjoyed decent priced beers and claws. Our server, Sean, was amazing! He was fun to talk with and did a wonderful job. We even went back after dinner to have a couple more drinks before close (10pm). We didn't eat the food here, but the menu sounded fun. This is definitely the kind of place you could spend hours at without realizing how much time has gone by. Whether you're a local or in the area, I suggest going to The Backyard for drinks and food. read more

The Backyard at Chez Jays - Spaced out tables, heat lamps, relaxing decor - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

See all

‍The Backyard at Chez Jay in Santa Monica is the outdoor patio of the iconic restaurant was finished by Chris Anderson and has been opened and spreading great vibes from August 2019. Hard and excellent team work, attention to details, customers, creating delightful atmosphere turned this place into a true oasis ‍ that has a lot of potential! it's dog friendly AF by the way! and every Wednesday is a special one because that's where we can enjoy live music! Rock, country, pop? Yasss, please! Great place for eating, drinking, happy hour and entertainment! Especially when it comes to Halloween! read more

See all

This is my go-to outdoor place! I love coming here and the fact that there are never any problems with parking every time. It makes it even better. Food is always good. I don't think I had anything besides one time a bad cocktail, but overall service and food are great. I bring everyone that hasn't been here and they all agree, it is a great place and a nice setting. The last visit was for the quesadilla and steak nachos. The nachos are amazing and enough for 3 people for sure. Planning to bring a bunch of friends for a Girl's Night Out soon. read more

Hadn't been to Chez Jays in many years and have always wanted to try their back patio (or "Backyard"). Nice vibes with little car noise and lots of space for upscale drinks and bites. A couple of firepits too. We ordered two fancy cocktails from the friendly and experienced bartender - one of the drinks arrived flaming! The cushions they have for the wooden benches are a bit thin -- so perhaps bring your own -- or try to get a spot on the center couch area -- the best seat in the house around a firepit. Dog friendly too! Next time we'll try the food. read more

Meeeehhhh. Happy Hour menu online and the menus there had calamari. Not so when you try to order. "Uh, no, that's actually not on Happy Hour. It's just on the Happy Hour menu." Straight face. What do they have? A few greasy carbs poorly done. The guacamole and chips comes with a tiny silver ramekin half-filled with guacamole, and another one with some really tired-looking Pico de Gallo. Steak nachos tasted like they had leftovers from the diner cut up and burnt to a crisp to kill the germs. Mai Tai: They fill up the glass overflowing with ice, mix the drink recipe in the shaker, pour 2/3 into the glass, then pour off the rest into a well glass for the bartender because they can't fit the full recipe in the glass overflowing with ice. Final score: Watery and saccharine. Margaritas were watery, tart, and kind of awful. If you like going to a place a movie star has been - by all means - go! It you don't care, I'd pass. read more

Went to watch a Cirque du Soleil show at the pier and stopped by to eat on our way walking over. We were not disappointed! From the fast service and courteous staff to the excellent food and even a visit to our table from the chef. We had a wonderful experience at this quaint and cozy hidden gem. We will definitely be back!! read more