James' Beach, Venice

This isn't a good place to go to if you aren't a regular or a big shot. Twice I made reservations several weeks in advance and got stuck with the a lousy table near the bathroom and kitchen. The first time I let it go, the second time I talked to the hostess and was offered a seat at the corner of the bar or wait 40 min for a table. I guess it doesn't matter if you make a reservation. If someone is making a reservation several weeks in advance and you call them to confirm the day of, why would you stick them in such a lousy table? I could understand if it was a walk-up, but I called 3 weeks ahead of time! My take on the attitude of the hostess, is that they are too cool for school. OK, so I'm not a regular or a movie star, but my money spends the same. All I wanted was a nice dinner and the attitude of the place is not friendly for normal people. So I guess the regulars can have this place, there are way too many places in LA for people to eat and enjoy themselves. If you are a normal LA person and want to spend a lot of money for poor service and ok food, then James Beach is for you!

Best mojito. Best tuna tartare. Best fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies. Best place to sit at the bar and meet REAL Venice locals. I love James' Beach!!!

the margarita is the best!! I would love to be there every weekend...lol. great ambience and i love that the place wasnt uncomfortably crowded or too noisy. a good place to enjoy a great drink while enjoying a great conversation

Lot's of cute boys! Also, the food is great (love the tuna tartare), and they let you smoke in the partially covered patio.

I fell for this place after having a friend took me their for my birthday dinner last year. Since then, I took another friend their for his birthday, My Mother for her's my Grandma for her's as well. I've also just gone in to have dinner with a couple of friends for good conversation and food. The service is always consistantly five star, the food is awesome, great drinks, awesome desertt-try the pecan rolled vanilla ice cream sundaes. They are the best. I can't say enough about this place.