You’re walking down the Third Street Promenade and it feels a bit... corporate. You've got the big-box retailers, the tourists holding maps, and that specific, salty breeze coming off the Pacific. Then you see the clock. Or rather, the building with the clock. It’s the Clock Tower Building, an Art Deco masterpiece from 1929, and tucked into its ground floor is The Misfit Santa Monica CA. It feels different the second you step inside. It’s moody. It’s loud. It smells like rosemary fries and expensive gin.
Honestly, finding a place that feels "local" in the heart of a tourist trap is usually impossible. But The Misfit pulls it off by leaning into a sort of "Parisian bistro meets upscale dive" vibe. It’s owned by the LGO Hospitality group—the same folks behind La Grande Orange—and they clearly understood that Santa Monica didn’t need another sterile beach cafe. It needed character. It needed a place where you could get a $10 cocktail during "Golden Hour" while sitting next to a guy in a tailored suit and a surfer who hasn't showered since Tuesday.
The Vibe and Why the Design Matters
The first thing you notice is the bar. It’s massive. It stretches along the back wall, backed by mirrors and bottles that reach toward the high ceilings. The lighting is low, almost orange, which makes everyone look about 20% more attractive than they actually are. It’s the kind of lighting that encourages you to stay for one more drink than you originally planned.
The seating is tight. You're going to be close to your neighbors. You might overhear a tech founder pitching an app or a couple arguing about where to park. It’s part of the charm. In a city like Los Angeles, where everything is spread out and isolated by car windows, The Misfit Santa Monica CA feels strangely communal. The floor is old-school tile, the wood is dark, and the bookshelves are packed with actual books, not just decorative spines.
The "Golden Hour" Strategy
Let’s talk about the Happy Hour, or as they call it, the Golden Hour. It’s legendary. Usually running daily until 7:00 PM, it’s one of the few places in Santa Monica where you won't feel like you're being robbed. They do these "Misfit" cocktails—think classics with a slight twist—and they’re actually strong.
- The Misfit Margarita: It’s got that kick of fresh lime that you can’t fake with a mix.
- Well drinks that don't taste like gasoline.
- Half-off select appetizers that are actually filling.
If you’re trying to do Santa Monica on a budget without eating at a fast-food chain, this is basically the cheat code. But get there early. By 5:30 PM on a Friday, the line is already snaking out onto the sidewalk.
What to Actually Eat (Beyond the Fries)
People obsess over the fries. The "Misfit Fries" are shoestring-style, dusted with herbs and salt, and served in a massive pile. They’re great. But if you only eat the fries, you’re missing the point of the kitchen.
The menu is surprisingly eclectic. It doesn't try to be one thing. You’ve got Mediterranean influences clashing with classic American comfort food. Take the Ahi Tuna Burger. It’s seared perfectly, rare in the middle, topped with a slaw that actually has some crunch to it. It’s light enough for a beach day but heavy enough to soak up a couple of martinis.
The Secret Stars of the Menu
Then there’s the Crispy Chicken Sandwich. Look, everyone has a chicken sandwich now. It’s a requirement. But the one at The Misfit Santa Monica CA uses a spicy mayo and a bun that doesn't disintegrate the moment you pick it up.
- The Prime Rib French Dip: It’s thin-shaved, tender, and the au jus is salty enough to make you crave another beer.
- The Kale Salad: I know, I know. It's LA. But they do it with a lemon-parmesan dressing and toasted almonds that makes you forget you're eating "health food."
- The Daily Specials: They often have a "Plate of the Day." Ask about it. Sometimes it’s a braised short rib; sometimes it’s a fresh catch from the coast.
The History of the Clock Tower Building
You can't really appreciate The Misfit without looking at the walls. The Clock Tower Building (officially the Bay Cities Guaranty Building) was the tallest building in Santa Monica for decades. It was designed by Albert R. Walker and Percy A. Eisen, the same architects who did the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.
