Rita’s guidebook
Our favorite's @ Washington Square
While you likely have done your own research on the area and things to do, see, etc., I wanted to share some of our recommendations.
Enjoy your time in Venice!
Excellent coffee shop since 1988.
Chat with locals, while enjoying your breakfast. Comfy hangout with espresso, smoothies, all-day breakfast, wraps & salads, plus a sidewalk patio.
"-Its not just the Cow Coffee, it's the experience!"
220 locals recommend
The Cow's End Cafe
34 Washington BlvdExcellent coffee shop since 1988.
Chat with locals, while enjoying your breakfast. Comfy hangout with espresso, smoothies, all-day breakfast, wraps & salads, plus a sidewalk patio.
"-Its not just the Cow Coffee, it's the experience!"
Sit in a nice chair, talk on your phone, look out the window, surf the web... oh, and drink coffee too. Or, just grab your favorite drink and enjoy your breakfast in our relaxing bohemian patio!
573 locals recommend
Starbucks
12100 Santa Monica BlvdSit in a nice chair, talk on your phone, look out the window, surf the web... oh, and drink coffee too. Or, just grab your favorite drink and enjoy your breakfast in our relaxing bohemian patio!
A local institution known for its hospitality, The Venice Whaler has been welcoming locals and visitors since 1944. Whether you need an escape from reality or just crave an impromptu celebration, The Venice Whaler is an infamous purveyor of magical sunsets, killer margaritas and world-famous fish tacos.
More bar-y. A fabulous upstairs bar and seating area great for watching the sunsets.
282 locals recommend
VENICE WHALER BAR & GRILL
10 Washington BoulevardA local institution known for its hospitality, The Venice Whaler has been welcoming locals and visitors since 1944. Whether you need an escape from reality or just crave an impromptu celebration, The Venice Whaler is an infamous purveyor of magical sunsets, killer margaritas and world-famous fish tacos.
More bar-y. A fabulous upstairs bar and seating area great for watching the sunsets.
For over 40 years Baja Cantina has been serving great Mexican food and drinks in Marina Del Rey
Baja Cantina opened its doors in September 1975 in a building that was built in the 1940's as apartments to house the men working on the oil wells in the area. The building was used as residences until the early 1960's when it gradually became home to several little businesses
They have a BBQ special on Mondays.
Happy Hours - Monday-Friday
128 locals recommend
Baja Cantina
311 Washington BlvdFor over 40 years Baja Cantina has been serving great Mexican food and drinks in Marina Del Rey
Baja Cantina opened its doors in September 1975 in a building that was built in the 1940's as apartments to house the men working on the oil wells in the area. The building was used as residences until the early 1960's when it gradually became home to several little businesses
They have a BBQ special on Mondays.
Happy Hours - Monday-Friday
Feast on a menu of indulgent selections, just steps from the sea at Casa Ado’s new brunch. The classic Italian trattoria, known for it’s homemade pastas and stunning views, offers signature dishes like prosciutto with eggs and asparagus; grilled baby calamari served on a bed of lightly spiced green chard; grilled ciabatta with chicken breast, avocado, tomato and melted brie; and more including traditional fare like steak and eggs, and eggs Benedict.
40 locals recommend
Casa Ado
12 Washington BlvdFeast on a menu of indulgent selections, just steps from the sea at Casa Ado’s new brunch. The classic Italian trattoria, known for it’s homemade pastas and stunning views, offers signature dishes like prosciutto with eggs and asparagus; grilled baby calamari served on a bed of lightly spiced green chard; grilled ciabatta with chicken breast, avocado, tomato and melted brie; and more including traditional fare like steak and eggs, and eggs Benedict.
They have been serving world-famous burgers and cold beers just steps from the Venice Beach pier since 1962. Notorious for being Jim Morrison’s favorite Venice hangout.
Hinano is that rare local bar for people from all over the world. It’s also a cool place to duck into out of the sun…and then stay till the wee hours. Good selection of beer on tap served in frosty mugs and pitchers or in icy bottles.
Three pool tables, free popcorn, a great jukebox and full college and NFL cable sports package (and plenty of screens) make Hinano Cafe a good time just waiting to happen.
318 locals recommend
Hinano Cafe
15 Washington BlvdThey have been serving world-famous burgers and cold beers just steps from the Venice Beach pier since 1962. Notorious for being Jim Morrison’s favorite Venice hangout.
Hinano is that rare local bar for people from all over the world. It’s also a cool place to duck into out of the sun…and then stay till the wee hours. Good selection of beer on tap served in frosty mugs and pitchers or in icy bottles.
