The Chestnut Club

Cool atmosphere and booths. The drinks are presented nicely, it almost looks like a snow cone and they are tasty! It’s a good date place for some drinks.

Nice, upscale bar in an otherwise rather barren little area of Santa Monica. Got there by 10 on a Friday night, no line and we were able to get a seat at the bar. Great selection of spirits, good bartenders, and one of the best looking bouncers I’ve seen in a long time. They were playing a fun selection of music from the 90s, which I don’t think a lot of the patrons were familiar with as it was a pretty young crowd.

Last week, in the final days of my vacation with my girlfriend and her family, we stopped into The Chestnut Club for a couple drinks before dinner. Aaron the bartender served us at the bar, and stole the show. He was patient and attentive, filling water glasses and making suggestions while crafting cocktails for our group of 4 and the other guests at the bar. Not once did I feel I was bothering him as I answered questions he posed to me about the Pisco Sours I’ve had, or commented on his work.
This might seem over the top, but I’m a bartender right now, and I know the depth of skill it takes to do as good a job as he did. It’s what I strive for in my own work, so I’m glad we could visit when he worked.
Also, bomb-​ass chips. A+ snack.

Trendy place with a romantic, upscale vibe. Awesome place for a date.
Came at 8pm on a Monday and the place was pretty empty. Street parking can be found a couple blocks away.
Awesome service — the bartenders were really great and helped recommend drinks to order. Started with the ocean park and then tried the dark and stormy. Both were excellent, especially the dark and stormy. Definitely check this place out if you want to splurge on above average cocktails! Will be back to check this place out on the weekend.

A wall of whiskey the size of Andre the Giant. A lot of bricks and metal. Nice lighting. A canopy for the doorman if it looks like there might be rain. A valet.
That was me trying to do my best Oscar speech impression about this place.
I’ve been here a few times and I like it a lot. Know that when you come here you will probably end up spending more on your drinks than you expected to spend, but also know that they will be long pours of quality ish. Ish means shit. As in, the stuff they are pouring.
All in all, this place is pretty great. I remember coming to this same location about ten years ago. It was some super dark and dirty club. The night I went, someone got stabbed and we all had to leave.
These days, the only stabbing that happens here is when the bartender attacks the massive ice block to break you off a jagged piece for your old fashioned. I’d call that an improvement.

Having 100% of tables «reserved» when clearly nobody has reserved them is dumb.
Waitress was rude but warmed up a bit near the end.

The fat open window on the side sold me. Joey over from Bar Chloe had recommended the venue to me. I was on a search for mezcal/​pechuga while in California and they served it to me like some friggin pro’s. The service was impeccable, the menu has got you covered on whatever fix you may need.
The bartenders were enthusiastic and helpful in helping me taste through a few by handpicking and giving awesome description’s of each.
Once finding out I worked with The Alinea Co. Raul was sent over, introduced himself and was awesome in laying out details about everything I was tasting. Definitely enjoyed his handpicked cask finish bottle with Del Maguey of Chichicapa.
Oh…the corn beef. #Legit
Definitely making another stop by the next time I am in the area and recommending this fantastic haven to my peers.

Been here on a weekday and on a weekend and both times have been pretty busy. Weekends — there can be a line but the bouncers are pretty nice and courteous and seem to expedite the line as much as they can.
Cocktails are boozy and delicious. Some better than others. Personally the Diablo is my favorite so far.
Acoustics can get pretty loud in here — not good for a talking date unless you come super early!
Fun youngish crowd.

I came here for a birthday and the party had a table reserved so yay, a place to sit! This is definitely a beautiful venue. I love the brick walls and the dark, speak-​easy vibe (though it isn’t a speak-​easy, as it is not hidden with a secret password). We got there pretty early, around 10 ish I believe, and we were lucky to not have to wait in a line. As the night wore on though, it got pretty packed. In fact, if we didn’t have a booth to sit in, I’m not sure I’d be giving this place a high a review as I am because it it was shoulder-​to-​shoulder when we left around 1. I think there were some complaints about the music playing, but I really enjoyed it haha. No top 40, and lots of older hip hop/​pop songs to reminisce to.
Their cocktails were really tasty, but I wouldn’t have complained if they were a little stronger. That’s just me. Their whiskey (whisky?) selection was huge so if you’re a fan, definitely take the time to peruse the menu.
While this place is definitely worth coming back to, I think I’d rather do it on an off-​night so that I can really enjoy myself. Fellas, this is a great date spot, so check it out with a lady-​friend ;D

This place is actually super cool so I’m sad for its low rating. It feels kind of secretive being tucked away among the car dealerships and semi-​sad businesses of Santa Monica (like the adult store around the corner *blushing emoji*). The cocktails are really interesting and good flavors, not to mention a pretty decent beer and wine list. The real standout here was the dill pickle chips that come with some kind of weird mayo that together their combination sounds gross but it’s actually good. Trust.
A+ on no TVs. Sometimes you just don’t want that vibe and it’s hard to find! Street parking but watch out for permitted areas of the street.

