With COVID restrictions largely lifted, people seek ways to get out of the house and have fun. For me, it’s terrific to see restaurants and bars back open again. The Nostalgia Bar & Lounge is one of the most recent to open. I attended their grand opening ribbon-cutting event with the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce.
Nostalgia Bar & Lounge is the first brick-and-mortar concept from The Herbal Chef™, founder Chris Sayegh, and Chef and Partner Jared Ventura. Sayeh and Ventura reimagine classic comforts to create playful New American bites with an upscale bar menu.
Guests enter via the large outdoor patio donned with stringing lights and wooden picnic tables and benches on synthetic grass. The interior is a comfy lounge with a vast graffiti art mural featuring Ren & Stimpy, Johnny Bravo, and Power Puff Girls. Works from artist Takun Williams (IG @technodome1) are exclusively featured inside.
Sayegh draws on his culinary background from working in such prestigious kitchens as Mélisse under Chef Josiah Citrine and Providence under Michael Cimarusti. The food menu features bites such as Kampachi Crudo, Oyster Two Ways, and Tempura Fried Cauliflower. Hungry diners can enjoy a 60 day aged grass-fed Kobe Burger, a Lobster Roll topped with optional Kaluga Caviar, and Fish and Chips made with fresh branzino.
The drinks were strong, and the favored drink of the evening was the “Spicy Marg”. I also tried a tasty “Where in the World” made with Ford’s Gin, Elderflower, Aperol, Citrus, and Abstrax Fruit Punch Cloudburst Terpene.
Their curated wine features biodynamic organic wine sold by bottle or glass. Appellations include California, Oregon, France, and Greece. California Craft Beers from Enegren and Brouwerij dominate the beer menu.
The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce was there to support the event. They celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon-cutting event.
Nostalgia Bar & Lounge is an ideal venue for guests looking to meet people. The inviting Bar & Lounge makes for an attractive setting to wind down and enjoy nostalgic games such as Operation, Battleship, Sorry, and Jenga. The beautiful art from Takun Williams is a great conversation starter. Lastly, the outdoor space is ideal for large events and parties.
Nostalgia Bar & Lounge, 1326 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica; nostalgiabarandlounge.com