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Water Grill, Santa Monica
Water Grill, Santa Monica

BYOB at These 15 Restaurants in LA

Tis the season for drinking

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Water Grill, Santa Monica

With the holidays arriving full steam ahead, why not find a particular restaurant where you can bring a special bottle of wine to share amongst loved ones? Many restaurants charge $15 to $20 and perhaps more when you show up with your own wine, but we've found 14 eateries with little to no corkage fee at all. Some restaurants listed here are also BYOB (bring your own booze), where it's not just limited to vino. Here, you'll also find casual to upscale spots that should satisfy all appetites.

As a side note, consider bringing a unique bottle and not one from the bottom shelf of the store and let the sommelier or server happily pour it for you. Whether you enjoy red, white or sparkling, relax in a comfy booth, and catch up with your closest friends and family. Since you now have a lighter bill, go ahead and splurge on dessert.

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Bottega Louie

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With countless restaurants to choose from in burgeoning Downtown LA, Bottega Louie continues bringing in the masses. Besides the popular Portobello mushroom fries, artisanal pizzas, pastas and expansive dessert list, Bottega Louie offers free corkage on your first bottle of wine. And since you’ve saved money on alcohol, look forward to the 30-minute chocolate soufflé as you enjoy your final sips.

Masa of Echo Park Bakery & Cafe

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Once inside Masa of Echo Park, the eclectic and colorful décor feels homey and warm. Here, your first two bottles have no corkage fee, which makes waiting for the 45-minute deep-dish pizza extremely bearable. Don’t forget to order the croissant bread pudding afterwards for a massive carb overload.

Fritto Misto

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For affordable and casual Italian food in Santa Monica, Fritto Misto doesn’t disappoint. With pastas made in-house, a killer tiramisu and a corkage fee of $2.50 per person, Fritto Misto is the ideal option for birthdays, family gatherings and first dates.

Water Grill

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For those seeking seafood and sophistication, Water Grill embodies both. Choose between the Santa Monica or Downtown LA locations. And for a special celebration, bring your own wine because you guessed it; there’s free corkage for the first bottle.

Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market & Patio Cafe

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Malibu Seafood gifts guests with BYOB (bring your own booze) and free corkage on wine. Enjoy the freshest seafood outside on the patio. And remember to arrive early on weekends, as lines get long; however, gorgeous views of the Pacific should soothe wait times.

A Food Affair

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Welcoming guests with its romantic vibe and pleasing aesthetics, A Food Affair is a great place for date night; especially once you know they don’t charge for corkage. Bring some wine and try delicious dishes from the South of France, like boeuf bourguignon or duck leg confit.

Colori Kitchen

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Priding itself in balancing the old and new of Italian cuisine in a traditional yet casual country-style environment, Colori Kitchen represents another great option for dining out without doubling your bill on alcohol. Show up with wine and the corkage on your first bottle is free. With several combinations of raviolis and spaghettis, order your favorite and leave happy and hopefully with a nice buzz.

The Stinking Rose

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If you’re a garlic lover, then Stinking Rose should be on your list of restaurants to try. It’s on the pricier side but the whimsical atmosphere makes for a fun evening. Bring a bottle of wine, put on a garlic hat and take pictures. Next, eat prime rib and keep an open mind while trying the garlic ice cream, as there’s no corkage fee here either.

La Otra Escuela Taquería

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La Otra Escuela Taqueria may look unassuming from the outside but the taqueria is full of character inside with shoes hanging from the ceiling. Don’t expect two-dollar tacos; however, Escuela Taqueria boasts fresh ingredients and robust flavor. Also, this restaurant is BYOB. So, besides bringing in a bottle of wine, you can bring beer and hard liquor too. The corkage fee here is four dollars per person drinking.

Pitfire Artisan Pizza

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Pitfire Pizza has various locations in Los Angeles and is an excellent option for a casual night out with friends. With a full bar and happy hour two times a day, you may think twice before bringing in a nice bottle of wine. Go ahead anyway, as there’s no corkage here.

Providence

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For a fine-dining experience, Providence is known as one of LA’s greatest restaurants. Its elegant seafood tasting menus make for a memorable meal and is a perfect way to spend a special evening. Free corkage is only available on Mondays, so take advantage by making a reservation ahead of time.

Yamakase Sushi

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Yamakase is a unique omakase dining experience that is invitation only. With no signage at the door, it’s completely elusive. But don’t worry, you can request an invitation online. Chef Yama-San prepares a 15-course sushi meal full of fine ingredients like uni, truffle and caviar. The price tag is steep here; yet feel free to bring your own wine, sake or beer for no extra fee to share with the chef.

Osteria Mamma

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If you’re in the Larchmont area and craving Italian, check out Osteria Mamma. You’ll find classic northern Italian dishes and free corkage on Tuesdays. Call some friends, pick up a bottle and remember to order the tiramisu for dessert since your Tuesday just got more exciting.

