What are the opening hours?

Monday 5:30pm - 12am Tuesday 2pm - 12am Wednesday 2pm - 12am Thursday 2pm - 12am Friday 2pm - 2am Saturday 10am - 2am Sunday 10am - 12am

Chez Jay

Chez Jay on Ocean Avenue has been serving locals, celebrities, and visitors since 1959. The Backyard is where all good peep meet to eat and drink.
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This historical landmark has been known as a celebrity hangout, classy joint, dive bar, and hidden gem. Legendary Chez Jay, est. 1959, is a Santa Monica Historical Landmark known for its great food, generous drinks, and comfortable atmosphere. The Hollywood Rat Pack's presence started the lore, and it continues today with locals, tourists, celebrities and politicians mingling to enjoy the best hid

eaway tavern in town. With peanut shells on the floor and its famous jukebox playing all night, Chez Jay is a place to soak up stories, enjoy a gourmet meal, and simply have a great time. Stop in and become part of the legend!

09/05/2026

Literally reflecting back on our 66th anniversary party last summer. Shall we do another one soon?

Photos by: Los Angeles Conservancy Rico Mandel  

08/30/2026

Give us a like if you are drinking a martini today! We most certainly are. 

08/28/2026

A signature dish during Chez Jay’s beginnings was the infamous La Jolla Potatoes.This eccentric retro recipe was created by Jay himself and Leonard Nimoy of Star Trek fame.  The two were rommates in the 1950s!   Included in the Star Trek Cookbook, it is a funky combination of mashed potatoes, bananas, onions, and cheese baked together in cream, then sprinkled with parmesan at the end.POTATOES...WITH BANANA?  Food enthusiasts might say the bananas almost act as sweet potatoes, creating a sweet-savory end result.

See the recipe below…  SERVES SIX  
TOOLS AND INGREDIENTS:
-8 x 8-inch baking pan, buttered -2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks -2 larges cloves of garlic, minced -2 tbsp unsalted butter -1½ cups half-and-half -2 tsp salt -½ tsp freshly ground black pepper -2 large, ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
-4 oz Jarlsberg or Gruyère cheese, grated 
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. 2. In a large pot of salted water, boil the potatoes until just tender (about 15 minutes). Drain into a colander and allow the potatoes to steam for 5 minutes. 3. Meanwhile, wipe out the pot, add the garlic and butter and return to the heat. Allow the garlic to turn golden, then add the half-and-half, salt, pepper, bananas, and potatoes. 4. Using a hand masher, roughly mash the potato mixture. You want to have a textural contrast of smooth and rough pieces. Season to taste, then transfer the potatoes to the baking pan and top with the grated cheese. Place in the oven to heat through and brown the cheese, about 15 minutes. 5. Serve at once or set the oven at 200ºF and keep warm until ready to serve.

*from dangerousminds.net

08/24/2026

One of Jay’s many preferred modes of transportation...

photo credit thanks to: Anita Fiondella & Fiondella Trust  

08/22/2026

A little calm before the storm…Happy Saturday!  

08/15/2026

Now, that’s a party! 🎉 

08/11/2026

An iconic image from Chez Jay’s opening party. Yes, you read that right.

photo credit thanks to: Anita Fiondella & Fiondella Trust  

08/07/2026

Friday night lights. ✨✨ 

08/06/2026

Sporting it all summer long…new merch always available at the restaurant and online. Just ask! Hot off the press with a new BACKYARD t-shirt this week too… 

08/02/2026

Our favorite time on summer nights when the sunset peers into the dining room just before the evening light vibes take over… 

07/30/2026

This was July 4th weekend in 1959.   Jay (always fun and full of buzzy ideas) certainly knew how to throw a party, especially an opening…  …and THIS was Chez Jay’s grand debut!!!

The evening featured a spectacle of showgirls and elephants. Together, they all munched on peanuts at the bar. Rumor has it, the elephant left a dent in its wooden surface still visible today.

Do you know where those peanuts (or one of them in particular) ended up going after the opening party? Hint: the place is pretty famous!

Address

1657 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, CA
90401

Opening Hours

Monday	5:30pm - 12am
Tuesday	2pm - 12am
Wednesday	2pm - 12am
Thursday	2pm - 12am
Friday	2pm - 2am
Saturday	10am - 2am
Sunday	10am - 12am

Website

http://www.chezjays.com/

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