11 Must-Try Wine Bars in Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica is a stunning coastal city in Los Angeles County, California, known for its iconic pier, sandy beaches, and laid-back vibe. But Santa Monica is a great place to enjoy the sun and the sea and a vibrant destination for nightlife lovers.
Santa Monica has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to sip some wine or a lively venue for a casual hangout to mingle with friends.
In this article, we’ll present you with the 11 best wine bars in Santa Monica, where you can experience the local culture, taste some delicious food and drinks, and have a memorable time.
Wine Bars in Santa Monica
Bodega Wine Bar
What’s cool about Bodega is that it’s both a wine and coffee bar. No matter what time of day, Bodega’s got you covered.
You can grab a coffee, tea, or pastry daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Or, if you’re more of an evening person, you can enjoy wine, beer, and soju cocktails from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. (or 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays).
Bodega offers over 60 wines from all over the world. You can choose from sparkling, red, white, or rose.
They also offer wine flights where you can try three wines at a reasonable price. The staff at Bodega are super helpful and can help you pick the perfect wine.
Bodega has both indoor and outdoor seating and a lounge-like vibe. Plus, they offer free Wi-Fi. You’ll find them at 814 Broadway in Santa Monica. You can book online or walk in.
Esters Wine Shop & Bar
Esters is a wine shop and bar in Downtown Santa Monica. It’s like a hangout where people gather to sip wine, savor bites, and socialize.
They have an extensive collection of planet-friendly wine from small-time makers. Every Sunday, Esters serves up wine tastings with different themes so you can try something new.
And don’t miss their creative cocktails and non-alcoholic options. Plus, they’ve got a neat little shop where you can snag gourmet snacks and thoughtful gifts.
There’s even a daily happy hour for those looking to unwind. Esters isn’t just about what’s inside; they’ve got you covered outdoors, too. You can relax in their indoor space or opt for the parklet with heaters. There’s even a patio with a fireplace.
Large groups, private events, takeout, or delivery, they’ve got it all covered. So, whether you’re catching up with pals, hanging with family, or seeking new wine adventures, Esters is your spot among the wine bars in Santa Monica.
Local Kitchen & Wine Bar
Local Kitchen is an Italian restaurant and one of the best spots in Santa Monica for a glass of wine. It’s a cozy spot, perfect for a romantic night or special occasion.
The wine selection is excellent, with options from Italy, California, Spain, France, and Argentina.
The menu includes Italian dishes, like lamb meatball sandwiches, house sausage pizzas, pasta Bolognese, and desserts.
If you are a cocktail lover, take advantage of their signature drinks like cucumber breeze or reserve negroni.
They’ve got indoor and outdoor seating, including a roomy patio with a view of Ocean Park Boulevard.
Find this Santa Monica wine bar and restaurant at 1736 Ocean Park Blvd. They’re open daily, serving lunch and dinner.
Stella Barra Pizzeria & Wine Bar
Stella Barra is one of the best pizzeria and wine spots in Los Angeles County. They’ve got a killer list with over 30 different wines.
You’ll find wine from Southern Italy and the West Coast. You can get them by the glass or bottle—the white, red, rosé, and sparkling wine.
Their pizzas are one-of-a-kind. Pair your wine with one of their unique pizza, such as a classic Margherita or pepperoni.
Sit in the fancy indoor area with plants, or opt for a spot on the outdoor patio if you prefer people-watching.
It’s right by the Santa Monica Pier and Promenade, so it’s easy for locals and tourists to get to.
Whether you’re up for a laid-back lunch, a romantic dinner, or a fun night out with friends, Stella Barra is your place for tasty pizza and wine in Santa Monica.
Wine Expo
Wine Expo is a unique wine and liquor store at 2933 Santa Monica Blvd. It has been serving the community for over 30 years.
There are types of liquor, wine, and spirits, some that you can’t find anywhere else in the US.
The prices are reasonable, with happy hour offering half off on all single glasses and flights.
Additionally, you can enjoy 12 tastings for $24.99 in a friendly atmosphere.
Apart from wine, the store also offers beer and food, making it a perfect spot for a fun night out with friends or watching sports on TV. Wine Expo has something for everyone, whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a novice.
Offhand Wine Bar
Offhand is conveniently located on Santa Monica Boulevard, offering a variety of delightful drinks.
With a rotating selection of natural wines, wine-based cocktails, natural sakes, and craft beers, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Delicious bites like cheese boards, charcuterie, salads, and sandwiches are also available to complement your drinks.
During the day, Offhand transforms into Please Enjoy, a charming coffee shop. It serves specialty coffee, tea, and pastries.
