Summer House Santa Monica
California fare & wines, plus homemade breads, served in a breezy, beach house-inspired space.
Summer House Santa Monica is rated 4.7 / 5 from 8,311 Google reviews and sits about 2.5 km (31 min walk) from Belmont station.
General overview
About Summer House Santa Monica
Summer House Santa Monica is a bright, California-inspired American restaurant in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. It is known for a beach-house atmosphere, greenery and skylights, seasonal salads, seafood, sandwiches, pizza, weekend brunch, cocktails, and a bakery counter featuring oversized cookies. This is a restaurant rather than a ticketed attraction.
- Airy, Southern California–inspired dining room with abundant natural light
- Weekend brunch and a broad contemporary American menu
- Popular bakery counter with cookies and other sweets
- Cocktails, wine, seafood, salads, pizza, and comfort-food dishes
- Convenient Lincoln Park location near Steppenwolf Theatre and the North Halsted dining district
Things to do here
Lunch or dinner
À-la-carte California-influenced American dining, typically including salads, seafood, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, and grilled entrées.
Weekend brunch
A popular brunch service generally featuring egg dishes, pancakes or French toast, breakfast sandwiches, salads, and cocktails.
Bakery and cookie counter
Purchase cookies and other baked goods, often without having a full seated meal. Availability can vary throughout the day.
Bar and cocktails
Seasonal cocktails, wine, beer, and nonalcoholic drinks are normally available at the bar and dining tables.
Private events
The restaurant may accommodate group dining, celebrations, and private or semi-private events by prior arrangement.
Arrive about 10–15 minutes before a reservation. Allow extra time for neighborhood traffic and parking, particularly on weekends or when nearby theaters have performances.
Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend brunch, Friday and Saturday evenings, holidays, and larger parties. Walk-ins may be accepted subject to capacity.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source — verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
Photo gallery
See it before you go
Most asked
How to reach
Summer House Santa Monica is about 2.5 km (~31 min walk) from Belmont station on the Chicago "L".
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
Pair it up
Also near this station
Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace Hotel
Hotels · 10 min walk
★ 4.4
Little Goat Diner
Restaurants · 11 min walk
★ 4.7
Hotel Zachary, Chicago, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Hotels · 12 min walk
★ 4.6
Wrigley Field
Places to visit · 12 min walk
★ 4.8
Hotel Versey Chicago Lincoln Park
Hotels · 12 min walk
★ 4.1
Pequod's Pizza
Restaurants · 27 min walk
★ 4.4
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Summer House Santa Monica from Belmont station?
Summer House Santa Monica is about 2500 m (roughly 31 min walk) from Belmont station on the Chicago "L". Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is Summer House Santa Monica rated?
Summer House Santa Monica has a Google rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 8,311 reviews.
What's near Summer House Santa Monica?
Also within a short walk of the same station: Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace Hotel, Little Goat Diner, Hotel Zachary, Chicago, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.
Is Summer House Santa Monica wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Google lists the following accessibility features for Summer House Santa Monica: wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible restroom, wheelchair-accessible seating.
Is there parking near Summer House Santa Monica?
Google lists these parking options near Summer House Santa Monica: paid parking lot, free street parking, paid street parking, valet parking.
Is Summer House Santa Monica good for children?
Yes — Google lists Summer House Santa Monica as good for children.
Are dogs allowed at Summer House Santa Monica?
Google does not list Summer House Santa Monica as allowing dogs.
Does Summer House Santa Monica have outdoor seating?
Yes — Google lists Summer House Santa Monica as having outdoor seating.
Do I need a ticket?
No. Summer House Santa Monica is a restaurant with no general admission charge; you pay for food and drinks ordered.
Do I need a reservation?
Not always, but reservations are advisable for weekend brunch, peak dinner periods, holidays, and groups. Walk-in seating depends on capacity.
Is this restaurant in Santa Monica, California?
No. This location is at 1954 N Halsted Street in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood; the name and décor reference Southern California.
Is brunch offered every day?
Brunch is best known as a weekend offering. Weekday service generally begins with lunch, but current schedules should be checked online.
Can I buy cookies without dining in?
Usually yes. The bakery counter commonly sells cookies and sweets for takeaway, subject to stock and counter hours.
Is it suitable for children?
Generally yes. Families commonly dine here, though current children’s-menu, high-chair, booster-seat, and stroller policies should be confirmed.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
The menu generally includes vegetarian and gluten-sensitive possibilities. The kitchen is shared, so guests with serious allergies should notify staff and ask about cross-contact before ordering.
Is parking available?
Look for metered street parking or nearby paid garages. Valet availability can vary and should be checked with the restaurant.
Is outdoor dining available?
Seasonal outdoor or open-air seating may be offered, depending on weather and current operations. Request it when booking, but it is not guaranteed.
Are taxes and gratuity included in menu prices?
Usually not. Chicago sales tax, gratuity, and any disclosed service or event charges may be additional; review the menu and bill carefully.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated August 11, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change — confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.