Three pool tables, free popcorn, a great jukebox and full college and NFL cable sports package (and plenty of screens) make Hinano Cafe a good time just waiting to happen.
The C&O Trattoria was opened in 1992 by the Singer Family “8 doors down” from the famous Venice Pier. Today it is a Venice Beach Landmark frequented by locals and tourists from around the world. The C&O family has created a fun, casual, friendly and festive environment for gathering together and feeling at home.
With unforgettable Italian Cuisine, gargantuan portions and affordable prices, in a unique and festive setting; C&O is a favorite place for lunch and dinner seven days a week. On weekends C&O serves hearty breakfasts on the beautiful outdoor heated patio.
The ‘Killer Garlic Rolls‘, nightly sing-a-long, Honor Wine Bars make the C&O one of the most talked about restaurants in Los Angeles.
181 locals recommend
C&O Trattoria
3016 Washington BoulevardThe C&O Trattoria was opened in 1992 by the Singer Family “8 doors down” from the famous Venice Pier. Today it is a Venice Beach Landmark frequented by locals and tourists from around the world. The C&O family has created a fun, casual, friendly and festive environment for gathering together and feeling at home.
With unforgettable Italian Cuisine, gargantuan portions and affordable prices, in a unique and festive setting; C&O is a favorite place for lunch and dinner seven days a week. On weekends C&O serves hearty breakfasts on the beautiful outdoor heated patio.
The ‘Killer Garlic Rolls‘, nightly sing-a-long, Honor Wine Bars make the C&O one of the most talked about restaurants in Los Angeles.
Mercedes Story
It’s a story not unlike the film Working Girl. She worked as a waitress at many local spots for sixteen years gaining so much restaurant knowledge that she eventually became the self-made successful business owner she is today, exemplified by the longevity of Mercedes Bar & Grille. Mercedes always likes to give credit for her success to her family, including to her mother for her financial support.
For over 20 years Mercedes Bar & Grille, where she is also Executive Chef, serves nuveau latin cuisine with nine different ways to prepare latin food — a mash-up of Brazilian, Caribbean, Cuban, Latin American, Jamaican, Mexican, Portuguese, and Spanish influenced dishes.
Mercedes is “fusing Latin fare and flavors together” served in a hip, cool environment. The Grille offers an almost always busy, bustling atmosphere with upbeat lively sounds emanating throughout the restaurant.
79 locals recommend
Mercede's Grille
14 W Washington BlvdMercedes Story
It’s a story not unlike the film Working Girl. She worked as a waitress at many local spots for sixteen years gaining so much restaurant knowledge that she eventually became the self-made successful business owner she is today, exemplified by the longevity of Mercedes Bar & Grille. Mercedes always likes to give credit for her success to her family, including to her mother for her financial support.
For over 20 years Mercedes Bar & Grille, where she is also Executive Chef, serves nuveau latin cuisine with nine different ways to prepare latin food — a mash-up of Brazilian, Caribbean, Cuban, Latin American, Jamaican, Mexican, Portuguese, and Spanish influenced dishes.
Mercedes is “fusing Latin fare and flavors together” served in a hip, cool environment. The Grille offers an almost always busy, bustling atmosphere with upbeat lively sounds emanating throughout the restaurant.
Grocery Stores
• For a more-than-a-corner store type of option that is walking distance, go to Alan’s on the corner of Washington and Via Dolce. They have a good wine selection, a deli, and other essentials.
50 locals recommend
Alan's Market
339 Washington Blvd• For a more-than-a-corner store type of option that is walking distance, go to Alan’s on the corner of Washington and Via Dolce. They have a good wine selection, a deli, and other essentials.
Bay Market
22 Washington BlvdCorner beach tourist market.
As the name suggests. Little beach front liquor store with good selection.
33 locals recommend
Nick's Liquor Store
11 Washington BlvdAs the name suggests. Little beach front liquor store with good selection.
• If you want to drive and stock up somewhere with a bigger selection, there’s a Ralph’s on Mindanao Way in between Admiralty and Lincoln. It’s part of a mini strip mall WaterSide, so several other shops—juice places, etc—in the same location.
503 locals recommend
Ralphs
1644 Cloverfield Blvd• If you want to drive and stock up somewhere with a bigger selection, there’s a Ralph’s on Mindanao Way in between Admiralty and Lincoln. It’s part of a mini strip mall WaterSide, so several other shops—juice places, etc—in the same location.