I recently discovered La Bodega, a cozy little tapas bar in Downtown Pasadena. The wine selection is impressive, and the ambiance makes it perfect for a casual evening out with friends. The seafood paella was to die for, and their croquettes are a must-try. The staff was friendly, but it did take a while to get our order. The prices are fair for the quality, and I’ll definitely return for another relaxing evening.
jarrad bell
Always easy to get a seat, good and drinks are good. Great spot to work from or take advantage of their happy hour. I go regularly.
franklyn churchill
Awesome place! But would be perfect if they just changed/turned down the music a bit. It’s a wine bar but they’re blasting music like it’s a European basement club. Just chill out a bit please.
Aleksandr Khindanov
Bodega is my favorite place in Santa Monica so far!!!
I’ve been here multiple times during the day, and every time it’s been a great experience. I usually get coffee along with some food, and everything I’ve tried has been really good. I’ve had a few of their pizzas, each one was delicious. Crusty and flavorful. I also really love the chicken wrap, probably it is the best I’ve tried so far. Last time I tried sandwich and it was also great. The portion sizes here are generous, and the prices are very reasonable, especially for that area. The food always comes out pretty quickly and tastes fresh. The coffee and tea are also good.
The interior is really nice. There are plenty of tables and different seating options. My favorite spot is the cozy sofas in the corner, it’s the perfect place to relax or to work. Overall, it’s a great place to meet up with friends, have a casual meal, or even get some work done. They also have outdoor tables, which are perfect for enjoying food on a nice day.
The staff is amazing, always friendly, respectful, and welcoming.
I haven’t been here in the evening yet, when the cafe transforms into a wine bar, but I’m really looking forward to checking that out. Honestly, I don’t have anything bad to say about this place. It’s a great spot, and I’ll definitely keep coming back.
Daniel Duffin
Great place to chill. Have coffee and work or hang with friends
John Lin
Great vibes, great pizza, great ☕. What else is there? Shout out to Courtney. 🧘🏻♂️🫶🏻
Winston Davenport
I visited Bodega Wine Bar multiple times while staying in Santa Monica, and it became my go-to spot for everything from relaxed solo afternoons to lively evenings with friends. The food menu is a standout—highlights include the BBQ Chicken pizza with mozzarella, cilantro, red onion, and lime, and the Chili Bear pizza featuring soppressata, house chili oil, and wildflower honey. For lighter fare, the Figgin’ Burrata with fresh figs and arugula, and the Miso Caesar salad with roasted Brussels sprouts and miso dressing are exceptional. Desserts like the warm fudge brownie with vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle provide a perfect sweet finish. The drink selection is equally impressive, offering a curated wine list with options like the Animus Vinho Verde from Portugal and the Scribe Pinot Noir from Carneros. Cocktails such as the Afternoon Delight—a tequila-infused soju with blood orange and lime—and the Bodega Mule with soju, ginger beer, and lime are expertly crafted. Kelsey and the entire team consistently provided impeccable service, making each visit feel personalized and welcoming. Their attention to detail and genuine hospitality elevated every experience, making Bodega Wine Bar a must-visit destination in Santa Monica.   
Jerry Jacobson
Nice espresso
Carmen Augusto
Really nice drinks . Cozy place for a catch up with friends . I had their Aperitivo Spritz and it didn’t disappoint!the server was very attentive .
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Evan S
A very chill place to get coffee in the morning or wine in the afternoon! Can sometimes be tough to get a seat with everyone working on their laptops in the morning, but the space is fairly large (with a nice outdoor patio too) so usually something opens up if you wait.
What a gorgeous place to drink and nosh! All of the employees are kind and observant and ready to laugh. We love trivia here too! So fun.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Reza Fatahi
Oh wow, this place single handedly revives silicon beach. What a great spot to work and get coffee!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
améd3e
the pizzas were amazing
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
James Dunn
Laptops are not allowed after 5:30pm.
EDIT: Laptop policy is the restaurant's prerogative of course. Just should be clearly stated on Google so people don't go there after hours expecting a laptop friendly situation, as I did.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
Bill Wu
Excellent pizzas (tried 4-5), especially the chili bear. Appetizers were decent, marg was ok, and brownie was great was massive ice cream scoop. Great service and vibes, will be back.
I recently discovered La Bodega, a cozy little tapas bar in Downtown Pasadena. The wine selection is impressive, and the ambiance makes it perfect for a casual evening out with friends. The seafood paella was to die for, and their croquettes are a must-try. The staff was friendly, but it did take a while to get our order. The prices are fair for the quality, and I’ll definitely return for another relaxing evening.
Always easy to get a seat, good and drinks are good. Great spot to work from or take advantage of their happy hour. I go regularly.
Awesome place! But would be perfect if they just changed/turned down the music a bit. It’s a wine bar but they’re blasting music like it’s a European basement club. Just chill out a bit please.
Bodega is my favorite place in Santa Monica so far!!!
I’ve been here multiple times during the day, and every time it’s been a great experience. I usually get coffee along with some food, and everything I’ve tried has been really good. I’ve had a few of their pizzas, each one was delicious. Crusty and flavorful. I also really love the chicken wrap, probably it is the best I’ve tried so far. Last time I tried sandwich and it was also great. The portion sizes here are generous, and the prices are very reasonable, especially for that area. The food always comes out pretty quickly and tastes fresh. The coffee and tea are also good.
The interior is really nice. There are plenty of tables and different seating options. My favorite spot is the cozy sofas in the corner, it’s the perfect place to relax or to work. Overall, it’s a great place to meet up with friends, have a casual meal, or even get some work done. They also have outdoor tables, which are perfect for enjoying food on a nice day.
The staff is amazing, always friendly, respectful, and welcoming.
I haven’t been here in the evening yet, when the cafe transforms into a wine bar, but I’m really looking forward to checking that out. Honestly, I don’t have anything bad to say about this place. It’s a great spot, and I’ll definitely keep coming back.
Great place to chill. Have coffee and work or hang with friends
Great vibes, great pizza, great ☕. What else is there? Shout out to Courtney. 🧘🏻♂️🫶🏻
I visited Bodega Wine Bar multiple times while staying in Santa Monica, and it became my go-to spot for everything from relaxed solo afternoons to lively evenings with friends. The food menu is a standout—highlights include the BBQ Chicken pizza with mozzarella, cilantro, red onion, and lime, and the Chili Bear pizza featuring soppressata, house chili oil, and wildflower honey. For lighter fare, the Figgin’ Burrata with fresh figs and arugula, and the Miso Caesar salad with roasted Brussels sprouts and miso dressing are exceptional. Desserts like the warm fudge brownie with vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle provide a perfect sweet finish. The drink selection is equally impressive, offering a curated wine list with options like the Animus Vinho Verde from Portugal and the Scribe Pinot Noir from Carneros. Cocktails such as the Afternoon Delight—a tequila-infused soju with blood orange and lime—and the Bodega Mule with soju, ginger beer, and lime are expertly crafted. Kelsey and the entire team consistently provided impeccable service, making each visit feel personalized and welcoming. Their attention to detail and genuine hospitality elevated every experience, making Bodega Wine Bar a must-visit destination in Santa Monica.   
Nice espresso
Really nice drinks . Cozy place for a catch up with friends . I had their Aperitivo Spritz and it didn’t disappoint!the server was very attentive .
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
A very chill place to get coffee in the morning or wine in the afternoon! Can sometimes be tough to get a seat with everyone working on their laptops in the morning, but the space is fairly large (with a nice outdoor patio too) so usually something opens up if you wait.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
What a gorgeous place to drink and nosh! All of the employees are kind and observant and ready to laugh. We love trivia here too! So fun.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Oh wow, this place single handedly revives silicon beach. What a great spot to work and get coffee!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
the pizzas were amazing
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Laptops are not allowed after 5:30pm.
EDIT: Laptop policy is the restaurant's prerogative of course. Just should be clearly stated on Google so people don't go there after hours expecting a laptop friendly situation, as I did.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
Excellent pizzas (tried 4-5), especially the chili bear. Appetizers were decent, marg was ok, and brownie was great was massive ice cream scoop. Great service and vibes, will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chili Bear
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