This is one of the bars we frequent regularly, but surprisingly, this is my first time leaving a review. We ended our Santa Monica evening here tonight and had another good experience. I can honestly say that we've never had bad service. After reading some of the reviews, I guess we've been pretty fortunate because our experiences have always been positive. I actually appreciate the security team for helping ensure everyone stays safe, and they've always been friendly and professional with us. The bar has plenty to enjoy, including a pool table, fireplaces, and various games. The bartenders are organized and efficient. Don't expect a lot of engagement, as they're typically very busy, especially when the place gets crowded. Tonight, we had no problem finding a seat, and other guests were very accommodating about sharing space. Overall, it was a great night and a wonderful way to wrap up our evening in Santa Monica. Tips: It can get noisy, but hey go in with that expectation and you'll be fine. Expect the ladies restroom to have a line, It's a 2 stall. Finally, regarding street parking follow the times of payment, they do ticket. read more

THE BUNGALOW - Lounges Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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WARNING: They require you to have your photo taken before you go into the bar. Yes, they checked my driver's license and I am over 21. I asked for my photo to not be taken, they said I can't go in unless I have my photo taken. This isn't the TSA. I am not sure where my photo is being stored. Will they sell my photo to some data broker? Are they collecting photos of faces to be sold to an AI company? Who knows. No thanks, I walked off. Not impressed. read more

Wow, I am finally old enough to get into this spot that you have to go to when you're in your 20s, what I was told growing up. It's supposed to be the place, the bungalow to meeting new people and sipping on good drinks on a buzz. In reality, it was an absolute buzz-kill. I didn't see any hot individuals in their mid-20s like myself. The crowd was all working business people at 9PM on a Friday night. I wanted to have a sexy and fun time! Anyways, the drinks were overly priced and tasted so bad. I had one sip and left The Bungalow without a refund. For two drinks were $50. I felt so embarrassed to send my non-Californian friends to this place. What in the world happened to the sexy culture... read more

The Bungalow has opted to do a very terrible rebrand and change its entire business model. This was a very chill fun beach bar. It is now a completely and totally different bar. Their new security and dress code is a massive deviation of how this place used to be. Their social media page once tried an absurd cover charge fortunately this ended.. I feel Customer service has taken a downward spiral. It is simply crazy that a picture of my prior ID a DMV print out and my prior review simply didn't matter to security. So I went to another bar in the area that doesn't take their regulars for granted, read more

The bungalow seems to be one of those places where it elicits a response. Some hate it because of the clientele it draws and other love it for who knows what reason. Im Ambivalent, its a good spot to me since its not crowded when I usually go and I've been here post industry event. The bartenders are quick and pretty friendly. The bouncers like to crack jokes. This particular night when I came it was pretty dead but the vibe is still good. I've had food here a few times and it's pricey but can't expect anything too fancy since it is still a bar. read more

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Mandatory photo biometrics taken and stored in their computer without prior notice to arrival JUST TO EAT THERE. Even THE LITERAL AIRPORT has OPTIONAL photos / biometrics of you to GET ON AN ACTUAL AIRPLANE. I wasted commuting over an hour for a work event just to not be able to get in because they randomly require taking a photo / biometrics of you and storing it in their computer. To eat! VERY very weird to force tracking and biometrics to eat somewhere. AND THEN THE MANAGER LIED trying to blame the hotel SAYING IT'S the hotel's policy and the hotel making them do it. I went into the hotel and asked and the hotel manager confirmed it IS NOT at all the hotel policy and NO OTHER SHOP OR RESTAURANT OR EVEN the LITERAL HOTEL CHECK IN is asking for or requiring photo / biometrics for entry or check in to literally sleep at the hotel. When I went and asked The Bungalow about it and for contact information and it was clear they were CAUGHT IN A LIE they brought the director of security Francisco who doubled down on the LIE with a twist by saying that it wasn't actually all over the hotel but the hotel did tell him to do that at the Bungalow, yet with the same breath said the Bungalow is separate from the hotel. He then directed me to check out another venue when I was asking for the Bungalow's contact information. Rude. I then reiterated I was asking for contact information and Francisco then refused to give me an email or contact information to speak to leadership at The Bungalow. First, this weird extreme policy should be explicitly disclosed to businesses hosting an event and guests and on the website and information about us for the place to not waste people's time. Then to lie about it, blame someone else, get caught in the lie and be rude and refuse basic contact information is not okay. read more