Walking into the restaurant feels like walking back into 1929, but with better music. The architects used a lot of Zigzag Moderne elements. When LGO Hospitality took over the space, they didn't gut it. They preserved the soul of the building. That’s why the "misfit" name works so well—it’s a historic relic surviving in a world of modern glass and steel.
Why Locals Actually Come Here
Santa Monica locals are notoriously picky. They avoid the Promenade like the plague during the summer. Yet, you’ll still find them at The Misfit Santa Monica CA. Why?
It’s the consistency. You know the drink is going to be cold. You know the server is going to be slightly harried but professional. You know the music won't be so loud that you have to scream, but loud enough that the table next to you can't hear your private business.
It’s also one of the few places that feels "grown-up." While the bars on Main Street might be filled with 21-year-olds doing shots, The Misfit attracts a crowd that knows the difference between a good gin and a bad one. It's sophisticated without being pretentious. You can wear a hoodie. You can wear a cocktail dress. Nobody cares.
The Weekend Brunch Scene
Brunch is a whole different beast. If you're there on a Saturday morning, the vibe shifts. The "hangover recovery" crowd rolls in. The Bloody Marys are spicy and garnished with enough vegetables to count as a salad.
The lemon ricotta pancakes are the move here. They’re fluffy, slightly tart, and better than they have any right to be. Pair that with some of their house-made sausage, and you’re set for the day. It’s a slower pace, a bit sunnier, and highly recommended if you want to people-watch the tourists starting their shopping marathons.
Navigating the Logistics
Let's be real: Santa Monica is a nightmare for parking. Don't even try to find a spot on the street. It’s a trap.
- Parking Structure 4: It’s right behind the restaurant on 2nd Street. The first 90 minutes are usually free (check current rates, as they fluctuate).
- The Metro: If you're coming from Downtown or Culver City, the E Line drops you off a few blocks away. It’s way better than sitting in 405 traffic.
- Reservations: They don't really do them for small groups. It’s mostly walk-in. If you have a party of 6 or more, call ahead, but otherwise, just show up and be prepared to wait at the bar.
What Most People Get Wrong
A common misconception is that The Misfit Santa Monica CA is just a bar. I’ve seen people walk in, see the crowd, and walk out because they think they can't get a real meal. That’s a mistake. The kitchen is legit. They source a lot of their produce from the Santa Monica Farmers Market (which happens just a block away on Wednesdays and Saturdays).
Another thing? The cookies. They usually give you a free sea salt chocolate chip cookie with the check. Don't pass it up. It’s warm, gooey, and arguably the best thing on the entire menu. Some people try to buy a dozen to take home. They usually say no. It’s a "thank you" gift, not a bakery item.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
To get the most out of your trip to The Misfit, follow this specific game plan. It avoids the crowds and maximizes the value.
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Arrive at 4:30 PM on a weekday. This is the "sweet spot." You’ll beat the post-work rush, snag a seat at the bar, and have two full hours of Golden Hour pricing. Order the "Misfit" cocktail and the herb fries immediately.
Check the "off-menu" items. The bartenders here are pros. If you like a specific spirit, ask them to make you something "dealer's choice." They take pride in their craft and usually come up with something better than what's listed on the printed sheet.
Dress for the "Santa Monica Layer." Even if it’s 75 degrees during the day, the breeze hits hard once the sun goes down. If you’re sitting near the front windows, you’ll feel the draft. Bring a light jacket or a sweater so you aren't shivering over your sea bass.
Use the restroom just for the walk. Seriously. The path to the back takes you through more of the historic architecture of the building. Look at the details in the ceiling and the transitions between the rooms. It’s a mini architecture tour.
Combine your visit with the Farmers Market. If you go on a Wednesday morning for an early lunch, you can walk the market first, see where the chefs are buying their ingredients, and then sit down at The Misfit to eat them. It’s the full Santa Monica experience without the "tourist" veneer.
The Misfit stays relevant because it doesn't try to be a trend. It’s not an "Instagram cafe" with neon signs and fake flower walls. It’s a solid, well-built establishment in a historic building that serves high-quality food and drink at a fair price. In a city that's constantly chasing the next new thing, that's the most "misfit" thing you can do.