Before the Date…
Flashback: End of July, 1959. Rumblings of a new bar that opened up in Santa Monica and it’s insane opening party start to make their way to your consciounsenss. Apparently there were celebs, showgirls, and an elephant drinking cocktails! There’s only one way to find out if the elephant was really in the room, to chase the clues through the city.
So prepare your artsy friends are a journey seeking out the elephants of Santa Monica.
St0p #1: 6pm
Lounge Cocktails & Bites
at a new type of hangout
What to Know
Absolutely get a reservation. Make sure to request the room on the sunset side. For parties of 8+ they will not seat you in the room with the sunset because they don’t have the big tables.
Request the South end of the sunset room. The sun beats down on the North end, you will be much happier in the “shade”.
Owner Nicholas Mathers is also a designer and it shows with the furniture being pieces he designed or hand picked from North Africa and Southern Italy.
Cocktail standouts: The Elephante (w/ mezcal or tequila) and the Oro Blanco Oaxacan.
St0p #2: 7:15pm
Catch An Indie Flick
at a classic local theater group
What to Know
As Laemmle is considered the “secret path to Oscar qualifying” the theater has many excellent rotating independent films and docs with Q&A’s afterwards. Their schedule is full of gems.
The concessions are a killer deal with wine and beer from $7-$10 and a bucket of popcorn running only $6.25.
Laemmle Theaters have an interesting history. Starting in 1938 by brothers Max and Robert they bought their first theater in Highland Park in 1938.
We caught: “Las Sandinistas!” an award winning doc. from Jenny Murray following the women who battled in Nicaragua from the early 70’s until now. In March 2019, the women are still facing jail sentences and fighting for equal rights. It’s an incredible story that hasn’t been told.
St0p #3: after the film
Classic Cocktail Lounge
to drink and discuss like actors of old
What to Know
If more than 2 people a reservation is highly recommended. The spots to be are left of the door under the famous elephant eating peanuts photo or to the right under the awning. If you have a group of 10+ you can reserve the patio outside.
Speaking of the elephant photo. This was a photo from the opening day 4th of July weekend in 1959. The owner hired show girls and a circus elephant. Apparently one of the show girls tried to feed the elephant a drink and it angrily dented the bar in refusal. It’s said til this day you can still see the dent.
The kitchen stays open til about 9:45pm before transitioning to a late night menu. The patty melt is the classic bite to eat, only available on weekends. The peanuts are always flowing.
Opened in 1959 this was indeed made a Santa Monica Historical Landmark in 2012. It was bought by owner Jay Fiondella for $1, thats not a joke.
They’ve been serving peanuts since day one and apparently one made it to the moon with Alan Shepard, photo evidence on the way to the bathroom.
Alternative: Don’t feel like walking? Head to Misfit a block away instead.