Chez Jay

Chez Jay Chez Jay on Ocean Avenue has been serving locals, celebrities, and visitors since 1959. The Backyard is where all good peep meet to eat and drink.
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This historical landmark has been known as a celebrity hangout, classy joint, dive bar, and hidden gem. Legendary Chez Jay, est. 1959, is a Santa Monica Historical Landmark known for its great food, generous drinks, and comfortable atmosphere. The Hollywood Rat Pack's presence started the lore, and it continues today with locals, tourists, celebrities and politicians mingling to enjoy the best hid

eaway tavern in town. With peanut shells on the floor and its famous jukebox playing all night, Chez Jay is a place to soak up stories, enjoy a gourmet meal, and simply have a great time. Stop in and become part of the legend!

Free elephants. Bring your peanuts. Deep sea lovers. An original Chez Jay business card.

photo credit thanks to: Anita ...
05/26/2026

Free elephants. Bring your peanuts. Deep sea lovers. 

An original Chez Jay business card.

photo credit thanks to: Anita Fiondella & Fiondella Trust 


Mike’s Linguini & Clams: a fan favorite! Should we put it back on the menu?! 

05/22/2026

Mike’s Linguini & Clams: a fan favorite! 

Should we put it back on the menu?! 


Ocean Ave, by night. 
05/20/2026

Ocean Ave, by night. 

Does it get much better than a Patty Melt served on Rye? 

04/24/2026

Does it get much better than a Patty Melt served on Rye? 


A man walks into a bar… 
photo credit thanks to: Anita Fiondella & Fiondella Trust 

04/22/2026

A man walks into a bar… 

photo credit thanks to: Anita Fiondella & Fiondella Trust 


👀🍸
04/17/2026

👀🍸

Cheeseburger on the lunch menu. ½ lb Angus beef, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle and Chef’s homemade sauce on a ...
04/15/2026

Cheeseburger on the lunch menu. ½ lb Angus beef, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle and Chef’s homemade sauce on a toasted brioche bun. Don’t forget to add bacon. And we’ve already got you on the fries! 

Cheers! Tag your favorite person to sit at the bar with 🥃🥃
04/10/2026

Cheers! Tag your favorite person to sit at the bar with 🥃🥃

We like things…balanced.    📷:
04/06/2026

We like things…balanced. 

  

📷:

Take a seat next to storied history and perhaps even some rumors… 
04/04/2026

Take a seat next to storied history and perhaps even some rumors… 

Always a thumbs up when Mike + Memo are in the house! 👍👍
04/03/2026

Always a thumbs up when Mike + Memo are in the house! 👍👍

All the ❤️❤️❤️ for this Chez Jay drawing!
03/30/2026

All the ❤️❤️❤️ for this Chez Jay drawing!

Your seat awaits. 7 days a week. 
03/26/2026

Your seat awaits. 7 days a week. 

A little nod to our history! This is the Dawn Cafe + Dawn Motel - the original businesses in the building before Jay pur...
03/24/2026

A little nod to our history! This is the Dawn Cafe + Dawn Motel - the original businesses in the building before Jay purchased in 1959 to then create Chez Jay. Anything look familiar? See our story for more info.

photo credit thanks to: Anita Fiondella & Fiondella Trust

Monday blues, but in reverse…

Only smiles and sunshine around here when we think back to our 66th Anniversary bash in T...
03/24/2026

Monday blues, but in reverse…

Only smiles and sunshine around here when we think back to our 66th Anniversary bash in The Backyard this past summer. ☀️🎉

The more things change, the more they stay the same… 
03/20/2026

The more things change, the more they stay the same… 

Full house. 

03/17/2026

Full house. 


Jay. Always the captain, conductor, pilot and host with the most. 
photo credit thanks to: Anita Fiondella & Fiondella T...
03/13/2026

Jay. Always the captain, conductor, pilot and host with the most. 

photo credit thanks to: Anita Fiondella & Fiondella Trust 


The ☀️ is always shining when a cheesy quesadilla hits the table…even indoors!  
03/09/2026

The ☀️ is always shining when a cheesy quesadilla hits the table…even indoors!  

If these walls could talk…or sing!  rumorhasit
03/07/2026

If these walls could talk…or sing! 

rumorhasit

Your new winter into spring wardrobe awaits…Ask us about our new merch next time you pop into the restaurant! 
03/02/2026

Your new winter into spring wardrobe awaits…

Ask us about our new merch next time you pop into the restaurant! 

Jay’s preferred ride…    photo credit thanks to: Anita Fiondella & Fiondella Trust
03/01/2026

Jay’s preferred ride… 

  

photo credit thanks to: Anita Fiondella & Fiondella Trust

We so appreciate a great multitasker!! 🏆🍸Photo credit:  
02/25/2026

We so appreciate a great multitasker!! 🏆🍸
Photo credit:  

Can you guess what year? photo credit thanks to: Anita Fiondella & Fiondella Trust 
02/22/2026

Can you guess what year? 

photo credit thanks to: Anita Fiondella & Fiondella Trust 

Address

1657 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, CA
90401

Opening Hours

Monday 5:30pm - 12am
Tuesday 2pm - 12am
Wednesday 2pm - 12am
Thursday 2pm - 12am
Friday 2pm - 2am
Saturday 10am - 2am
Sunday 10am - 12am

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