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    The Galley

    3.5 (598 reviews)
    Open 5:00 am - 12:30 AM (Next day)

    The Galley Photos

    Business Info

    THE GALLEY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - The Galley

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    Bobby H.

    Always love coming here good food fair prices and wonderful service! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Old school vibe when things are this good it needs no more anything![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Dave B.

    The Galley is a legend. Always has been. Always will. Few establishments like it left.

    Dirty martini
    Maria S.

    Great place, the servers were all so nice, pasta was delicious. Will be back for a happy hour

    Salty Wench
    Pepper B.

    This is a solid 3 star restaurant. It's Santa Monica's oldest restaurant which says something about its consistency since 1934 with its customers. You know what to expect. The food is going to be okay. It's nothing amazing but it's still good. It's like your favorite comfort Mexican food restaurant only this one is surf and turf. I thought the chowder was pretty bland and too big. Would have liked a cup. Even the baked potatoes were butter and sour cream. Pretty basic. The cocktails were good as well and the servers were very nice. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The selling point is the vibe. This is just an old school joint that you can tell the older customers have been coming here since they were kids[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]].

    Cool fish decoration
    Jan_Ry Adventures T.

    We came across The Galey by accident, and I'm glad we did! We were actually playing a game where we only eat from food trucks, but funny enough, we couldn't find any that day (even though we usually see them all the time). So we decided to give this place a try instead and it ended up being a win. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The vibe of this spot is really cool, with a fun atmosphere that makes you want to stay a while.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Seating is limited the place looks a bit small but luckily we didn't have to wait long to get a table.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food was great overall, and we're definitely planning to come back. Our server recommended the clam chowder, and while it was good, I wouldn't say it was the best I've ever had. Still enjoyable, though! We also ordered the shrimp scampi, crab cakes, and calamari everything was fresh, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. My adventure partner especially loved the crab cakes and calamari, and said they were fantastic. All in all, this place was a pleasant surprise, and I'd definitely recommend it if you're looking for good seafood and a great vibe. We'll be back for sure!

    Steamed Clams
    Michelle K.

    The many times I have been here, I always order the same thing because it's delicious. I didn't order a steak and clam chowder even though I know it's yummy. I tried their Shrimp Scampi Over Pasta. It was yummy. I am one of those that likes the pasta a bit al dente and they don't cook it that way here but I am okay with that. As long as it wasn't over cooked. The shrimp was cooked perfectly. I also got the garlic bread appetizer. Crispy and yummy. I loved it. My fiance ordered the steamed clams. He used to share them with my mom. My mom used to say the best part was the broth they serve with it. It was good. My fiance really likes it.

    Journalist Sharon Dahlonega | Atty. Mark Kalmansohn | Hollywood actor Grand L. Bush

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    Review Insights

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

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    Ron S.

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    4 months ago

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    2 months ago

    Anna was a sweetheart! 10/10 service from her. She guided us to our table and had a great personality.

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    2 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Food service price are all perfect. Order from screen for fast service. Convenient for the craving without going to their steakhouse

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    7 months ago

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Went Christmas Eve. It was lively and fun.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food - NY Steak, was cooked perfectly. The service was great.

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    1 year ago

    What more could you ask for ? History, fun, ambiance and locals. Strong drinks and the seafood pasta is so yummy! Cannot go wrong with!

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    Page 1 of 15

    The Galley Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Galley

    Is there valet parking?

    Nope ample parking behind the restaurant ( metered)

    Do they still have a rockin Happy Hour? Did not see the menu online.

    Yes

    Are the steamers real new england soft shell and do they rinse out the sand so they are not gritty?

    Is this the place with the famous homemade Thousand Island Dressing?

    Yes, and there's a whole story about how the Owner, Capt. Ron asked for the recipe, and was told by a waitress that if he wanted the recipe so badly, he'd have to buy the restaurant!!!… 

    Dining Alone Can You Order Full Dinner sitting At the Bar?

