Not No Bar, a first-come, first-served cocktail and pizza destination on Santa Monica’s Main Street, has quickly made a name for itself, earning a top-10 honor for Tales of the Cocktail's Spirited Award for Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar. Located in the space formerly occupied by Little Prince, the establishment emphasizes its cocktail program, though its food offerings are not to be overlooked.
The bar prioritizes its drink menu, featuring creations like the popular Soy Del Rancho. This tequila-based green drink, incorporating yuzu and poblano, is frequently spotted in patrons' hands and described as "damn easy to put down." It highlights the creative approach to the cocktail selection, making it a central draw for visitors.
Complementing the cocktails are Neapolitan-style pizzas, crafted by alums from Dudley Market who put the wood oven to good use. These pies are designed to be as enjoyable as the drinks themselves. The pizza menu maintains freshness through regular rotations, changing every month and a half or so, ensuring a varied experience for returning guests. The margherita pizza, however, remains a constant, and it is suggested to order it with a side of dill-packed ranch. For those inclined to explore, the rotating selections often feature inventive combinations, such as a Caesar piadina, which presents as a Caesar salad on a pizza. Other past offerings have included a clam and cream pie with crispy garlic, and a peach pie topped with hot Calabrese, fresh mozzarella, balsamic, and quince. Beyond pizza, the kitchen also rotates a fun salad, an ultra-fresh crudo—which included bay scallop on a recent visit—and various appetizer options.
The atmosphere at Not No Bar shifts depending on whether guests choose to sit indoors or outdoors. Inside, the music level is often high, particularly on select nights when a DJ is present, making it challenging to hold a deep conversation. This indoor setting tends to attract a younger crowd, described as "twenty-somethings on the prowl." In contrast, the outdoor communal table offers a more subdued environment. Here, dates can be seen cozying up, and groups of friends gather to share pies and exchange stories, suggesting a more relaxed social scene.
Not No Bar keeps its offerings dynamic with a schedule of regular events. These include "Steak Frites Sundays" and "R&D Mondays," dedicated to culinary experimentation. The venue also hosts a guest-bartender series, featuring special cocktails priced at $12, adding another layer of variety and appeal for its clientele. This commitment to fresh programming ensures there's often something new happening, beyond the regular menu rotation.
The Santa Monica spot offers a distinct blend of award-recognized cocktails and inventive pizzas, served in an environment that caters to different social preferences. Its consistent evolution of both menu items and events provides a compelling reason for locals to revisit.
