The Misfit Santa Monica Happy Hour Menu 2026 with Prices
Santa Monica is known for its sun-drenched pier, upscale shopping, and a dining scene that ranges from casual beachside bites to Michelin-starred experiences. But when the clock strikes noon, locals and tourists alike head to one specific spot: The Misfit Restaurant + Bar.
Quick Facts: The Misfit Happy Hour
Before we dive into the delicious details, here is a snapshot of what you need to know.
| Feature | Details |
| Happy Hour Times | Daily from Open until 7:00 PM |
| Location | 225 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401 |
| Deal Highlight | 1/2 off cocktails, spirits, and wines by the glass |
| Food Specials | Select bar bites for $9 (Mon-Fri) |
| Vibe | Art Deco, Bohemian, Energetic, Casual |
| Reservations | Recommended for dinner; Happy Hour is often first-come, first-served at the bar |
Why It’s Worth It
In a city where a cocktail can easily run you $20+, finding a high-quality happy hour that extends until 7 PM every single day is rare. Most competitors in the area cut off their specials at 6 PM or limit them to weekdays only.
The Misfit stands out for three main reasons:
The Duration
It runs from opening (usually 11 AM or 12 PM) until 7 PM. That is up to seven hours of discounted drinking.
The Quality
You aren’t getting watered-down well drinks. You’re getting half-off their signature craft cocktails and wines.
The Atmosphere
You get to sip your drink inside an architectural masterpiece rather than a dive bar.
Historical Significance: Drinking in a Landmark
Part of the allure of The Misfit is the building itself. The restaurant is located on the ground floor of the Clock Tower Building, a stunning Art Deco skyscraper built between 1929 and 1930.
The Misfit Santa Monica Happy Hour Menu 2026 with Prices
This is the section you came for. Most online guides are outdated or vague. Based on the most current data, here is what you can expect from the 2026 happy hour menu.
Note: Prices and availability are subject to change. Always check with your server for the daily specials.
Happy Hour Drinks (Daily until 7 PM)
The star of the show is the drink discount. The deal is simple but effective: 1/2 off cocktails, spirits, and wines by the glass.
- Signature Cocktails: Regularly priced around $16–$18, these drop to approx. $8–$9.
- Wines by the Glass: A glass of Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc that usually costs $14–$20 becomes $7–$10.
- Spirits: If you prefer a neat pour or a simple mixer, select spirits are also half-price.
Happy Hour Food Specials (Mon – Fri Only)
While the drink specials run daily, the food deals are typically available Monday through Friday (often cited as “Monday – Furiday” on their playful menu). The “Barfly Menu” offers significant value with items priced at $9.
Here is a breakdown of the popular $9 food items you might find:
The Smash Burger
A crowd favorite featuring a double patty, Tillamook cheddar, red onion, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and secret sauce.
Crispy Blue Corn Vegetarian Tacos
Served with calabasitas (zucchini/squash), corn, and queso fresco.
Beef Picadillo Tacos
A flavorful mix involving olive, pecan, raisin, arugula, and aioli.
Sand Dab Tacos
Featuring avocado schmear, mango salsa, and house-made chili oil.
Jicama Shrimp Tacos
Fresh and crunchy with avocado, corn slaw, chipotle aioli, and fresno chili.
Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Jidori chicken breast, fennel slaw, granny smith apple, and spicy mayo.
Falafel Lettuce Wrap
A lighter option with butter lettuce, pickled vegetables, and harissa tahini.
Tuscan Kale-Quinoa Salad
Sunflower seeds, marinated raisins, bell pepper, parmesan, manchego, champagne vinaigrette, and preserved lemon.
Content Gap Filled
Unlike other blogs that simply say “discounted appetizers,” we have identified specific items like the Smash Burger and Jicama Shrimp Tacos at the $9 price point, giving you a clear idea of the value.
Dinner & Regular Menu Highlights
If you decide to stay past 7 PM (which many do), the regular dinner menu transitions seamlessly. The cuisine is described as “neo-classic comfort dishes,” sourcing ingredients from local farmers’ markets.
Shared Plates & Appetizers
- Ceviche: Fresh and bright, perfect for a seaside town.
- Chicken Wings: Often prepared with a unique twist rather than standard buffalo sauce.
- Hummus: A staple shareable plate.
Entrées
- Ribeye Steak: Served with classic accompaniments.
- Gluten-Free Fried Chicken: A standout dish. The kitchen takes dietary restrictions seriously, offering a gluten-free version of this comfort food classic that rivals the original.
- Mezzaluna Pasta: Handmade pasta options are a regular feature.
Tip: The kitchen adds a 4% charge to checks to support the kitchen staff, a common practice in LA hospitality groups.
Ambiance and Atmosphere
The vibe at The Misfit is “timeless hipness.”
