The Lobster

The Lobster, Tail Continues "The Lobster" has long been an unofficial historical landmark, nearly as recognizable as the Santa Monica Pier sign. The original restaurant was built in 1923, and remained open until 1985. The 900 square foot seafood market style restaurant was very popular with the local Santa Monica residents and Pier visitors. A constant out the door was a tribute to it's popularity. The restaurant had a menu that had over 60 fresh seafood items. The seating capacity was only 30 seats, most of which were countertop seating around the outside perimeter. The more than a decade the property stood vacant, was not kind to the site. Run down and littered with trash, the location was an eyesore to the city and pier. For years that site was eyed by a local restaurateur named Warren Roberts who dreamed of its revitalization. Having approached the current property owner, Mike Nathan, more than once, in 1996, Roberts and Nathan came to an agreement to develop the property. After compiling a team of investors, with plans in hand, they convinced the City of Santa Monica to allow them to renovate and reopen "The Lobster". Though the first hurdle was cleared, the track to the finish line proved to be filled with continued obstacles that made the eventual reopening not just an accomplishment but a celebration of many months of hard work. In the summer of 1998, two months after the city approved and released their 2 year grip on "The Lobster"s plans and after a significant portion of the restaurant's foundation had been constructed, the City of Santa Monica wanted to invoke a privilege to buy the property by eminent domain. In a heated confrontation with a small faction of the City Government, many local residents and supporters of "The Lobster" appeared in front of the City Council and convinced them the property had historical value and would be better utilized as a restaurant and not a small park or visitor's center the city was proposing. Once again, the tail continues and "The Lobster" reopened July 20, 1999, with traditional Santa Monica American Seafood dining. The new renovation was designed by Howard Laks Architects to take advantage of the breathtaking views, while accommodating more guests than the previous structure. The menu is classic American Seafood featuring whole live Maine lobsters. Guests can sit at any seat in the restaurant or bar area and enjoy 180 degree views of the spectacular Pacific Ocean, accented by it's breathtaking sunsets, even celebrate the sea spun sunset phenomena called the 'Green Flash'. The terrace provides fresh coastal air for those who love to dine outdoors. At night, "The Lobster" enjoys the Santa Monica Pier aglow at it's feet. "The Lobster" re-opened with wonderful reviews. Now a years later, "The Lobster" has proved to be a memorable location to enjoy.