The Chestnut Club — Restaurant in Santa Monica

Rating is based on the happy hour experience.

Trendy looking bar once you can find your way in. No happy hour specials, moderately priced drinks (think $12 cocktails and $8 craft beers), kind of an eclectic crowd of older folks, a few younger people. We had a good time, our waitress was nice.

What was annoying for us was that they have a dress code (no shorts) which kept us from getting a couple of our friends into the bar for happy hour. I'll note that it wasn't like we were walking in wearing cargo shorts and tank tops - it was a hot day and we were coming from the office (think polo shirts and shorts ending above the knee). It seemed a bit arrogant not to allow people in when they're brand new (3 weeks old), are unlikely to get very much foot traffic where they're located, and the fact that it was 5:30pm. I can understand strict enforcement after dark, but not at happy hour. Our group of about 12 doubled the number of people in there at the time, too. Better options are out there...

Takes awhile to wait on the line in unless you're either a blonde model or a surfer dude. But the bouncers are ok without being pompous.

Once inside, it's actually nicely lit for an intimate encounter. There is a whee little dance floor right in front of the DJ booth for the "whoo girls". The leather round couches make for a good place to chat and catch up with friends without being surrounded by a sweaty crowd. The bar is amazing, stocked with all the real bourbons and whiskeys that make a good bar, especially fitting the rustic wood interior.

The bartenders were on point and were helpful in making recommendations based on your likes. You may not get your drink right away, but you'll come away happy. Besides, spend the time waiting meeting the other people there along the bar. Surprisingly friendly and...

Truly one of the worst bars I’ve ever been to. My friends called ahead and asked if dogs are allowed the bar said yes. I walked all the way to the bar with my service dog who was so excited to see my friends she was definitely jumping here and there as dogs do when they haven’t seen someone in a long time. The manager said my dog was clearly not a service dog based on her energy which is completely false…I have her for my depression. He said they don’t support “anxiety dogs” which my mouth basically dropped at….anxiety and depression are two separate things. There were 4 ppl in the bar…this place is a complete joke. Don’t go here- cocktails...