Message: | There are two Holiday Inns in Santa Monica.
If you are staying at the one on Colorado, here's some restaurants that are decent and walkable (although you may want to check out how late they serve):
Border Grill (Too Hot Tamales)
Fritto Misto (Fresh Pasta, casual)
i Cugini (Italian seafood - nice, but a little corporate)
Ocean Ave Seafood
the Lobster (for the view mostly!)
Jiraffe (fancy but delish)
If you're staying at the one on Pico, the most walkable two restaurants are El Texate, an OK (if best) vaguely Oaxacan restaurant, and Tommy's Original Famous Tommy burgers - basically ooey chilli burgers (definitely open late).
A little further, but also walkable, is Main Street with Dhaba, a pretty good Indian place, The Galley, a divey sand dabs and steak place, and Rockenwager (renowned chef - Cal-Austrian). Toward the end of Pico (west) is also Cha Cha Chicken, an okay Carribean roasted chicken place (v. casual outdoor seating).
If you feel like swankily relaxing in a big comfy chair and staring out at the big black night ocean, I recommend a cocktail at the Casa del Mar hotel.
Addresses and phone numbers can be found at www.citysearch.com or www.smartpages.com.
On your way out, have the cab driver stop by Bay Cities Italian Deli on Lincoln between Broadway and Colorado - my very favorite sandwiches in the whole city! Huge and juicy. Yum. Perfect to make your seatmate jealous on the flight home. |