James’ Beach  is a Venice Beach  institution.  An iconic restaurant and bar now celebrating 24 years, a ½ block from world famous Venice Beach and the Pacific ocean.  James’ Beach has over the years earned a loyal following of lovers of American Comfort food,  great drinks, an award winning wine list plus marvelous people watching.  Los Angeles Times food critic, Irene Virbila reviewed that the straightforward cuisine, friendly service, and beach ambiance made James’ Beach “as comfortable as a favorite sweater.”   Read more about James’ Beach!

So who is James?  James Evans is the namesake and one of the two co-owners of this beach side hangout. He moved from San Francisco to Venice in 1975. James worked at some of the iconic early Venice eateries, starting at the famous Robert’s restaurant and later becoming the General Manager of Tony Bill, Dudley Moore and Liza Minnelli’s famous 72 Market Street.

In 1982 James met artist and business person, Daniel Samakow. The pair hit it off and together, 24 years later, in 1996, and opened the big brass gates of James’ Beach for the first time.