Worst experience I had at this place food was good but very very bad service especially manager attitude

This place is Hell to the yeah And one of the most amazing beaches in California. This sidewalk café is a full-service restaurant on a patio that is covered with tables and a bar. The menu is best there are wings, salad, south of the border, tacos, burgers, appetizers, pizza, gourmet coffee, beer, and coffee. We have a group of seven and they play some tables together for us and allowed us to sit together and eat. It is an amazing place to sit and enjoy the hustle and bustle this pier with all of the amazing characters do you see walking around. And all of the amazing artist and all of the vendors. We ordered hamburgers, steak nachos, ribs, pizza yeah, fries, and fish and chips. The food taste like it was made by professionals that do this all day probably because they do do it all day this place is very busy but not crazy busy. Our waiter was a tentative and came to us promptly and told us when to expect our food she was amazing and nice and never left our plates empty. Watching the other people get their food before we day there was beautiful burgers that were double stacked and he says that were toasted to the crisp perfection and shrimp basket all around . read more

Sidewalk Cafe - a view of the beach through a window - Tacos Near Me - Venice, California

See all

It was okay . My chill taste caned. But the service is as good are chips was old and the server got us fresh ones . read more

See all

Great food! I would have to say this is the best casual restaurant to eat at while on the Venice boardwalk. It's usually super crowded. I lucked out this weekend because it was overcast. They have a large awning that covers all the seating so it's perfect for dining outside without the sun beating on the top of your head. I had the fiasco omelette with a side of Venice potatoes, and a cup of coffee. Every bite of my omelette was delicious. They don't skimp on the cheese; it was nice and cheesy! I enjoyed the flavors on the potatoes. The coffee was strong, but not bitter. You do have to ask for coffee refills though. You get a great view of the boardwalk because you are literally sitting next to the sidewalk. read more

Sidewalk Cafe - Tacos Near Me - Venice, California

See all

The Sidewalk Cafe is one of the culinary essentials of the Venice Boardwalk. This place has been around forever and though it has evolved in small ways over the years, it has remained one of the best places to eat on the Venice Boardwalk. The primary dining area for this restaurant is on it's patio. In years gone past the space was open and, as such, it was very affected by the weather. Somewhere through the years they finally put a canopy over the patio area and with this it has become a much more desirable place to eat on those hot and sunny summer days or those wet and rainy winter mornings. They also have a small area inside where you can eat, but the most desirable space has always been on their patio. The food here is very California. Yes, it has the traditional Calli/Mex influences. But, that is exactly what true California cuisine is. So you can expect to get your traditional burgers, sandwiches, salads, as well as an interesting selection of things like burritos and huevos rancheros. The downside to this restaurant, if there is one, is that it can become very - very crowded. There are lines if you get here during prime dining hours. This is especially the case on the weekends. This is just a warning and does not affect the quality of the food and/or the dining experience, however. Overall, this is one of the must eat at restaurants on Venice Beach. read more

Great place to have lunch on the Boardwalk and watch the crowds. The Pina Colada was the best I have had in a long time. Service was wonderful and food was great! read more

Sidewalk Cafe - Club sandwich with salad and Pina Colada - Tacos Near Me - Venice, California

I am so disappointed to have to give this place one star, because the food itself is actually good. However, due to the service, I had to. The person I was with ordered a soda, and I ordered a water. The charged us for two sodas and when I asked why the waiter got rude and defensive and said because he brought out refills for the one soda. When I asked if that was on the menu, he said it was, when truly it wasn't. It was ridiculous to me that the waiter was being so adamant about being rude about charging for the 2nd soda. People go out to the beach to eat to relax and have a good time and this place's service is just not it. This place is NOT the vibe. read more

Sidewalk Cafe - Tacos Near Me - Venice, California

See all

Venice beach is a great little spot for visitors like myself. I spotted this place while strolling the walk way and was disappointed to be greeted with a discouraging request to have my 4 year old toss her disneyland sucker is we were to dine there as outside food was not welcome. We went in and ordered appetizers but did not order food as we were turned off by the hostess. The guacamole was fresh and tasty but the server was slow as molasses and the prices were tourist like. The sidewalk seating and views were nice but not family friendly or timely in their service. I would not reccomend or return. I'd rather visit Larry's down the way. read more

