Best Cocktail Bars in Santa Monica
Updated June 16, 2026 · Ranked by combined rating and review volume
Where to find the best cocktail bars in Santa Monica
1212 Santa Monica is a vintage-chic, two-story restaurant and lounge known for its vibrant, inviting atmosphere and an unexpectedly excellent culinary experience. Guests rave about the flavorful, well-prepared world-inspired dishes and the creative, delicious cocktails and infusions, all delivered with attentive and accommodating service.
Sogno Toscano Cafe & Wine Bar offers an absolutely incredible and authentic Italian experience, combining exquisite food with an elegant yet homey atmosphere. Patrons consistently praise the outstanding service and the genuine, comforting flavors reminiscent of homemade Italian cuisine, especially enjoying the beautiful outdoor patio.
Library Alehouse remains a beloved local favorite, celebrated for its impressive and carefully curated selection of craft beers alongside a thoughtful New American menu. This casual, library-themed spot boasts a wonderful, welcoming staff and a great patio, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy quality food and drinks.
The Brixton is a stylish neighborhood gastropub that strikes a perfect balance between an energetic, bustling atmosphere and a relaxed, friendly vibe. Known for its excellent comfort food small plates like the lobster benedict and short rib flatbread, it also serves up great tasting craft cocktails and offers popular brunch options like endless mimosas.
Bodega Wine Bar is a truly laid-back and cozy destination in Santa Monica, perfect for relaxing with friends or even working during the day. This spot is cherished for its nice selection of wine, beer, and small bites, particularly their delicious thin-crust pizzas, all complemented by consistently excellent service.
Contenders
Places submitted by the community. The top contender with more points than #5 gets promoted.
How we ranked the best cocktail bars in Santa Monica
Every place on this list is scored by a Bayesian weighted formula combined with a volume bonus. It rewards consistent positive feedback at scale, not just a high average rating — a 4.9-star place with 12 reviews ranks below a 4.6-star place with 800.
score = (v / (v + m)) × R + (m / (v + m)) × C + γ × log₁₀(v)
The prior m adapts to each neighborhood: it's the median review count among local candidates. So 200 reviews counts as “small sample” in dense markets like the West Village, but “solid” in quieter neighborhoods. Places with extreme review volume that clearly dominate their peers are promoted to #1. No paid placements — every spot earns its position via the public data.
Frequently asked about Santa Monica cocktail bars
What is the highest-rated cocktail bar in Santa Monica?
Sogno Toscano Cafe´& Wine Bar has the highest Google rating in our list of the best cocktail bars in Santa Monica, with 4.8 stars across 687 reviews.
Which cocktail bar in Santa Monica has the most reviews?
1212 Santa Monica has the most reviews of any cocktail bar on this list — 3,313 ratings averaging 4.5 stars on Google.
How are the best cocktail bars in Santa Monica ranked?
Each place is scored using a Bayesian weighted formula that combines its average Google rating with its review count. This pulls small-sample places toward the local mean — so a 4.9-star spot with 12 reviews is ranked below a 4.6-star spot with 800 reviews. Volume and consistency matter, not just an inflated average.
When was this ranking last updated?
This ranking of the best cocktail bars in Santa Monica was last refreshed in June 2026 using the latest Google ratings and review counts. Restaurants and bars change constantly — always verify hours and current status before visiting.
Why isn't my favorite cocktail bar on the list of best cocktail bars in Santa Monica?
To be considered, a place needs enough Google reviews for the rating to be statistically meaningful (at least 5 reviews, ideally 25+). Newer or hyper-local spots can be excellent but score lower until enough people review them. Boundaries also matter — a spot just outside the Santa Monica area may show up on a neighboring ranking instead.