A cozy place to shop

Business #1: Bob's Market

Business #2: Urth Caffé

Business #3: Bolívar Cafe & Gallery

Why we can't live without these three businesses: Bob's Market- This grocery store is a cozy place to shop for groceries, or grab a snack to enjoy on their small patio. I usually go there before or after a voice lesson to get something to eat after a long day at school. The prices are moderate and there is an amazing variety of products. It definitely has a good stock of peanut butter complete cookies! Urth Caffé - This cafe has a lovely view of the ocean as well as a marvelous courtyard. It is a high-end organic cafe that serves a large variety of coffee, salad, and even breakfast options in the morning. It does get crowded on certain days but is often worth the wait! Bolívar Cafe & Gallery - Located very close to Bob's market is an amazing one-of-a-kind cafe that serves a chicken sandwich with mango in it. Everyone there is very friendly. On my first visit one employee was given a cake for his birthday and decided to share it with everyone in the cafe.

Submitted by: Nicole Daghighian

A unique place that offers a lot

Business #1: Bay Cities

Business #2: Rae's Restaurant

Business #3: California Pizza Kitchen

Why we can't live without these three businesses: Bay Cities: Bay Cities is a unique place that offers a lot in one convenient area. You can either shop and buy their Italian products or order a sandwich. I enjoy eating there. Though expensive, it is well worth it. There are some days where the line is long and service is slow but I guess that is just normal for such a busy place. Rae's Restaurant: Rae's Restaurant is a small diner and is a great place to be at. Though I don't go there on a regular basis, when I do, I ususally go and eat breakfast over there. What I like about Rae's is the comfort that I get when I drink their hot chocolate with whipped cream on top and breakfast special of two eggs, bacon and pancakes. California Pizza Kitchen: Though I think everyone has visited CPK I still enjoy their pizza. I especially enjoy there Hawaiian pizza and chicken salads. It's always a crowded place, but it is worth the wait to eat a tasty meal.

Submitted by: Miguel Vazquez

Fresh ingredients for your sandwiches

Business #1: Subway

Business #2: Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Business #3: Foster's Freeze

Why we can't live without these three businesses: Subway: Subway is one of the places that I love to go to for lunch to enjoy a foot long B.L.T. I go to school close to one and the people who work there are really nice and give you what you ask for. Subway is also really healthy. They offer fresh ingredients for your sandwiches such as tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, bread, cheese, etc. Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Coffee Bean is my number one stop to get some delicious coffee in the morning.I am a coffee lover but I definitely enjoy one of their non-coffee drinks such as the "ice blended pure chocolate." They also have bagels, muffins, cupcakes which are all a great treat to enjoy with your coffee or non-coffee drinks. The people who work there are really nice. Foster's Freeze: Foster's Freeze is my favorite place to get a delicious "wild berry parfait." I really didn't like vanilla ice cream until I tried a vanilla cone and fell in love with it. Their ice creams aren't like any other. They have a unique taste to them.They don't just sell ice cream, they also sell food like hamburgers, fries, onion rings, etc. Their onion rings are one of my favorite snacks to get if I'm not in an ice cream mood which is impossible because once you're there all you are going to be craving is their delicious ice cream.

Submitted by: Priscilla

Tasty options for something different

Business #1: L & L Hawaiian Barbeque

Business #2: Tommy's

Business #3: Subway

Why we can't live without these three businesses: L & L Hawaiian Barbeque: L&L offers some more variety to myself and other students when eating close to school. They have many tasty options for those looking for something different. Their food is pretty cheap and will surely fill you up. Tommy's: Tommy's has great chili burgers and at a good price. It may not be the healthiest thing you can spend your money on but it is certainly delicious and will fill you up for the rest of the day. It's a classic in Santa Monica and I'm sure it will be here for years to come. Subway: Subway is a pretty good chain business that has pretty good choices for the customer to get a healthy sandwich. I enjoy their turkey subs and am glad there is a chain like this around and thriving.

Submitted by: Juan Sosa

Fresh food and a unique experience

Business #1: Cafe Bolivar

Business #2: Le Pain Du Jour

Business #3: Cafe Crepe

Why we can't live without these three businesses: Cafe Bolivar: This quaint cafe on Ocean Park Blvd. is a very original and unique establishment. Whether you're in the mood for a simple breakfast or a delicious dinner, this cafe will be sure to sate your appetite. Its array of international art work creates a very eclectic environment and its collection of unusual books offers additional entertainment. If you're looking for fresh food and a unique experience, Cafe Bolivar is the place to go. Le Pain Du Jour: This French cafe bakes (in my opinion) the best pastries in the city. When comparing it to various corporate coffee shops or cafes, this French bakery offers a truly authentic feel. Although it has a rather limited amount of space, they offer service and food that is both comforting and inviting. Although it may seem a bit pricey, I assure you that their food is definitely worth it. Next time you're in the neighborhood, I'd suggest that you stop by and try one of their chocolate croissants. Cafe Crepe: This cafe is located directly between the Third Street Promenade and the Santa Monica Mall. It offers an array of different signature crepes as well as various other meals. Their food is delicious and completely worth it. Their service is quick and efficient and ordering a crepe to-go is the perfect snack when finishing up your holiday shopping!

Submitted by: Paige Onouye