You can savor your morning brew in the spacious and stylish interior or grab it on the go to explore the nearby attractions.
Offhand becomes a haven for music lovers on weekends as the passionate owners share their extensive vinyl collection on a vintage turntable. Various genres, from jazz to soul to rock and roll, will serenade you.
Moreover, Offhand proudly supports talented artisans from the local community, just a short trip from Los Angeles.
As a black-owned business, Offhand provides a welcoming atmosphere where you can unwind, socialize, and create beautiful memories with your loved ones.
Sogno Toscano Cafe & Wine Bar
Sogno Toscano is a charming cafe, wine bar, and deli market on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica.
It is where you can feel like you are on a little Italian getaway, with a beautiful open-air patio and warm and welcoming decor.
You can choose from their wine from different regions of Italy, such as Pinot Grigio, Prosecco, Chianti, and Brunello di Montalcino.
Try their appetizers, sandwiches, cheese boards, salads, and desserts. You can also buy their own olive oil, cheese, pasta, truffle butter, and more at their market section.
As one of the best Santa Monica wine bars, Sogno Toscano is the perfect destination for anyone who loves Italy and its lifestyle.
Wally’s Santa Monica
Located in Downtown Santa Monica, Wally’s is more than just a restaurant. It is a place where you can enjoy delicious food, wine, and spirits worldwide.
The menu includes an impressive collection of wines and spirits. They have over 2,500 wines from different regions and vintages. You can find rare and exclusive bottles from top producers.
You can also join their tastings and dinners with winemakers and experts. They will share their stories and products with you.
At Wally’s, you can taste the flavors of California and France in their dishes. They use fresh and local produce to create seasonal menus.
Whether you want wine with a romantic dinner, or a special event, Wally’s Santa Monica has something for you.
Rustic Canyon Wine Bar
Rustic Canyon is a fantastic spot to explore new wines and enjoy them with tasty dishes made from fresh and seasonal ingredients. It’s owned by Chef Jeremy Fox, famous for his creative and slow-food cooking style.
The wine bar has a
laid-back ambiance, with wooden tables, brick walls, and an extensive chalkboard menu that changes daily.
This Santa Monica wine bar offers an award-winning 300-wine list from small and eco-friendly producers.
Apart from Italy, the wine list also includes wines from various European regions like Germany, Austria, and France.
The bar serves dinner daily, and making reservations in advance is highly recommended.
You can check out their website to view the current menu or make an online table booking.
Rustic Canyon is a fantastic place to relish a delightful meal with loved ones or commemorate a special occasion.
Bar Monette
Bar Monette is a famous tapas bar that brings the flavors of Spain and Italy to Santa Monica.
When Bar Monette comes to wine, they keep it short and sweet. They’ve got an incredible collection of bottles from Italy, Spain, France, and sometimes even California.
They’ve got everything from natural and organic wines to champagne and orange. It’s a wine lover’s dream!
Bar Monette is near the beach and pier on Santa Monica Blvd. Enjoy the ocean view from their outdoor patio. You can make reservations online or give them a call.
So, Bar Monette is where it’s at, whether you’re in the mood for a tasty pizza, top-notch tapas, or a great glass of wine. Take advantage of this fantastic spot!
Bar Monette
Capo is the spot for you if you’re looking for a fancy Italian place with unique wines. You’ll walk through a big wooden door and some velvet curtains and find yourself in a stunning dining room. The lighting is dim, the art is colorful, and the music is sexy. You’ll feel like you’re in for a treat.
Capo has a huge wine list with bottles from all over the world. Their sommelier can help you pick the perfect one for your food.
They also have a full bar and a lovely patio outside. Capo is on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, near the beach.
Capo is great for dates, parties, and celebrations. They have a wood grill, fresh pasta, white truffles, and free cookies. Capo is one of the best Italian restaurants in LA, and you should try it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some of the best wine bars in Santa Monica?
There are several highest-rated wine bars in Santa Monica. Some top ones include Bodega, Local Kitchen, Wine Expo, Sogno Toscano, Offhand, and Esters Wine Shop.
Do these Santa Monica wine bars offer any other services?
Many places supply outdoor seating, delivery, and takeout services. Some also offer special features like live music and a wide selection of craft beers and cocktails.
What is the ambiance like at these Santa Monica wine bars?
The ambiance can vary from bar to bar. Some are described as having a hipster vibe with lounge couches and full bars, while others are known for their classy decor and unique flavors.
Note: Since all the information in this article is based on the date of publication, for some reason (health, economic, social), these businesses may be temporarily or permanently closed or moved to another location.
