Oar House & Buffalo Chips Restaurant

Oar House & Buffalo Chips Restaurant The Oar House & Buffalo Chips Restaurant was a beloved American restaurant in Ocean Park - Santa Monica that has since closed, and its space now occupied by an Irish Pub. However, their tribute website still stands and offers a look back at the iconic restaurant's history and memories of past patrons. Their famous Spaghetti Tuesday nights were a hit among college students, complete with Tony Bell doodles and creative profanity from the Buffalo Chips Cooks. Unfortunately, the restaurant is now closed but their legacy lives on through their website.

Recent social media posts

Brent Richard Steiner, 78, of Van Nuys, CA, passed away peacefully in the late hours of September 22, 2026, at the Knife...
10/02/2026

Brent Richard Steiner, 78, of Van Nuys, CA, passed away peacefully in the late hours of September 22, 2026, at the Knife River Care Center in Beulah, North Dakota. As all family members and friends are in different parts of the US, and he moved to North Dakota only two months prior to his passing, a memorial service is not scheduled at this time. A tribute slideshow is being organized by his daughter, Carrie Steiner, displaying memories from the life stories of Brent. Please forward any photos/ stories you would like to contribute in a post. We would love to feature them as part of the tribute.

HISTORY & FUN FACTS
Brent was born in Hamilton, Ohio on November 18, 1947. In grade school, the Miami chapter of CISV International selected Brent as one of four lucky student delegates to journey overseas and spend time at a summer camp in Denmark. He attended Milton-Union High School and was in the graduating class of 1966. He was Vice-President of the Junior and Senior class and was a drummer in the school marching band. He was recognized for his drumming talent when he won the John Philip Sousa Band award in 1966. