I always look for the real local hiddden gems in different cities I visit. I read the reveiws of Pono and had a late lunch of a burger andd shake. Great! You could realy taste the beef and the mile shake was to die for....Great spot.More
We were on our way home (Ventura County) from an appointment at Cedars-Sinai Hospital, and did not want to struggle with the traffic/construction in and around Little Ethiopia. This was not too far off the freeway, and it has a very high TA rating. We...were greeted warmly, got a nice table outside. Service was perfect: just enough attention, not cloying. Lots of interesting options on the menu, many of them clever tweaks of "standard" fair. We did not have to wait long but at 2pm, it wasn't very busy. The food was wonderful: a little different (in a good way), priced very well (especially for Santa Monica!), and the portions were just enough for us seniors. My only quibble (very minor) is that the chicken was a tad over-done. This is partly my own fault for not asking that it be a little juicy. FWIW, this did NOTHING to detract from the flavor. Over-all grade: A-More
We walked up here after few hours of roaming around the Santa Monica area. We ate inside the small building and it had a very relaxing feel to it. Enjoyed the burgers, fries, drinks and onion rings. Plenty of different ingredients on the burgers (outside...the normal) so may not be for everyone. You can customize as you like including a gluten free bun. Overall a pretty good lunch breakMore
Dont be put off by the exterior shack, the inside is very different and the food is amazing! Really nice fresh organic burgers, I would reccomend!!!
Pre-pandemic, Pono was in contention for best burger in SM, along with Misfit, Stout, Father's Office, etc. Not sure what happened last night. The patty itself had no structural integrity -- just mush -- bacon under-cooked, and too much fig jam. I would guess it...was made by someone who didn't like ... food. 5 onion rings for $9.50 is laughable.More
Perfect place very very recommended the staffs are good and the burgers very delicious I’m will repeat it of course and thanks for the good foods you serve it
This was a delightful hidden gem! The food for phenomenal and price is fair! If you want to experience something new go for it! The Hawaiian or asian flavors of an American delicacy is phenomenal. The price was fair! The atmosphere for nice and had...little candles on the table and heaters out doors! What a nice hidden find during our exploits in santa monica!More
This is what burgers should be - an experience. The variety is excellent. The quality of ingredients - outstanding. The amounts - perfect. Just great in every detail. And the people that work there are just the perfect addition to a great experience. Every aspect...of food, service, attitude, atmosphere is outstanding every time. Consistently over years. That is hard if not impossible to find today. Bravo Pono .More
Really good restaurant! and kid friendly. Spend Friday night there and the waiter and host were super nice. Ordered the chicken bites, avocado dip, burger with onion rings -the classic- (forgot the name) and a lemonade. Everything was super tasty!!! Highly recommended.
Really love the burgers and fries.Great place if you value quality over quantity. True farm to table, even though I am a bit tired of that phrase. Small-ish burgers, but always enough for me when sharing an order of fries washed down with a nice...cold pint of beer. Not inexpensive, but not outrageous. The quality is well worth the cost. The service is inconsistent, but never snotty or rude. Just a bit clueless at times. You should definitely check it out!More
As the name says, this is a burger place. Stopped by on my way back to the hotel from a walk. Looked after and saw it was ranked pretty high. Was not very busy and I would say service was just okay. Didn’t check in...that much. Had the Piku burger which was very good along with the sweet potato fries. The chipotle aioli dip was very good. Would give 5 if service was a bit more attentive.More
Really enjoyed the burger on my visit to Pono, I was looking for a nice place in the area and I thought it was a great found.
I love a good burger and I’m happy to report this is a great burger. Not to large in size but great flavour and texture. Highly recommended I will return.
Good place for burgers in Santa Monica. You’ll get different types. Not much other food. Reasonable prices, staff friendly and quick. Book in advance.
My seven year old and I ended up at Pono Burger as they have a Pokemon Gym (don't ask...) virtually located at their restaurant so we stopped in to kill two birds with one stone be it fighting a 5-start Pokemon battle as well as...eat. We had a burger each, two lemonades and a small bowl of VERY GOOD, thin fries. Respectfully, I wasn't paying much attention until the bill came and it was $64 with the tip for the two of us. WOW. It was good. Too many dudes with Man-buns for this non-hipster but the food was good albeit expensive.More
