Hometown Hidden Gems

I was asked by Turo (formerly RelayRides) to create a post of hometown hidden gems and for the last year I called Santa Monica, California home. Lucky me, because Santa Monica is a gorgeous beach town. Here are my favorite local spots to eat and drink. Be sure to check them out and I’d love to hear your favorite Santa Monica eateries.

Pono Burger

Is an adorable little hut that is located on Broadway and 9th Street. They use organic farm fresh ingredients. If you go, I highly recommend you order a milk shake. My favorite is the strawberry one. Here is their menu.

Swingers

Swingers is down the block from Pono Burger. It’s a great little diner that is open until 2 and 3 am. They have a huge menu. My favorite thing on the menu is their Edwin’s pasta which is farfalle pasta with 2 organic scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, and parmesan cheese. It’s simple but oh so good. My boyfriend also orders the California omelet which has alfalfa sprouts, avocado, bacon, 3 organic eggs, and jack cheese. They also have fun cupcake flavors.

Shop House

Shop House Kitchen is the Asian version of Chipotle; it is the same company. You start with noodles, rice, or salad. Then you add a meat or tofu. Then vegetables, curry based sauce, and garnishes. You can also ask for samples if you feel overwhelmed. It is really, really good, you HAVE to try it! My boyfriend and I have spent more nights than I can count here. It’s also 3 blocks from Palisades Park which is a great place to catch the sunset.

The Funnel Mill

is a fancy coffee and tea shop that is on the same street as Pono Burger and Swingers. My boyfriend’s favorite drink is the iced dark chocolate truffle coffee. It’s a bit pricey but he will tell you it’s well worth it.

Cafe Crepes

Cafe Crepes is located on 3rd Street and Broadway. It’s at the end of the 3rd Street Promenade shopping area, and at the start of the Santa Monica mall. There is both indoor and outdoor seating. I always love sitting outside under the umbrellas.

Every time my boyfriend and I go here we get the same thing. We get the breakfast special of 3 eggs (scrambled), sausage, and cinnamon sugar crepes, which costs $10. Check out the menu for yourself. It’s a great place for brunch.

Turo

I was introduced to Turo through an email. It’s a peer to peer rental car service that is available for airport rental cars along with other rental car companies. You can rent a car by day or on a weekly basis. You can even rent out your own car and decide who gets it and when.

So if you’re in Santa Monica or other awesome cities and looking to rent a car, check them out for more details!