After a holiday party at the Fairmont, a few of us came here for a post-drink. I have always heard about how all the finance bros come here but I ain't in my 20's anymore. The space is cool with a lounge vibe though. I liked the cozy fireplace and couch setup, which was nice. But the drinks were expensive with 5 basic drinks being over $100. read more

If I could, I would put zero stars. The bouncers were mean were they even bouncers? I think they hired the guy upstairs for free in turn for rent. He was mean and rude. I tried having a conversation with the bouncer, and he was so rude and inconsiderate. The drinks were not swell and cost too much. The vibe was also not swell. read more

I remember the Bungalow delivering energy you expect from a Santa Monica lounge: busy, loud, and built for social nights. I used to come here often, and it was consistently a solid spot for groups and out-of-town visitors. The indoor-outdoor setup keeps things moving, though it gets packed fast on weekends. Not the place for a relaxed drink, but reliable if you want a crowded, high-energy scene by the beach. read more

By far one of the worst bar experiences I've had at The Bungalow. The entire situation was disorganized, misleading, and the staff were incredibly rude for no reason. We were forced to scan a QR code to "buy" tickets that were literally free, which already felt pointless and poorly managed. Then we waited outside for over 30 minutes and the line did not move at all. Not a single person was let in. Meanwhile, friends inside told us it wasn't crowded and we could literally see people leaving. It honestly felt like they were keeping people outside on purpose just to create a fake line for exclusivity and hype. Being told they were "at capacity" felt like a straight-up lie. What made it worse was the staff attitude. When I asked to use the bathroom, one staff member told me to use the hotel lobby. When I tried, another staff member aggressively yelled at me and said I couldn't. Overall it felt chaotic, poorly run, and disrespectful to guests' time. No other bars in Santa Monica or Venice do this, so I'm honestly not sure who they think they're competing with. I had only been once before on a Thursday when it wasn't crowded and it seemed like it could be a fun weekend spot, but after this experience I won't be going back. read more

Difficult to find parking. There was metered parking for $2.50 an hour until 2am. They were located adjacent to the Fairmont Hotel with entrance on Wilshire Blvd. Apparently, after sunset you have to scan a QR code and pay $50 to get in. After you fill out your information, you get a QR code in the email to enter. They check IDs and have security checks. They give you 2 tickets, each worth a drink, so essentially you're paying $25 a drink. Unfortunately, the drinks were not good. The outside bar was pretty crowded. The music was too loud for a conversation. There was a mix age population. The staff were rude. The security at the exit was the only nice staff. Would rather go to the Bungalow in Huntington Beach. read more

Many nights were spent enjoying this super fun joint! With something to do in every location of this place including hustlin' on a pool table, dominatin' at the ping pong table, loungin' on the couches indoors and outdoors, and dancin' throughout this spacious spot, this is truly a gem. You could park on the street nearby before coming in to enjoy the party vibes! There is great atmosphere here and the music is always on point. I enjoyed the décor in the past including when it is during holiday season! It is usually like a huge beach party in a backyard! We came here for a friend's farewell party one time and we definitely kept the party going! I enjoy coming here and experiencing the uplifting aura! read more

THE BUNGALOW - So dope! - Lounges Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Overcharged. Over priced. Unfriendly staff. I ordered a burger. I asked the waitress if I could add bacon. "Yes," she replied. I received my burger without any bacon. I told the busboy I asked for bacon and asked to have it added. He said they don't have bacon. Not a big deal. The waitress must've made a mistake. Checked the bill later to realize I was charged for bacon. Add $3 to my $25.00 burger. The waitress was not friendly. Bad service. Very disinterested. If you don't like customer service, I highly recommend it here. If you're lucky, you might even get charged for food that you didn't receive. read more

Few great people giving this place as good vibes as it can have. Paul & Julius are great, kind, professional hardworking gentlemen that deserve recognition. I hope that they remain and feel valued by their employers. They make the Bungalow a better place. Sergio, the new security manager at the hotel, is already disliked by his coworkers and has an insane power trip. He's disrespectful, aggressive, and hostile. I can't stand this guy. They had a security detail that has been cleared out, which is very unfortunate considering how nice and professional they were. read more

Just have to say my group last minute picked Bungalow to start our night and we sat down at the bar with Ruben. He was not only such an obviously professional and experienced bartender but he was so kind and genuine. His service alone elevated the already iconic spot to a very refined-feel. He knew when we needed to order another drink before we even got the words out and would immediately come over to ask what he could do. 10/10 experience read more

