Chez Jay

Located in Santa Monica, California, Chez Jay is a beloved establishment that has been serving up delicious food and creating memorable experiences since 1959. This iconic restaurant offers a unique blend of steakhouses, bars, and seafood options, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.

With a range of amenities including outdoor seating, a full bar, and even pool table entertainment, Chez Jay has something for everyone. The restaurant is known for its divey atmosphere, providing an authentic and nostalgic dining experience reminiscent of bygone eras.

One of the standout features of Chez Jay is its extensive menu, featuring a variety of breakfast and specialty dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From classic breakfast options like eggs benedict and pancakes to signature dishes like Jay's Scramble and Cinnamon Raisin French Toast, there is something for every palate.

Customer reviews rave about the delicious food, great service, and lively ambiance at Chez Jay. Whether you're looking for a cozy brunch spot or a fun evening out with friends, Chez Jay is the perfect choice. Make sure to book a reservation in advance to secure your spot at this popular Santa Monica establishment.

If you're in the mood for a unique dining experience that transports you back in time while enjoying delicious food, Chez Jay is the place to be. Don't miss out on this iconic gem in the heart of Santa Monica.

Chez Jay Menu

Location

Address: 1657 Ocean Ave Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: (310) 395-1741

🕓 Work Hours
MON Closed
TUE 2:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Next day)
WED 2:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Next day)
THU 2:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Next day)
FRI 2:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Next day)
SAT 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM (Next day)
SUN 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Next day)

Business info

  • Takes Reservations
    Yes
  • Delivery
    No
  • Takeout
    No
  • Many Vegetarian Options
    Yes
  • Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts Android Pay
    No
  • Accepts Apple Pay
    No
  • Outdoor Seating
    Yes
  • Divey
    Yes
  • Moderate Noise
    Yes
  • Casual Dress
    Yes
  • Good for Groups
    Yes
  • Good for Dinner
    Yes
  • Private Lot Parking, Valet Parking
    Yes
  • Free Wi-Fi
    Yes
  • Best nights on Thursday, Friday, Saturday
    Yes
  • Full Bar
    Yes
  • TV
    Yes
  • Heated Outdoor Seating
    Yes
  • Offers Catering
    No
  • Not Good For Kids
    No
  • Pool Table
    No
  • Dogs Not Allowed
    No
  • Bike Parking
    Yes

Last Reviews

  • Author: Terri D.

    29 June 2024

    One of the oldest restaurant/bars in town. A local favorite. Delicious food, great service and fun atmosphere. :)

  • Author: Gregg ..

    17 June 2024

    Usually eat outside First time inside was a 10 Great service, lively ambiance, and the staff amazing , food Filet, halibut, scalloped potatoes, wedge salad Prices reasonable I highly recommend # 10

  • Author: Stephanie E.

    14 June 2024

    Really enjoyed my experience. My boyfriend and I were able to share one entree and it did not disappoint. Huge portions and fast service. Definitely a great place to try in Santa Monica. One last thing, it's such a popular place, I would recommend making a reservation.

  • Author: Basil N.

    01 May 2024

    The food at Chez Jay is quite good, but only if you know what to order. The restaurant opened in 1959, and seems to be still frozen in that year, in a good way. It's an authentic dive joint from a bygone era. The table cloth is checkered red-and-white gingham. The table lamp is a candle in a red textured glass globe. The booths are red vinyl, dark and cramped. Our server, Petter (yes, with two "t"s), has been with the restaurant for 25 years. It's that kind of place, vintage and genuine. The room is small, with a bar on the left (seats for about 8), four tables down the center, and six booths on the right. Max capacity about 50 people. It was jammed on Thu at 6p. Many regulars at the bar. Service is friendly and attentive. The menu is seafood and steak in traditional 1950s style. Scampi with Fresh Garlic & Shallots was a solid hit, perfect presentation and excellent flavor in every sense. Garlic bread was sublime. La Jolla Potatoes (an au gratin offshoot) were tasty. Sand Dabs Sauté Almondine was (I'm sorry to say) a disappointment. It's a signature dish of Chez Jay, but the flavor didn't live up to the presentation. Nothing wrong, just not enough right. Ditto the Swordfish Béarnaise, not egregiously bad, but very disappointing, mild and forgettable. The béarnaise was missing something. The kitchen was out of Grilled Atlantic Salmon (Petter says it's a favorite of Chez Jay regulars), and perhaps we would have been better pleased with salmon or steak. Our whiskey sour was served over ice, ordinary but crafted well. Coffee was good. So overall, two dishes kinda failed, or at least failed to impress, but everything else was remarkably good, and we had old-school fun. I'm definitely coming back at least once more to try the steak and perhaps Herb's Shrimp Curry. Note that Chez Jay shares the building with an entirely different new-ish restaurant in the back called The Backyard at Chez Jay. This latter venue is an outdoor fire-pit bistro in a hip-casual 21st-century style. The two restaurants have entirely different menus, separate kitchens and different servers. This review is only for the original restaurant.

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