Gluten-Free Options

Business #1: Fresh Brothers
Business #2: Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
Business #3: Vons

Why I can't live without these three businesses: Fresh Brothers - Although this business has just opened within the past week it is always a great bite. I have previous gone to the other location in the marina, and have always been happy with my tasty treats. They are primarily a pizza place so right away that would turn me away since i have a gluten allergy, but there is so much more, they offer a gluten free option to every one of their pizzas, and boy is it delectable. I know every time I'm hounding for some gluten free pizza I can always rely on them for a great meal.

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf - Boy what a life saver this place is. It's in the perfect location right outside of my school so its of close proximity and easily accessible. Not only is it close, but the drinks are great and they have a huge variety to choose from. And i thank them for curing my girlfriend's morning crankiness by providing her a good cup of joe and great service to make her day even better.

Vons - The destination for the late night munchies. The aisles strewn with the yellow tabs of great deals. I have been finding myself go to the Vons on Lincoln and Broadway for the past couple of years and always leave happy. They offer a great variety of foods and beverages so I don't feel like I am leaving empty handed. The best part is I always get great service, even when its the night shift!

Submitted by: Zacharie Schaefer

Affordable, Tasty, and Iconic

Business #1: Wildflour Pizza
Business #2: Foster's Freeze
Business #3: Tender Greens

Why I can't live without these three businesses: I grew up eating Wildflour Pizza, real, honest-to-God delicious pizza unparalleled by any Domino's, Pizza Hut or Papa John's. Perhaps it was its claim to be "Boston pizza" that first grabbed the attention of my Dad, a Boston native, but the taste and quality is undoubtedly what's kept us loyal customers all these years. 

Foster's Freeze reminds me of summers spent at the SM pool and the yummy treat across the street. Foster's is affordable, tasty, and iconic of the Santa Monica I grew up in. A real community place, Foster's can't be beat. Try the chocolate and vanilla swirl on a cone!

What a treat it is to have Tender Greens in Santa Monica now! And especially so in such a convenient location right by the promenade. Everything is warm and comforting, or crispy and fresh depending on what you order. This place is a must-try. Beware: lunch hour here is extremely busy! The line goes out the door!

Submitted by: Anonymous

Delicious Delis

Your Name: Vanessa Perez

Business #1: Bay Cities
Business #2: Bagel Nosh

Why I can't live without these businesses: The Bay Cities Deli on Lincoln Blvd. is by far the greatest place to get a great meal and a fulfilled belly. As a Santa Monica High School Senior with very little time and a great appetite the small Italian Deli, as we kids say, hits the spot. From the forever loved "Godmother" with an explosion of flavors, to the more mellow "Caprese." The Godmother being the God of all sandwiches of course. Don't like sandwiches? Not a problem! There's always the additional mouth watering pastas and "healthier" approaches, well as healthy as you can get with carb filled foods, and never ending authentic Italian pastries. The down to earth Deli is a cozy good feel restaurant. The kind you want to stop and sit for a minute and just reflect on your day and your surroundings. Bay Cities is the epitome of happiness when hungry. The epitome of Santa Monica.

If you need a quick bite, or a small escape, Bagel Nosh Deli on Wilshire and 17th is the place to go. The early bird deli is the perfect remody to morning hunger and a well served breakfast. The small Santa Monica buisness serves fresh, made on the spot breakfast from 6:30 to 2:30 Monday through Friday and 7:30 to 3:30 Saturdays and Sundays. It's safe to say the early bird gets the worm here. I can still remember the first time I went to the breakfast joint that my best friend kept raving about, so finally I nudged and joined her one late start Wednesday. A large, pulp filled orange juice and a plain bagel with they're delicious homemade cream cheese, topped with a plump red tomato slice and yellow onion. It's safe to say that im suddenly extremely hungry and lucky to get a taste of the wonderful establishment that is Bagel Nosh. Many, I mean many people have been satified by this small buisness that opened their doors in 1978.

Submitted by: Anonymous 

Fun and Educational

Business #1: Heal the Bay's Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
Business #2: Vidiots Annex
Business #3: Puzzle Zoo

Why I can't live without these three businesses: Heal the Bay's Santa Monica Pier Aquarium - This Aquarium is by far the coolest part of Santa Monica beach. It has three big touch tanks with a variety of animals in it. It has a very dedicated staff with volunteers who are so enthusiastic about educating people about sea life and how to preserve it. It has a great variety of sea animals considering its small size. Its a fun social place and is very educational for students, kids, and adults to get information on preserving and respecting ocean life.

Vidiots Annex - This is a cool indie rental store. Any rare, classic, or independent genre of film you may be looking for is most likely found here. The staff is engaging and knowledgeable and i love the artistic design of it. I recommend this place for anyone of any movie preference because this place has it all.

Puzzle Zoo - Toys toys and toys. This place has the kinds of toys you don't see at Toy's R' Us. Its a zoo for having all different kinds of toys. Prices are a bit expensive but the things in there are so cool it's almost worth it. It's a nerd-toy heaven!!!

Submitted by: Olivia Worthen

It's Magical!

Business #1: Original Tommy's Hamburgers
Business #2: Albertsons
Business #3: The Counter

Why I can't live without these three businesses: Tommy's - Everything about this place is amazing. They're known for their burgers and delicious chili cheese fries! Even though it can be a bit tiring having to stand in a long line because of all the teenagers wanting their food during our lunch break, it's worth the wait every time! I can't live without this business because I can't stand not seeing Tommy's at the corner of Lincoln Blvd and Pico. It's been there for years and if my future children were to go to Santa Monica High School, I would want them to experience Tommy's at lunch as well.

Albertsons - I love walking down the Ocean Park hill to go to Albertsons and buy a snack or drink. The service there is wonderful and everyone is so nice! They also have a Starbucks inside so that's always convenient if you're in a hurry and can't make two stops. Albertsons was also my first job and it was a great choice to start off with because they're very patient and kind. I can't live without this business because it supplies me with necessities and just like Tommy's, I want to be able to see it at that corner of Lincoln Blvd.

The Counter - If you have never been here, I recommend you pay a visit, and I promise you won't regret it! As they seat you down at your table, they hand you paper on a clipboard and pencils and on that paper is a list of all the different options you can put on your hamburger. You make your own hamburger however you'd like. From what bun to the amount of beef you want on it - it's magical! Not only is it affordable and casual but it's a great place to go eat dinner with your family. They have music playing while your eating, which makes everything that much livelier and the waiters are fantastic! I can't live without this business because I like to have my hamburger the way I specifically want it. If I want to enjoy a day out and eat with friends, this is the place I go to.

Submitted by: Anonymous