Best night of my life , specifically Kristy and Maxwell security manager made my night they're both so kind and gave us few face tats and SO SO sweet read more

Great spot for singles to mix and mingle. Cocktails run $15 to $22. We arrived at 8:30pm on a Friday just as the vibe shifted into nightclub mode. The DJ wasn't amazing but dropped a few bangers that had the crowd moving. I'd come back, just during the day next time, when it's a little more chill, the music isn't blaring and there's actually a place to sit and enjoy. read more

THE BUNGALOW - Lounges Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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I came here with friends on a friday night and it was a great time! The drinks are on the pricier side, but not unreasonable. The beers are $10 dollars for a 12oz can and the service staff were fine. They have a pool table and a ping pong table, but when I went the paddles and ping pong balls were nowhere to be found. The pool table room has a nice table, but most of the cues were damaged, but it is definitely playable. There is no chalkboard or anything, so it gives you the opportunity to talk with the people on the room to determine who's next. read more

This used to be our favorite bar. Now they charge $50 just to get in and you have to have a reservation. Very weird as it's just a bar scene with an outdoor dj. Hopefully they revert back to what all the other bars do, which is no cover. Whoever made that $50 decision really fumbled the bag. read more

I really like this place. It's spacious, the staff is very attentive, and the drinks are delicious. I highly recommend the pizza.

I recently attended an event at this venue, and I was impressed by the excellent food and service. The atmosphere was wonderful as well. Although I had to wait around 45 minutes for my car, the valet attendants were very professional throughout the process. read more

THE BUNGALOW - Lounges Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Amazing bar with a great atmosphere! Friendly staff, good music, tasty drinks, and overall a really chill vibe. Perfect place to relax and have a good time with friends. Definitely one of the best spots around -- highly recommend! read more

Not a place I would regular. But it is still a neat spot. I went on New Year's Eve last year and they were giving out free drinks. There is a parking garage very close that is free for 2 hours I think and then super cheap after that. I've never paid more than $4 to park there for long periods of time. read more

For my birthday, i was recently going on a restaurant crawl. The Bungalow was one of the places where i went and enjoyed my time there. It was not very crowded at the moment, but the room was beautifully maintained. The view is second to none with no blockage to view the ocean and greater Santa Monica/Malibu areas. The service was very good; i just came for a beer, so i was not able to assess the food. BUT, this restaurant has all the makings of a great experience and strongly recommend that you try this. read more

Ruben is the best!! He was so knowledgeable about the drinks/liquor and created such a luxurious atmosphere we will definitely be back

Okay this place is way better!! Staff is friendly vibes are there only complaint I have is ghe restroom situation. Definitely need a cleanup every hour of operation other than that they have improved so much! Had a great time read more

Disappointing experience. We waited in line for hours with no clear communication from the staff. It felt unorganized and poorly managed. If you're going to make people wait that long, at least be transparent about the wait time or offer some kind of update. Definitely not worth it -- there are better places with better service. read more

THE BUNGALOW - Lounges Near Me - Santa Monica, California

The afterparty took place at The Bungalow, which has both an indoor area and an outdoor patio. There were no signs or warnings about bracelets or restricted access--people freely moved between both spaces. While I was inside, a security guard approached me, asked about a bracelet that was never given at the entrance, and without any explanation immediately started pushing me out, yelling "get f***ing out." The unclear rules and aggressive behavior completely ruined the experience. The venue should provide clear instructions, issue bracelets at the entrance, and ensure staff communicate respectfully. read more

Ahhh, the famous Bungalow... The one establishment where reputation and tradition always follow. I often hear about how well decorated it is, the good music and yes, you get to rub shoulders with the city's elite while inside. Since I never got in, what follows is a review of the OUTSIDE only: The asphalt on the ground seemed well manicured. The landscaping seemed top notch. The sky was beautiful. Upon arrival, around 10:30pm, there was a well established and organized waiting line of approximately 20 people ahead of me. Not even 15 minutes later the line grew by at least 50 people. At around 10:50pm, a good looking and well dressed older female staff with dark glasses made an announcement that "there was no line". Suddenly, the well organized line dissolved in to a huge blob of people standing behind the entry rope and the security. People that were last in line suddenly got in front of the security rope before myself and everyone else that was already waiting for almost 30 minutes. By 11:00pm there must have been 80 to 100 people in this disorganized blob. The older female staff with dark glasses then began to arbitrarily choose who got inside the Bungalow. Often by using her indicator finger. Some people who had just arrived were allowed in with no delay while the rest of us looked at each other in disbelief of what was happening. Many patrons asked the front security bouncer, a thin fellow with long hair why this was happening and his answer was "We are at capacity"... and just as he said that, more people were being randomly picked (by indicator finger of course) to go inside. By 11:20pm, I had resigned from the idea that I was special. From here on, I just watched in fascination and tried to conduct my own unscientific study about how their selection process works. By 11:40pm, I decided that my unscientific studies were going nowhere and that a Nobel prize was out of question. By 11:45, I left the "blob" completely humiliated. After reflecting on this situation, I realize that I am at fault for expecting to be welcomed into someone else's home without an invitation. I missed the hint... which was the announcement that "there was no line"... despite the absolute obvious. I need to practice self respect a little more... and that is the conclusion of my unscientific study. The study: XXXXXOOXXXOOXXXXXOXOXXXOXXXXX _I_ read more

