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ZipPicks Awards
Best Trendy American in Santa Monica
Best Family Friendly American in Santa Monica
Best Brunch in Santa Monica
Best Happy Hour Wings in Santa Monica
Best Instagram Worthy Brunch in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
1212 Santa Monica
7.9
This two-story New American restaurant brings global influences to SoCal cuisine in a vintage-chic space on the Promenade. Creative cocktail infusions and weekly themed promotions keep the energy high, attracting a diverse crowd from shoppers to date-nighters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Korean BBQ Tacos, Truffle Mac & Cheese, Tuna Poke Stack
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Two-story space with balcony dining overlooking the Promenade
Who should go: Promenade shoppers and happy hour seekers
When to visit: Weekly themed nights and happy hours
What to order: Korean BBQ tacos, craft cocktails, poke
Insider tip: Second floor balcony offers best people-watching
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Public garages on 2nd/4th Streets ($3 first 90 min), street parking scarce after 5pm, rideshare recommended weekends
Dress code: California casual - jeans and nice top standard, anything from shopping attire to date night works
Noise level: Lively buzz - conversation-friendly but energetic, louder during happy hour and themed nights
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, walk-ins better on balcony level
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, 10-15 min during peak shopping hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid selection including Korean BBQ tofu tacos and creative salads
Vegan options: Moderate - poke bowls customizable, 3-4 dedicated options
Gluten-free options: Yes - marked on menu, poke bowls and modified tacos available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - the balcony provides intimate seating with Promenade views, cocktails are conversation starters, and the buzz isn't overwhelming. Avoid themed party nights.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, especially lunch. Weekend dinners risky - try the bar area or upstairs balcony for better walk-in chances. Happy hour (4-7pm) fills fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Before 8pm yes - high chairs available, kids menu present. After 9pm becomes more bar-scene oriented, especially on themed nights.
Best For
Better for: More exciting cocktails and people-watching than other Promenade spots, better happy hour deals than Water Grill, more date-friendly atmosphere than Barney's Beanery
Skip if: You want quiet intimate dining (try Rustic Canyon), authentic ethnic cuisine (hit Main Street instead), or fine dining experience (Mélisse nearby)
Hours
Monday5pm - 10pm
Tuesday5pm - 10pm
Wednesday5pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 10pm
Friday5pm - 12am
Saturday11am - 12am
Sunday11am - 10pm