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    Michael's Restaurant

    3.6 (582 reviews)
    PriceyNew American, Bars
    Closed Closed

    Michael's Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    MICHAEL'S RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Romantic
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Michael's Restaurant

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    Hours
    Shirley C.

    Nice atmosphere with lovely artwork throughout. Right down the road from 3rd street promenade There is a public multi level parking structure right next door plus street parking. Watch out because street parking is limited to permit after 6pm. Seating both inside and outside. There is a private room upstairs for parties and events. Happy hour available. Food is beautifully plated. Trout was a bit of a disappointment. The olives didn't seem to work with the grapefruit and fennel. Dessert trio was a nice combo

    Corn beef sliders, oh my!
    Christina T.

    It has taken me this long to have an adventure at this magical place. The service was impeccable, detail oriented and smiles filled the energy of the restaurant. I wan to work here because I felt happy and seen! Meeting Michael was the icing on the birthday cake and the food filled my mouth and stomach like a diamond in the sky. I'm coming back soon for more. Happy hour made me happy until 7pm. Come join the fun!

    Tuna was tasty, but was supposed to be hamachi.
    David L.

    We tried several Dine LA offerings in July/August of 2025, and this was the most disappointing. Portions were small, everything tasted good enough, but none of the entrees - Trout Almondine and Ribeye - were served even warm, much less hot. The ribeye was also scrawny. Salad was excellent, tuna crudo was uninspiring (was supposed to be hamachi), and the deserts were very good. The place was rocking, and as usual the back patio was lovely. Service was good but the servers were clearly overwhelmed. But I do expect more from Michael's, having been there many times over the years. Typically it's excellent. This meal was just meh.

    Happy Hour Menu February 2025
    Raya C.

    Wow--Michael's truly delivered! I recently moved to Santa Monica, and my boyfriend insisted we check out Michael's--and I'm so glad we did. We stopped by during happy hour and ordered the fish and chips, oysters, wings, and the lobster roll. Everything was a 10/10. The service was fantastic--our waiter was attentive and checked in on us regularly. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it the perfect place for Happy hour or dinner. Another bonus: it's just a short walk from the Promenade, which makes it super convenient. I've been dreaming about those fish and chips ever since. Can't wait for my next visit!

    James G.

    Went to Michael's with a few friends and we all really enjoyed it. I was concerned about parking and found that there was a public parking structure with inexpensive parking. We were seated on the back patio which had a lot of shade. The space had a good vibe to it. Our server never rushed us, she took the time to answer questions about the menu and made recommendations. So many times, you feel as if a server is there to do a job, our server was very personable. We shared a couple of Wild Mushroom tarts and for my entree, I had the Prime Short Rib. All of us enjoyed the food. At one point, Michael stopped by the table to greet us. I knew that the restaurant opened up in 1979 and a lot of chefs who went on to become legends started their career at Michael's. I found myself amazed that the restaurant had been open for 45 years which says something and that Michael was still greeting guests.

    Whitney S.

    Excellent dinner celebrating my mom's birthday! It was lovely sitting outside protected by a tall awning. They gave heaters spread throughout so we never felt cold. We had syrah and a bottle of champagne that was amazing. We startes with the bread, fig salad and sausage pizza and incredible. We all loved what we ordered from the delicious branzino, wagu Bolognese, chicken and hamburger. We shared sides of cauliflower and truffle fries. For dessert we had pretty much everything on the list and are it up until we were all stuffed. I hope to return soon!

    Jacqie L.

    I've come here a few times now and it has not disappointed. Drinks are always delicious, the service is always on point. A few times the owner has come by and personally greeted to see how my experience was. I love going sunset hour because it has such a beautiful quiet atmosphere from the surrounding neighborhood.

    Oysters
    Vicky R.

    We stopped by for their happy hour. They have a cozy patio and outdoor garden with heat lamps. The front was also dog friendly. The food was delicious. The oysters came with fun sauces. The fries from the fish and chips were so crunchy. The tuna tacos were fresh with great flavors. And the duck wings were amazing (although a bit challenging to eat without making a mess). It wasn't busy for a sat night and the tables were not all filled, but it did feel like we were being rushed out towards the end as we were trying to finish our drinks, as we were asked 3 times if we were ready to pay, which was the only downside. Otherwise the food was fantastic and would love to come back to try more happy hour dishes

    Happy hour menu

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    1 year ago

    A classic Californian staple restaurant. Love the art and menu here. Wish they would switch out the tables and chairs (loungers are ok)

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    Business owner information

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    Michael M.

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    Michael's Restaurant Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Michael's Restaurant

    What is the corkage fee/policy?

    Checked on December '24 and it's $50 per bottle

    Hi! Does anyone know if there is an all night happy hour on Friday?

    No, Sorry. Have Fun!

