The Galley

"When you need the antidote to farm-to-table foolery, this is the place. Santa Monica's oldest restaurant serves up highly mediocre surf n' turf at its finest (we mean that in a good way.) No small plates, mason jars, Sriracha or Kale will be found here. Mixologists are known as bartenders, and they call aioli “mayonnaise”. The old-timey maritime atmosphere is like entering into a different world. Arrrr!" - TRÜF

"There’s no such thing as time or seasons at The Galley in Santa Monica. The drinks are always flowing, the Christmas lights are always glowing, and the neighborhood fixtures are always hunched over their beers looking for answers. That said, it is, of course, a lovely place to come for drinks and a snack during the holidays. It’s warm and cozy, with a worn-in bar and booths, lots of regulars, and a maritime theme could easily trick you into thinking you’re in a small coastal town in the Northeast where snow exists and children aren’t too cool for Santa Claus." - brant cox

"The Galley, Santa Monica. When you need the antidote to farm-to-table foolery, this is the place. Santa Monica's oldest restaurant serves up highly mediocre surf n' turf at its finest (we mean that in a good way.) No small plates, mason jars, Sriracha or Kale will be found here. Mixologists are known as bartenders, and they call aioli “mayonnaise”. The old-timey maritime atmosphere is like entering into a different world. Arrrr!"

"There’s no such thing as time or seasons at The Galley in Santa Monica. The drinks are always flowing, the Christmas lights are always glowing, and the neighborhood fixtures are always hunched over their beers looking for answers. This maritime-themed bar and restaurant (though we really recommend just coming here for drinks and maybe an order of fried calamari) has been around since the ‘30s. We like to imagine not much has changed since—from the strong drinks and mediocre steaks, to the captain’s portholes and mermaid in the rowboat above the door. This is a great spot for a first date, a friend date, or drinks and snacks after the beach. If you’re with a big group, they also have a nice little patio out back. And if you’re a pro, you’ll know to order a cocktail that involves a garnish, so you can get a cool mermaid skewer along with it." - Arden Shore

"Originally located on the Santa Monica Pier, this nautical themed local hang out was once the preferred watering hole of Hollywood’s A List. Today it still feels like Martin Denny should be wafting soothingly out of the speakers in this dimly-lit holdover from an earlier age. From the outside, a half a row boat (and, perhaps, the name) gives a clue to the interior’s nautical theme enhanced over the decades by gifts from enthusiastic patrons. At the center of the collection are set pieces from the 1935 film, “Mutiny on the Bounty,” obtained for the establishment by the film’s star, Charles Laughton, also a patron of the restaurant. On set photos hang on the walls and the ship’s wheel used in the film hangs from the ceiling. The seafaring decor is kept company by a collection of WWII propaganda posters. Amazingly, the collection of eleven original posters was discovered by accident, still sealed in their 1940s delivery envelopes, by the owner Ron Schul when he took over the business in 1989. Under the glow of multicolored Christmas lights the booths are cozy, romantic, and 100% genuine naugahyde. Out back, the patio lounge is a chill place to relax where it seems like the place is entirely patronized by locals who know the staff. None" - Avoiding Regret, Mike M from DC, carmenchuvi