The Anchor, Where Urban Grit Meets Seaside Charm

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Taking over the former Vardo on Main Street, please welcome The Anchor, an industrial chic wine bar right on that murky line between Venice and Santa Monica. Soft opening September 3, this gritty production by Kristin Ciccolella and Sandy Ames hopes to be a happening community hub once it debuts. Offering everything from fresh oysters, biodynamic wines, waffle-crusted chicken wings, lobster pot pie, and a slate of addictive desserts, Venice has found its ideal week day (and weekend) haunt.

Chef Dustin Taylor (Michael's, Comme Ca) handles the fare along with pastry chef Sarah Green, with a varied menu of wine-friendly bites. Consider a $15 charcuterie plate, kale and quinoa salad with blistered cherry tomatoes, braised octopus with chorizo and greens, and pork tenderloin medallions over house-made kimchi and snow peas. The smores panna cotta is a show-stopping dessert with a graham cracker rice crispy with smoked marshmallow.

The Anchor's design melds a bit of Ciccolella's affection for New York City, while the nautical themes reflect the beach-adjacent vibe in Venice. Come in, nestle up at the bar, enjoy some fine vino, and hang out for a bit.

The Anchor
235 Main St, Venice, California 90291
Open Tuesday to Sunday at 5:30 p.m.
· All The Anchor Coverage [~ELA~]