evening dinner - times?

Hi I have travelled to the US a few times and noticed that some places dinner is eaten much earlier than we tend to in Europe . We are in Santa Monica for a couple of nights and could arrive mid evening - are restaurants still serving at 9.00pm ?

In Santa Monica, dinner hours can vary depending on the type of restaurant and its location, but many places cater to a later dining crowd, especially near the beach, tourist areas, and popular nightlife spots.

Generally, most casual and mid-range restaurants will serve dinner until around 9:00–10:00pm, while some higher-end or busy tourist restaurants may extend service until 10:30–11:00pm. Late-night options (after 10pm) are usually limited to certain bistros, bars, or hotel restaurants.

Tips for dining at 9:00pm in Santa Monica:

  • Check the restaurant’s posted hours online before going, as many update seasonally.
  • Popular spots near the pier or Third Street Promenade may stay open later, but booking a reservation is recommended for peak hours.
  • Casual eateries, seafood spots, and ethnic cuisine restaurants often stay open later than typical “American dinner” restaurants.
  • If you arrive around 9pm, be prepared that some kitchens might start winding down, so calling ahead is a good idea.

Overall, arriving at 9pm in Santa Monica is generally okay for dinner, especially if you choose restaurants in busy tourist areas or near major hotels, but for a guaranteed full menu, aim to arrive slightly earlier when possible.


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