Sidewalk Cafe - Menu - Tacos Near Me - Venice, California

I love the location and the gratuitous amount of guac. The burrito needed something to add some texture cuz eggs, beans and guac are all soft but the flavor was good. I would eat it again. The huevos rancheros were good too but I wish they gave more chips. Our server was super upbeat and our experience was really great. It was our first meal of the day after arriving from LAX and the atmosphere+weather were perfect! I would love to come again and people watch while I stuff my face haha! read more

See all

Our awesome Uber driver dropped us off right in front of this cool bar. Venice Beach was packed on this beautiful afternoon. We stopped in for much needed libation, and because my wife left her phone in the Uber. Luckily, she realized it before the driver got too far away. We asked him to meet us where he dropped us off, and my wife was able to get her phone back. We had some really great Uber drivers in LA. This is your typical sports bar. Lots of TVs. Huge indoor and outdoor seating. No frills. We didn't eat, but the sandwiches and burgers looked very good. Drink service was walk-up, but it was quick and friendly. Bar was very clean, considering large numbers of people were coming in right off the beach, mostly to use the bathroom. No complaints here. Looks like they were doing pretty well in an area that's inundated with bars and restaurants every few feet or so. It's definitely a place I would return to. read more

Sidewalk Cafe - Nice bar on the Venice Beach strip. - Tacos Near Me - Venice, California

The food was great. We sat at the bar. Most the tables are out side and it was cold. The service was fast read more

See all

The atmosphere is the best on the beachfront walk! The grilled chicken sandwich is hands down the best I've ever had anywhere in California! And a nice chocolate peanut butter protein shake to wash it down. Great waiter and cook staff. Awesome place to enjoy amazing food and people watch in Venice. read more

Fish and chips necxt to the sea...what better location for such a tasty meal. Of course I had to compliment the food with libations. Was feeling beer and opted for the Konmy a Lager. Presently, I'm working on my 2nd pint. The fish and chips came with coleslaw and hefty steak fries. Marvelous on shore breeze that adds to the ambiance including toppling over my 1st pint of Kona ! They say the wind is called Mariah....I guess Mariah got jealous over this mighty fine plate of food and drink set before me ! It's all good Mariah, I enjoyed your company. But please, tamp down your jealous tendencies ! read more

Honestly the service is awesome. This is a cool place if you want to get drinks and something to eat. Not the best food but the staff is so sweet read more

Awesome shrimp tacos! Service is ok ambiance is great. Meeting local people is so wonderful! Right on Venice beach!! If you're here stop in! read more

See all

We made the Sidewalk Cafe our first stop on the Venice Beach portion of our vacation. Breakfast/Brunch was a must-do before walking the boardwalk and running in the sand. Being Houstonians, we had dressed for a day at the beach so tank tops and mesh tops all around, not knowing what an LA breeze was like. We sat on the patio facing the boardwalk, so the open windows and doors brought that Pacific breeze all across our bodies, sending us running to the boardwalk vendors for hoodies as soon as we were done eating. (This is info for other non-LA visitors and had no bearing on Sidewalk Cafe.) It was omelets, pancakes and other brunch foods all around, and everyone was satisfied. Two folks did order shrimp baskets, and were not too pleased with the overly breaded shrimp with little actual shrimp inside. Coming from the Gulf Coast, we have our expectations for shrimp. Come on now! Overall, we were satisfied and would recommend this joint for anyone passing through on their way to the beach. read more

We stayed in Venice area for a couple days and needed to find a spot for lunch. We had all of our luggage with us, so we decided hopping in here was easy while waiting for a ride. After eating a lot of fried food this vacation, we were in the mood for some clean eats. My fiance had a cup of chicken enchilada soup, and I had clam chowder. Both soups were good. We both got sandwiches - he got a turkey bacon, and I got the blt with a fried egg and avocado. We substituted fries for house salads. The food was pretty basic, but substantial nonetheless. Our server was delightful. We sat under an awning but right on the boardwalk so there was constant entertainment. This is a nice spot for some decent food and being a part of the bustle of the boardwalk. read more

See all

Amazing food. Had Chinese Chicken Salad. Family also great food. Highly recommend while visiting Venice Boardwalk read more

