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Back On the Beach
Categories: Restaurants American (New) Restaurants American (Traditional) American (New), American (Traditional) [Edit]
445 Palisades Beach RdSanta Monica, CA 90402
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
(310) 393-8282
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
56 reviews for Back On the Beach
Review Highlights
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"...to blend with the adjacent Annenberg Community Beach House." In 4 reviews -
"Marion Davies Salad - with a scoop of chicken salad: a..." In 3 reviews -
"...the Beach is a low key restaurant located right on the sand." In 24 reviews
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56 reviews in English
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Review from Virginia L.
Los Angeles, CA
4/18/2012
Back on the beach cafe is a great place to go to for casual lunch or sunday's brunch. They have a variety of good salads, burgers, omelets, pasta... and the view is just amazing. It is usually crowded on sundays and you might have to wait 30-45 minutes if you want to seat outside on their patio but it worth the wait. Decent prices and pretty good quality for a beach cafe.
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Review from Melissa K.
Redlands, CA
1/17/2012 1 photo
I love the fact that you can sit out on the beach, watch the waves and enjoy lunch. I hate that fact that you have to keep an eye on your food while covering your head so that the pigeons and sea gulls don't christen it with their poop. But I suppose you can't have it all.
I ordered the Bananatella french toast which was to die for. French toast slathered in nutella and topped with almonds and bananas. I've had dreams about this dish since then and can't wait until I go back to have it again. So. Good. My friends got hamburgers and chicken fingers with fries which they both seemed to enjoy as well. I did note hints of jealously in their eyes as they saw my bananatella being set at my place at the table. Sorry boys, get your own :-)
I was hoping that they would validate parking if you were just going to eat at the restaurant and not stay at the beach, but they didn't. As i said, you can't have it all.
But really though, get the french toast. -
Review from Tara B.
Los Angeles, CA
11/12/2011
As this is such a great location, it's so hard to point out what is wrong. It is a refreshing setting that is not typical. You are literally on the sand! Not so bad. There are some great people working here. Angel is a waiter who has been here for years. He literally runs to your table. He is so fun to watch!
There is a helper working here named Ivan. He has an accent and is clearly from a different culture. He should not have ANY contact with customers. He delivered our food and we asked for more dressing. When he brough it out, I asked what kind of dressing it was. He said, with a tone that was very offensive and impatient, "it is salad dressing, do you want it or not"?
We all know there are different kinds of dressing, there is balsamic vinagrette, honey mustard, ranch, etc. He repeated his question a few times in response to my repeating my question. He was not going to interact with me on a civil level, that was clear.
As time went by, I called my waiter over and asked for some olive oil and balsamic vinegar since the dressing brought to me from Ivan (the Serbian) was clearly from a bottle full of oils and ingredients that I don't eat--I could taste the sub par quality. Also, they use Gardenburger as their Veggie Burger. I was hoping they made their veggie burger in house because Gardenburger uses GMO ingredients. Only their Lifeburger is non GMO. I'm hoping that is the one I ate today!
So, for me, a person who tries to eat the purest, organic, non GMO ingredients and enjoys interacting with pleasant people, my experience here was less than I had hoped for! -
Review from Kelly C.
Los Angeles, CA
10/2/2011
3 stars for the food but 5 stars for location! It is on the sand, complete w a playground and a walkway to the ocean after u dine.
Oh, and we always see celebs here. :)
If you have guests w kids, bring them here for a day of ultimate la. :) -
Review from Kate G.
San Diego, CA
We stopped here after a quick tourist trip to LA. We wanted to watch the sunset and this place looked ok.
The plusses - the food was good. I had a nice vegetarian Mediterranean plate, and it tasted fresh and flavorful. It is right on the beach if it had been warmer we would have sat out and we would have literally had the sand beneath our toes. They have a beautiful array of orchids in the restaurant.
The minuses. It really is just a café, and not a fancy one, the décor is kind of thrown together, and for such a killer location I had hoped for more. It wouldn't be my choice for watching a sunset. You have to pay for parking, and restrooms outside. So it was kind of a so-so place. Probably much better for a quick lunch, or a place to go is you are at the beach anyway for something else. Not really worth a special visit. -
Review from Lauren T.
