Why I can't live without these three businesses: Stefano's has been my favorite place to get pizza, ever since I was a kid. They have quality New York style pizza that is amazingly delicious. It is also at a great location on Third St and Arizona right next to the movie theater, so it is very convenient.
Buca Di Bepo is by far one of my favorite italian restaurants to go to. It is perfect for big family dinners because they have huge portion sizes.
If you want to find the best sandwich in Santa Monica, you go to Bay Cities. The bread is thick and rich. There is always a big line because it is so popular. I go there like twice a month because I cant help myself to not go back.
Submitted by: Anonymous
]]>Why I can't live without these three businesses: Slice Pizza Kitchen has amazingly tasty pizza. For just $10 you can get a cheese pizza that will leave you satisfy and leaving you to crave more. Whenever im walking around Santa Monica, my friends and i would always go to Slice and split a pizza for just $5 each. They have tables outside where you can eat, converse and enjoy your meal. Slice is the spot to go when your feeling something italian on a low budget.
Bay Cities is the iconic deli of Santa Monica. Every now and then you can spot a celebrity ordering the famous Godmother sandwich. Theres no argument that every resident of Santa Monica have to try their sandwiches. Attending Santa Monica High School has made me visiting Bay Cities at least once a week to have a well deserved lunch after a long day. If Bay Cities were ever to close down, i can guaranteed Santa Monica would never be the same.
17th St. Cafe & Bakery located on 17th and Montana is an ideal place for a Sunday brunch. They offer free muffins that you can eat with a cup of coffee meanwhile you wait for your order and have great customer service. Their menu is full of a variety of tasty omelettes and breakfast meals that will make you a returning customer. They provide healthy food and reasonable portions that will make your money's worth. I highly recommend spending your brunch here.
Submitted by: Anonymous
]]>Why I can't live without these three businesses: The Counter on Ocean Park is a fun place to visit every couple of weeks. Upon entering, you are greeted by a friendly host, Jordan who usually can sit you right away. The burgers and fries are delicious. I enjoy The Counter because it seems to be the best sit down burger joint in southeast Santa Monica. It also is conveniently located near clover park and ice cream and coffee shops. Without The Counter, I would have the make the tedious drive to West LA to get to Islands.
I have always depended on Helen's Cycles for bike related needs. My family has purchased several bikes there and they have a reasonable policy for tune-ups and repairs. They hire locally and workers are reliable and concerned for their customers. Sometimes, they will even fix bikes for free if they feel the repair was too simple to require a payment.
Although I haven't been here recently, Rip City Skates is a wonderful small family business for skateboarding. The man who owns the shop is friendly and very patient. I never even had to look around because he always knew exactly what I needed. I also like how it is located away from commercial traffic on Santa Monica Blvd. It makes the shopping experience less stressful and parking is easy.
Submitted by: Anonymous
]]>Why I can't live without these three businesses: Famima is always a place where I can indulge myself with a snack that is different from your usual. Whenever I crave for an Asian treat I always turn to Famima. They have a wide variety of Asian goodies that fulfill my taste buds, like the famous Pocky's. What I enjoy most is their variety of drinks. I can either buy the typical Arizona iced tea or try something different like a Leninade. This store offers great options of snacks that always has me guessing.
I can't remember how many times I have gone to the Pier. Although they are expensive I always find myself going to the pier at least once a month. Here I am able to socialize and gather with my friends under the bright sun or beautiful night sky. I can either play a game of table hockey or enjoy myself to a game of basketball. Their arcade is the best place to have fun. I will never forget the memories that the pier has brought to my friends and I.
Although I have only gone to Bay Cities once, I cannot stress how good their sandwiches are. Being part Italian I can truly taste the authentic meat and pastas. Not only do they have a deli, but they have a market. Here I found myself wandering around the aisles looking and the different type of food options. They have things from Italian pastries to wine. At this store I felt overwhelmed with the amount of Italian products the store carried. I will for sure come back whenever I need a true Italian meal.
Submitted by: Anonymous
]]>Why I can't live without these three businesses: Smell of the burgers, fries and hot dogs after a hard swimming in the SMC pool is the best thing that could be right other side of the street. One bite from a Foster's Freeze double cheese could recover all the nutrition that the body lost in the practice, even more. It's a classic hamburger with the taste of 1980's on it. With all old men and women going there that have lots of things to say is good place to hang out sometimes.
Vans: Red, purple, blue, black, yellow, sponge bob, mickey mouse, any color and any style you would like your shoes be. It's a station for any skate boarder in LA. They would stand front of the store, staring at the samsung 32" LCD hanging from the ceiling behind the glasses and watch the professional skate boarder do back flips and trick. Not just an entertainment for the skate boarder, also for the people who are waiting for the bus in the bus station.
If you have driven on the Wilshire Street, You absolutely noticed the shiny blue sign that says Albertson's on it. You might wondered why there is no door that you can get in from the front and then you find out that the door is on the back. it's funny because it happened for me when first time I saw Alberton. I was new, so didn't know the door is on the back. The first thing that you see when getting in the Albertson is the brown breads and cake the are all sitting next to each other and waiting for you to buy them. One bite from one of the cakes in the morning of a sunny saturday can make your whole weekend. The smile on the black man's face behind the cabinet is adorable.
]]>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
]]>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
]]>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
]]>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
]]>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
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