Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe

1665 Reviews (4.4 Rating)
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The business details and user reviews shown for Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe are based on information sourced from Google Maps. This place has a total of 1665 reviews on Google, but for performance and readability we display up to the 15 most recent reviews on our website.
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This listing for Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe was first added to our directory on December 16, 2025 based on the information available at that time. It is currently listed as a Bar & grill in Santa Monica, US.

15 Reviews for Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe

Homero Guevara

a year ago

Great local hangout with good food and drinks at a reasonable price. You get more for your dollar if you eat here then at the peer. Service was not the greatest. I had to wait a while before my order was placed. Lots of space in the back patio. The place is bigger than it looks.

Lacey Flynn

3 weeks ago

Local gem that you get exactly what you should expect. Location is the true highlight as you can sit in the front and watch the pier. Better than you’d expect drink selection with standard bar food that is actually good. It’s our weekend …

Marta Strause-Tabarés

6 months ago

Service is fast, I didn't appreciate that they offered multiple times the chips and salsa for appetizers when I said "No thanks" already on the first time.
Also the Shrimp Fajitas are actually just tacos and they charge you an extra $1,50 for the salsa, which is always included in any other restaurant.

אופיר גפן

5 months ago

Absolutely loved this place! The food was delicious and fresh — every dish was full of flavor and beautifully presented. The beer selection was excellent, with both local and international options served ice cold. The service was …

Cassie Smith

7 months ago

One of my vacation hobbies is going to the oldest bar in a city and Big Deans is supposed to be the oldest bar in LA. It is truly a beachside bar with open, outdoor seating, a lawn patio and surrounded by concrete. There are a ton of TVs so …

Kenan Powell

9 months ago

The down side to our visit was that we sat at a table for about 10 minutes before we were treated by an employee. After that the service was fantastic. Helpful with food and drink suggestions. The food was amazing! Next time we are in the area we will definitely visit again.

Crystal Romero

5 months ago

Very cool place for people watching! Food was really good, boys had the Dean Burger and loved it, mahi mahi tacos were good as well. The fries were yummy. Staff were great and friendly. Definitely would come back

Kyle Schlafer

4 months ago

A fun place with very reasonably priced food and drinks. You can't see the ocean for most of the seating but the patios are really nice. Service was very fast. Sides are not included with burgers but the fries are definitely large enough …

Stella Han

5 months ago

If you’re visiting the Santa Monica Pier and want a beach view, local vibe, cheap beer, and classic bar food — this is the spot. I biked over and loved that it’s right at the end of the bike path with easy bike parking. …

Wade Brinton

a year ago

Just get the special. The staff was delightful and happy to serve. The views around the patio are spectacular and perfect for people watching. The food was also tasty, and you wont regret getting the special; especially if it is the fish …

Itz Hollywoood

4 months ago

This establishment transcends the typical beach bar; it's an immersive experience, a cornerstone of the community, and a hidden gem that quietly impresses. The staff are exceptionally welcoming and remarkably efficient, creating an inviting …

orit shamai nirenberg

2 months ago

We arrived around noon and ordered several dishes: a beach salad that was beautifully presented,tacos, fish and fries and chips with salsa along with some drinks. The food was nice, the atmosphere was totally fine, and the prices were reasonable.

Kelsey Aho

6 months ago

The food was genuinely delicious — fresh ingredients and great flavor. I especially enjoyed the chicken sandwich and the bloody mary’s were fantastic! …

Joris De Saedeleer

3 months ago

Nice bar. Genuine, original and relaxing. Good music. Good coffee. I didn’t dine in but the food smells and looks good. Definitely worth a visit.

Zabrina Gitana

6 months ago

High vibin', fun place for brews and food before or after or during beach or pier. It's an institution and evidence of that decorates the walls. The staff is great and willame you feel welcome. …