What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 10pm Tuesday 9am - 10pm Wednesday 9am - 10pm Thursday 9am - 10pm Friday 9am - 10pm Saturday 8am - 10pm Sunday 8am - 10pm

The Sidewalk Cafe

Name: The Sidewalk Cafe
Address: 1401 Ocean Front Walk, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, US
Telephone: +13103995547
Price range: ££
Rating: 3.9

Nearby restaurants

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4500 Los Feliz Boulevard

"The Best Place to People Watch in Venice!”

01/12/2025

The Sidewalk Cafe remains open to those who need a place to gather their thoughts and surround themselves with love and cheer. We absolutely love our community and neighbors. especially those in need due to the Fires. Please let us know how we may be of assistance.

01/09/2025

Our hearts are with everyone affected by the fires. The Sidewalk Cafe is here for our community during this difficult time. Whether you need a meal, a place to take a break, or just a little comfort, our doors are open. We're all in this together-stay safe, and let us know how we can help.

01/07/2025

Prayer for Palisades 🙏

11/25/2024

Homemade jack cheddar Spinach & Artichoke Dip + fried corn chips = the perfect combo! Pull up a chair on our outdoor patio, order this crowd-pleaser, and enjoy the live music. It's snack time, Venice style!

https://www.thesidewalkcafe.com/
📍1401 Ocean Front Walk Venice, CA 90291

11/23/2024

Spend Happy Hour at the best bar on the beach!

https://www.thesidewalkcafe.com/
📍1401 Ocean Front Walk Venice, CA 90291

11/20/2024

Cool down with our signature Guava Mojito at The Sidewalk Cafe! Whether you're soaking up the sun on our patio or jamming to live music, this cocktail (and others!) will hit the spot. Join us today for the perfect Cali refreshment!

https://www.thesidewalkcafe.com/
📍1401 Ocean Front Walk Venice, CA 90291

11/18/2024

Our location, in a word? Iconic. Come see us on the boardwalk!

https://www.thesidewalkcafe.com/
📍1401 Ocean Front Walk Venice, CA 90291

11/17/2024

Getting ready for Turkey day here at The Sidewalk Cafe. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!!! 🦃

11/14/2024

We have 9 big screen TVs, and the game is always on! Join us on game day at The Sidewalk Cafe!

https://www.thesidewalkcafe.com/
📍1401 Ocean Front Walk Venice, CA 90291

11/12/2024

National Happy Hour Day is calling, and we've got your answer! Pop over to The Sidewalk Cafe for unbeatable drinks, hearty portions, and live tunes from 3-7 pm, Monday to Friday. Grab a seat on our patio and raise a glass with us!

https://www.thesidewalkcafe.com/
📍1401 Ocean Front Walk Venice, CA 90291

11/08/2024

Crispy bacon, creamy avocado, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomato—all piled high on whole wheat bread. Toast it if you like, but either way, the California BLT at The Sidewalk Cafe is always a win. Ready to dig in?

https://www.thesidewalkcafe.com/
📍1401 Ocean Front Walk Venice, CA 90291

10/31/2024

We've got the brews and chews to make your Halloween howl! The Sidewalk Cafe is your go-to haunt for eerie eats and creepy cocktails. Enjoy our frightful festivities with a backdrop of palm trees and the soothing sound of the waves!

https://www.thesidewalkcafe.com/
📍1401 Ocean Front Walk Venice, CA 90291

10/28/2024

Sink your teeth into our California BLT—crispy bacon, creamy avocado, fresh lettuce, and tomato, all on hearty whole wheat bread. It's like a bite of California sunshine, perfect for fueling your beach day adventure!

https://www.thesidewalkcafe.com/
📍1401 Ocean Front Walk Venice, CA 90291

10/24/2024

Don't let the whistle blow on your fun! Keep the game-day energy high with extended Happy Hour at The Sidewalk Cafe. Every Monday and Thursday until 8:30 PM, enjoy our special pricing while watching NFL, NBA, NHL, or MLB action. Here, every game is a home game!

https://www.thesidewalkcafe.com/
📍1401 Ocean Front Walk Venice, CA 90291

10/19/2024

Whether it's football or just a foggy day on the coast, our Homemade Chili is here to heat things up. Packed with beef and beans, smothered in cheese, and served with a smile (and some sour cream). Don't forget the French bread—it's game time any time at The Sidewalk Cafe!

https://www.thesidewalkcafe.com/
📍1401 Ocean Front Walk Venice, CA 90291

10/16/2024

Get in the happy hour groove at The Sidewalk Cafe with $1 off well margaritas, cocktails, and drafts. It's all happening at the bar, Monday to Friday, 3-7 PM—perfect timing for that after-surf unwind!

https://www.thesidewalkcafe.com/
📍1401 Ocean Front Walk Venice, CA 90291

10/13/2024

Experience the lighter side of life with our Vegetarian Pizza. Each slice is packed with mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, and tomatoes—ideal for fueling your sports bar fun. Pair it with a cool drink and even cooler tunes for the ultimate Venice day out.

https://www.thesidewalkcafe.com/
📍1401 Ocean Front Walk Venice, CA 90291

10/11/2024

Our Chicken Tacos are packing the stands at The Sidewalk Cafe! Made with high-quality ingredients and a splash of homemade sauce magic, they're a must-try on your next visit!

https://www.thesidewalkcafe.com/
📍1401 Ocean Front Walk Venice, CA 90291

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Our Story

In 1905, after winning the Venice land on a coin flip with his partners, Abbot Kinney built Venice-of-America to be a personal monument to Venice, Italy. He built a fantasy city with real canals, a wood boardwalk and piers with rides and water slides.

It was a huge hit! Celebrities like William Randolph Hearst and Marion Davies strolled the Venice Boardwalk; Sarah Bernhardt performed in the Venice Auditorium; Charlie Chaplin clowned in Abbot Kinney’s auto races; and Mary Pickford was rowed in her own gondola. Venice was the place to be!

The building that now houses the Sidewalk Café was one of the last of Abbot Kinney’s Venice buildings and was originally designed to be four stories tall, but only the first floor was ever constructed.

It was eventually sold to the Harrah family (of gambling fame) and was turned into a bingo parlor (later called bridgo because bingo was illegal). During prohibition Abbot Kinney’s underground utility tunnels were modified to accommodate bootleggers who delivered liquor at night under the pier.

In the 1950s and early ‘60s the building housed artists’ studios and served as the crash pad for beatnik writers and poets such as Jack Kerouac.

The building stood vacant for many years until 1976 when Mary Goodfader’s bookstore, Small World Books, lost its lease in Marina Del Rey. Bob Goodfader, while bicycling on the bike path, saw the building and called the phone number graffitied on its front. The Goodfaders and their friends, Walter (Skip) and Penny Dixon bought the building for the bookstore.

Bob and Skip decided to open a small takeout place in the side not in use by the bookstore. The eatery was such a hit that they expanded it into a patio restaurant.

Venice experienced a rebirth with roller skating and skateboarding in the 70s. The Boardwalk’s unique entertainers, skateboarding’s Z-boys, Muscle Beach’s bodybuilders and Venice’s basketball players attracted worldwide attention. The Sidewalk Café offered great food and a front row seat to the circus.

Small World Books is one of the last surviving independent bookstores in Los Angeles and is still run by Mary. Come see what treasures their staff can help you discover.

Bob passed away in 2002 but the Sidewalk Café is still being run by the people he trained, including his son Jay, his protégé Steve, his general manager Kristen and his head chef Luciano.

We’re really glad you’re here. If we’ve done something to make your day special, please tell a friend. And if there is something we can do to improve, please let us know!