Some may refer to Big Dean’s Oceanfront Cafe as a dive bar, but that's always with the utmost affection. This cool and slightly offbeat beach bar is the epitome of beachside living. With a spacious outdoor patio always filled with animated groups drinking pitchers of beer and a "more is more" type of attitude when it comes to their interior decorating, Big Dean's is that relaxed beach bar you always dreamed of.
If there's one thing every beach needs, it's a go to bar for beers, snacks and a little shelter from the sun in a cool and stress-free atmosphere. Thankfully, Santa Monica has Big Dean's Oceanfront Cafe. This place is a classic compilation of every beach bar you've ever seen on television or the movies. Big Dean's is just as sandy and somehow perfectly tranquil yet boisterous as you would expect from an archetypal beach bar. While most beach bars go too far in their attempt to seem "beachy,” Big Dean's pulls off the carefree and breezy vibe without straining itself. Big Dean's doesn't have to try to be anything, it simply is what it is: a traditional no-frills beach bar with a little local charm and a dash of neighborhood quirkiness. Their indoor area is filled with oddball items enjoyably mismatched and strewn about among neon beer signs. Their outdoor patio is unendingly crowded with friends and groups. The patio, a huge draw because of it's immediacy to the SoCal sunshine and the proximity to amazing characters that parade their way through the Santa Monica boardwalk. It is unfailingly filled with people sipping on cold brews and laughing. What really puts this place over the edge, though, is its beer garden in the back. While most beach bars are limited by only one outdoor area, Big Dean's has two which means they are usually able to accommodate your whole crew (even if you do have to stand with your beer). Totally fun, even after the sun drops, Big Dean's is a great spot to relax and enjoy all that Santa Monica has to offer.