August 29, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

Santa Monica’s Chez Jay Celebrates 66 Years with Retro Bash by the Beach

Landmark Restaurant Celebrates With Classic Cars, Live Music, Celebrity Lore

One of Los Angeles County’s most storied restaurants will mark a major milestone this weekend as Chez Jay celebrates its 66th anniversary with a full day of retro festivities.

The celebration, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 9, will take place at the restaurant’s historic location at 1657 Ocean Ave., just steps from the Santa Monica Pier and the famed Route 66. The free public event runs from 3:00 p.m. to midnight and promises live entertainment, classic car displays, and a look back at the colorful history of one of Santa Monica’s most iconic watering holes.

Recognized as a Santa Monica Historic Landmark, Chez Jay first opened in 1959 and quickly developed a reputation as a favorite haunt for celebrities, writers, and neighborhood regulars alike. The nautically themed bar and restaurant has been described variously as a “celebrity hangout,” “dive bar,” and “classy joint,” all while remaining one of the longest-running, family-owned independent restaurants in the region.

The 66th anniversary celebration includes:

  • Live music through 9:30 p.m. with performances of Motown, jazz, and classic oldies
  • A vintage “Route 66” car display
  • A curated mini-museum featuring memorabilia and photos from the restaurant’s rich past
  • A “Rumor Has It” video booth with Hollywood costume props for guests to record memories
  • Complimentary caricatures and a photo booth
  • Burgers, hot dogs, beer, wine, and signature cocktails are available for purchase
  • A ticketed after-hours lounge from 10 p.m. to midnight in the venue’s outdoor Backyard space

Free admission is available with RSVP at chezjays.com/66anniversary.

Founded by actor and promoter Jay Fiondella, Chez Jay quickly earned a reputation for its freewheeling atmosphere and colorful clientele. Tales of Steve McQueen, Marilyn Monroe, and JFK fill its lore, along with Hollywood lore that includes screenplay sessions by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, jazz sets by Chet Baker, and even covert Pentagon Paper handoffs.

The restaurant’s famous peanuts even made it to the moon and back with astronaut Alan Shepard on Apollo 14.

After Jay’s passing in 2008, co-owner Michael Anderson and his son Chris took the reins, preserving the establishment’s original spirit while adapting to new generations of diners.

For those seeking a taste of Old Hollywood and local history, the 66th anniversary party promises an immersive trip back in time, complete with music, memories, and a few surprises.

Related Posts

Toxic Avenger Reboot Aims to Smash Box Office and Medical Debt on Labor Day Weekend

August 29, 2025

August 29, 2025

Film’s Release Comes With a Promise to Erase Millions in Medical Bills The upcoming release of The Toxic Avenger will...

Trump Says Beverly Hills Residents Leave Cars Open for Thieves, Locals Call It Nonsense

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

Officials and Residents Say Trump’s Crime Remarks Don’t Reflect Reality City officials and residents pushed back this week after former...

Beverly Hills Schools Halt Israeli Flag Display Despite School Board Vote

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

Superintendent Cites Safety Concerns After Narrow 3–2 Decision Despite a 3–2 Board of Education vote to display the Israeli flag...

Los Angeles County Public Health Probe Sparks Nationwide Egg Recall Over Salmonella

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

More Than 95 Cases Tied to Country Eggs in 14 States; Do Not Eat Affected Cartons Los Angeles Public health...

(Video) The Opening of Mr. Charlie’s with Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

Vegan burger restaurant with brightly colored decor now open on 26th street across fromthe Brentwood Country Mart. The Opening of...

California Pizza Kitchen Debuts Heart-Shaped Pizza Celebrating Swift–Kelce

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

13 Days of Engagement Pizzas, and Return of Hot Honey Flavors California Pizza Kitchen is rolling out a series of...

Culver Hotel Celebrates 101 Years With 101 Anniversary Menu and Live Music

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

Guests Can Enjoy a Four-Course Meal, Nightly Performances, Trivia Contest The historic Culver Hotel is celebrating its 101st anniversary this...

Westside Chefs Shine at the Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival in September

August 27, 2025

August 27, 2025

South Bay’s Culinary Festival Returns With Two Nights of Food, Wine, and Music Santa Monica, Westchester, Los Angeles, and West...

(Video) Come Tour The Willows Community School!

August 27, 2025

August 27, 2025

Sign up for a tour at The Willows and come see what makes our school such a vibrant, inspiring place...

Jewish Clergy Rally in Los Angeles Urging Ceasefire, Hostage Release, and Food Aid for Gaza

August 27, 2025

August 27, 2025

Two Dozen Rabbis Gathered at Israeli Consulate, Hostage’s Family Appears at Second Rally Jewish clergy from across Los Angeles County...

Metro LA’s Aug. 30 Deadline for Public Comment on Sepulveda Transit Draft EIR Approaches

August 27, 2025

August 27, 2025

Community Members Can Weigh In Before the 90-Day Comment Period Closes. Metro is reminding community members that the 90-day public...

Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Culver City, and Uni High Gear Up for Early-Season Games

August 26, 2025

August 26, 2025

The Centaurs, Eagles, Normans, and Wildcats Face Key Matchups This Week Football season is heating up across our area, with...

I-405 to See Lane Reductions, Ramp Closures as Pavement Rehab Project Continues

August 26, 2025

August 26, 2025

Drivers Should Expect Delays With Overnight Work Aug. 26–28, Sept. 5 Motorists using Interstate 405 through the Sepulveda Pass should...

Kobe Day Tribute: Lakers Welcome UCLA Newborns With Purple-and-Gold Gifts

August 26, 2025

August 26, 2025

Babies Received Adorable Care Packages in Celebration of “Kobe Day.” Families welcoming newborns at UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center and...

Suspect Arrested After Eight-Hour SWAT Standoff in Jefferson Park Shooting

August 26, 2025

August 26, 2025

 Police Say a Man Was Killed and a Suspect Barricaded Himself Inside a Home Hours after a fatal shooting near...