8/22/2011
A group of friends and I decided to stop here during our bike ride on the beach. I am normally not one to base a bad review for service but I must say the service here really sucks. When we arrived, we were seated within 5 minutes and given outdoor seating for 6 people. What really was terrible was it took about 15-20 minutes to get our order taken and then additional 20 minutes to get our drinks on the table. The food was okay. I ordered the tuna salad sandwich with fries. I'm not asking for an incredible tuna sandwich, but for $12 I expect it to taste decent and for the most part it wasn't bad...but it was definitely overpriced.
I noticed there was a take out window right next to the restrooms. I am most certain you can get the same food at the stand and wait less time. I understand when a restaurant is busy, servers will take a bit more time putting food on your table. But the food doesn't justify the price and the staff sucked at service.Listed in: WLA
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Review from Rachel K.
Los Angeles, CA
7/31/2011
Meh...
My turkey sandwich was D R Y.... and my fries were salty and soggy. Plus it cost $11..
I gave it another star for the ambiance.. I mean, it's right on the beach, ya know?
Parking was awesome.. though I think we got lucky.
Service was mediocre.. She was ok.. not the best. I think working right on the beach makes you wanna lay out all day, not serve food...
Oh, if you wanna sit outside, you CANNOT drink. So if you want a beer, you gotta sit INSIDE. Bummer... -
Review from A M.
Los Angeles, CA
4/16/2012
Location of this place is awesome. Rented a bike in Venice and rode up the bike path of Santa Monica beach. This place looked like the best lunch place of any we passed along the way. It didn't disappoint. Food was good.
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Review from Brandon H.
Brea, CA
2/6/2012
4/5 because of the wait which was expected. Hostess was clueless, saw Howie Mandel but he was nervous to touch anything bc he is such a germ freak, what a weenie! Food was good had the Fred Salad and sat on the beach which was really nice. Great ocean view and people watching. Would go again but not if Howie was there trying to make a "deal or no deal" for a table with no wait.
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Review from Kim H.
Los Angeles, CA
4/6/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This restaurant attached to the Annenberg Beach House (state park) is a gem. Parking is $6 for the entire day and you are literally on the beach so no hassles of carrying your beach stuff too far. The restaurant has nice outdoor seating, the umbrellas don't cover the entire table as the sun moves along during the peak times so be careful if you don't want too much sun. The food is actually quite good here for the price and ambiance. No liquor though outside only inside the restaurant.
Next to the beach cafe is the Annenberg House which has a public swimming pool (need reservations), waterplay area for kids, playground and tables. Quick tip if the restaurant is busy and long wait take the food to go and go over to the Annenberg House they have tables on all levels that you can eat at and it is quiet. 2nd Floor is an awesome view. This is a cheaper and roomier version than Paradise Cove (which I love as well).
This is a 5 star place because of what you get if you want a day at the beach. You get clean bathrooms, access to the Santa Monica beaches, water play area, playground, cafe, pool, Anneberg House and if you so choose go for a walk as the Santa Monica Pier is only 1.5m away. For a family with kids you got everything you need for a full day.
Food quality is a three star. -
Review from Tess M.
8/14/2011 2 photos
Back On the Beach Café has a new website http://backonthebeachc... and has undergone a fine facelift to blend with the adjacent Annenberg Community Beach House.
We arrived hungry, in plenty of time to dine prior to Santa Monica Rep's http://www.santamonica... adaptation of William Shakespeare's "The Tempest!" but even the minimal, 15-minute wait quoted seemed too long. In less than two minutes we cancelled our ressie, placed our order to-go (there is a "take out" window on the north side of the café, but the salads we wanted had to be ordered in the restaurant proper), snagged a table near the Marion Davies Beach House close to the performance, chatted, then sent our designated waitress back down the beach to pick up our order.
I always get a half Fred's Salad. It takes me to a happy place, fond memories of sharing this Santa Monica icon (resto) with out of town guests. And the salad itself, represents all food groups thank you very much, Romaine lettuce, chicken, roasted new potatoes, bits of bleu cheese, caramelized onions, lemon herb (dill) dressing http://www.yelp.com/bi.... Eaten midday, it is breakfast, lunch and dinner for me.
