Busby's West — Restaurant in Santa Monica

I’ll start by saying this has been the worst experience I’ve had at a bar (not just in the US) but one of the best examples I’ve witnessed of a couple of employees going above and beyond to fix the mistakes of a few. I’m surprised by how high these reviews are, and I’m convinced it’s the handful of employees that worked hard to turn the experience around.

After stopping by the front bar for a cider before heading to a networking event in the back, I was kicked out due to two bartenders (didn’t catch their names) fully confident my Maryland driver's license was fake. I offered a second ID and asked about passports but both were refused with no discussion. When I asked the reason, all I got was a gesture up and down towards me and the statement “there’s a lot of weird stuff going on about you.” I asked if I could take a moment and speak with the manager, he claimed he was so I left the bar. The networking event happening at the bar was far more important to me than drinks or the actions of the bartenders I encountered. The most degrading thing was having to ask my mother on the other side of the state to call this particular bar (at 23 years of age, legally independent but reduced to a child) to speak with the general manager. Only then did he come to talk with me outside.

The general manager--the real manager it seems--politely explained to me the reasoning which was really helpful to know, and I appreciated it. While he apologized, I felt the actions of the two bartenders (I understand it's their job) was let off lightly. The general manager dismissed their error as my fault since I offered them my military dependent ID which made me and the situation seem "weird". Ultimately my driver's license was confirmed by two wonderful women, residents of the state I was from and employees, and I was let back into the bar. Lauren, I didn't catch the name of the other woman but she too was very kind, and one other waiter I spoke with all made my terrible experience much better. I was able to walk back into the event smiling to meet back up with my friends and colleagues.

I would not return to this bar outside of this monthly event, I would not recommend this bar to anyone looking for an evening hangout. Lauren, her coworker, and the waiter I spoke to (I’ll be sure to catch their names next month, I apologize) who all helped me are phenomenal employees, incredible people, and really saved my evening. The two men who kicked me out, not so. It frustrated me that the two women who confirmed my ID had to step up to cover the mistakes of the bartenders. I was upset that just because I "looked so young" I was so viciously dismissed. I’ve never felt so embarrassed, criminalized, and helpless, and even if I do return to the event I’m uncertain whether I’ll...

I visited Busby's West last night (Monday Aug 27th) with a group of friends, and unfortunately, our experience was far from enjoyable. Our waitress, Lolita, seemed disinterested and rude for no reason, from the start. When we got there we were sitting outside and planning to order from the bar, but saw there was a waitress inside, so we asked her if we should order through her or the bar and she said her and that she'd come outside in a minute.

First, she forgot my friend’s drink and then insisted she had already brought it. After realizing her mistake, she eventually brought the drink but charged us for two instead of one. Things didn’t get better from there. She got our pizza order wrong and didn’t bring out any plates or silverware when we asked. We had to get them ourselves. So I went inside and asked a man who worked there if I could get some plates etc., which he happily got for me, and when she saw me doing that, she rolled her eyes at me.

Throughout our meal, she never came back to check if everything was okay or if we needed anything else. We had a large group of 12 adults coming from a book reading, so by no means were we acting obnoxious, half of our group are in their 60's. At this point, several of us wanted to order more drinks and food. When someone from our group finally went inside to ask if we could order more food, she informed us that the kitchen was closed and suggested we just close out our tab (it was about 10pm and the bar didn't close until around 1am). It would have been nice to know the kitchen was closing so we could’ve ordered more. Even then, when asked to come out and take drink orders, she said she would but never returned. We ended up going straight to the bar to order from the bartender, who was great and the only highlight of the night.

To top it all off, she brought us the check without us asking for it, and there was already gratuity added to the bill. We would have gladly tipped more had she been a pleasant and attentive server. Unfortunately, this experience left a bad taste in our mouths, and we won't be returning to this bar and do not suggest it for...

GOOD FOOD -- STIFF DRINKS -- FUN-FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE

Also: UNOFFICIAL "OFFICIAL" WORK-BAR-HANGOUT Super close to the job spot. Well maybe not THAT close. But close enough that when some of my co-workers are MIA, they're often discovered here...too funny. "Yeah, is Rog there at the bar?"

MENU Anyway, the food is great and has remained so despite several partial-ownership, management and chef shuffles.

--All the typical bar fare is really good --Amazing salads, especially the ahi tuna. Chopped and BBQ are standouts, too --But the best item of the menu? Nachos. (Hands down.) No red meat for me, I go with chicken, but both are great. Definitely better than any of the other bars in the area.

DRINKS --The bartenders pour STIFF mixed drinks (so make sure you show up ready to get your drink on and you're money's worth). --Recently got a draft beer tap setup. Awesome expanded selection, which includes Bodingtons. A personal fave.

ATMOSPHERE The dark wood finishing, deep cushy booths, and dim lighting used to give the interior a mobster-speakeasy feel. But a few years ago they put in huge windows opening onto Santa Monica Boulevard. Didn't like it at first -- disclaimer I only visit weekdays for lunch so have no idea experience with the nighttime setting -- but I've gotten used to the new look. Definitely opens up the space, giving at more light and bright feel.

WEIRD BARTENDER DRAMA They've run through a sting of daytime bartenders who've all left under dubious circumstances...

--Once chick who was there for years "ran afoul of the manager" ??? --Next guy had a total mental breakdown on the job and was later discovered wondering around the Promenade barefoot and incoherent. --Guy after that (the general managers brother) threatened another another employee who supposedly spied him their entertaining lady friends on the premises after hours. --The current guy brags about his "open marriage" and constantly hits on chicks. Then freaks out when his wife comes in and flirts with patrons. Crazy stuff.

But makes for a nice...