Near the edge of Venice Beach, where Washington Boulevard funnels beachgoers, cyclists, and locals back inland, ¡Salud! has settled naturally into the neighborhood’s daily rhythm. In the morning, laptops and espresso cups fill the room. By evening, the lighting softens, cocktails replace coffee, and the space shifts into a more intimate dinner and bar scene without ever losing the relaxed energy that defines the coast nearby.
The café and cocktail bar draws heavily from the day-to-night culture of Roma Norte in Mexico City, where coffee bars evolve organically into evening gathering spaces. That influence runs throughout the experience here—subtle, layered, and grounded more in atmosphere than theme.
Created by husband-and-wife team Richard and Celia Sanchez Lara, ¡Salud! was built around hospitality first. The room feels lived in from the moment you walk through the door: textured walls, warm wood tones, low sculptural lighting, and a layout that encourages people to stay longer than they planned. A few tables hold early meetings and coffee catch-ups in the morning, while the bar gradually becomes the center of the room later in the day.
Coffee, Breakfast, and a Slower Start to the Day
The coffee program, developed alongside Compelling Coffee Roasters, approaches espresso with precision but keeps the experience approachable. Traditional drinks like cortados and cappuccinos anchor the menu, while signature beverages bring in Latin influences without overpowering the coffee itself.
The Nutty Mazapan Latte layers tahini oil with de la rosa syrup for a subtle toasted sweetness, while the Iced Matcha Colada folds pineapple purée and vanilla coconut cream into something that fits naturally a few blocks from the beach. The Muerte Mocha, built around xocholatl chocolate and house-made spice, lands deeper and warmer.
As the Day Slows Down, the Bar Takes Over
Around sunset, the room changes pace. Music settles in, stemware replaces takeaway cups, and the focus shifts toward cocktails and shared plates. Executive Chef Dario Pantoja’s menu moves through Spanish and Latin American influences with dishes designed to sit in the middle of the table rather than stay confined to one plate.
Yucatán Tuna Tostones bring together fried plantain and citrus slaw, while Boquerones Clásicos pair Spanish white anchovies with oregano oil and grilled baguette. The Koji Aged Hanger Steak arrives with smoked ancho and charred shishito chimichurri, while the Albondiga Burger folds black garlic aioli and guajillo ketchup into something richer and more relaxed.
Cocktails follow the same approach—technical without feeling precious. The House Margarita sharpens citrus through acid-adjusted lime and orange cordial, while the Espresso de Olla Martini layers Oaxacan coffee liqueur with cinnamon and espresso for something built more for late evenings than quick drinks. Weekend DJs and Sunday brunch extend that energy further into the night and across the weekend.
A few blocks from the sand, ¡Salud! feels connected to Venice without leaning into cliché beach aesthetics. The space moves comfortably between café, cocktail bar, and neighborhood hangout, shaped less by trends and more by rhythm—coffee in the morning, cocktails after dark, and enough warmth in the middle to make people return.
For more information, visit saludvenice.com
Location: 417 Washington Blvd., Venice
Hours:
Wednesday – Monday (Closed Tuesday)
Cafe: 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Bar & Tapas: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Photo credits: Photo courtesy of Salud
