James’ Beach opened in September of 1996, a ½ block from world famous Venice Beach.  James’ Beach immediately gained a reputation for great food, drinks and wine plus marvelous people watching. Los Angeles Times food critic, Irene Virbila reviewed that the straight forward cuisine, friendly service and beach ambience made James’ Beach “as comfortable as a favorite sweater.”

Visitors come to Venice to be part of the artistic, eclectic scene and there is no better place to have a drink and people watch than at James’ Beach. This may be one of the reasons that James’ Beach recently was awarded Open Table’s award for Most Vibrant Bar Scene. James’ Beach has been featured in feature films, television shows, and viral online videos like I Love You, Man, Californication, Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Women of L.A. as a Venice institution.