Hillstone

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Some shy away from corporate restaurants but Hillstone encompasses fantastic customer service and consistently delicious dishes. Not to mention, Hillstone is the only one in its restaurant group to offer free corkage. For a nice evening with friends and family, bring an exceptional bottle to enjoy while catching up.

Coral Tree Cafe

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Coral Tree Café gifts customers with free corkage on wine, but only at its Beverly Hills location. The pasta pairs great with wine so make sure and bring you favorite bottle for dinner. Dishes to get here are the turkey Bolognese and the baked mac and cheese with a harmonious combination of four delicious cheeses.

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Bottega Louie

With countless restaurants to choose from in burgeoning Downtown LA, Bottega Louie continues bringing in the masses. Besides the popular Portobello mushroom fries, artisanal pizzas, pastas and expansive dessert list, Bottega Louie offers free corkage on your first bottle of wine. And since you’ve saved money on alcohol, look forward to the 30-minute chocolate soufflé as you enjoy your final sips.

Masa of Echo Park Bakery & Cafe

Once inside Masa of Echo Park, the eclectic and colorful décor feels homey and warm. Here, your first two bottles have no corkage fee, which makes waiting for the 45-minute deep-dish pizza extremely bearable. Don’t forget to order the croissant bread pudding afterwards for a massive carb overload.

Fritto Misto

For affordable and casual Italian food in Santa Monica, Fritto Misto doesn’t disappoint. With pastas made in-house, a killer tiramisu and a corkage fee of $2.50 per person, Fritto Misto is the ideal option for birthdays, family gatherings and first dates.

Water Grill

For those seeking seafood and sophistication, Water Grill embodies both. Choose between the Santa Monica or Downtown LA locations. And for a special celebration, bring your own wine because you guessed it; there’s free corkage for the first bottle.

Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market & Patio Cafe

Malibu Seafood gifts guests with BYOB (bring your own booze) and free corkage on wine. Enjoy the freshest seafood outside on the patio. And remember to arrive early on weekends, as lines get long; however, gorgeous views of the Pacific should soothe wait times.

A Food Affair

Welcoming guests with its romantic vibe and pleasing aesthetics, A Food Affair is a great place for date night; especially once you know they don’t charge for corkage. Bring some wine and try delicious dishes from the South of France, like boeuf bourguignon or duck leg confit.

Colori Kitchen

Priding itself in balancing the old and new of Italian cuisine in a traditional yet casual country-style environment, Colori Kitchen represents another great option for dining out without doubling your bill on alcohol. Show up with wine and the corkage on your first bottle is free. With several combinations of raviolis and spaghettis, order your favorite and leave happy and hopefully with a nice buzz.

The Stinking Rose

If you’re a garlic lover, then Stinking Rose should be on your list of restaurants to try. It’s on the pricier side but the whimsical atmosphere makes for a fun evening. Bring a bottle of wine, put on a garlic hat and take pictures. Next, eat prime rib and keep an open mind while trying the garlic ice cream, as there’s no corkage fee here either.

La Otra Escuela Taquería

La Otra Escuela Taqueria may look unassuming from the outside but the taqueria is full of character inside with shoes hanging from the ceiling. Don’t expect two-dollar tacos; however, Escuela Taqueria boasts fresh ingredients and robust flavor. Also, this restaurant is BYOB. So, besides bringing in a bottle of wine, you can bring beer and hard liquor too. The corkage fee here is four dollars per person drinking.

Pitfire Artisan Pizza

Pitfire Pizza has various locations in Los Angeles and is an excellent option for a casual night out with friends. With a full bar and happy hour two times a day, you may think twice before bringing in a nice bottle of wine. Go ahead anyway, as there’s no corkage here.

Providence

For a fine-dining experience, Providence is known as one of LA’s greatest restaurants. Its elegant seafood tasting menus make for a memorable meal and is a perfect way to spend a special evening. Free corkage is only available on Mondays, so take advantage by making a reservation ahead of time.

Yamakase Sushi

Yamakase is a unique omakase dining experience that is invitation only. With no signage at the door, it’s completely elusive. But don’t worry, you can request an invitation online. Chef Yama-San prepares a 15-course sushi meal full of fine ingredients like uni, truffle and caviar. The price tag is steep here; yet feel free to bring your own wine, sake or beer for no extra fee to share with the chef.

Osteria Mamma

If you’re in the Larchmont area and craving Italian, check out Osteria Mamma. You’ll find classic northern Italian dishes and free corkage on Tuesdays. Call some friends, pick up a bottle and remember to order the tiramisu for dessert since your Tuesday just got more exciting.

Hillstone

Some shy away from corporate restaurants but Hillstone encompasses fantastic customer service and consistently delicious dishes. Not to mention, Hillstone is the only one in its restaurant group to offer free corkage. For a nice evening with friends and family, bring an exceptional bottle to enjoy while catching up.

Coral Tree Cafe

Coral Tree Café gifts customers with free corkage on wine, but only at its Beverly Hills location. The pasta pairs great with wine so make sure and bring you favorite bottle for dinner. Dishes to get here are the turkey Bolognese and the baked mac and cheese with a harmonious combination of four delicious cheeses.

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