Golden Bull Restaurant
A vintage Santa Monica steakhouse, reborn with classic charm and modern touches, serving iconic American dishes in a cozy, wood-paneled setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Golden Bull Restaurant
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vintage Santa Monica steakhouse, reborn with classic charm and modern touches, serving iconic American dishes in a cozy, wood-paneled setting.
"Outstanding service, delicious food, and a great experience overall - make a reservation!"
Reservations Recommended
Book in advance to secure indoor seating by the fireplace or a spot on the patio.
Happy Hour Deals
Visit Mon-Fri (4-5:30 PM) for discounted appetizers like Caesar Salad and Loaded Potato Skins.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American Steakhouse
Price
$$$
Phone
(310) 230-0402
Address
170 W Channel Rd, Santa Monica, CA 90402, USA
Website
goldenbullsantamonica.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cozy Retro Ambiance
Experience cozy and retro vibes with wood-paneled walls and a fireplace for a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Signature Prime Rib
Indulge in perfectly cooked prime rib, a standout dish praised for its quality and flavor.
Festive Patio Dining
Enjoy outdoor dining on a patio adorned with festive decorations, especially charming during cooler evenings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations Recommended
Book in advance to secure indoor seating by the fireplace or a spot on the patio.
Happy Hour Deals
Visit Mon-Fri (4-5:30 PM) for discounted appetizers like Caesar Salad and Loaded Potato Skins.
Street Parking Savvy
Parking can be tough; consider finding street parking on nearby side streets.
Share the S'mores
The S'mores Casserole is a decadent dessert perfect for sharing.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations Recommended
Book in advance to secure indoor seating by the fireplace or a spot on the patio.
Happy Hour Deals
Visit Mon-Fri (4-5:30 PM) for discounted appetizers like Caesar Salad and Loaded Potato Skins.
Street Parking Savvy
Parking can be tough; consider finding street parking on nearby side streets.
Share the S'mores
The S'mores Casserole is a decadent dessert perfect for sharing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners consistently praise Golden Bull for its delicious, generously portioned American classics and cozy, retro atmosphere. The prime rib and potato skins are frequently highlighted, alongside friendly service and festive decor on the patio. While prices are considered somewhat high, the overall quality of food and dining experience makes it a popular choice for celebrations and casual meals alike.
"Came to celebrate my wife's 27th birthday and everything was just great. Inside was nicely decorated. We got seated right next to the fire place. which was great because it was cold and windy outside. The food was delicious and wonderfully plated. Wifey enjoyed her margaritas with her steak frites and I could definitely go for another bowl of the tomato soup with an order of a baked potato. The service was outstanding and just a great experience overall. I highly recommend this restaurant and MAKE A RESERVATION!!!
AND MICHAEL KEATON SHOWED UP LAST MINUTE AND WAS SEATED RIGHT NEXT TO US. WAS TRYING SO HARD NOT TO GEEK! (No I was not going to bother the man for a picture he was having dinner)"
F “LUCIFER” U
"My fiancé & I celebrated a lovely Christmas Eve dinner. We were seated outside on the patio. It was a chilly night, but outdoor heaters kept us nice and warm. The patio was decorated with festive Holiday lights. The prime rib I ordered was amazing! It was well maintained in au jus. A wonderful experience! We highly recommend"
Annmarie Flammang
"Stopped by for some drinks after a day at the beach and came during their Happy Hour special on a Saturday and was pleasantly surprised. They have a large outdoor seating area which could use a fresh design eye, but what lacked in ambiance made up for in service and food quality. Service was quick and friendly and the food was very tasty and on point with expectations. We had a few margs, burgers and caesar salads, all from the happy hour menu. All were delicious but surprisingly still pricey."
Jamie Canbolat
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is highly recommended to make a reservation in advance to secure your preferred seating, especially for indoor tables by the fireplace or patio seating.