    Yes. At the bar during Happy Hour, you can get both the full menu or the happy hour menu, after which the full menu is available.… 

    View All 6 Questions

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    Bar Chloe

    Bar Chloe

    3.9
    (511 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    Intimate setting speakeasy, perfect sized room, great for date night and conversations. Nothing…read morememorable or impressive, not bad if you're around the area and want to stop by for quick drinks. Left after one drink, and went to another bar. Most of the bars are dive bars in downtown Santa Monica, and parking is quite accessible for this place. So I'd recommend for that reason. In terms of the drinks, I'm a huge fan of cocktail but I would say their menu selections are a bit limited. Nothing in the signature cocktail looks interesting to me, so I had the bartender make a classic cocktail instead. He's very attentive and friendly, didn't take forever to get a drink either, no attitude. Drinks aren't watered down either. Nice! You come here to grab quick drinks when you don't feel like being at a loud dive bar in the area, it's in a hotel but not too upscale, no strict dress code. Music is not loud and they have couches and booth if bar table if not your thing, you don't have to yell or pretend you hear everything to hold a conversation here (lol). ** Keep in mind 20% gratuity is automatically included in bill, it's my first time here. But I think I've other spots I'd prefer to be in, even at Santa Monica. Wouldn't be self-motivated to come back because there are better places that specialises mixology, and there are also better upscale hotel bars to be at. But if you're around the area it's a great intimate bar for date night that's not overly pricey. Wouldn't travel all the way to here just for this (if you know what I mean).

    I loved this bar. It was such a vibe. Very dark and moody, and served up great drinks. Located in…read moresanta monica, its a great spot to walk to from a few other eateries. I had the french 75 and it was tasty. We werent there long but it was busy for a Thursday night, would love to come back.

    Photos
    Bar Chloe
    Bar Chloe
    Bar Chloe

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    THE BUNGALOW

    THE BUNGALOW

    3.5
    (1.5k reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    This is one of the bars we frequent regularly, but surprisingly, this is my first time leaving a…read morereview. 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.

    WARNING: They require you to have your photo taken before you go into the bar…read more 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.

    Photos
    The bar of the house
    The bar of the house
    Free pool table, good luck finding that in LA!
    Free pool table, good luck finding that in LA!
    Inside the house

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    Inside the house
    The Misfit Restaurant + Bar

    The Misfit Restaurant + Bar

    4.2
    (4.7k reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    We had a very good experience here! Our waitress was friendly, fast, and gave great…read morerecommendations! We split two appetizers, which was plenty due to the portion size. Drinks were delicious and the vibe was fun!

    I finally made it to The Misfit in Santa Monica, and honestly, the interior is giving major…read moreBalthazar-meets-Parisian-speakeasy energy. It's located in the old Clock Tower building, and the Art Deco decor is absolutely stunning--dark enough to hide a bad day but vibrant enough for a girls' night. The Vibe: It's loud, lively, and perfectly "bohemian chic". If you're coming on a weekend, prepare for a crowd, but it's the good kind of crowded where everyone looks like they just came from a gallery opening. The Food: I'm still thinking about the Crispy Chicken Sandwich--it was juicy, perfectly seasoned, and came with a fennel-apple slaw that actually felt fresh. We also shared the Bacon Wrapped Dates (obviously) and the Hand Cut Kennebec Fries, which arrive in a bowl so huge it could basically be its own zip code. The Drinks: Their Happy Hour is arguably the best in the city. I had the Japanese Dream with matcha, and it was expertly crafted--not too sweet, which is my biggest pet peeve. The "Misfit" Moment: The service can be a tiny bit slow when it's "rammed," and there's a 4% kitchen fee that feels a bit unnecessary, but they make up for it with those complimentary sea salt chocolate chip cookies at the end. They are warm, gooey, and life-changing. One major heads-up: I heard a rumor they might be closing their doors on April 18th due to some landlord drama, so get there while you still can.