Finally a bar in LA that I really loved! I am from out of town so I don’t get a chance to visit more than a couple times a year, but the Chestnut Club was exactly the type of bar that I look for when wanting to have fun on the town. In fact, I liked it so much I considered going back the very next night.
I came through on a weekday night so it wasn’t empty but it wasn’t loud or overcrowded. The bar itself is really long and there are a few wells so service is pretty fast and if you’re like me and you prefer to sit at the bar than at a table or a booth, there are lots of seats. Just guessing I’d say there are at least 15 stools, if not even more. They’re also upholstered and comfortable which is great because this is a bar you’ll want to spend your entire evening in.
The drink menu was well rounded, the back bar was crazy huge and the staff were prepped to make any drink you could dream up. I started off with a nice Mezcal cocktail and some food and then rounded out the night with a rye Old Fashioned. Both drinks were perfect.
What’s perhaps the greatest feature of this bar (aside from the obviously great drinks) is the food. As we raced across town to meet friends here, we asked them to order us some dinner as we were running late and were famished. We shared pretzels, a smoked trout dish, and more. I’m surprised I’m fuzzy on the details though because the food was absolutely outstanding. Definitely great quality and well executed, too. Not a bar to miss out on if you’re looking for a great atmosphere and quality food/​beverage.

This is a 5 star club. Other than the fact people don’t seem to know how ratings work, I have no clue why this has 3 stars. It’s upsetting. Upsetting like when you can’t find the remote control, or when a YouTube video you’re trying to share freezes and you realize YouTube was your only catalyst for the friendship, or when someone knocks your hat off unexpectedly and runs away screaming «playa gonna play!»
This is a beautiful whiskey bar with a professional, passionate and courteous staff. The drinks are lovely and the food is good. I had an Ol’ Fashioned crafted beautifully and served with a side of hospitality. I also got the chips with a side of aioli. «Yum,» I said … to the chips. They did not respond.
This is also an amazing date spot. There’s a lot of comfortable seating and space to stretch out your long awkward arms. You’re going to love the way the glamour lights remove your blemishes and almost completely hide the cuts you have on your forehead from the argument you had with your Mom the previous night. There’s even a tinted window right before the entrance that allows you to see the silhouettes of potential patrons. If Alfred Hitchcock was paying you a visit you’d know immediately.
The one thing I regret is not using the restroom. Why?
A: Wobbling over to the urinal with a big dumb grin on your face is an essential part of the bar experience.
B: I have no doubt it was a beautiful restroom, like the Garden of Eden but with more moaning.
C: Apparently peeing yourself isn’t attractive to most women. Well, SOOORRRY! I guess SOMEone isn’t ready to have children.

Sport bar sport bar sport bar sport bar… wait what is this? An establishment without a tv screen??? Tell me moreee
I don’t know why there seems to be a lack of places on the West side that really, are just places that are nice to go to. I really enjoy places that know their shit with the history of a spirit and bitter. Almost the liquid equivalent of a farm to table place where you get a good education on where the stuff comes from.
Imbibe wizards Livigni and Pablo Moix are on a ROLL!
Every. Single. Person. who works here has a great. not, passion, because that word seems to involve pain, [ cue stream of consciousness ] knowledge? (Lets stay with that word) and desire to happily lay some knowledge unto you on whatever liquid you enquire about.
Hmm that paragraph really got away from me.
If you come here on a low key night, please please pick their brains. They want to show the public that there is something beyond the realms of a vodka redbull or jack and ginger.
I read some of these reviews and yes it is an amazing «cocktail bar”(and not just for the westside, the knowledge by itself is good noggin juice) but its not to exclude the community with its skillz.
Please don’t complain about having to follow a «dress code», which isn’t really a dress code,
. as it is more «wear an outfit you would actually put thought into, not the most casual getup short of your pajamas)».
They recently added a food menu, ala Scopa Italian Roots, and it is great.
Now hear me out, HEAR ME OUTTTT, before you disregard this review after hearing me praise the CAULIFLOWER SALAD [SHAVED RAW CAULIFLOWER, CURRANTS, HAZELNUTS, PECORINO, MINT] was so tasteful, the top note of mint really does the cauliflower good.
The SMOKED TROUT RILLETTE [FENNEL, TARRAGON, CHEVRIL] is soo good without being too salty which can unfortunately be the case with fish. You want to add seasoning to it but then bam, without much effort it becomes essentially a salt lick… and then you add in the part that most rillette is already salted quite a bit. BUT not this. And even with that factoid, most rillettes I know are not of the seafood variety.
It gets busy on the weekends but what do you expect? Best to show up on the earlier side on those nights.
I guess at the end of this tangent, what I’m trying to say is, this place is pretty prettay good.

