Chez Jay

1657 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States
$$$ Steak house
(1017 Reviews)

Welcome to Chez Jay, a beloved steak house nestled along the vibrant coastline of Santa Monica, California. Located at 1657 Ocean Ave, this iconic establishment has garnered a reputation not only for its juicy cuts of meat but also for its warm, inviting atmosphere that transports guests into a world of culinary delight.

Chez Jay offers a delightful selection of steakhouse classics and mouth-watering appetizers, making it a paradise for food lovers. Your journey begins with a selection of tantalizing appetizers that include Truffle Parmesan Fries - golden and perfectly crispy, drizzled with a rich truffle oil, and the Scampi with Fresh Garlic & Shallots, a dish bursting with flavor and served in a buttery sauce. For a true steak lover, the star of the show is the renowned Butter New York Steak, a tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience that diners rave about. One enthusiastic customer, Daniel Register, gushed it was “one of the best” steaks he’s had, emphasizing the unforgettable quality of the dishes. Other noteworthy options include the Fresh Steamed Clams and the unique Calamari Rings with Lemon Aioli Sauce, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate.

As you explore their menu, don’t overlook the sides - the Idaho Baked Potato Loaded and Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic Honey Glaze & Bacon are perfect accompaniments, enhancing your dining experience. And for those with a sweet tooth, desserts like the Homemade New York Style Cheesecake are a must-try, promising a blissful ending to your meal.

The atmosphere at Chez Jay is as memorable as the food. With decor that evokes a rustic charm highlighted by maritime influences, the interior feels like a welcoming dive bar complete with stories embedded in its walls. The cozy, vibrant space is enhanced by live music on certain nights, particularly in The Backyard, a fantastic area for guests to socialize over after-dinner drinks. Arian Rassoul shared how warm and personal the experience felt, emphasizing the touching moments with Chef Meme who personally greeted diners. This combination of great food, friendly service, and a lively atmosphere creates a dining experience that feels both special and genuine.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor exploring Santa Monica, Chez Jay promises not just a meal, but a quintessentially Californian dining experience. With reviews calling it a “quaint spot with stories galore,” it’s clear that this steak house is more than just a food destination - it’s a cherished community hub. So, come hungry, bring good company, and revel in the delicious surprises waiting for you at Chez Jay!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers delivery
Has drive-through
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Historic
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
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Monday

05:30 PM - 12:00 AM

Tuesday

02:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Wednesday

02:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Thursday

02:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Friday

02:00 PM - 02:00 AM

Saturday

02:00 PM - 02:00 AM

Sunday

02:00 PM - 12:00 AM

1017 Reviews
Sonny Yeow

23 Aug 2025

Reasonable Price for good steak. Highly recommended. Live band and vibe at The Backyard is a worthwhile visit for all Santa Monica tourist. Malaysian must come.

Daniel Register

04 Aug 2025

I went on 8/8/25 to Chez Jay for dinner with a couple of my friends. This was actually our first time ever going to this restaurant, we decided to try something different. We were definitely not disappointed in the food, the food was amazing, and the quality was excellent. We will definitely go back to get some great food. I got the butter New York steak, and to be honest it was one of the best steaks I have ever had. My other Friends got the salmon, and they told me it was amazing. The employees were also very friendly, and helpful.

Cloud

04 Aug 2025

This is a fantastic bar with interior that looks like you're on a sailboat, many photographs of celebrities that have visited and whilst you drink, you're getting monkey nuts. Out back is The Backyard - they belong together - where we had some really good burgers with the chef's special secret sauce. It was yummy. Apparently they had the same chef for over 30 years and everything is made from scratch. Both the bar and restaurant are great and unique places we can only recommend and for LA standards not crazy expensive.

A R

22 Jul 2025

Chez Jay is a historical Santa Monica establishment. We stopped by to pick up some after dinner desserts. This place has the protypical dive bar atmosphere, I'll say that the bread pudding was out of this world. Maybe the best piece of bread pudding we have ever had!

Arian Rassoul

01 Jul 2025

Chez Jay is such a gem! We had an incredible time here — not only was the food absolutely delicious, but the whole experience felt warm and personal. We sat in the extra room, which gave us a cozy spot to play cards, yet we could still feel all the fun and lively atmosphere from the main dining area. A special highlight was Chef Meme, who came by our table twice, once to welcome us and again to say goodbye — such a thoughtful touch. And our waiter did an awesome job too: attentive, friendly, and really made sure we had everything we needed without ever rushing us. Between the amazing food, great vibe, and outstanding service, Chez Jay truly stands out. Can’t wait to come back!

Rachel Tison

28 Jun 2025

Quaint spot with stories galor!! Enjoyed cocktails and dinner. Laid back, delicious food, and great service.

Kurt C.

23 Jun 2025

Thank you to everyone at Chez Jay for a nice evening out with some of my fraternity brothers. The staff is nice and make you feel at home --- even the head chef stopped by our table to say hello and see how we liked our meals. He did an excellent job --- steaks were prepared just right. The "Backyard" is cool for after-dinner drinks, so don't miss that!

Hamilton

17 Jun 2025

The Backyard of Chez Jay has more space and live music some nights. Cool vibe. Didn’t try the food.

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