    Photos
    The Misfit Restaurant + Bar
    The Misfit Restaurant + Bar
    The Misfit Restaurant + Bar

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    The Lincoln

    The Lincoln

    4.0
    (315 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$
    Hipster vibe
    Live music

    The Lincoln House | (Utility Room) - 9/10…read more Hidden in the back of the Lincoln house the utility room is a quaint get away from downtown covina. The speakeasy is unique and even serves full menu of great food! Aesthetic & Ambiance: 9.5/10 - it was very prohibition themed and the menus being price/luggage tags was very fun. Came on a saturday night at 6:30 reservation and it was very quiet with us being the only table most of the evening. The outside restaurant has live bands which can be a little loud. Service: 100/10 - Markley was the bartender and the only one who operates the speakeasy, she's not only the best bartender Ive had custom drinks from, but she also makes each individual product herself. She explained every part of the drinks and ingredients, and even offered to make any kind of drink we'd want if there was nothing on her menu. Drinks: 10/10 - if you like cocktail bars this is it...EVERY drink was a unique in flavor and handcrafted by Markley from steep to serve. house-infused liquors and tinctures- ONE OF A KIND BAR Food: 8.5/10 - all around great some dishes better than others Bread & Butter - 9/10 great toasted sourdough with a garlic butter and the butter was perfect salty-addition. Calamari - 7/10 a little too breaded for my liking with the rings and tentacles being a little dry. Deviled eggs: 7.5/10 interesting they were fried, but had great flavor all over Mongolian Beef: 8/10 very good flavor, and rice was tasty, but the sauce was a little salty. Cajun chicken pasta: 9.5/10 chicken was tender, pasta was cooked perfectly, sauce was delicious, and the sausage was a great addition. I'd easily drive an hour from LA again to come here!

    great spot that slowly turns into a full-on club as the night picks up. Starts off chill, but give…read moreit some time and it gets packed... like barely-room-to-walk packed. Energy goes way up with it though. Music is consistently great and the crowd matches it. Mostly a younger, high-energy vibe. If you actually want to enjoy your drinks and maybe chat with the bartenders, show up early. Once it gets going, it's all motion and noise. It's never disappointed us. You kind of know what you're signing up for, and it delivers every time. Ambiance leans classy without feeling vintage. Dim lighting, a touch of rustic, and just enough polish to set the tone without overdoing it. They've got a patio too, which comes in clutch when you need a breather or want to actually hear the person next to you. We usually do street parking and it's not too bad if you're willing to walk a bit. Reservation needed: Not really, unless you've got a big group and want your own section Parking: 6/10 - Street Crowd: 8/10 Vibe: 9/10 Service: 9/10 Music: 9/10 Drinks: 8/10 Price: $$

    Photos
    The Lincoln
    The Lincoln
    The Lincoln
    The Lincoln

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    The Lincoln
    1212 Santa Monica

    1212 Santa Monica

    4.5
    (4.9k reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    What a cool hangout place! We love the happy hour here! We for the sliders and the Parmesan fries!…read moreOmg sooo good! The sliders were on spot! Fries were crunchy and tasted stelllarrr! Service was quick even how busy it was! They were so nice and on top of it! Great ambiance especially for big groups or anyone trying to catch a game!

    Every time I walk by here, this place is BUMPIN'. Music, vibes, so busy, such a party! Like, in a…read moregood way and still, not too much for those who are looking for a chill vibe. Came here on a Saturday afternoon and even without a reservation, they were able to seat us right away. Definitely 5 stars for service and not being rude, but friendly and attentive even at a busy time (World Cup was on tv!). I heard alllll about the happy hour specials so I was stoked when we were able to get the best outdoor seating and the happy hour was going on until 7pm he said. So naturally, ordered a bunch of things to try. Unfortunately, that was a solid 3 stars for me. It was just fine. I was actually bummed because I was so excited to try the menu items. They were okay. Ordered sliders (kinda dry and without flavor), Parmesan fries (seasoning was there but not very flavorful and the sauce was bland, the krab rangoons resembled egg rolls (that was new!) and fish tacos were meh. My friend ordered the chicken and it came with fries (the dish not happy hour selection) and that looks more substantial but maybe not worth $32. The drink was sweet (pink lady). Outdoor vibes were cool and def a great spot at the end of 3rd street but probably wouldn't come here for the food. Again, indoor (big tv!!) and outdoor set up was awesome, but food is just okay. Great for large groups but make a reservation!

    Photos
    1212 Santa Monica
    Our new outdoor setup
    Our new outdoor setup
    Outdoor patio & View of the main bar.

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    Outdoor patio & View of the main bar.
    Harvelle's

    Harvelle's

    4.2
    (404 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    Amazing service and live music! This spot has been a favorite of mine! You can go alone or with a…read moregroup and have a blast all night.

