Before the Date…
Every once and a while the crew needs to get together and hit the town like a group of pirates finding a new island of adventure. Good thing we have a Santa Monica full of everything you need to pilage a night on the town. From rooftop sunsets at “ancient” hotels to a back alley showcase you’ll wake up with a full bounty.
So grab your core crew and get yourselves to the coast. It’s a big night out for the boys (and girls of course).
St0p #1: 8 pm
SUN DOWN
with a cocktail in hand
What to Know
The Shangri-La Hotel was built in 1939. As it turns out the Onyx Rooftop Bar is actually the original penthouse of the hotel. Just imagine you’re Fred Astaire enjoying an evening cocktail.
Speaking of cocktails they all are $18 and range from nitrogen infused bubbling cauldrons to fruity concoctions. If you’re more cost conscientious they have a happy hour Monday-Friday from 4-6pm with $6 beers, $9 wines and cocktails.
It can get windy/cold on the roof so make sure your crew is prepared. If anything there is an outdoor “indoor” space on the patio which blocks the wind. So theres really no need to stay inside.
St0p #2: 9 pm
DRINK UP
with a plate full of nik niks
What to Know
Continuing with the Art Deco theme this bar is housed on the first floor of the Clock Tower Building. Built in 1929 it is the tallest skyscraper in Santa Monica, strangely enough, with only 12 floors.
The cocktails here are the main event, focus your attention on a Goodnight Emilee or the bar favorite a Jumping Jack Flash.
They do not take reservations however they are on the Yelp Waitlist program. When you’re leaving stop 1, head into the Yelp app to see if they have a wait. If they do, put your name down. By the time you arrive your table should be ready.
Happy Hour, this one is legit and one of the “best in the city” is til 7pm every day. It’s $5 off cocktails (around $9 each), $7 beers, $7 wines, and $8 pours on booze.
St0p #3: 11 pm
LAUGH IT OFF
at a classic back alley comedy den
What to Know
The theater was bought by the original members of the touring group Mission Improvable on Fools Day 2009 turning it into its current incarnation. Unlike other comedy venues they sport a no drink minimum rule.
On our date we caught the incredibly outrageous male review improve “Thunderbulge”. This is not the only show this theater sports, they have a live dating comedy show where they poke through peoples phones called Password Protected, a weekly standup night called Unnecessary Evil and their original show Mission Improvable.
A plethora of big names pop in from time to time to do a show like Dave Chappelle, Zack Galifianakis, and most recently Howie Mandell