July 31, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Tropical Bar & Grille Opening Soon in Venice’s Washington Square

The President of Venice Duck Brewery and CEO of Casa Rica Tequila Have Teamed up to Take the Place of the Venice Pier House

By Zach Armstrong

Several months after The Venice Pier House, one of Washington Square’s anchor restaurants, closed its doors, a new tropical-themed establishment is getting ready to take its place.

Nalu Vida is an upcoming bar & grille that will incorporate elements of Polynesian and Central American culture. The array of dishes to be presented on the menu include the Piña Colada Calamari (Tender calamari protected in a coconut breading), Caribbean Shrimp (Blue masarepa filled with sautéed Caribbean-spiced shrimp) and the Fried Adobo Chicken Sandwich (Panko & corn flake crusted adobo chicken with tropical jicama slaw), while drinks include tiki-style or shaved ice cocktails.

The bustle and aesthetic of its interior aligns with the spirit of its dining options. The walls are painted in teal, orange, bright pink and other tropical colors. A dark walnut top is up above while the back of the bar is trimmed with wooden thatching. Weekend musical performances are set to feature local bands, ukulele players and DJs spinning various genres including reggae.

The story of Nalu Vida starts in 1992, when its future co-founder Christian Warren moved to Venice. 

It was in those days when Warren met Nalu’s other founder Justin Urich and got his hospitality career started by working at Baja Cantina. Both men, while remaining close friends, would go on to make their mark in Los Angeles’ food scene. 

In his multi-decade career, Warren’s roles include being the co-owner of Santa Monica’s Makai Lounge and the Melody Bar and Grill in Westchester, as well as the Founding President of Venice Duck Brewery. Urich has had his share of success in L.A.’s dining and nightlife business sector; he spent nearly a decade as the owner of Sherman Oaks’ On The Thirty restaurant before working as CEO of Casa Rica Tequila.

One day, Christian asked Justin to take a look at the place which once housed the Pier House. Although he was hesitant at first, the spot conjured up good memories for Justin: this was where he would underage drink back when he and Christian were surf-loving youngins in Venice Beach. 

He was all in!

While spiffing ideas for dishes and themes, the pair found they were completely in sync. They presented each other with their own takes on various dishes from South America, Costa Rica and Hawaii. After some tweaks to each other’s cuisines, what is now Nalu Vida’s menu began to manifest. 

Located at 1 Washington Blvd., Nalu Vida replaces The Venice Pier House which halted operations in October. The re-shuffling is one of many that have recently taken place around the popular beach-adjacent square. Last year, Casa-12 re-opened while Coco Beach as well as Divani set up shop on Washington Blvd. 
An official opening date is expected to be announced soon. For more information, go to https://naluvida.com/.

in Dining, News
<>Related Posts

Family Members Sue City of Santa Monica, Driver After Woman Killed by Car on Beach

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

Lawsuit Alleges City Failed to Prevent Vehicle Access Despite Prior Incidents The family of Sherese Allen, a woman fatally struck...

New Beginnings in Brentwood: Dr. Marian Oppenheimer Opens Private Psychology Practice at wellpeople

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

For more than 30 years, Dr. Marian Oppenheimer has dedicated herself to one clear purpose: helping people heal, grow, and...

Wildfire Price Gouging Protections Extended for Displaced Residents

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

These provisions limit rent increases and hotel rate hikes during a declared emergency and prohibit landlords from evicting tenants The...

Tsunami Advisory Issued for Los Angeles Coast After 8.7 Quake Near Russia

July 29, 2025

July 29, 2025

Strong Currents, Surges Expected; Residents Urged to Avoid Beaches and Harbors Update from NWS Los Angeles at 6:50 a.m. “Latest...

City Council Removes DTSM Board Members Amid Transparency and Governance Concerns

July 29, 2025

July 29, 2025

The council’s decision follows tensions between DTSM and the city, including disputes over parking rate increases and maintenance agreements The...

SMPD to Increase Enforcement Against Illegal Off-Highway Vehicles

July 29, 2025

July 29, 2025

Officials stated that the increased enforcement comes in response to growing safety concerns and complaints from the community The Santa...

Mysterious Dog Deaths Plague Venice Canal Community

July 29, 2025

July 29, 2025

Over the past 10 days, five healthy neighborhood dogs have died unexpectedly, with one currently in the ICU The Venice...

Lane Closures Continue on Pacific Coast Highway for Recovery, Utility Work

July 29, 2025

July 29, 2025

Caltrans is urging drivers to slow down and use caution in the active work zones Single-lane closures will remain in...

Seven Santa Monica PAL Youth Receive $33.5K in Scholarships at Annual Celebration

July 28, 2025

July 28, 2025

Six graduating high school seniors and one junior were recognized during the outdoor ceremony, now in its 23rd year Seven...

Santa Monica Distributes Free Anti-Hate Posters and Signs to Promote Solidarity

July 28, 2025

July 28, 2025

The effort is part of the city’s broader equity and inclusion strategy In response to a rise in hate crimes...

Homecare Company Celebrates 14 years of Compassion While Planting New Roots After January Fire

July 28, 2025

July 28, 2025

Luxe Homecare, a leading provider of compassionate and reliable in-home care services for seniors has recently announced the opening of...

Wallis Annenberg, Visionary Philanthropist and Civic Leader, Dies at 86

July 28, 2025

July 28, 2025

Philanthropist Expanded Foundation’s Reach From Arts to Conservation Wallis Annenberg, a prominent philanthropist and longtime leader of the Annenberg Foundation,...

Malibu Teen to Paddle 21 Miles for Ocean Cleanup Following Pali Fire

July 28, 2025

July 28, 2025

His 21-mile prone paddle will trace the coastline from Malibu through Palisades A Malibu high school student and avid surfer...

Second Grenade Still Missing After Blast That Killed Three LA Sheriff’s Detectives

July 27, 2025

July 27, 2025

Only One Grenade Exploded; The Second Device Has Vanished Authorities said Friday that one of two grenades recovered last week...

More Than $50 Billion in Damage: What January’s Wildfire Cost the City of Los Angeles

July 27, 2025

July 27, 2025

Nearly 11,000 Properties, Many in Pacific Palisades, Affected; True Losses Likely Higher Nearly $52 billion in residential real estate across...