Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe

Just south of the Santa Monica Pier on the boardwalk, this bar and grill traces to 1902 as Loring's Lunchroom before taking the Big Dean's name in the 1970s. Thirty-five TVs cover the walls for sports, and an outdoor patio opens onto the boardwalk itself. The menu runs to burgers, wings, and hot dogs off a full bar of beer and wine. Reservations are only taken for parties of 20 or more, and not at all on Saturdays.