Two Fred's plus one Marion Davies' Salad, mixed baby greens, dried cranberries, caramelized walnuts, feta, dressed with vinaigrette http://www.yelp.com/bi... were up quickly, fresh, thoroughly enjoyed, devoured.
Cool ocean breeze, slightly overcast sky, great friends, good food; a fine day on the beach.Listed in: Eatin' Out
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Review from Brian O.
Los Angeles, CA
6/23/2011
This is a good spot for breakfast along Santa Monica, though I stress for breakfast only. Reason is: if you're going north on the PCH, you'll have to make a dreaded non-stoplight left turn into the place. That's not so bad in the morning, plus you're paying for all-day parking on a lot at the beach, so you get a nice 2 for 1.
Food is good (mostly the kind of stuff that's hard to mess up, but you can make substitutions), and as Mike Damone would say, "this is GREAT iced tea." Lazy beach breakfasts...a gold way to start a day. -
Review from Jess F.
Washington, DC
2/17/2011 1 photo
Get Fred's Salad. It's so, so good. The chicken is dressed like chicken-salad with tons of greens and roasted potatoes. I never would have thought to put roasted potatoes in a salad, but it was heavenly. I subbed feta for the blue cheese. It's also HUGE- One would definitely be enough for two people to share. It comes with crostini bread w/cheese baked on... It's just okay.
It was nice to stick our feet in the sand and watch the cyclists roll by on an odd assortment of bike-like things. Only two small negatives bring it down to 4 stars: They didn't have enough umbrellas for all the outdoor tables (what?) and you can't drink if you sit outside. -
Review from Poppy C.
San Francisco, CA
11/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
Maybe I just don't have high expectations for a place where I can sit on the beach drink iced tea and have a really big Cobb Salad for around ten dollars...
I think Back on the Beach is a great place during the week when there's no wait and not many screaming rugrats. -
Review from Alex T.
Culver City, CA
5/15/2011
Great location and view. How ever, it does not mean you can serve blah food.
Been hear before the remodeling and the food was great with the service.
It looked like a shack and the food tasted great.
You would think by remodeling the place the food would would be the same or better. This place took the wrong turn and went downhill.
If you do go stay away form the "FISH Tacos" and the soup. -
Review from Lucy Y.
Los Angeles, CA
This is how diabolical I am:
A girlfriend is contemplating whether she wants to move back to Kansas City. So, I suggest talking about it over lunch.......at Back on the Beach!
Who would want to move back to middle America, after sitting at Back on the Beach for a leisurely girlfriend-vibed lunch, gazing out at the ocean and sand and surf and watching the roller skaters and cyclists amble by?
I guess I am not to be trusted : P.
Ulterior motive #2 (a.k.a.: my lunch):
Marion Davies Salad - with a scoop of chicken salad: a HUGE portion of field greens with generous amounts of dried cranberries, candied walnuts and Gorgonzola crumbles, with a light lemon herb dressing, an artfully drizzled bit of balsamic syrup and two crunchy crostinis with cheese baked on. AWESOME!
My friend got:
Grilled chicken sammich with fries - on a nice, fresh ciabatta roll, with mayo on the side (as requested) and a lovely pile of fries.
I feel like the prices for the food have gone up a bit. I know that parking in the lot sure has (it's now $4 for an hour or $8 for all day).
But am I complaining?
Nah! I'd still come and put my feet in the sand, while feeling the ocean breeze, and lending a "neutral" ear to any one of my dear friends who wanted to think over moving.
Heeheee!!! I think as of now, she's staying in L.A.
Thanks Back on the Beach!!
Oh, P.S.: our celeb sighting: James Pickens Jr. (Grey's Anatomy) looking super handsome in a white linen button down shirt and pale khakis!Listed in: Where to take out-o-towners, The best of the best, Best salads ever, Awesome views!, Best Salads EVER
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/8/2010
Bf's parents are in town from Chicago, so I wanted something casual, good, reasonably priced, with… Read more »
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Review from Amy R.