Great vibe! Creative cocktails, attractive crowd, nice use of space, fantastic décor. On a Saturday night, a group of 5 of us got a table with minimal effort. It was a wise choice as our vantage point allowed us to take in the sights and sounds.
The ambiance was perfect for me. It’s not too loud, but there is a buzz about the establishment. Everyone seemed to be having a good time and a couple of other patrons actually made conversation with us – what a cool crowd. With the exception of the expected douche-​y characters, people here are pretty laid back.
My one gripe is the location. There is a dance club next door and not much else. So if you’re looking to feed the post-​drink munchies, you’ll have to Über outta there. What’s more is that this beautifully charming bar is right next door to a car dealership — meh.

Gripe about the lines, gripe about the petty inconveniences that you weren’t expecting on your oh-​so-​entitled night out on the town, wah wah wah. Reviews like that are meaningless. What’s important here is that the cocktails are wonderful. The list of whiskeys is unparalleled on the westside, and among the best in the city.
That’s all that matters.
That’s it.
Your whiny review about how your jack and coke was lukewarm or whatever is irrelevant. For Pete’s sake.

I’ve been here a few times during the week.
If you are looking for a cool spot during the week for drinks and a lite night dinner, this place is great. Good date spot (during the week). I’ve never been on the weekends, but am told it’s crowded with a line (if you like that sort of thing).
Drinks are always fantastic and creatively with flavor. Bartenders are always super nice and knowledgable. Ambiance is beautiful. Dimly lit, large bar with lights upon the bottles, hardwood floors and leather couches.
Finally tried the food. Good for snacking. We ordered the ricotta crostini, cauliflower salad, rib sandwich and radishes. Everything was good. Favorite would have to be the crostini. Radishes/​butter, interesting combo, but not sure I quite understand it.
We’ll be back and continue to recommend.

The cocktail game at Chestnut is just so strong, I don’t even know how to explain. Gets me all weak in the knees, giggly like. The tenders of the bar that hold down this spot know so much about the history of cocktailry (not a real word) it’s absurd. I think my lady and I chatted with Max for about 10 minutes alone just regarding one type of whiskey, had my head spinning with liquor knowledge.
This is my current «go to» when it comes to cocktailing on the west side, I could come here every day for a year and have a new different drink or two each and every visit. How? Because the bartenders know what the fuck they’re doing and it’s so, so refreshing. I’m in such good hands. I toss out a few general ideas of what I’m looking for, «something cooling with gin» or «lets tequila and something it up,» that’s all I have to say and the options and ideas just gush forth from the geysers of booze knowledge that this staff posses.
Like I said the staff is stellar, Max is the man but Gordon and Nicolai (hope I spelled that right) are just as dope, I feel like I’m back in school with how many full proof facts these guys can drop one after another. Put an all-​star team of bartenders in a sexy swagger filled joint like Chestnut Club and you’re bound to have a good experience. One complaint I heard from all the whiny people that don’t know how to plan ahead was the lack of food, so Chestnut Club fixed that with a new light bites menu they started up a month or so ago. Nothing for vegans so I can’t vouch for it but I’ve heard many’a’great thing from the people that have tried it.
Just an all around solid spot. It’s the west side and higher end so the douche level can sometimes test the limits but it’s not bad enough to scare me away from drinks this good. If you’re going to come on a Friday or Saturday evening come earlier, otherwise if you’re thinking 11PM would be perfect you will be perfectly waiting in line for awhile. The busier they are the tighter the door guys will be on dress code restrictions so be prepared, honestly if you think a backwards baseball cap and cargo shorts are acceptable for a nicer cocktail lounge then you should fuck off anyway.
So, so good. Like, really good. I almost don’t want to share it with people, I should have just said «One star omg, never come here it’s THEWORST» just to keep it all to myself. But that would be some bad bar karma right there and I go out too much to risk it. Enjoy!

