Truxton's OK to Sell Booze (But It's Not a Bar)

Truxton's American Bistro, the yet-to-open restaurant at the corner of 14th Street and Santa Monica Boulevard, is a family restaurant, its owner told the Planning Commission Wednesday night.

"We are not a bar, we are a restaurant," said co-owner John Kaufman, a Santa Monica resident.

He does, however, hope to cater to the late-night crowd partying at The Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club. "We hope we can get them to eat before and after" they drink, Kaufman said.

The commission approved a conditional use permit for the bistro that allows it sell liquor, beer and alcohol. Hours will be 7 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and 7 to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

The 1936 building was most recently home to Over-Under Sports Grill, which vacated more than a year ago.

The menu at Truxton's, which first opened in Westchester, includes a range of "healthful to sinful" offerings, from classics, such as "Aunt Betty's BBQ Chicken" to Asian-inspired, such as "Bangkok Chicken Chop." It will serve a weekend brunch.

The alcohol menu includes beer (such as Blue Moon, Fat Tire and Hangar 24 Pale Ale); wine (such as Queen of Hearts Chardonnay, Stone Cellars Merlot and Bulletin Shiraz); and cocktails (such as strawberry margarita, mai tai and summertime spritzer).

There are plans for four outside tables along 14th Street and racks for up to eight bikes there on the sidewalk.

"I'm really interested in this being a place for that whole community, where people can walk and bike down," said Planning Commissioner Richard McKinnon. "Make it the center of that community."

On the same night, the commission also approved a permit allowing Redwood Grill to sell alcohol at Santa Monica Place.

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