Summer House: Coastal Cool in the Desert

Summer House Santa Monica brings breezy coastal vibes to the desert. Located inside the Durango Casino, this restaurant looks and feels like it belongs in California, not Southwest Las Vegas.

Think airy interiors, natural wood, big plants, a patio made for long brunches, and a cookie bar that hits you with buttery goodness before you even sit down.

Stepping Into Santa Monica, Without Leaving Vegas

We came in on a Friday afternoon to celebrate my sister’s birthday. She was turning 11, and we had a big group — a full table of thirteen, with kids, parents, and a little bit of chaos. But somehow, the entire place made it feel effortless.

That balance of fun and elegance, casual and cool, is what makes Summer House feel like more than just another casino restaurant. It’s a place you remember.

The interior is modern and warm, filled with soft tones and textures that lean into a California dream. There’s a sense of calm throughout the space, even when it’s busy. Earthy woods and whitewashed brick give the dining room a laid-back, coastal-modern look.

It’s thoughtfully designed without being overdone. Large windows let natural light in, and the greenery inside blends seamlessly with the plants outside.

The outdoor patio is equally impressive. Shaded by umbrellas and strung with lights, it’s the kind of place you can sit for hours. From the moment you step out, it feels like an escape from Vegas — quieter, greener, just a little more relaxed. Even when it’s hot out, there’s a breeze and a cold drink waiting for you.

It’s also worth noting that Summer House has its own entrance from outside the casino, which adds to that separate, escape-the-chaos feeling. The space draws in locals just as much as it does tourists, and you don’t need to be part of the casino scene to feel at home here.

DIY Pizza, Kid-Approved

Summer House is family-friendly without being loud or kiddie. That came through most clearly with the DIY pizza-making experience — a major highlight for our group of younger guests.

Each child got their own pizza kit: fresh dough, sauce, shredded mozzarella, and slices of pepperoni, all on a silver tray. They got to spread, stack, decorate, and get hands-on in the best possible way. Once their creations were ready, staff whisked the trays away to the kitchen and brought back real pizzas — hot, melty, and full of personality.

“It was one of the easiest birthday meals we’ve ever done. The kids had fun, the adults had drinks, and everyone ate something they liked.”

It’s a great option for birthdays or just a family lunch. It’s not overproduced or gimmicky — just well-executed, thoughtful, and genuinely fun.

California on a Plate

The menu at Summer House is exactly what you’d hope for from a restaurant with “Santa Monica” in the name. Fresh ingredients, colorful plating, and a range of options that feel elevated without being fussy.

We shared a variety of dishes, ordering family-style so we could try as much as possible.

• Spaghetti and Meatballs – Classic, but done with care. The tomato sauce was bright and not too acidic, and the meatballs were tender without being overly dense. Kids and adults were fighting for seconds.
• Roasted Idaho Trout Grenobloise – A standout. Flaky trout with a lemony brown butter caper sauce, plated over roasted potatoes. It had that perfect balance of richness and brightness.
• Chicken Tacos – Served soft-shell, with juicy seasoned chicken, avocado, and cabbage slaw. They disappeared quickly.
• Shaved Mushroom Pizza – Earthy, crispy, and umami-packed. A great vegetarian option with a thin, golden crust.
• Buena Vista Cobb Salad – Huge and satisfying. Bacon, grilled chicken, avocado, and a creamy dressing that wasn’t overdone. We ordered one, and probably could’ve eaten two.

Everything felt intentional. Even dishes you’ve had a hundred times before — like spaghetti and tacos — came out feeling fresh. This is comfort food filtered through a California lens, made for sharing, but also plated beautifully if you’re dining solo or ordering light.

Spritz, Sip, Repeat: The Cocktail List

The cocktail list is one of the best parts of the Summer House experience. Whether you’re there for brunch, a birthday, or just dropping in for a spritz, the drink menu leans citrusy, botanical, and refreshing. Here’s a look at what’s on offer:

• 1996 Spritzer – Sauvignon blanc, elderflower, fennel, limonata
• Desert Spritz – Grapefruit, Giuliana prosecco, soda
• Aperol Spritz – Classic and bright, with orange and prosecco
• Lavender Haze – Aviation gin, blueberry, lavender
• Jalapeño Business – Flecha Azul blanco, grapefruit soda, jalapeño agave
• Espressotini – Ketel One, coffee liqueur, and real espresso
• Tropical Dreams – Sunny vodka, pamplemousse, habanero honey
• Two Tickets to Paradise – Tequila, pineapple, Nonino amaro
• Pursuit of Passion – Passionfruit, 818 blanco, orgeat, pink peppercorn
• Endless Summer Old Fashioned – Brother’s Bond rye, lemon demerara, orange bitters

Between us, we tried the Aperol Spritz, Lavender Haze, and Two Tickets to Paradise.

All were balanced, not overly sweet, and paired really well with the food. The cocktail program here feels curated but still fun. Nothing feels overcomplicated or inaccessible.

Service That Matches the Space

Even with our large party, service was quick, thoughtful, and never overbearing. Water glasses stayed full. Plates arrived hot. The staff seemed genuinely happy to be there, and it came through in the experience.

And this wasn’t just one server doing a great job — the whole crew, from the host to the bar to the runners, moved with ease. You could tell they were trained well, but also that they cared. That’s not something you see every day in Vegas, especially with newer spots still finding their footing.

Don’t Forget the Cookie Bar

Before you leave, the cookie bar will call your name. And if it doesn’t, the smell of warm butter and brown sugar definitely will. It sits right by the entrance, with rotating cookie flavors behind glass. We grabbed a few chocolate chip cookies to go — they were thick, chewy, and worth every crumb.

“Even if you’re not staying for a meal, you could swing by, grab a cookie, and leave happy. It’s that kind of place — warm, casual, and easy.”

It’s a small touch, but it’s one of the things that makes Summer House feel fully thought-out — they’re trying to create a whole experience, not just feed you dinner.

Coastal Charm, Vegas Heart

Summer House Santa Monica is a standout addition to the Las Vegas dining scene. It’s cool without being cold, upscale without being out of reach, and designed for real people to enjoy real food.

Whether you’re coming for drinks with friends, celebrating with family, or just dropping in for salad and spritz, the vibe works. It just clicks.

“I’d absolutely go back. The space, the food, the drinks — everything feels good here. It’s that rare combo of polished and personal.”

This spot has already become a favorite for locals looking to escape the usual Strip scene. And if you’re just visiting? It’s worth a stop, especially if you’re craving a taste of the coast, right in the desert.