    Is this the Miles Thompson restaurant, of James Beard nomination fame?

    Yes it is. I've enjoyed his food since he was at Alumette in Echo Park.

    Do you get to choose outside or inside?

    Our guests are more than welcome to make a seating request when making their reservation. If you'd prefer to dine overlooking all of the action, let us know you'd like the terrace. If you'd like to sit in the garden, tell us. We make every effort to… Read more

    View All 8 Questions

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    Élephante

    Élephante

    3.9(3.6k reviews)
    0.3 mi
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    Extremely cute and modern spot with a literal buzz…read more I walked here from a friend's house to meet another friend and we sat at the bar for drinks and apps. The wine selection was actually palatable, not just house wines disguised as specials. It was quite busy so it took a while to be served while we were there, yet it wasn't a painfully long wait. And there was a bouncer. In the corner. At this place during brunch. Weird, but not a mood killer. I'd definitely go back.

    Our experience at Élephante was incredibly disappointing, especially considering we were…read morecelebrating a wedding. My friend had flown in from Germany, and after their ceremony we chose this restaurant for what was supposed to be a special and memorable dinner. To start with the positives, the restaurant was very accommodating with our reservation and allowed us to bring in a wedding cake, which we appreciated. The atmosphere was beautiful, the restaurant itself is lovely with a nice view of the beach. parking was conveniently located across the street in a structure, and the menu offered a nice variety of options. I ordered the cacio e pepe pasta, which was rich and creamy with perfectly al dente pasta. The pizza was also good, although slightly greasy. The cocktails were excellent, especially the martini with blue cheese olives and the Oaxaca cocktail made with imported liquor from Oaxaca, Mexico. Unfortunately, the service completely overshadowed the experience. Our server, Altay, seemed far more attentive to neighboring tables and frequently disappeared for long stretches of time. We had to wait excessively just to order water, drinks, and food, which made the service feel careless and inattentive throughout the evening. The most upsetting part, however, was what happened to the wedding cake. We paid $130 for this cake for one very special occasion, yet when it was brought out, the server had placed multiple colorful birthday candles all over it. This completely changed the tone of the moment and ruined the presentation of the cake. Instead of elegant wedding photos, we were rushed to take pictures while bright birthday candles melted onto the cake in broad daylight at 4 PM. What should have been a meaningful memory ended up feeling careless and almost comical. Between the inattentive service, the mishandling of such an important moment, and still being required to pay gratuity, this experience left a very negative impression. Sadly, I can't say we would return.

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    Hermanito - BRUSSEL SPROUTS

    Hermanito

    4.3(48 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    We truly couldn't have had a better experience. The food, decor and cocktails were incredible, and…read morethe menu is the perfect mix of my favorite cuisines. But what really stood out was the hospitality. We were celebrating our Anniversary and Valentine's Day, and I had arranged to have flowers delivered to the restaurant earlier in the day so they'd be waiting on the table as a surprise for my wife. The staff was kind enough to accommodate the request and have them set up before we arrived. Unfortunately, the delivery driver accidentally dropped the flowers off at the other Hermanito location on Sawtelle! I assumed the surprise was ruined. Then the hostess came up to me and said, "Don't worry... our manager is driving over there now to pick them up and bring them back." I couldn't believe it. Sure enough, just as I was finishing my first Japanese Old Fashioned, Gilbert (the manager) walked in with the bouquet and completely surprised my wife. Absolute save. Huge thanks to Gilbert and the entire staff for going above and beyond to make the night so special. (I wish I remembered the names of our wonderful server and the incredible hostess who helped coordinate everything!) Thank you both too. As for the food: the Oaxacan Queso Fundido, Bao Buns and Pork Cutlet were five stars. We'll definitely be back to explore more of the raw bar and tacos. The menu is huge and I want to try it all. Highly recommend!

    Service excellence is found here Drinks that taste well and…read morethe good stuff given generously. Food portions is not.. ordered calamari it was mid. Not really shareable. Atmosphere is perfect real talum vibes with open wall windows bring in sunlight and fresh ocean area. Came on a Sunday with my wife and friends good vibes.

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    Our Bar Dining Tables

    The Lincoln - www.TheLincolnVenice.com #TheLincolnLA

    The Lincoln

    4.0(312 reviews)
    3.5 miVenice
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    Hipster vibe
    Live music

    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: $$

    I love it here! Ever since their remodel, this has been a go to spot for me. The ambience is…read moreamazing, low light but enough to still set the tone. I had a Miami Manny and boy was that thing smacking. That mezcal boy o boy.... Our bartender was super cool and helped navigate through the wide selection of drinks. I highly recommend going here!

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    The Lincoln - The Lincoln

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    Bar Chloe

    Bar Chloe

    3.9(511 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    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.

    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).

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    Michael's Restaurant - newamerican - Updated May 2026

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