James’ Beach has been an iconic Venice Beach restaurant since it was opened in 1996 by Venice locals James Evans and Daniel Samakow. We’re located a ½ block from world famous Venice Beach.
The quintessential Venice, neighborhood restaurant and bar, James’ Beach immediately gained a reputation for great food, drinks, an award-winning wine list plus marvelous people watching. L.A. Times food critic, Irene Virbila wrote that the straightforward cuisine, friendly service, and beach ambiance made James’ Beach “as comfortable as a favorite sweater.”
NYE at James’ Beach and Canal Club. Venice, California. Photo by Venice Paparazzi
Chef Shari Lynne Robins (formerly Coffee Shop and Barney Greengrass in NYC) created a now classic menu of modern American Comfort food. An early supporter of locally sourced purveyors and farms, Shari’s menu gained critical awards and acclaim in numerous magazines and blogs including Gourmet Magazine, L.A. Magazine, Bon Appetit and others.
The indoor/outdoor space is all Venice. We partnered with Venice artist Billy Al Bengston to celebrate the Venice spirit in the restaurant’s design. At James’ Beach you’ll find his Gold’s Gym weighted steel window and brass trellis garden gate along with other art by renowned local artists including a fountain by Eric Orr, floating stone sculpture by Woods Davy and the now famous surf short lamps by Jimmy Ganzer. The walls feature Venice art next to comfy booths. Off the patio and its’ outdoor bar with a palm tree growing out of it, is an original 1900s California Bungalow that was LA Magazine’s “Best of LA” Party Space. Behind the bar is John Binder, voted LA Magazine “best bartender in Los Angeles”.
A famous Venice destination for 21 years, James’ Beach has been featured in numerous films, television shows like “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and videos like “The Women of LA”. Most famous may be being featured for having the world’s best fish tacos in the film, “I Love You, Man”.
While the food, tacos, and patio brunch are all famous, the authentic Venice vibe is what makes James’ Beach truly special. This vibe is celebrated at night in a vibrant bar scene, especially on weekends which recently received Open Table’s award for Most Vibrant Bar Scene.
We look forward to having you join us here, at the beach in Venice; James’ Beach
JAMES’ BEACH. Cocktails and Dining “Beach Style” 60 N. Venice Blvd., Venice, CA (310) 823-5396 JamesBeach.com
