Skip to Content
Chez Jay Sign

1657 Ocean Avenue ~ Santa Monica ~ taco map 

Chez Jay has been doing it right in Santa Monica since 1959. The coldest beer in town, free peanuts, friendly (but not chatty) bartenders, and just enough Pacific air through the porthole so you know just where you are. This is a place to make temporary best friends, especially if you're around on a weeknight after the dinner rush and before last call. Like all great watering holes, the lights aren't too bright, the music isn't too loud, and conversation between strangers flows like the Sierra Nevada on tap. Make friends with the bartender, which isn't too hard (tip well and often), and settle in with strong drinks or ice-cold brew. Don't leave your peanut shells on the bar if you want to keep your seat, and if your group is a little large, take over the table in the back once dinner is over.

Ship Wheel
Dirty Sue
Boys Night Out
Portholes
Aye!
Chez Jay's Anniversary
Ships
Chez Jay Bar
Clam Shell
Chez Jay Ext.
Chez Jay Commendations
Portholes
Chez Jay Ext.


Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

Announcing the L.A. TACO Media Lab: For the Future of Local Journalism In Los Angeles

To start, we’re teaming up with the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism to help provide education and training expertise to a new generation of journalists. The school has developed a new course, “Bridging the Gap Between L.A. Influencers and Independent Journalists,” which will provide time and space for USC students to contribute to the L.A. TACO Media Lab. 

From Highland Park to High-End Steakhouse: How a Linebacker From Franklin High Became the Master of Mastro’s

L.A.-born Walter Mayen worked his way up in the kitchen, from shucking oysters to running one of the most legendary steakhouses in the country. And even has the scar to prove it.

April 24, 2025

The Eight Best Latino-Owned Coffee Pop-Ups Serving Labubu, Gansito, and Duvalín Lattes From Their Front Yards

Beyond the specifics behind the perfect pour, a high-quality bean, and a great aroma, coffee is about community, the people who serve it, and the people we share it with.

April 24, 2025

Wes Avila’s Game-Changing Sweet Potato Taco Is Back In Flauta Form (And Better Than Ever)

Thirteen years after Wes Avila first turned the classic taco de papa on its head by using in-season, local sweet potatoes, he continues to evolve his iconic, accidentally vegetarian taco. Avila’s sweet potato taco has been copied by many in L.A. and beyond. It’s also one of the best-sellers at his taquería in Kyoto, PioPiko, proving that this taco is also effectively also huge in Japan.

April 23, 2025

Meet the ‘Final Four’ Taquerías In the Semi-Finals! Just Ten Days Left For Our Live Event

Did your favorite spot make it to the Sabr-Ocho? The competition is getting fierce.

April 23, 2025
See all posts