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ZipPicks Awards
Best American in Santa Monica
Best Happy Hour in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
The Brixton
8.3
This neighborhood gastropub delivers elevated bar food with California flair, anchored by crowd-pleasing dishes like short rib poutine and duck confit fritters alongside classic comfort fare. The daily happy hour and eight-TV sports setup make it equally suited for casual drinks or full dinner service, drawing both locals and visitors since 2015.
Must-Try Dishes:
Short Rib Poutine, Fish & Chips, Corned Beef Reuben
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Approachable gastropub fare with California touches and daily happy hour specials
Who should go: Sports fans, happy hour seekers, neighborhood regulars
When to visit: Daily happy hour or game days
What to order: Short rib poutine, fish and chips, any burger
Insider tip: The owner Lance personally ensures quality service during slower lunch periods
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Main Street and adjacent blocks - typically easy to find during lunch, tighter after 6pm on weekends. No valet service.
Dress code: Casual neighborhood vibe - jeans and nice tops work perfectly, athleisure acceptable for happy hour
Noise level: Moderately loud during games and peak happy hour, conversational during lunch and early dinner
Weekend wait: 15-30 minutes without reservation during prime dinner hours (7-9pm), walk-ins usually seated faster at the bar
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, immediate seating most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several solid options including veggie burgers, salads, and appetizers like pretzel bites and Brussels sprouts
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 modifications possible (salads without cheese, veggie burger without aioli), but not a vegan-focused menu
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free buns available for burgers, several naturally GF options, kitchen accommodates requests
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid choice for casual first dates - the noise level allows conversation during off-peak hours, and the approachable menu removes ordering pressure. Skip if you want intimate romance; choose this if you want relaxed, fun vibes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially for parties of 2-3. Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) rarely require reservations. Weekend prime time (7-9pm) can mean a short wait, but the bar area seats walk-ins immediately.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - children's menu available, high chairs provided, and the casual gastropub atmosphere welcomes families. Best for ages 5+ who can handle moderate noise. Avoid during late-night happy hours when the sports bar crowd dominates.
Good for business lunches? Excellent for business lunches - the owner Lance ensures attentive service during quieter lunch periods, noise levels stay conversational, and the menu offers crowd-pleasing options that don't slow down meetings. Typical lunch runs 45-60 minutes.
How's the happy hour deal? Daily happy hour features discounted appetizers and drinks - strong value for the quality. Runs weekdays 3-6pm, draws a reliable crowd. The short rib poutine at happy hour pricing is particularly smart ordering.
Best For
Better for: Choose The Brixton when you want elevated gastropub food without pretension, reliable quality across the menu, and flexibility (works equally well for solo bar dining, group gatherings, or business lunches). The daily happy hour and sports-friendly setup give it more versatility than purely dining-focused competitors.
Skip if: You want quiet romance, cutting-edge culinary innovation, or a dedicated cocktail program. Also skip during major sporting events if you're noise-sensitive - the eight TVs and sports bar atmosphere dominate during games.
Hours
Monday12pm - 9:30pm
Tuesday12pm - 10pm
Wednesday12pm - 10pm
Thursday12pm - 10:30pm
Friday12pm - 11pm
Saturday9:30am - 11pm
Sunday9:30am - 8:30pm