Fresh Burgers

Business #1: Donut King

Business #2: Big Jo's

Business #3: Tillys

Why I can't live without these three businesses: Donut King-Donut King when it's lunch time or whatever time of the day is the best place to get yourself some donuts and bagel, croissant sandwiches. When Im craving a donut or one of those sandwiches I first think Donut King. Yeah theres Bay Cities that I can go to to get a sandwich, but one it's way more expensive and two it's further than just going to Donut King that is across the street from my school and three at Bay Cities you won't find a bagel, croissant sandwiches.

Big Jo's-I've been going there since my little cousin was attending Saint Annes. The people who work there are so nice. They always give me alot of fries which I love from them. They have in the back of their restaurant a sitting area where you sit down and eat. Their burgers aren't like any other burger like from fast food places like MCDONALDS or BURGER KING. They have a sort of a grill taste to their burgers which is good because you know it's fresh and not processed like others.

Tillys- This store I use to go all the way to Porter Ranch to go here and now finally there's one in Santa Monica. Well Tillys isn't my everyday store that I go to but I still go there. Their style is more skater but because of that it's my spot to buy tanks and shorts. I have a casual look so this place is perfect if you aren't super girly and like casual clothing like me. They also sell backpacks from the brand jansport in all colors and patterns. This is good because when you start school shopping and you need a new backpack and clothes you can get both at one place.

Submitted by: Priscilla

Awesome Vintage Vibe

Business #1: Donut King

Business #2: Brandy Melville

Business #3: Nesou Hair Salon

Why I can't live without these three businesses: Donut King- I love Donut King because its right next to my school and they have amazing donuts and drinks. Their prices are great and the service is always fast and quick so i can have quality food in the fast time i need.

Brandy Melville- I love this store because it is like Urban Outfitters but way cheaper in price and has some really cool shirts. The store serves a really awesome vintage vibe and has really great cotton clothes and soft material for the sunny santa monica weather.

Nesou Hair Salon- This is my favorite salon that i have been going to recently. The staff is very nice and the prices are great compared to other salons around the area. The salon is very wide and clean and open. They play great music while you get your hair done and always offer water or coffee while you are waiting.

Submitted by: Bethany P.

Fit for foodies

Business #1: Santa Monica Farmers Market

Business #2: Tehran Market

Business #3: Bay Cities Deli

Why we can't live without these three businesses:  Aren't we lucky to have something as wonderful as the Santa Monica Farmers Markets--fresh, local, seasonal produce; friendly farmers; great people watching; healthy eating....love it!  I try to rotate the markets I hit.  Downtown on Weds is the biggest, Pico on Saturdays is good as it's not as crowded (and chili roasting season!) vs. Main Street on Sundays is fun for families.  Weds is probably my favorite.

Tehran Market is one of Santa Monica's best kept secrets.  Located on Wilshire at 15th St, this is my go-to place for fresh and dried herbs (e.g. a big bunch of Italian parsley for 39 cents!), fresh pita bread, veggies and scrumptious middle eastern spreads (e.g. roasted pepper with eggplants, hummus).  It doesn't look like much from the outside but don't let that turn you off!

And last, Bay Cities Deli.  I love their bread.  I could eat loaves and loaves of the fresh baked Italian bread.  I just wish they were more involved in the community....we all love them. 

Submitted by:  Jen 

A great place for quick, cheap food

Business #1:  Bay Cities Deli

Business #2:  The Slice

Business #3:  Gilbert's

Why I can't live without these three businesses: Bay Cities-I go to Bay Cities once a week and they never cease to please me. Their business is never slow and always packed. On one side of the deli the workers are creating the most delicious sandwiches in Santa Monica, on some of the best bread I've ever had, while at the front of the store the cashiers are hustling about to keep the line moving and quick to clear up the cluster. Bay cities has an assortment of everything Italian meats, fine cheeses and wine, and spices and other ingredients. Bay Cities has everything anyone could ask for from and Italian store and more.

The Slice- There are two Slices in Santa Monica, however; I prefer the one on Wilshire. There are no differences beside location only preference. When I manage to go to the Slice I order the slice of pizza, fries, and small unlimited refill drink special for 5 dollars. Their menu ranges from many things, like mozzarella sticks, to meatball subs, to raviolis, and to of course pizza. It is a great place to get quick and cheap food without getting the feeling of eating previously cooked, frozen, then reheated foods.

Gilberts- A Mexican restaurant by a carwash on 26th and Pico, is a family owned business, with warm and cozy atmosphere that makes you feel at home as soon as you walk in. I enjoy Gilbert's because of their chips and salsa which are amazing, and their burritos which are fantastic. All the waiters there are very polite and generous on the amount of chips they give you. All in all one of my favorite restaurants in Santa Monica

Submitted by: Max Zasuly

My weekly fix of ceveche

Business #1:  Bay Cities

Business #2:  Trader Joes

Business #3:  La Playita

Why I can't live without these three businesses:  I can't live with out Bay Cities Deli on Lincoln. Every Wednesday I go there with my family, and I get the same thing every single week, I get the godmother with spicy pepper. Bay cities does not only provide great sandwiches, but a unique grocery store that carries rare items that you can only get there and not anywhere else in Santa Monica

 I also can't live with out Trader Joes. Trader Joes is where my mom does most all her shopping at. When my mom goes out of town or goes out for the night I make the frozen foods that Trader Joes carries. Trader Joes provides healthy frozen dinners and a unique grocery store with items you can only find there. It is healthy and reasonably priced. Most of what I eat is from Trader Joes.

 La Playita is the best Mexican restaurant around; I go there at least four times a week. They have the freshest ceveche you can get.  It is a little hole in the wall, but has the best seafood around. All the seafood is fresh, and nicely prepared I don’t know what I would do with out La Playita. If I couldn’t get my fix of ceveche tostadas I wouldn’t know what to do with my self.

Submitted by:  Nick Lodato