Sidewalk Cafe - Warhord Chinese salads Great flavors for a good price. - Tacos Near Me - Venice, California

We ordered several items, all were very good, simple items like a pizza, cheeseburger, chicken sandwich and cheese sticks. Can't complain! Service was very good as well. read more

Sidewalk Cafe - Mushroom and olive pizza. Excellent - Tacos Near Me - Venice, California

See all

Horrible, Twenty minutes no one came to get an order or contact the table at all. It was very slow inside maybe 15 customers many servers standing around. I actually walked up to one sever and politely asked if we could order drinks to no avail finally after a full 20 minutes plus we left. I am happy to see a resultant that it doesn't need business but I surprised they are doing so as there really were very few customers in the place. read more

Ordered the CA BLT, and it came out quick! Fries and sandwich were delish. It was the perfect lunch in a fabulous location on Venice Beach right across from the skate park. Would give 5 stars, but servers took a long time to come as they were short-staffed. read more

Sidewalk Cafe - CA BLT - Tacos Near Me - Venice, California

Do not go here! This is the worse place to go to with over priced food and drinks. Food and service not good! I saw a poor girl get hit by the security guard for no reason! I talked to the young girl to see what legal actions she wants to take!!! I will be her witness! This place treats their customers like shit! read more

There's a lot to unpack here. I'll get the one positive out of the way and then we'll dive in. The fried egg BLT was delicious! Now to everything else..... My wife and I arrived and were seated right away, a couple of feet away from the 'wait station'. We eyeballed the menu and made some selections. Our waiter came and took our order for cocktails and food, we also asked for water. Water came in small plastic glasses that were chipped and cracked. Cocktails arrived minutes later. I got the strawberry lemonade and my wife got a daiquiri, both came in pint glasses. The problem with that is they pour 1 ounce of liquor into that drink. So it's terribly watered down for $14 each. We finished our water, we're sitting right next to the waiters and no one offered us more water for the rest of our stay. The staff really just seem to enjoy standing around talking since more than 20 tables were full and all looking around for service. Our food showed up, my wife's cheeseburger was unseasoned and bland her salad was ok. My sandwich was surprisingly good, with cold fries. We had to ask for silverware, since we were never brought any. Service seems like an inconvenience to these waiters and there's no management leading by example. When we finally could get our waiter off of his 'social time' with the crew we got our check and left. To recap: Bad service Cracked dishes and cups Watered down drinks that aren't balanced No visible management Bland burgers The egg blt was good though Hey maybe your experience will be different....But I don't believe it's worth the chance....... read more

The good is so good and the atmosphere is nice. We love stopping here for a quick bite and drinks when we visit Venice. read more

Sidewalk Cafe - Nachos with chicken. - Tacos Near Me - Venice, California

Giant selection of food, prompt service, great drinks and sO much fun people watching on Venice boardwalk ! read more

Sidewalk Cafe - Belgium waffle, fresh strawberries....eggs, bagel with cream cheese and lox - Tacos Near Me - Venice, California

Bomb.com really good food and awsome spot to eat with nice view would definitely recommend to anyone at Venice

Worst $18 breakfast burrito I've ever had, Bloody Mary was mediocre and they added a few bucks onto the tip when it cleared my bank

Pretty yummy!! Totally off my diet. Quick and tasty. Definitely coming back!!! Can't wait to try the amazing burgers read more

Sidewalk Cafe - Yummy!! - Tacos Near Me - Venice, California

Mediocre bland food but lots of it. Wait staff are nice. Prices are high for sandwich and fries. The batter is flavorless

The heart of Venice beach boardwalk. Growing up in la and this was my first time here, wtf. It's one of those situations where you tend to avoid as you know it's a mad house. Anyways, spent the day walking around Venice and ended up on the boardwalk. Didn't feel like grabbing your typical slice of pizza walking around. Then I rekey that the sidewalk cafe was up ahead. Probably a good thing if was Monday. We were able to grab a seat, on the patio right infront of the boardwalk. Perfect. It's a high tourist spot and always busy. Before we were even in the restaurant, the hostess was amazing. The sweetest girl ever, friendly and gracious. It's like chit chatting with one of your girlfriends. She seated us at the front with the boardwalk view, without any questions. I mentioned to her as we were walking if we could have the seat there but she was ahead of me on that, she was like I got you. The service was great. Food, nothing fancy. Your usual, breakfast lunch and dinner options. But the service was great and staff was very friendly. Prime Venice beach spot for people watching, grabbing a beer or food. Heads up, the weekend is a mad house. Even Monday was busy. read more

