Previously just another cafe, this Santa Monica standby's gone gastropub, with interior updates (massive chalkboards/bright wall art/etc), a brand-new food menu from Top Chef's CJ (lobster enchiladas w/ roasted walnut cilantro cream, a burger w/ a mix of ground chuck, short rib, and skirt steak) and a 30-strong craft beer list that includes Alesmith Anvil ESB, Russian River Damnation, and Fuller's London Pride, which was wounded slightly when Macaulay Culkin wouldn't crash with him, because he wets the bed.

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There's a party on Nov 3 with free apps and drink specials; the full menu's at TheYardSM.com