Gastronomic choices when charging at Electrify America Santa Monica
From grab-and-go to fine dining, some suggestions for all budgets for dining before or after your charge.
Santa Monica, CA is a dining mecca. You’ll find great eats in every place from strip malls to shopping malls. For those who are traveling to, or through Santa Monica, and charging at the Electrify America on Santa Monica and 18th, chances are you might be in need of sustenance on the way in, during your stop, or on the way out. Here are a few options you may want to consider based on their Yelp reviews (provided at the end of each entry).
Related: The Future of Electrify America
Morning Time
So let’s start with the first meal of the day, coffee. Don’t know about you, but my day doesn’t start until I have my cuppa coffee. And if you’re needing to not only recharge your EV, but yourself as well, Santa Monica has some great independent coffee shops near the Electrify America charging hub.
10 Speed Coffee
On the northwest corner of Santa Monica Boulevard (SMB) at 1919 Santa Monica Blvd. is a bikers haven.
I’m certain you’ve guessed by the name we’re not talking about Harley bikers. Here the focus theme is bicycle bikers. 10 Speed Coffee offers coffee and treats in a bicycle friendly environment.
Goodboybob Coffee Roasters
If fresh roasted coffee is what perks you up in the morning, maybe check out Goodboybob Coffee Roasters at 2058 Broadway between Cloverfield and 20th.
Goodboybob’s not only serves up fresh roasted coffee, they also craft a varieties of carnivore and veggie-friendly breakfast burritos to pair with your morning cuppa.
Dk’s Donuts & Bakery
A highly rated donut shop can be found just a couple blocks from the charging hub. Dk’s Donuts & Bakery is located in a strip mall on the corner of Santa Monica and 16th.
A family-owned business since it first opened in 1981 by two Khmer refugees Lee and Kong. It has since been handed off to their son and daughter, Sean and Mayly, who now manage the store. The location is the only one they own and has crowned ‘Best donuts in LA’ by numerous influencers, and local publications.
Maybe the best thing about Dk’s Donuts & Bakery is their being open 24/7. This makes it a great stop for a cuppa coffee and a yummy donut, breakfast burrito, bagels, sandwiches, muffins, smoothies, and more any time of day!
The Rest of the Day
A good lunch should be enough to carry you through the day but not place you into a food coma. Tasty is the key here. Yeah, the typical corporate chains are here, but I’m gonna ask you to push the envelope a little and eat local. Eating at locally owned establishments can lift even the most mundane drive into an adventure!
Tacos Por Favor
One of three locations in L.A., and second of two in Santa Monica, their unassuming street front location at Olympic and 14th might be a bit out of the way but I’d argue the few extra minutes would be worth it. Tacos Por Favor prepares fresh, made-to-order eats at reasonable prices.
Opened in 1990 by Atilano Sanchez, his son Hector plans to continue sharing their Puebloan recipes with the community.
The menu is extensive offering everything from a traditional breakfast burrito (eggs, potatoes, choice of protein, cheese, and salsa, to my personal dinner favorite–chile verde, along with all the hits found in any Mexican restaurant. Veggie options are available.
Socalo
For an elevated interpretation of Mexican food there is Socalo, a “California canteen and Mexican pub” created by Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken of Border Grill fame
Regardless of what your food needs are, Socalo has you covered. Meat, poultry, veggie, vegan, gluten free and dishes that can be converted to vegan or gluten free are available.
Located in the Gateway Hotel on the corner of Cloverfield and 18th, Socalo recharges you with great flavors before or after your stop.
Bludso‘s BBQ
For the carnivores out there, what better way to eat meat than BBQ? Then you’ll love Bludso’s on the corner of Santa Monica and 13th. One of three locations in LA, Bludso’s has been a Los Angeles staple since Kevin Bludso honed his skills in Texas and opened his first stand in Compton back in 2008.
You’ll find all the usual BBQ options here right down to their Mac & Cheese rated as Eater’s ‘Editor’s Favorite’.
Scratching the Surface
These are just a few samples of great eats near the Electrify America charing hub in Santa Monica. Venture down SMB (Santa Monica Blvd). There are just too many food choices to include here. Let me know if you have a favorite by posting in the comments.