Santa Monica, CA
7/13/2011
The location alone is 5 stars. It's right off the bike path with a beautiful view of the beach. Make the most of it and sit outside. They have some vegan options as well. The staff was very friendly. Great spot.
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Review from Aaron R.
Los Angeles, CA
6/11/2007
I'm torn.
The theory is good, the execution less ideal.
My first impression was this place was like a sandbox, kids running around yelling and playing amongst the tables, and just kinda annoying.
But it is on the beach, next to a playground, so what can you expect.
I was sad i was not wearing flipflos, because you walk in through sand to chairs which are in the sand, and tables also on the sand.
Which is nice, but I saw at least two different people tip over backwards while sitting down.
Aother side effect, when you are a tubby fat ass like me, your chair sinks into the sand far enough to make the table almost chin height, which is convenient cause you can just tip your plate into your gaping fat-ass mouth, unlike you high-up perched skinny people who have to work to eat.
When the kids finally left, it settled down and it was nice, a cool patio on the north end of Santa Monica Beach. Stragely enoguh, the place emptied out at 11:30 unlike the rest of LA where brunch joints fill up then.
You have to park in Lot Ten opay 7 bucks and get three or four of it refunded when you leave with validation.
We were seated quickly and in the shade of the building which was nice for me.
The coffee was not good, and the menu was uninspired, and limited. I ordered the breakfast pasta which was okay, but was coldish and clumpy. It tasted fine.
All in all, I would come here to hang out because it is right on the beach, but the food was less than perfect. -
Review from Macelle A.
CA
1/20/2007
Look, it's just like they say it is. BACK ON THE BEACH. This is the only restaurant in all of PCH that is actually right ON the Beach. Like your feet are in the sand.
The food is okay, nothing spectacular or even memorable. Try the salad but order a half size cause this thing is huge.
They recently put up "invisible" wires to protect the eating area from nasty pigeons and other sea type birds that have grown to become pretty brave and aggressively lately. -
Review from Lori K.
3/28/2007
Back on the Beach is a low key restaurant located right on the sand. It's set back from the strand so you can watch the rollerbladers and bikers zoom by.
To access Back on the Beach enter Lot 10 off PCH and if there's no attendant in the booth you can pay at the kiosk at the west end of the lot. If you're passing by on the strand definitely drop in and enjoy the laid back unpretentious atmosphere.
There is indoor seating, a charming back patio enveloped by bougainvillea bushes and a front patio facing the strand and ocean where like the other reviewers mentioned your table and chairs are on the sand. It's unique... you could be having a proper business lunch while your toes are wiggling in the warm sand.
The indoor areas are a bit run down and smelly, and the small private room in the back is an odd L shape, but this place is slated to undergo some renovation and improvements in the next few months.
The food isn't fancy or expensive. It's reasonably priced acceptable diner food. They serve breakfast and lunch all day long and there's an array of vegetarian options to choose from. I'm a fan of the veggie burger but the fish tacos and veggie melt my co-workers ordered looked delicious as well. -
Review from Amy L.
Los Angeles, CA
2/28/2008
The food way okay, but nothing to write home about. Standard breakfast and lunch fare. Picnicking with your toes in the sand, however, can't be beat. Good novelty spot to bring out of towners.
You can only make reservations for the inside (and who wants to sit there for this place), so you might have to wait if you come with a large group. As Ari C. mentioned, there is a small fee for parking, so get your ticket validated. -
Review from Sandra K.
New York, NY
7/21/2007
I've been to Back On the Beach twice- once for breakfast and once for lunch. Each time I have been satisfied with my meal but ecstatic about my experience. I've never had to wait for a table and the staff is very friendly.
Sitting outside is a real treat...right on the beach where all the runners/bladers/bikers go by. When I came for brunch it was chilly out, so I ordered some hot tea and they brought a wonderful assortment of teas to choose from! I've also had the turkey sandwich and the breakfast quesadilla- both yummy!
This place is really casual and laid back. Go here for the experience of grabbing some food on the beach....