The Chestnut Club absolutely gets an A for ambiance and décor. When you’re inside, you can see the shadows of the people standing outside in line in a really cool, old school kind of way.
Get ready to stand in line if you’re going there any time near the weekend. I actually didn’t mind the line, I think it’s great that the place is doing so well. However, one thing that I thought was distasteful was that when we got to the front of the line, a few people walked by and disappointedly said, «Oh what? There’s a line?» and one of the guys working the front (he wasn’t dressed like a bouncer so maybe he was a manager?) scoffed at the guy when he was out of earshot and outwardly mocked him for even daring to think that there wouldn’t be a line. I found that in poor taste.
However, OUR experience with the personnel was great, everyone was nice to us. We entered and were seated, and ordered a round of old fashioned’s. The first round came out correctly, the second round was terrible (all bitters) so we sent them back, and they remade them this time being somewhere between the quality of the first and second drinks. We didn’t want to make a fuss (partly because we had a guest from out of town) so we finished our drink and proceeded on our «Santa Monica bar tour» for the out-​of-​towner.
The inside itself was packed with people and everyone was enjoying themselves. We definitely want to give this place another shot, I would recommend it! l
Update: Wow we tried coming back here at 9:30 to have cocktails with some friends. My husband was wearing a really nice pair of linen shorts– very Santa Monica– and we were told he couldn’t come in because of his shorts. Hey Chestnut Club: get over yourselves! We’re not in Beverly Hills. The whole reason people like being in Santa Monica and on the west side in general is that it’s not obnoxiously pretentious. Except for you guys! We absolutely will not be returning until this policy changes to be more «Santa Monica,» aka more beach town friendly.

Maybe I just know how to bar better than other people.
Maybe it’s because I live downtown and know what to expect from a nicer bar that is about crafting cocktails and bartender knowledge.
Maybe it’s because I got enough attention as a child so I don’t feel the need to use Unilocal to talk shit about establishments for no good reason.
Maybe it’s because I’ve worked on service on and off over my life and am aware of what it takes to do the job.
But basically anyone who goes to a bar that is well known on Thursday, Friday or Saturday and is mad about the fact that the bouncer has to keep the crowd 1. under a certain number because of fire codes and 2. keep the rowdy/​potentially problematic patrons out of said crowded bar obviously doesn’t understand the concept of a bouncer. Oh and dress code is something a lot of nicer places have. Stop crying about it.
I don’t go to The Chestnut Club on the weekends, simply because I don’t generally go out on the weekends because that’s when there are lines, crowds, and amateurs who go out to bars to get fucked up and party.
That being said, I have stopped in on a Saturday not long ago, and it was pretty crazy, but considering the amount of people, I have no problem with my service. Yes, it takes about 20 minutes to create a cocktail with multiple steps when the bar is 5 rows deep with patrons and the bartenders are crazy busy. Calm down, Junior.
This is a great spot (especially Sunday — Wednesday) to sit and have a relaxing drink made by bartenders who know what they are doing. The liquor is good quality, the space is gorgeous and the staff have always been nothing but nice to me… of course I’m not a bitchy attention seeker… and I tip for the service I get.
I suggest this place for a weekday date night, a small group of friends meeting up for some great drinks and good music or even what I do… go alone and have a drink or two while chatting up the bar guy. If you want more of a club-​like (but not quite) bar and spy on celebrities and beautiful people, swing by Thursday through Saturday. Just be ready to wait a bit to get in… oh and wear your big boy shoes.

The Chestnut Club is located around the corner from Truxton’s on 14^th near Santa Monica in SM. You walk down the small flight of stairs and you are transported into a place w/​some dank space.
The bar is very nice. It is stocked w/​unique liquors including Japanese whisky. There are also booths, a few high tables, and sufficient room to walk around, or for a few to dance. I had a tequila based Paloma w/​grapefruit ($ 14), while my Cambodian wing gal tried the Japanese whisky ($ 16).
My Cambodian wing gal knows the bartender Gordon, who is a cool dude. We saw him at the whisky tasting event at the LA Athletic Club in DTLA recently. Later, we sat in a booth when a couple of other friends arrived. The waitresses were very good, but the table was under a vent blowing cold air: It was rainy & windy that night! In addition, they served the Japanese whisky in a wine type of glass vs a fat glass.
Nonetheless, The Chestnut Club is more of a locals place vs the touristy and more international Bungalow. I would definitely come back and talk to some of the nice mix of ladies present at one point in the evening.