Where: Los Angeles
What: Food and Drink PlaceList
Who: Cocktail curator Meredith Hayman cut her teeth and refined her palette working at Bestia and Faith & Flower, but now she’s the leading force behind the bar at Michael's Santa Monica. Her infamous, seasonal menu transcending Road to Kyushu cocktail with Kikori Whiskey is where it’s at.
Meredith Hayman at Michael's
When the cocktail extraordinaire isn’t mixing up farm fresh elixirs, catch her living it up in the South Bay and nearby Santa Monica. “I love the South Bay because you get the best of both worlds: the chill environment of the beach with the action of a city. It’s got a more casual feel—you can certainly dress to the nines but no one’s judging either way. Sit back and enjoy some great food and cocktails while watching the sun set over the ocean,” she says of her favorite part of town.
Here are the lucky Westside establishments that have Meredith's seal of approval:
The Tripel
Playa del Rey, $$
Meredith Hayman: A wonderful little gastropub in Playa del Rey — one of the first to bring back great food and drink to the area. Best burger: the namesake "The Tripel” burger with pork, beef, duck and apricot jam. Enjoy a rotating tap of craft brews and stroll down to the beach after.
Bacari PDR
Playa del Rey, $$
MH: Tapas bar in Playa del Rey. Craft cocktails for $10, that’s right you heard me. Plus great bites to share. Try the pizzas and the last Sunday of the month is all you can eat steak, fries and onion rings, alongside the normal menu. Come in after a day at the beach and sit on the patio.
Mo's Place
Playa del Rey, $$
MH: Watch football here even if you don’t care for the game at all. This local dive is a hoot. There’s raffle prizes and friendly staff.
Del Rey Deli Co.
Playa del Rey, $$
MH: My weekly favorite for lunch — tasty sandwiches, soups and salads. I always go for the daily special, whatever they have that day is great. The soups are amazing! The owners are super friendly and will know you by name before long.
Hank's Pizza
Playa del Rey, $
MH: Local spot that’s open late on the weekends and fits your pizza and buffalo wings craving. There’s some interesting characters that work there but they’re always friendly.
Britt's BBQ and Catering
El Segundo, $$
MH: Best smoked fried chicken ever!!! The BBQ here is great and they also do catering. The restaurant just reopened after a little renovation — a car went through the front of the building! So glad it’s back.
Manhattan Beach Post
Manhattan Beach, $$$
MH: Great shareable plates, awesome brunch, craft cocktails and near all the action of Manhattan Beach. Communal tables and the bar are saved for walk-ins. You have to try the bacon cheddar biscuits here.
The Strand House
Manhattan Beach, $$$
MH: Every seat has a view of the ocean with a separate downstairs bar for when you come out of the water. The space turns into a nightclub later on weekends. You get the best bang for your buck during brunch — try the waffles with blueberry ice cream.
The Arthur J
Manhattan Beach, $$$$
MH: Another win by the chef/owner of Manhattan Beach Post, David LeFevre. It’s a steakhouse, but definitely has more of a casual feel. I like how the bar has a separate bar menu. This is a spot where it’s easy to go all out for a special occasion, but you can make it a regular spot too. They have nightly specials like fried chicken and prime rib making it possible to feel like you’re not breaking the bank.
Michael's Santa Monica
Santa Monica, $$$
MH: Having an owner that is so involved. Michael is at the restaurant pretty much every night he is in town (he splits his time between Michael’s SM and his other restaurant in New York) and he touches every table. He talks with everyone in the restaurant, staff included. He checks in with everyone and wants to see that you are having a great time. That doesn't happen so much anymore outside of a chef that is an owner.
Cassia
Santa Monica, $$$
MH: Great everything — service, food and drinks. One of the best meals I’ve had in awhile. They also have a great wine bar next door — Esters is fantastic.
Holy Cow BBQ
Santa Monica, $$
MH: A great BBQ joint with lots of options — fries and onion rings, beer selections, pulled pork all the way. Did I mention the bread pudding?
California Chicken Cafe
Venice, $$
MH: Good all round comfort food. Roasted chicken, potatoes, veggies, salads all made to order at a chain that you can only find in LA. I started in Westwood and now I go to the one in Venice. Great for takeout and you still feel good.
Header image courtesy of Michael's Santa Monica
Road to Kyushu. Images courtesy of @michaelssm
Image courtesy of @thetripel
Bacari PDR. Image courtesy of @rachelkatz45
Mo’s Place. Image courtesy of @melanienewcombe
Image courtesy of @delreydelico
Hanks Pizza. Image courtesy of @locke_tyler
Britts BBQ. Image courtesy of @raslerg
Manhattan BP. Image courtesy of @sschloess
Image courtesy of @strandhousemb
Image courtesy of @the_arthur_j
California Chicken. Image courtesy of @jadescleaneats
Image courtesy of @dineCassia
Image courtesy of @holycowbbq
Michael’s. Image courtesy of @daniellegadams
Michael’s. Image courtesy of @jb_snapspics