Also, if you dislike birds, beware!!! There are pidgeons all over the place here. -
Review from Tiffany G.
Chatsworth, Los Angeles, CA
5/25/2010
A great place to take visitors who want to grab a bite to eat literally on the beach. I took a visitor from Idaho here and she loved the location. The staff was nice and friendly. I always had hot coffee and water. The menu has good choices for both vegetarians and carnivores. What I couldn't believe was that I wanted to substitute simple toast for the scone and that is not allowed. So, I had to buy the toast for $1 and toss the scone.
I had the Ocean Scramble with cream cheese and avocado, my guest had the Spanish Omelet which looked great and she said it tasted great.
Parking is easy because of the lot right there (it is $4 1st hour, $4 next hour, $10 all day). To take someone for the view it is worth it. The bike and walking paths are right there too. A man in a wheel chair was easily accommodated and he rolled right out to the beach after breakfast which is fantastic access. They seemed to have some banquet type space which would work great for groups to host an event.
One caution, if you are looking for quiet and relaxing, you may want to adjust your attitude as the place is loaded with kids all jacked up about being at the beach. There is a playground right there, too.
Dogs are not allowed on the sand or in the restaurant. They can be tied up on the bike racks but there is no shade and you may not have line of sight. The other thing is the bike rack is right next to the playground so you risk kids approaching your dog before you can get there. -
Review from Jean Yves E.
4/18/2010
Sunday mornings with a newspaper in one hand, a coffee in the other, and both feet buried in the sand, I felt as though we were in heaven as the sun rose over the Palisades behind us and lit the Pacific. It is always a joy to relax at the BotB, watching walkers, boarders, bicyclers and runners go by; and the experience now is made all the more fun because a state-of-the-art mini-playground has been built adjacent to the restaurant .... and that's the good news.
The restaurant had been closed for the better part of two years as they went through the painful process of remodeling. We waited and waited. When they did finally reopen, however, we were sorely disappointed. The wait staff has deteriorated into hamburger-slingers, the food is generally disappointing, and the burgers themselves were tastless piece of "beef?", served on ice-cold plain white buns.
If you want a "one of a kind" beach experience this is THE place; the setting and sightseeing are unique and incredibly beautiful. I am not aware of any other café along this stretch of SoCal beach were you can plant yourself in the sand and eat and drink. (Alcohol served only inside). But DO NOT GO HERE expecting to have a quality dining experience. Go just for the fun of it. -
Review from Ari C.
Brentwood, CA
1/23/2007
I know people who love BoB, and some who hate it. I'm the former.
I love Back on the Beach for one simple reason. Breakfast pasta. It's the best I've ever had, and I keep coming back for it time and time again. Big bowl of linguini with spicy sausage, eggs and I don't know what. But it's awesome.
The other great thing about BoB is its location. Quick; how many restaurants in the city of LA seat you on the sand, on the beach? Bzzz! One! (that I know of). And it's BoB. Amazing how few truly beachfront restaurants there are in LA...
Parking is easy in the pay beach lot, and they refund part of your payment if you eat there. You can also access from the bike path because it's sitting right next to it. -
Review from Penny J.
Hancock Park, CA
6/7/2008
TEMPORARILY CLOSED! The whole lot is fenced off and the area is under construction. The cafe's web site says they hope to be open "mid June".
I was planning to have lunch here today. So disappointed that it's closed for renovations!
The location can't be beat. Kick off your shoes, dig your feet in the sand, watch the bikers and Rollerbladers go by on the bike path, and see the ocean waves roll in. Be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen.
Order an Arnold Palmer to drink (Lemonade/ice tea combo, not on the menu). The fries are delish. The half-portion salads are the perfect size for one person. It isn't gourmet dining, but good, solid food for the right price.
Angel is a great server. He's been there forever and will chat you up if he's not too busy (or any time if you're a regular).
Get there EARLY, locals, or you'll battle the tourists. Don't forget to validate your parking. -
Review from Lauren C.
Beverly Hills, CA
6/16/2010
I have loved Back on the Beach for many years. It has always been my Tuesday lunch go-to spot. Last summer I had to go without as they were remodeling, but the wait was worth it!
