places to eat at 3rd street promenade.

[A44sho]

I need some recommendations of places to eat at 3rd street promenade w/ a date. If the place has a bar it's +++. Hopefully not too expensive where a side of salad is like 18 dollars... Oh and what to eat like appetizers, dinner, desserts? And what to drink?

Nothing overly romantic/fancy. I want to impress her a bit but not too much because I don't want to spoil her from the beginning.

Advices on what to do @ 3rd street promenade would be nice also.

[Calabria]

Yankee Doodels, its a sports bar thats usually packed from 6-10.
3rd street, you walk around and enjoy the performers/views. Also, the SM Pier is a couple blocks down...

[dynomike]

just go to benihana. its dope. haha

[michgo]

Barneys Beanery is one of the better and more fun places to go and eat.

[Tfreestyle]

+1 for barneys beanery

[07-Aythree]

ooo barneys beanery is freakin amazing. so much fun but its a very casual place. lots of young people though, my sister goes there all the time too and loves it

[channad]

there's that italian place right there on the West side of 3rd street. Don't know the name but the food was good, and nice ambiance if you are seated outside. Great for people watching. Menu is $$ but not too bad. They do not have a bar. I know Yankee Doodle has a bar, but I'm not sure that's the kind of place you would take a first date. Unless she's into sports, shooting pool, and drinking brews. Then you're alright.

Is it a first date?

Have you thought of going down to main street santa monica? there's that one bar place that's zagat rated, so the food is good and the bar is on point. It may be a brewery...hmmm, I just walked by there today in fact. I forget the name, but it's by Main and Ashland, next to the sushi place. Don't go to that sushi place, they don't sell alcohol! I made that mistake, took a date there, and bam, no alcohol.

There's also bar copa and circle bar in that area. Both should have a DJ on Friday, sat, and I think sunday too.

and if you cross the street westward by the parking lot, the beach is right there. They even have a lawn and what not. It's a part of the beach that isn't too crowded either, you can sit and chat, or stand on your head...or whatever.

If you cruise down to abbot kinney, there are lots of eateries and a few bars. One is called The Other Room, it's wine and beer, no hard liquor.

Good luck!