Not all Bungalows are created equal: as someone who's frequently visited the other Bungalow locations (Huntington Beach and Long Beach) and thoroughly enjoyed them, the Santa Monica spot was a HUGE disappointment. It has a borderline dangerous environment, particularly for a young female. It was insanely overcrowded, the staff was super unfriendly and not to mention my phone was stolen from me and it seemed to be a recurring issue there. Totally get it's LA and things happen but I would generally recommend avoiding this spot in the future. read more

We just stopped by here for a quick drink, but ended up staying for a while and enjoying the free pool table in one of the rooms. The building is laid out like authentic bungalows from yester-year with lots of surf memorabilia. Fun atmosphere and nice staff. One star subtracted for awful sewage smell in building, I'm guessing this isn't the usual... read more

THE BUNGALOW - Free pool table, good luck finding that in LA! - Lounges Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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A pleasant find during a visit to Santa Monica. The ambiance is upscale backyard get-together with friends, with a full bar and delicious food. Will definitely visit again. read more

Great as always Super friendly employees and very welcoming atmosphere The food used to be better but over all Bungalow never disappoints read more

This place used to have a nicer vibe and staff since I visited 4 years ago. When I came in they didn't have music and were running some loud competition game. The place was almost dead and they didn't have that nice of a vibe as before. I left with my friends early. read more

THE BUNGALOW - Lounges Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Love this spot. The energy is fantastic and I love the ambiance compared to many other bars in LA/Santa Monica. Drinks are roughly $16 each which is typical for LA but would likely shock anyone from out of town. Never tried the food here, but this spot is known more for its nightlife. read more

THE BUNGALOW - The inside of the restaurant - Lounges Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Super amazing place with a house party type feel! The drinks while they were good, were extremely pricey but that might just be due to the area and type of place that it is. Service was good despite them being extremely busy so I definitely appreciated that. Mind you, this place was filled to the brim with people so it did make it a bit hard to navigate through the space but once you find an empty couch or room, you're set! I did enjoy how they had both and inside and outdoor space and a bar inside and outside as well so it helped cut the traffic to both spots well enough if anything. It was a very unique vibe and I'd be happy to check it out again if anything! read more

I've been coming here for years but there is no world where I am paying $50 to get in ANY WHERE. Especially with so many water front bars near by letting you in with no cover. Especially as a lady. Just never going to happen. An absolutely delusional change. read more

IM BLACK.. I Honesty Came here in November 2024 it was the best night of my life I was off a shroom white boys buying drinks after drinks it was a vibe :) however I did come back January 2025 and it wasn't the same experience :( however I did get 1 drink so yes ladies they buy drinks here music is great read more

location: adjacent to the fairmount hotel parking: hotel valet or street metered parking service: nothing special but staff wasn't rude or obnoxious to us bathroom: they have a women's and men's bathroom in separate areas of the main building. In addition, they had one of those nicer portable bathroom areas near the outdoor entrance what we ordered: * modelo ($10) * lemon drop shots ($17 each) vibes: when we went on a Friday night, it did get quite loud and crowded after 10pm. decor was 10/10 main takeaway: drinks were alright, but very overpriced. you're definitely paying for the atmosphere and the vibes. when my friends and I visited, they had a cool holiday theme and I liked how it felt like you were walking around a big house party. the crowd skewed mostly college students and early 20s. read more

THE BUNGALOW - Lounges Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Ignore the haters, this has been a staple of Los Angeles for the past 10+ years. Idk what we would do without Bungalow. Food and service is great. Can't beat the location. read more