See all

I've been to Venice 1 million times and see this every time I walk by. Today was the first time I actually stopped in to have a drink and a pizza. Their beer selection is pretty good. Their pizza was great. The service was fast even though the place was pretty crowded. I will definitely eat here again read more

Was here with my wife for a layover after coming back from Japan. The happy hour menu as you can see is really well Priced for the area which can be expensive. They got free wifi and the bartender treated us really well. I only had drinks but the view made everything great. Hopefully next time we get a chance to try the food. read more

Sidewalk Cafe - Happy Hour Menu - Tacos Near Me - Venice, California

We are So-Cal locals and brought some friends visiting from Canada to the beach. It was cold and windy so we decided to stop for a drink and a snack as the restaurant had a plastic barrier up to protect customers from the elements. We sat next to one of the plastic windows so we could still get the "Venice Beach" vibe. It's dry January so two of us ordered the zero alcohol Heinekens (thanks for having them on the menu) and the other two, 2 glasses of chardonnay. I was very happy to see a nice "full" glass of wine as usually these tourist generated restaurants are light on their pours. It was a nice house chardonnay which we both enjoyed. We ordered a plate of Chicken Nachos that were delicious and easily fed all 4 of us. They were the best nachos I had ever had and the rest of the table agreed! They were loaded and the chicken was a pulled style and super tender. Erin was our waitress and she took excellent care of us! I commented to Erin that it was so nice to be able to come to such a touristy spot and have a positive experience with good food and service. I live here so I can tell you how many times that we have taken out of towners to a tourist spot just to feel ripped off. I believe it's super important for restaurants like these to cater to the locals. Great job Sidewalk Cafe! read more

Sidewalk Cafe - Cleaned the plate! - Tacos Near Me - Venice, California

See all

I have eaten at this location a few time when I visit Venice Beach. Always have great food and great drinks. Definitely will be back again! read more

Sidewalk Cafe - Tacos Near Me - Venice, California

Went for happy hour, our bartender was nice and the drinks were cheap. We were in LA for one day in a layover back home from Japan. Bathrooms were clean and they did not smell. Next time I will have to try the food. read more

Sidewalk Cafe - Tacos Near Me - Venice, California

Best locals spot in town. Cheap drinks, great food, and awesome staff. You can't say you've been to Venice without stopping at Sidewalk.

The only good thing about eating here is enjoying a beautiful view of Venice beach. The food here is garbage and the service sucks. I ordered a chicken sandwich combo and my fries were old and cold. The sandwich wasn't good either. I'd try somewhere else next time I'm in Venice Beach. read more

Sidewalk Cafe - Tacos Near Me - Venice, California

Rodney was nothing short of amazing. He really made us feel at home and made our first visit unforgettable! He was extremely attentive and friendly. We're already planning our next trip back just to have a conversation with him! As ranch lovers, we LOVED the ranch with our skinny fries. 5 stars all around read more

Coming to the Sidewalk Cafe on a warm sunny Sunday is the best way to sit back and watch the sites and sound of Venice Beach walk past you. And there are plenty of interesting and unusual things to see, from Jesus carrying his cross to jugglers and magicians, and a whole assortment of interesting characters. The price of admission to the "sideshow" on the Venice Boardwalk is well worth the price of so-so food here at The Sidewalk Cafe. I've been coming here for years, and while the food is typical greasy spoon kind of stuff, nothing special, the drinks, especially the sidewalk slammer, is well worth the entrance to a front-row seat on the boardwalk. Make sure you've brought a designated driver because one or more of these drinks will literally put you on your ass. read more

See all

It is a bit of a dive, but I pretty much always bring people here for lunch on the weekend for breakfast. The location is fantastic, they have a great Bloody Mary, and a full bar. They make a pretty good waffle too. If you are a smug foodie that can't appreciate a scrambled egg, this isn't your place. read more