Lobster & Beer Santa Monica — Restaurant in Santa Monica

⭐⭐⭐1/2

Lobster and Beer in Santa Monica offers a decent coastal dining experience with some notable highs and lows. The restaurant's location sets expectations high, which weren't entirely met during my visit.

I had high hopes for their signature lobster tacos but found them surprisingly underwhelming. The lobster meat lacked the sweet freshness you'd expect, and the accompanying flavors didn't quite harmonize as they should. However, the truffle cheese fries were absolutely divine - perfectly crisp with generous truffle flavor and quality cheese that elevated a simple side dish into something memorable.

The outdoor seating area provides a pleasant atmosphere for enjoying your meal with ocean breezes, which I'd recommend over the interior space. Unfortunately, inside carried that distinctive stale beer aroma that can be off-putting, especially during daytime dining.

Service was attentive, and the beer selection offers good variety for enthusiasts. The overall value proposition is reasonable for Santa Monica, though not exceptional.

While I'm curious enough about other menu items to return someday, I'm not in any rush to make a reservation. Lobster and Beer has potential with some standout items like those truffle fries, but needs more consistency across the menu to become a must-visit...

Happy hour food was really good. Crab roll & coconut shrimp. Crab tasted fresh. Warm garlic bread. Shrimp was crunchy & sweet. Also got a sangria that was really yummy.

The only complaint was that there was nothing posted about how to get service. The guy inside says "grab a menu & have a seat anywhere." Since it was a nice day out, I decided to sit outside. I had just had some medical procedures done & was by myself. After drinking my sangria outside, I grabbed my things & walked inside to ask about placing an order for food. Had I known that, I would have done that to begin with.

Later, I noticed the nfc pads on the table, that will link you to place an order with your table number, and have you pay in the app. When he said to grab a menu & sit anywhere, He could have just said that they were counter service only, or to use the phone app to place an order. A couple came in after me & had the same confusion while they had their menus outside. They either need better signage or less...

Outstanding Comfort Food & Seafood Delight!

I had the absolute pleasure of indulging in the lobster bisque, clam chowder, and grilled cheese, and I must say—this trio is a match made in culinary heaven! • Lobster Bisque – Rich, velvety, and packed with deep lobster flavor. Every spoonful was a luxurious experience, perfectly balanced with a hint of sherry that elevated the taste. • Clam Chowder – Creamy, hearty, and loaded with tender clams. The perfect mix of potatoes and seasoning made this a standout bowl of comfort. • Grilled Cheese – Buttery, crispy, and oozing with melty cheese. Pairing it with the soups made for an unbeatable combination of crunch and warmth.

Whether you’re looking for a soul-warming meal on a chilly day or just an unforgettable seafood experience, this place delivers. Can’t wait to come...