The renovation includes new, sturdier chairs and tables, umbrellas, and a deck for those days when you want to feel like you are dining in the sand, but don't actually want to get all sandy.
Angel has always been our waiter, and he is courteous and accurate. Don't expect lightning-fast service, as the staff has to trek in and outdoors and through the sand to go from the kitchen to the customers.
I always have the Fred's salad without blue cheese and it is AMAZING. It has chicken salad-type chicken and roasted potatoes with a light dressing. I have also had some of their sandwiches and breakfast items and have never been disappointed.
The negatives:
Parking is either $4 for one hour or $8 for a full day.
The renovation includes close proximity to the Annenberg Community Beach House and there is a children's play area right up against the north side of the restaurant. Don't be surprised if you hear mothers yelling from their table to their kids on the swings.
Otherwise, this place is a great LA getaway. You are sitting on the beach; bike path, sand, and ocean in front of you.
Just don't forget your sunglasses and some sunscreen! -
Review from Sandy W.
Palm Desert, CA
Updated - 8/15/2011
We visited again with a group a couple of weeks ago. Great! Fred's salad is the best!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/16/2011
This must be the best-kept secret in LA. Where else can you eat in a great restaurant right on the… Read more »
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Review from Jenn G.
9/16/2007
My mom loves to take me to breakfast here, primarily because it caps off a good walk to/from Temescal Canyon and because, as many have emphasized, it's *on* the beach. You don't come here for the food, but for the beachside location. My numerous breakfasts have been okay, if not memorable (oatmeal? bagel? granola yogurt parfait?).
If you come here for breakfast/brunch, the people watching is the best thing about this place, winter or summer. Last time I ate here I saw Pamela Anderson and her mother walking down the bike path, cool as cucumbers. And that was what made my breakfast here (oatmeal? Damn...can't remember) a memorable one. -
Review from Brendon D.
Long Beach, CA
7/5/2008
Do you have constant back pain? Do you wear shoes too often? Are you constantly depressed because you don't have a sick tan? Do you have a hangover? Do you have friends visiting from out of town?
This place is good for all of the above...except for right now.
Apparently, they are "fumigating" the parking lot or something. Will it ever open again? Who knows.
This is the sort of place one goes to when you need some chilaxed beach grub without a side of LA-over-the-top-scenetasicness.
The burgers are pretty good, salads large and soda cups massive. The outside patio is sand. That's pretty cool if you ask me.
Don't half step. If you go here in anything other than flip flops, bed head, not reeking of day-old bourbon and a friggin lap dop, you'll be banished from Santa Monica. -
Review from kristin j.
Los Angeles, CA
8/5/2011
Terrible: Host, Service. Food I could have made at home.
Waiter got drink order wrong, food order incorrect, never brought condiments to table so food was cold when they did finally arrive.
Bathrooms had no toilet paper in women's.
Not worth paying for parking to eat here. -
Review from Jen E.
Los Angeles, CA
9/6/2009 1 photo
Being the only food option on this stretch of the beach, this "cafe" does what it's meant to...provide a quick respite from your day at the beach, be it for a meal, or snack break. It's got that (beach) shack-y chic vibe including outdoor seating in the sand with umbrellas and small chairs so what's not to love?
The food itself is mediocre, but then again you don't have high expectations for a place like this, whose customer's primary focus is convenience. I was gnawing at my chicken sandwich on ciabatta wishing it was flavored with something, anything (mayo? dressing?). Can't get much healthier than a simple grilled chicken topped with lettuce and tomato on wheat, but I'll take fries as my side, please! (And I have to admit, those were crispy and delicious.)
Breakfast is served until early afternoon. My boyfriend's Spanish omelette was fluffy and served with potatoes and a scone so it was filling, but not heavy.
P.S. The owner is adorable! -
Review from T S.
Pasadena, CA
10/19/2009
The food is decent (I enjoyed my salmon quite a bit) but may be considered a little pricey due to the causal setting. But it is right on the beach, which can't be beat. Unfortunately, alcoholic beverages can only be enjoyed indoor and not on the patio.