Diners rave about the prime rib, steak frites, loaded potato skins, and the S'mores Casserole for dessert.
Yes, the restaurant has a patio area that is often decorated festively and can be kept warm with heaters.
Happy Hour, or 'Golden Hour,' runs Monday through Friday from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
Parking can be challenging. It's often advised to look for street parking on nearby side streets.
While not explicitly stated, the ambiance suggests smart casual attire. Many diners come after a day at the beach.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
25 Best Restaurants in Santa Monica For Oceanside Eats
What happens when one of the Westside’s old-guard restaurants gets a modern rebirth?. You get reimagined steakhouses classics all in the same sleek leather booths that defined the original Golden Bull. Now you can find vegan-friendly options and excellent sides like sautéed corn, stuffed potato skins and Yorkshire puddings alongside the bone-in rib eye, filet mignon and other cuts that have made the Golden Bull a Santa Monica institution since 1949.
Where To Eat Outside In Santa Monica - Los Angeles
Santa Monica Canyon’s Golden Bull is an iconic spot that’s been around (almost) since the real Will Rogers lived next door. They’ve got steakhouse classics like crab cakes, French onion soup, and a burger, along with, of course, a bunch of different steaks.
The 20 Best Casual Restaurants in Los Angeles
Golden Bull Restaurant has been part of the Santa Monica Canyon community since 1949, offering a comfortable, old Hollywood–inspired atmosphere. It focuses on classic chophouse fare and signature cocktails in a laid-back setting. People appreciate its traditional approach that stays true to its roots, making it a welcoming spot for both regulars and newcomers.
Offbeat L.A.: The Oldest Surviving Los Angeles Restaurants… A Master List of the Vintage, Historic and Old School
Vintage steakhouse opened in 1950 with burgundy leather booths and original sign. The building itself seems to become a restaurant in 1932, when a kitchen was added to an existing store which was built in 1922. The Golden Bull was a chain of SoCal steakhouses opened by Glenn Billingsley, the husband of “Leave It To Beaver” actress Barbara, who played the Mom.
Santa Monica Architecture: What You Need to Know
Top restaurants also abound in Santa Monica, with residents known to frequent spots like famed steakhouse The Golden Bull, upscale sushi spot Soko, and beloved Italian-American diner Ghisallo. Shoppers, on the other hand, can visit Third Street Promenade in Downtown Santa Monica, which houses everything from high-end designer boutiques to chain stores.
Restaurants in Santa Monica: 10 Can't-Miss Options
The Golden Bull Restaurant stands out as one of the best restaurants in Santa Monica. Famous for its high-quality ingredients and high quality dining room, elegance is just part of the equation. Established in 1949 and fresh off a 2018 reboot, this beloved steakhouse brings a renewed vibe that maintains its classic charm.
The 20 Best Old-School Dining Spots In LA
The Golden Bull is another LA steakhouse in the vein of Dan Tana's or Dear John's, but slightly more secretive. This isn't the place tourists flock to on their first night in the big city. And indeed, it's off the beaten path, on a little side street near the Pacific Coast Highway.
American Restaurants in Santa Monica, California, United States – with menus and pictures
Category: American, Happy Hours, Outside Dining, Steakhouses, and Weekend Brunch. The Golden Bull Restaurant was established in 1950 and has been a Santa Monica icon ever since. There is no telling who might be seen in this landmark eatery as Read more...
Top 9 Steakhouses In Santa Monica, California
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. Golden Bull is a chophouse that has offered steak, fresh seafood, and beer since 1949. The menu also embodies some veggie-centric side dishes and classic cocktails.
My Favorite Restaurants
For steak, we love the filet mignon at the Golden Bull, but if the expense account allows, we’ll splurge at Boa for their famous tableside Caesar salad and a perfectly cooked filet.
17 Best Restaurants in Santa Monica, LA
170 W Channel Rd, Santa Monica, CA 90402Phone: 310-230-0402 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by The Golden Bull | Est.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit