About Bareburger
Bareburger is an organic-focused burger chain founded in New York City. Its Santa Monica location (2732 Main Street) opened in 2016 as the first Bareburger on the West Coast (www.gayot.com). It took over the site of the beloved Omelette Parlor, a long-running brunch spot, which many locals missed when it closed (www.tastingpage.com) (hedonistshedonist.com). Bareburger stood out by serving burgers made with hormone-free, antibiotic-free meats and non-GMO ingredients, following a “grass-fed” and sustainable ethos (www.gayot.com). Reviewers noted the menu’s unique protein options – from Angus beef to exotic choices like wild boar, elk, bison, and duck – alongside vegetarian patties (mushroom/lentil, sweet potato) (www.gayot.com). In tone and design, the Santa Monica space offered a “light and airy, urban country house” feel (www.analydiamonaco.com). Notably, the restaurant preserved the old white metal "Omelette Parlor" sign on its exterior as a nod to the former occupant (www.analydiamonaco.com). Although it earned a reputation as a “better burger” spot popular with health-conscious diners, the Santa Monica branch ultimately closed in late 2018 (and is now listed as closed by dining guides) (www.gayot.com).
Events and Programming
As a casual burger restaurant, Bareburger Santa Monica was not known for live entertainment or regular performances. Instead, its “programming” centered on food promotions and being part of local events. For example, Bareburger hosted a National Burger Day celebration on May 28, 2017, inviting guests to enjoy its signature burgers and sides at discounted prices (www.santamonica.com). Other “events” were one-off promotions: seasonal menu items, holiday specials, or collaboration dinners appeared occasionally. There was no ticketed entertainment or cover charge – just a restaurant serving burgers, fries, shakes and the like. Typical prices fell in the casual dining range (burgers roughly in the $$ range, with meal combos or sides adding a few dollars). In short, customers went for the food, not a stage show. Popular offerings included build-your-own burgers and creative specials; regular live music or theater never took place here.
Tickets and Booking
No tickets or reservations were needed at Bareburger Santa Monica. It operated like a standard sit-down fast-casual burger joint. Guests would simply walk in, place an order at the counter (or be seated by a host during busier hours), and then enjoy their meal. There was no box office or pre-sale process – you paid for your food directly. Some people assumed (incorrectly) that popular nights might require reservations, but in reality almost everyone could come in without booking. The restaurant accepted credit cards and cash, and tipping was customary (usually 15–20%). Large groups could call ahead, but the norm was first-come seating. Since Bareburger Santa Monica is now closed, its former hours and ordering options are historical, but while it was open it offered in-person dining, takeout, and delivery through common food apps.
Seating and Layout
Bareburger’s Santa Monica space was designed to feel open and comfortable. An interior review noted that the dining room was arranged so “you don’t feel boxed in,” even though the outdoor patio at the back was smaller than previous when Omelette Parlor occupied the space (www.analydiamonaco.com). In practice, this meant the layout used light colors, exposed wood and brick, and plenty of space between tables. The seating mix included standard dining tables and booths indoors, plus a handful of patio tables outside for those who wanted al fresco meals. If visiting, the best seats were by the front windows or on the patio (if weather allowed), since those spots had extra light and street views. Acoustically, the restaurant could get lively and a bit noisy at peak times (weekends or early dinner), so light sleepers might prefer earlier weekday visits. There were no special “VIP” or reserved sections – dining was general admission. Overall, the vibe was casual group-friendly (great for families or night-outs) rather than quiet fine-dining.
Getting There and Parking
Bareburger was located at 2732 Main Street in Santa Monica (zip 90405), on the City of Santa Monica’s Main Street corridor between Broadway and Wilshire. By car, many visitors would take Highway 10 to the Lincoln Blvd exit and drive south, then west on Santa Monica Blvd to Main St. Another route is continuing on Pacific Coast Hwy (PCH/US-1) into Santa Monica and turning north on Main. The restaurant sat about 1,500 feet from the beach (near the label “Santa Monica Main Beach” on modern maps) and just north of the Santa Monica Airport.
Parking: Street parking is the first option. Main Street has metered street parking (typically enforced until 6pm or 7pm on weeknights – check signs for hours). If street spaces are full, nearby public lots are convenient. For example, City Parking Lot #9 at 110 Hill Street is only a block north of Bareburger (www.santamonica.gov). (Hill runs parallel to Main, just one block inland, so Lot 9 is a short walk.) Other municipal lots include Lot #6 on 2nd Street or Lot #26 on Strand Street – each about a 5–10 minute walk. All city lots charge hourly rates (often $1–$3 per hour) but are more spacious than street parking.
