From a BBQ spot that’s more social experiment than restaurant, to one of LA’s own local craft breweries, and a cinema that’s like stepping into a time machine – every stop is a scene from a movie you didn’t know you were starring in.
First Stop: Le Great Outdoor – More Than Just a Meal
📍 2525 Michigan Ave a3, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Set in an unlikely parking lot at Bergamot Station, this spot transforms daily from an artsy daytime hub to an intimate evening getaway, complete with picnic tables and twinkling lights. The menu is a parade of local produce and expertly grilled meats, all shared family-style among friends sipping Nebbiolo and plotting their next vacation. It’s casual yet distinctly LA, where dining feels like crashing a chic garden party, and you’re always among the eclectic in-crowd.
Know Before You Go
✔ Parking Simplicity: Evenings offer ample parking, a rarity in LA, making your visit worry-free.
✔ Outdoor Essentials: Since dining is exclusively outdoors, dress in layers to adapt comfortably to the whims of coastal weather.
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Next Up: Santa Monica Brew Works – A Brewery with Character
📍 1920 Colorado Ave suite c, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Santa Monica Brew Works is your escape plan for those nights when only a stellar beer and a solid pizza will do, but your couch just isn’t cutting it. Tucked away on Colorado Ave, this place is a magnet for big groups with a penchant for day-drinking and couples out for a casual Friday night. The sprawling outdoor area is decked out with picnic tables and string lights, creating a vibe that’s part backyard party, part hip brewery scene—and let’s not forget the parade of adorable local dogs. They’ve teamed up with Emmy Squared to sling their iconic sheet pan pizzas, blurring the lines between Detroit-style and old-school New York pies, making this spot a standout in LA’s brewery game.
Know Before You Go
✔ Parking Tips: The location can be a bit tricky, so give yourself some extra time to find parking, especially on busy nights.
✔ Pet-Friendly Vibe: Feel free to bring your furry friend along—this spot is as welcoming to dogs as it is to beer and pizza lovers.
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Final Destination: Aero Theater – A Nostalgic Film Haven
📍 1328 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403
The Aero Theatre in Santa Monica is a time capsule where classic films and indie gems get the spotlight they deserve. Steeped in Art Deco elegance, this cinematic landmark has been showing movies since the ’40s and has a vibe that’s more old-school glam than popcorn blockbuster. Run by American Cinematheque (the same folks who handle the iconic Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood), the Aero dodges the tourist trap feel and dives deep with screenings that often include director Q&As and expert-led discussions. It’s a cinephile’s dream, with a calendar packed with everything from noir retrospectives to indie film debuts.
Know Before You Go
✔ Check the Schedule: The Aero’s events are as eclectic as they are frequent, so peek at the American Cinematheque website to snag tickets to their next can’t-miss event.
✔ Arrive Early: Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, so show up a bit early to grab a good spot and soak in the Art Deco ambiance.
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