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The 40 year staple, Santa Monica Seafood at Colorado/12th St. has moved. They've traded the local-heavy location for a highly visible new corner space at 10th & Wilshire which will definitely bring the masses. Opening day (President's Day) was evidence that this is an understatement.
It's a good thing for a restaurant to be overcrowded on opening day, but yesterday was reminiscent of walking into Father's Office (ironic being F.O. is 4 blocks away, almost same numerical address)--you begin to eyeball people's drink levels to see what table will open up first so you can make a move. It was a madhouse of people oogling the enormous curvy fish display, pushing toward the oyster bar, and checking out the specialty food section.
The usual groans were overheard, "oh my, they shouldn't have laid it out like this," "way too crowded," and the best yet, "they've gotta do a better job with the parking lot." In case you didn't realize, the fact that they have a parking lot is a blessing, this is the Westside! (Tip: park next door behind the Mattress Factory if you can't find parking and... you didn't hear this from us).
SM Seafood is just getting their training wheels when it comes to restaurant dining, their former location was like a sidewalk pizza counter compared to their upgrade, so give them a break! You came here for the fish and not only will you not be disappointed, you're getting a lot more. You have Chef Scott Leibfried from Hell's Kitchen fame leading the charge, so you can expect that nothing but greatness is coming out of his kitchen.
They have a stellar beer & wine selection as well. Where else do you know where you can get a 4-pack of Allagash White, 6 pack of Orval, or Zatec, and a pound of whitefish? You can also stop by for fresh bread from La Brea Bakery and some cheese from the cheese fridge. All things epicurean, you'll be coming here for another 40 years.
Santa Monica Seafood
1000 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m
parking behind restaurant on 10th St.