Public Transit: Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus system serves this area. Route 9 (Palisades – Downtown Santa Monica) runs along Main Street and stops within a block of 2732 Main. Route 3/4 (Lincoln Boulevard/4th Street) has nearby stops at 4th Street just east of Main. The nearby downtown Santa Monica hub (4th & Colorado) is about a mile south (lines 10/95 Metro terminus); one could transfer there to a Big Blue Bus or relish a 20-minute walk up Main Street. For bikes, Main Street has bike lanes and is near the Expo Line bike path. Rideshare drivers (Uber/Lyft) can drop off passengers on Main Street in front of the building. There is a curb cut and crosswalk at Broadway and Main for pedestrians arriving from north or south.
Inside the Venue
Visually and atmospherically, Bareburger Santa Monica felt like a bright neighborhood burger cafe. Guests would notice a mix of rustic wood tables, steel accents, and some industrial lighting. There was no formal greeter wall or door person; you mostly walked straight to a cashier or were seated by a host depending on time of day. The staff was generally friendly and energetic (one local review described the server’s “infectious energy” (hedonistshedonist.com) when explaining the menu). Menus were printed and/or displayed above the counter on boards. Free water was available for self-service, and beverages ranged from fountain cola to shakes in stainless steel cups.
Food & Drink: Of course the main draw was the burgers. Every burger was hand-crafted to order using ingredients like organic lettuce, house pickles, premium cheese, etc. Reviewers often mentioned the side dishes: in fact, the onion rings were a fan favorite (one diner said the onion rings “overshadowed the fries by a wide margin” (hedonistshedonist.com)). Those “macho fries” – fries loaded with guacamole, pepper jack cheese and salsa – were another local highlight (www.gayot.com). Milkshakes (chocolate, strawberry, peanut butter, etc.) came in tall retro glasses with a side cup, and were rich and creamy. For non-beef lovers, staff happily offered alternatives: any burger could be served as turkey, pork, chicken, or even grilled salmon; exotic options like elk or wild boar could be chosen; and there were two dedicated veggie/vegan patties (mushroom-lentil and wild rice) as well (www.gayot.com). (Gluten-free buns and non-dairy cheeses were also available for dietary needs.) A small selection of beers, ciders, and soft drinks complemented the food. The flavors were intentionally bold – some sauces were spicy or tangy – so most patrons went for a full meal rather than a light bite.
Facilities & Services: Bareburger had restroom facilities (male, female, and an all-gender handicap-access restroom) toward the rear. The restrooms were functional but basic. There was no coat check – usually people hung jackets on chair backs. The seating included booths along one wall and tables with mix of stools and chairs in the center. Though the restaurant was family-friendly, there were no high chairs publicly noted – large strollers might need to stay by the door or outside. A tip from regulars: the building was fully wheelchair accessible (ground level with a wide door), so diners with mobility needs found it easy to enter. The background music was a moderate local alternative mix (radio or Spotify-style) – enough to give ambiance, but not so loud as to drown out conversation. Wi-Fi was likely available (most Santa Monica eateries offer free wifi), and many patrons plugged in devices at tables if needed. Overall, visitors could expect a casual, energetic atmosphere where you order at counter and then enjoy a quick, tasty meal. Loyalty is high among fans of the US burger scene – people tended to leave thumbs-up reviews, especially praising the distinct menu and wholesome ingredients.
Nearby Amenities
The Main Street neighborhood around Bareburger is lively and walkable, with plenty of amenities for a full outing. If dining early or looking for alternative options, many eateries are a block or two away. For example, the acclaimed Pasjoli (a French-inspired restaurant) is actually located at the same address now, and nearby on Main Street you’ll find La Vecchia (fine Italian/Sicilian cuisine) and Manchego (an upscale steakhouse) (www.santamonica.com). The Library Alehouse – a popular gastropub with craft beers – is just around the corner, known for its burgers too (www.santamonica.com). An assortment of casual spots (taco joints, coffee shops, pizza places) are scattered within a two-block radius.
For drinks before or after, there are casual bars and brewpubs. The Library Alehouse doubles as a bar, and a few coffee shops turn into lounges at night. Just a few blocks west is the beachfront, where cocktail lounges and breweries line Ocean Avenue (typically open later on weekends). If you’re planning to stay in the area, downtown Santa Monica hotels are within 1–2 miles. Popular choices include Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel (oceanfront at Broadway), Shore Hotel (on Ocean between Broadway and Colorado), and various boutique inns near Third Street Promenade. Budget travelers might note smaller motels near the airport a bit south. All of these are a short ride or a 20–30 minute walk from Main Street.
