Italian Favorites

Business #1: Stefano's Pizza
Business #2: Buca Di Bepo
Business #3: Bay Cities

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

Unusual Snacks

Business #1: Famima
Business #2: The Pier
Business #3: Bay Cities

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

Shoes in every color

Business #1: Foster's Freeze
Business #2: Vans
Business #3: Albertson's

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. 

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

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