The following comes via the Santa Monica Conservancy.
This Saturday, August 9th, Chez Jay celebrates its 66th Anniversary. This legacy business, located just off Route 66, is a designated Santa Monica Historic landmark and has held its place in the community as a “celebrity hangout” and all-around “classy joint” since its opening in 1959. You can make a reservation for this weekend here.
The History of Chez Jay
Chez Jay was founded in 1959, when actor, hot-air balloonist, and raconteur Jay Fiondella purchased “Dawn Cafe” for $1. Fiondella named the restaurant “Chez Jay” as an homage to “Chez Joey” from Frank Sinatra’s Pal Joey. The grand opening was quite the spectacle, complete with showgirls and a circus elephant that left a mark on the bar.
Since then, Chez Jay earned legendary lore. In its early days, Fiondella hosted weekly jazz sessions, featuring performances from Chet Baker and other notable musicians. Rumor has it Julie Andrews and Blake Edwards had their first date at this nautical restaurant! And Daniel Ellsberg, who worked at the Rand Corporation, passed the “Pentagon Papers” to a New York Times reporter at Table 10.
In October 2012, dozens of protestors rallied to designate Chez Jay as a historic landmark. In August 2017, Chez Jay opened a 600-square-foot patio café called the “Backyard“, introducing more seating and an updated menu. Although Jay Fiondella died in 2008, his legacy continues; the restaurant remains a Santa Monica favorite for locals, celebrities, and visitors.
For more about Chez Jay’s history click here.
It’s “The Lot” Party! A Retro Soirée
Join the 66th Anniversary this Saturday, August 9th! From 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., enjoy LIVE music, a mini Chez Jay museum, a classic car display, and an interactive video booth in the adjacent parking lot (a.k.a. the Lot) all for free.
If you want to go all-out and experience Chez Jay’s finest, make a reservation for the Prix-Fixe Dinner, between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. The 3-course anniversary meal includes their signature Butter Steak and Sand Dabs Sauté Almondine, their beloved Linguine & Clams, Chez Jay’s “Original” Clam Chowder (a throwback Sunday special), and their famous Sticky Toffee Pudding with ice cream. Or you can join the lot party by clicking here.