Timing & Transportation Tips: Arrive early to grab good parking spots – lots can fill quickly by 6pm on weekdays. Santa Monica’s free Use Parking app and Huntr CiRCLE.com site can locate available metered spots. If you dine late, remember most downtown dining areas quiet down by 10 or 11pm (though bars stay open later). For late-night departures, Santa Monica is generally safe and well-served by 24-hour rideshare/taxi services. The Big Blue Bus runs regularly (catch BBus #9 or #3 downtown) and is a free ride within Santa Monica city limits, making it easy to get back to many hotels.
What Makes This Venue Special
Bareburger Santa Monica carved out its niche by blending a national chain’s scale with a neighborhood vibe. Its “special sauce” was a combination of the brand’s eco-conscious ethos and the local flair of Main Street. Key highlights: First, its ingredient philosophy was distinct – touting grass-fed, pasture-raised beef and humanely sourced meats, on the Westside where such focus was still relatively rare (www.gayot.com). This commitment (antibiotic-free chicken, hormone-free pork, organic buns and greens) resonated with Santa Monica’s health-conscious residents. Second, the diverse menu of exotic meats and build-your-own options set it apart. You could order a classic Burger, or step out of the ordinary with choices like elk, boar, bison, pulled duck, or even a salmon patty. And vegetarians had full parity with meat enviros – something noted by reviewers (www.gayot.com). Third, the restaurant honored the location’s history – literally hanging the old Omelette Parlor sign outside – signaling that it was part of the community fabric (www.analydiamonaco.com). In terms of design, it didn’t feel like a cookie-cutter franchise. As one local writer put it, the space was “gorgeous…like it’s been part of the neighborhood forever” (www.analydiamonaco.com). Finally, it became popular among both local families and young professionals for offering a kid-friendly fast-casual meet-up spot with a focus on sustainable ingredients. While it closed in 2018, Bareburger’s run on Main Street is still remembered for bringing a fun, “upscale meets comfort” burger experience to Santa Monica. Many locals reminisce about its fun milkshakes and wide burger menu when discussing the street’s evolving dining scene.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The old Bareburger location was at street level with no steps at the main entrance, so it was ADA accessible. Wheelchair users could enter easily, and an accessible restroom was available. Staff were typically ready to assist with any mobility needs.
Nearby Parking & Arrival: Plan extra time to find parking. The paid lots and meters fill up, especially around 6–7pm on weekdays and weekends, so arrive early. Check for free street parking after hours – many meters turn off at night. If taking transit, know that the Big Blue Bus #9 stops on Main and is free within Santa Monica city. Ride-shares can let you off on Main (there’s no special drop zone needed).
Dress Code: Casual attire was always fine (www.gayot.com). This is California beach-town casual – shorts, jeans, sneakers or sandals are entirely acceptable. (Locals often arrive post-surf or post-gym; no one at Bareburger wore anything fancy.)
Age Restrictions: It was all-ages. Families with children were welcome, and there was no 21+ rule (except that alcohol could only be served to 21+ patrons). If you have minors, the Main Street area is family-friendly in general. If you plan to order beer or wine, remember to bring a valid photo ID.
Pet Policy: While policy might vary, many Santa Monica sidewalk cafes allow dogs at patio tables. It’s likely that well-behaved dogs could sit with you at the outdoor patio tables (though the pandemic rules may have changed prior operations). For service animals, state law allowed access everywhere.
Payment and Dining: When it was open, Bareburger accepted cards and cash, and tipping was customary (15–20% of the bill). Wi-Fi was probably free for customers, but double-check with staff. If you had questions about ingredients (allergies or preferences), the menu markings were clear, and the staff usually explained options carefully.
What to Bring/Not to Bring: No special items required other than your appetite. Leave bulky luggage behind (it’s a restaurant, not an airport lounge). Outside food/drinks were not allowed. Bringing printed coupons was not needed; any deals were announced in-house or added digitally.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Visitors sometimes assumed Bareburger would have live entertainment or took reservations like a theater – not the case. Expect to pick a table and order at the counter. Another mistake is showing up late on Sunday (Matinee closed at 10pm). Also, don’t be confused when you arrive – as of now, the Bareburger brand is gone from Santa Monica. If you see “Pasjoli” on the marquee at 2732 Main St, that’s the new restaurant in this spot. If you came for a burger, head to the Pasjoli kitchen instead – or try another local burger place.
Timing Tips: If you want a quiet visit, weekday afternoons (2–4pm) are off-peak. Weekends and early evenings get busy – the neighboring spots see lines, and Bareburger did too on its popular days. Plan to arrive before 6pm to avoid a wait, especially for larger groups. Of course, always double-check current hours or closures – again, Bareburger Santa Monica is currently closed to the public, so check another location if you need your burger fix.