It’s a Hollywood storyline we’ve seen a thousand times. An unknown makes it big, only to have it all taken away. And then, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, rebuilds- reaching even greater heights. The story has all the makings of a big budget Spielberg production. Except it’s not. It’s not a movie at all- it’s a restaurant. But The Lobster on Ocean Blvd in Santa Monica plays the lead role very well, nonetheless.
In 1925,
The Lobster opened to rave reviews from locals and tourists alike. The concept was simple: Classic American seafood in a casual, beach setting. There was even a hometown hero to root for. Mateo Castillo, a dishwasher at the restaurant since shortly after its opening, worked his way up throughout the years. In 1950, he bought the place, and business flourished. In the mid 80’s, however, the restaurant closed down. There it sat, an aging diva, robbed of her glory. Until, a decade later, when Warren Roberts and Mike Nathan stepped in to give it a much needed Hollywood makeover. In the summer of 1999, The Lobster reopened its doors and a star was, once again, born.
Today, The Lobster stands as an unofficial historical landmark- almost synonymous with the Santa Monica Pier that it’s nestled against. It’s little wonder the place remains so popular. The floor to ceiling windows overlooking Santa Monica beach give the entire dining room breathtaking ambiance. Dine outside on the terrace, and you’re treated not only to the water out front, but also the pier lights twinkling just below. Or, sidle up to the bar for an innovative cocktail in a lively atmosphere. Here, bartenders mix up treats, like Portuguese Lemonade and Cantaloupe Martinis, whose colors rival those of the setting sun outside.
The bartenders are not the only ones helping you have fun on a visit to The Lobster. The wait staff, hosts… even the managers all seem to be having a wonderful time. That attitude carries over into impeccable service, and a great meal.
The real star of The Lobster is, undoubtedly, the food itself. Seafood doesn’t get any fresher. Crab, shrimp, fish and of course lobster are cooked to tender perfection and served in generous portions. Come hungry, as you do not want to miss out on sampling some appetizers before dinner. Items like the sweet corn pancakes topped with lobster salad are cleverly presented and completely delicious. Headlining the appetizer menu are the seafood cocktails. Three distinctly different, but equally delicious creations. The lobster cocktail is sweet steamed lobster, served with a delicate lemon tarragon aioli. The shrimp cocktail features jumbo wild Mexican shrimp in a traditional cocktail sauce. And the crab “Louis” cocktail has large chunks of perfectly cooked crab, paired with traditional crab Louis accompaniments.
Splitting the appetizers is probably a good idea, since the dinner entrees are feast sized. Though fresh Maine lobster is the highlight of the menu, other choices shine just as brightly. Pan roasted Alaskan halibut is outstanding when paired with a cognac lobster sauce. The crab cakes are another no-fail entrée. From the beginning of October through May, California spiny lobster is in season, and The Lobster is one of the few places you can sample this rare treat.
Looking to beat the crowds? A sure bet is to go for lunch. The dining room is less chaotic, and the entire place takes on a more relaxed feel. Another plus to an afternoon visit is the extensive lunch menu. In addition to many of the same items offered for dinner, lunchtime fare includes some fantastic salads and outrageously good sandwiches. Try the lobster stuffed avocado salad served on baby romaine. Or forgo the seafood altogether with a skirt steak salad. Six ounces of perfectly grilled skirt steak combined with ingredients that include soba noodles, mango chunks, peanuts, Asian greens, and cherry tomatoes. All topped with a spicy sesame vinaigrette. Prefer fowl to red meat? Then go with the grilled chicken salad sandwich. It’s made with apple wood smoked bacon, and served with the best crispy fries you’ve ever had. (They are hands down the best side on the lunch menu) For a more exotic noontime meal, you might want to try the yellow fin tuna salad. If you’ve still got room for dessert, the key lime chiffon pie comes highly recommended.
Through its many incarnations, The Lobster has remained, at its heart, a boxy white seafood shack with killer food and amazing views. Its fun, friendly atmosphere makes it a friendly place for a wonderful meal. It’s loved by locals, and manages to be visitor friendly without seeming like a tourist trap; just what it set out to be in 1925. Man, I love happy endings.
Tagline: Almost synonymous with the Santa Monica pier is The Lobster, a bustling, noisy seafood joint that’s been a favorite with locals since first opening its doors in the 20’s.
The Lobster
1602 Ocean Ave.
Santa Monica, Ca 90401
Phone: 310-458-9294
Hours: Sunday thu Thursday 11:30am-10pm. Friday and Saturday open until 11pm
Reservations: Recommended for dinner
Good for groups: Yes
Good for kids: No children’s menu, but kids are welcome as long as you’re not sitting by the bar
Parking: Street or Valet
Cuisine: Classic American Seafood
Price: $$
Pros: Excellent service, wonderful, fresh food, amazing views, great drinks
Cons: Can be a long wait for dinner without reservations. Can get loud
in California
