Alex of Venice Paparazzi here!  James Beach is kind of like a super cool chameleon!  If you go at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, you might see extended family gatherings snacking on french toast, or pre wedding bridal showers sipping mimosas. Come at 1:00 p.m. during the week and don’t be surprised to sit next to local politicians power lunching on mahi-mahi  tacos. During most evenings,  a jubilant local crowd mixes and mingles over drinks and dinner, exchanging the news and stories of the week.   A few hours, especially on the weekends, and the place shape shifts into a standing room only sea of  beautiful people and carefree revelers, dancing the night away. It is a one a kind spot with something for everyone, and it is no wonder that it is Venice’s favorite!

James’ Beach owners James Evan and Daniel Samakow say, “Going out should feel like you’re going on vacation,” where you can be happy and relax.”  And I would say they hit the mark!

ABOUT JAMES’ BEACH:   James’ Beach opened in September of 1996, a ½ block from world famous Venice Beach and the Pacific ocean, taking over the location of the West Beach Café. James’ Beach immediately gained a reputation for great food, drinks and wine plus marvelous people watching. Los Angeles Times food critic, Irene Virbila reviewed that the straight forward cuisine, friendly service and beach ambience made James’ Beach “as comfortable as a favorite sweater.”

That welcoming vibe, value and quality has made James’ Beach a favorite Venice neighborhood restaurant. Visitors come to Venice to be part of the artistic, eclectic scene and there is no better place to have a drink and people watch than at James’ Beach.

This may be one of the reasons that James’ Beach recently was awarded Open Table’s award for Most Vibrant Bar Scene. James’ Beach has been featured in feature films, television shows, and viral online videos like I Love You, Man,Californication, Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Women of L.A. as a Venice institution.

THE FOOD:  We cook things that make all of us happy, like a warm roasted butternut squash and apple salad; Certified Angus Beef New York Steak; tasty sandwiches; just caught mahi mahi fish tacos; divine mac ‘n’ cheese; rotisserie chicken and warm chocolate chip cookies or something altogether surprising and new. Check out the menus.

The inspiration for the food at James’ Beach began with our own family’s home cooked meals and the neighborhood restaurants and bars we grew up with. Our executive chef worked in Pittsburgh and New York, and understood the idea that neighborhood restaurants and comfort food binds a community together. We took these traditional comfort food items and re-made them the best and healthiest they could be. We called it Modern American Comfort Food.

Our food has achieved raves and awards in publications and blogs. The mahi mahi tacos were so good they were featured in the DreamWorks Pictures film I Love You, Man as the “best in the world.”

DRINKS:  The list is long and the night is young. James’ Beach is a bar with a classic slant. Martinis come with sidecars to hold the extra and keep it cold.
Specialties of the bar include cocktails like Mojitos (LA.com says we probably introduced them to L.A.), Margaritas and you name it, made with great mixers, only fresh juices (no soda guns!) and premium spirits. We feature a Wine Spectator Award Winning wine list covering all territories and price ranges including a reserve list, and a nice stock of craft and draft beers too. If you’re bringing your own, corkage is $15, please. Check out the drinks menu.

PETS WELCOME ON THE PATIO!

HOURS:
Lunch is served Wednesday thru Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Brunch is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends
Our In Between menu is offered 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday thru Sunday.
Dinner is from 6 to 10:30 p.m. nightly
A Late Night menu is offered Thursday to Saturday from 10:30 p.m. til 1 a.m./