My son and I enjoyed our early dinner with sand between our toes and had a great time feeding the seagulls afterwards.
The bathroom is very clean and there are a couple foot rinses. It may be part of the Annenberg Community Beach House and appears to share the same parking lot, which costs $5 and is pretty easy. We will definitely go back there next time we feel like flying a kite, feeding the seagull or riding bikes on the beach. -
Review from W L.
Santa Monica, CA
5/22/2010 2 photos
Very cute restaurant located right at the back of the beach (exactly as the name implies) across the bike path from the ocean. The outdoor seating is right on the sand so be sure to wear your flip flops and just leave your shoes in the car. They have self-served metered parking lot (shared with Annanberg Community Beach House) at $4 an hour.
We ordered a blackened chicken breast sandwiches and a burger, both are around $10 each and comes with fries or salad. Considerably affordable with a stunning ocean view. We're seated in 15 min to the outdoor seating (was told the wait was 30 min) and the server was very attentive and nice.
That stretch of the beach is considered part of Palisade and relatively quiet compared to Santa Monica so kids are pretty save to play around. There's also a public play set with swings right next to the restaurant.
Note that the restaurant is in the west side of PCH (that section is called Palisade Beach Road), not the other side as indicated incorrectly on maps. -
Review from Megan P.
Los Angeles, CA
7/1/2011
I take everybody who comes to visit me to this place. The food is good quality, but the experience is what sets this place apart. You get to eat your meal with your feet in the sand on the beach!! I usually get the bagel with lox or the banana-nutella french toast.
On the weekends, you may have to wait for a bit, but as long as you get there early, parking is usually not a problem.
I will say that it would be nice if more of their outside tables had umbrellas, but if you ask for one, they will usually accommodate. -
Review from Natalie M.
Santa Monica, CA
9/17/2011
Back on the Beach is SOOOO much better after they underwent the renovation. The food is 10 times better too. It's not a fancy place, never was, never will be, but it's a perfect little cafe on the beach with great views, great breezes and great people watching. The food is GOOD. The scones they serve at breakfast are the REAL deal. Freshly baked and delicious. The service can be slow when they're busy, so plan accordingly. You're on the beach people, slow down and enjoy the view. I'm thrilled to enjoy Back on the Beach in all of it's new glory. Thank you from a satisfied resident.
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Review from erica s.
1/26/2011
loved this place!!! we went on a really nice weekday- so it was basically empty. the food was really good. not the best food ever, but between the scenery and everything else, it was great. we got the greek salad, which was huge, and a hamburger. both were really good.
the beach right there is pristine and it was only $6 to park all day, which was so easy and nice.
i would love to come back another time, but i am sure it is PACKED on the weekends if the weather is nice. -
Review from STACEY N.
Los Angeles, CA
5/6/2011
What a fun place, the atmosphere is really laid back and relaxed. this is the perfect place to have brunch on a sunny sunday. the only thing that kept me from 5 stars is that is takes forever to be seated and the food is not that amazing, I've tried many things off their menu and found them all just OK.
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Review from John S.
San Francisco, CA
8/6/2007
This was the perfect ending to an amazing weekend in Santa Monica. MA and I came here for brunch and were in a bit of a hurry b/c i had to be at the airport at 12:45 and it was 10:45 when we arrived. The wait to be seated on the patio was about 10 - 15 minutes. So we decided to eat inside. GOOD CHOICE. They have the restaurant setup so that a light breeze flows in the front and out the back. It is a pleasant feeling and really adds to the ambiance here. We shared a ham/cheese omelet and some Blueberry pancakes. Everything was delicious especially the breakfast scone that comes with your egg dishes. The service was fast and very friendly. We were able to enjoy this breakfast in under 45 minutes. Highly recommend for bringing friends and family from out of town.
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Review from Gloria L.
7/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
can't beat the ambiance... i love being able to sit outside, put my feet in the sand, enjoy the pacific ocean breeze, and enjoy the awesome sunny california weather (well, when the weather is good, that is!)... the servers always seem to get my order wrong... but they're friendly and will correct it! :D but seriously, i go for the ambiance more than the food!