The Crowd
It’s a mix of Santa Monica locals, young professionals clocking out early, and tourists who stumbled upon it after shopping.
The Noise Level
It gets loud. Between the music and the chatter, this is an energetic spot. It’s great for a lively catch-up with friends but might be tricky for a quiet, romantic first date where you want to whisper sweet nothings.
The Seating
You have the option of the downstairs bar area (the heart of the action), the dining room, or the mezzanine level which offers a bird’s-eye view of the scene below.
Timings by Day
To help you plan your visit, here are the operating hours. Remember, the drink happy hour runs from open to 7 PM every day.
- Monday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Location Availability & Nearby Attractions
The Misfit is located at 225 Santa Monica Blvd, right at the corner of 3rd Street.
Parking
Parking in downtown Santa Monica can be a headache, but there are several public parking structures nearby on 2nd and 4th streets. The first 90 minutes are often free in these city run structures.
What’s Nearby?
Third Street Promenade
You are literally on it. Perfect for shopping before or after drinks.
Santa Monica Pier
A short 10-minute walk towards the ocean.
The Beach
Just a few blocks away. Catch the sunset at 6:45 PM and head to The Misfit right after.
Common Problems (and How to Avoid Them)
While we love The Misfit, no place is perfect. Here are a few things to watch out for:
The Wait Times
Because the happy hour is so good, the bar area fills up fast, especially on Fridays.
Solution
Arrive by 4:00 PM to secure a spot, or go on a Tuesday.
Noise
As mentioned, the acoustics of the old building amplify sound.
Solution
Request a table on the mezzanine level or the outdoor patio if available for a slightly quieter experience.
Happy Hour Confusion
Sometimes guests assume food is discounted on weekends.
Solution
Remember that the $9 food menu is generally MONDAY-FRIDAY only. Saturday and Sunday are for discounted drinks only.
Money-Saving Tips
Go for Lunch
Since happy hour starts at noon, you can essentially get a “happy hour lunch” on weekdays. A $9 Smash Burger and an $8 cocktail is a steal for lunch in this zip code.
Stick to the “Barfly” Menu
If you are budget-conscious, the $9 food menu is substantial enough to serve as dinner.
Downtown Employee Discount
If you work in Downtown Santa Monica, check if your employer is part of the “Downtown Employee Discount Program.”
Disclaimer
Menu items, prices, and happy hour timings are accurate as of early 2026 based on available data. Restaurants frequently adjust pricing due to inflation and supply chain costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The Misfit have happy hour on weekends?
Yes, but for drinks only. You can get 1/2 off cocktails, spirits, and wine from open until 7 PM on Saturday and Sunday. The food specials are typically Mon-Fri.
Is the happy hour menu available in the dining room?
Usually, the happy hour pricing is available throughout the restaurant, but some locations prefer to keep “Barfly” food specials restricted to the bar area. It is best to ask the host when seating.
What is the “Barfly Menu”?
The Barfly Menu is The Misfit’s term for their happy hour food menu, featuring items like burgers and tacos for around $9.
Can I make a reservation for happy hour?
The Misfit accepts reservations for dinner, but happy hour seating (especially at the bar) is often first-come, first-served. If you are a large group, call ahead at (310) 656-9800.
Is The Misfit kid-friendly?
Yes, but with limits. They state that children under 13 are welcome before 5 PM. After that, the vibe shifts to a “PG-13 environment,” making it more suitable for adults.
Does The Misfit have vegan or gluten-free options?
Yes! They are very allergy-conscious. The Crispy Blue Corn Vegetarian Tacos and Tuscan Kale-Quinoa Salad are popular meat-free options, and they serve a famous gluten-free fried chicken.
How much are cocktails during happy hour?
Since cocktails are 1/2 off, and regular prices range from $16-$18, you can expect to pay between $8 and $9 per drink.
Is there outdoor seating?
Yes, there is a small outdoor patio area near the entrance which is great for people-watching on Santa Monica Blvd.
What is the dress code?
Casual to smart-casual. You will see everything from beachwear (shorts and tees) to office attire. It’s Santa Monica relaxed is the rule.
Who owns The Misfit?
The Misfit is part of LGO Hospitality, the same group behind other popular spots like La Grande Orange and Chelsea’s Kitchen.
Conclusion
The Misfit remains an anchor of the Santa Monica dining scene for good reason. It successfully blends history, style, and value in a way that few other venues can match.
The $9 Smash Burger paired with a half-price craft cocktail is arguably the best mid-day deal on the Westside.
Ready to try it out?
Head over to 225 Santa Monica Blvd today. We recommend getting there around 5 PM to beat the rush!

Azeem is a food and beverage content researcher with over 7 years of experience analyzing restaurant menus, dining deals, and consumer pricing trends. He specializes in compiling accurate happy hour menus, drink specials, and brand-level dining information to help users quickly find the best value offers.