MOST LOVED
OUTDOOR DINING SPOT Back On The Beach
2020
WINNER
BACK ON THE BEACH 445 Pacific Coast Hwy.
The darkhouse of the Most Loved competition, outdoor dining has risen to unprecedented preeminence in recent months and luckily Santa Monicans have multiple excellent al fresco venues to choose from. Fred is the co-owner of Back on the Beach Cafe, a cafe right on the beach with ocean views. Fred describes his business as “a beachfront casual family oriented restaurant.” He says that being on the beach, people are often surprised that the food is actually good. But the restaurant prides itself on the quality and taste of their
food, serving organic whenever possible and grass fed beef. Back on the Beach has been celebrated by the City of Santa Monica in their sustainable quality awards. Fred says that the cafe has adapted to the unique challenges of 2020 by following all of the protocols set by the City and the CDC. All of their tables are outside and more than 6 feet apart. Guests are required to wear a mask at all times when moving about the restaurant and can only remove their masks when eating. He cites the businesses biggest strength in the coming months as their outside seating
310-393-8282
area, and is incredibly grateful to have that space to safely serve customers. He says that a lot of customers have said that Back on the Beach is the first place they have been out to in weeks. Customers feel safe knowing that the tables are spaced apart and outside by the beach, Fred feels overjoyed that his customers feel safe. Back on the beach was recently commended by the county supervisor for their adherence to protocols. Besides that, his conversations with customers are mostly about whether they are open, their hours, safety policies, and table spacing.
backonthebeachcafe.com
Fred says he is overwhelmed by the support he has received from the community through the Most Loved vote. Back on the Beach has been a community fixture since 1989 and have had a following that has lasted for two generations. He is so overjoyed to see the love that he has for the community reflected back through this vote. As a final note, Fred would like to say that Back on the Beach is there to welcome people back with open (if socially distanced) arms.
FINALIST BLUE PLATE TACO
Most Loved 2020
1515 Ocean Ave.
58
310-458-2985
blueplatetaco.com
Jennifer Rush owner of Blue Plate Taco, describes her business as “A beachy modern Mexican restaurant on Ocean Avenue, serving farm fresh clean food and colorful cocktails. The perfect spot for tourists and locals alike, to dine and feel like you are on vacation.” But like so many others, the restaurant has had to pivot, focusing on more to-go items and Do It Yourself kits so guests can make some of Blue Plate’s delicious recipes at home.
Jennifer says it is incredibly meaningful for Blue Plate Taco to be nominated by the community for a Most Loved award, “the Blue Plate restaurant group has been part of the Santa Monica community for over 20 years, catering to both tourists and locals. Our commitment to great food and friendly service with a beachy Santa Monica vibe has been our driving force and we are so grateful to be acknowledged for that.”
It helps that there’s an outdoor patio, allowing customers to sit, eat, and socially distance with killer views of the Pacific.
Blue Plate Taco is open for dining. Reservations can be made through Resy and Postmates or Grubhub for delivery.
FINALIST LUNETTA 2420 Pico Blvd.
310-581-4201
lunettasm.com
Lunetta