    I never miss an opportunity to catch a burlesque show, and after seeing more than my fair share,…read moreI've come to really appreciate the difference between a good show and a great one. Harvelle's is the latter. Tucked close to the beach in Santa Monica, this tiny little place might not look like much at first. The setup is a tightly woven arrangement of vintage chairs and tables, with a long row of couches hugging the wall. But once you're inside, you realize they have their reasons for their layout. If you're lucky enough to grab a front-row seat or one of the coveted bar stools, you'll start to notice the details: metal pipes, and rods that spark the imagination. You're in for a treat! What I really appreciate about Harvelle's is that they don't charge you an arm and a leg for tickets. The artists are humble, talented, and consistently engaging. I've been to burlesque shows where the performers feel like they're just there, going through the motions. But not at Harvelle's. Every time I've gone, the women bring something artful, classy, and unapologetically bold to the stage. It's burlesque, yes, but not cheap in style or spirit. Anytime a friend's visiting from out of town, this is the spot I take them to. It's a must-see in Santa Monica. And honestly, what other place is giving you burlesque seven nights a week?

    Photos
    Blues type of night
    Blues type of night
    Harvelle's
    Harvelle's

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    Élephante

    Élephante

    3.9
    (3.6k reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$$
    5 years in business
    Rooftop seating

    This was our first time coming here didn't know what to expect. Service lacked very much. Server…read morebarely came by our table and would just drop stuff off without saying anything. And then switched servers mid dinner on a 2 top with a $400 tab. The only good thing about their service was the manager that poured our bottle of wine. Food was good and came out quick tbh. We ordered the Calamari, Tuna Tar Tar, Margherita Pizza, Vodka Pasta, and the steak. It was all really really good and the wine was good just wish the service was better. Cool ambiance for sure

    Wow! What an experience elephante was!…read more I was walking around with the friend where we decided that we were long overdue for some yummy cocktails, and a bite to eat. We walked into the house and they told us that there's no open tables, but the bar is open seating. We got lucky enough to be able to grab a seat at the bar where you can also experience the entire food menu with cocktails, so it worked out perfectly. We landed on the whipped eggplant, Earl Grey, martini, a Paloma and a few pasta to share. The whipped eggplant is something that's definitely a must when you go to elephantE! This was a perfectly whipped smooth, tasty dip with freshly warmed pita, it's the perfect app. I landed on the spicy vodka pasta. My friend landed on the pesto. Both were absolutely cooked to perfection with great spices, great flavor and portions that were perfect for sharing. I cannot wait to be able to land a table over overlooking the ocean to enjoy elephante again

    Photos
    Élephante
    Élephante
    Élephante

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    Basement Tavern

    Basement Tavern

    3.5
    (474 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    Came here on a whim with a girlfriend around 7pm on a Tuesday night because we found out on Yelp…read moreabout the late happy hour. It was initially confusing when we arrived, because there was no host on shift, and we had to ask the barista inside where we should be going. After taking a peek in the actual downstairs basement tavern, we opted to sit outside under the eclectic mix of chandeliers, heat lamps, and lightbulbs, instead of the empty smoky basement. There was a live pianist playing in the front lawn, which was amazing and pretty much made the night. I don't know if it's a regular thing, but if it is, I'd definitely come back just for that. Probably since it was a weekday night, the place was pretty deserted, but we didn't mind - it was like a private show with plenty of seating options. The happy hour food was awesome. We got a bunch of appetizers to share, and there was plenty of food. Our favorite was probably the grilled octopus and calamari, and the brussel sprouts were amazing. The fish tacos and ceviche were not bad, but tasted basically the same. Our server was really sweet. In the future, I would come in a group of three since it seems like all the appetizers come in multiples of three and it would have been more easily shared between us.

    Attempted to go today for happy hour (5-8 pm) however once we arrived they stated they didn't open…read moreuntil 10pm

    Photos
    Mmm Delia's Elixir
    Mmm Delia's Elixir
    Fresh Cocktails
    Fresh Cocktails
    Bathtub Gin

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    Bathtub Gin

    The Galley - seafood - Updated July 2026

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