My local lifesavers

Business #1:  Panchos Tacos

Business #2:  Omelette Parlor

Business #3:  Starbucks Coffee

Why I can't live without these three businesses:  Panchos Tacos: This little Mexican joint on the south side of Santa Monica has become one of my most cherished places. Their food is extremely affordable, generously portioned, and is made in minutes. I've been traditionally going to Pancho's every Thursday for the past year and I still can not get enough. Personally, my favorite thing on the menu are the soft chicken tacos. They're delicious. Just one fills me up!

Omelette Parlor: If you like eggs, this is the place to go. The Omelette Parlor on Main Street has a small town, cottagey feel that I absolutely love. Their menu offers something for everyone and each omelette has a hilarious name.  For example, The Sexy Omelette and The Meter Maid. The only downfall is that sometimes you have to wait a few minutes to be seated but that's only because it's so good! So, hop on the bandwagon. You'll be happy you did.

Starbucks Coffee: Unfortunately, I can't go a day without my daily dosage of caffeine and I'm only 17. I'm ok with that though simply because Starbucks is so yummy. My go-to drink is their Pike Place Roast Coffee. It's smooth and perfectly balanced taste is only $1.50. A price that is perfect for a high school teenager like myself.

Submitted by:  Jessica Vanarsdol

Bruno, my Yorkipoo, can't live without this local business!

Business #1: Healthy Spot

Business #2: Bagel Nosh

Business #3: Bay City Deli

Why I can't live without these three businesses:  Healthy Spot- Bruno, my Yorkipoo, cannot live without Healthy Spot.  He enjoys a wonderful spa treatment every other month. The doggie daycare is sooo awesome with the best staff who really understand your dog and actually help train them to do the right thing during their hours of daycare.  They also have spectacular treats and healthy dog food...anything you want to pamper your pooch is there.   Healthy Spot is a one stop shop for me and Bruno :)

Bagel Nosh--All I can say is YUM!!!!!!!!!!  This place has the best bagels I have ever eaten in my life...and this includes the east coast.  Their breakfast choices are awesome...this place is for the locals and always has a warm homey atmosphere with very friendly staff.  Prices are totally affordable.  They get my award for the Best Bagel in Santa Monica.

Bay City Deli- I have two words... "The Godmother". Need I say more.

Submitted by:  Claudia K.

Coffee anyone?

Business #1: Flying Saucers Cafe & Gallery

Business #2: Poom Thai

Business #3: Bookmark Cafe

Why I can't live without these three businesses: 

Flying Saucers - great people, great coffee, free WiFi, what more could I want?  Oh yes, a breakfast sandwich, yum!

Poom Thai - It's all good, but my favorite dish is Pra Ram Chicken (chicken, spinach, and peanut sauce).

Bookmark Cafe - I love the salads.  And if you buy a coffee, you can take it into the library with you!

Submitted by:  Name withheld

A great night out on Lincoln...and shopper's delight on Pico!

Business #1: Pancho's

Business #2: Cock N Bull

Business #3: Acapillow Home Furnishings

Why I can't live without these three businesses: I have many "favorites" here in Santa Monica but these three are the ones I have committed to supporting this month. 

Pancho's on Lincoln is my husband and my favorite place in all of LA for carnitas burritos...and the prices are amazing.  You get a huge burrito for $4.25 and savor every bite.  The salsa bar is also impressive.  It's a Thursday or Friday night ritual.  We always get it to-go but they got ample seating inside.

Cock N Bull, also on Lincoln, while not big on atmosphere, this place is full of characters.  We used to live in London for awhile and this place cures our nostalgia.  They pour proper pints and have a good beer selection.  Be sure to go for Happy Hour M-F, from 5-7 p.m.  On Fridays, they also have snacks for happy hour. Quiz nights are fun.  Go here and then head across the street to Pancho's for a perfect, low cost evening out in Santa Monica!

Acapillow Home Furnishings.  Who knew that Pico Blvd has one of THE best interior design and home furnishings store in LA?!  Peter and Eleanor have been a tremendous help in getting us off the ground in decorating our new home.   Just going into this store helps inspire--vintage French fabrics, Moroccan tables, gorgeous pillows, Persian rugs....They were recently featured in LA Times Home Section.  This is one of SM's true gems!

Then, I'm going to include a wild card for another business that I visited this month for the first time:   Interactive Cafe on Broadway.  I went because they were participating in the "Buy Local, Be Sustainable" shopping + dining promotion last week.  The space is quite large and funky (in a good way).  I ordered a grilled chicken panini sandwich, which was very tasty and well priced ($4.75 for Buy Local dining week, normally $6.75 which seems reasonable).  It's just around the corner from Third St Promenade and is a good place to grab a quick lunch or meet friends/ mates for breakfast or lunch in a central location.  I'd recommend all four of these local businesses...they help make Santa Monica special and unique!

Submitted by Jennifer Taylor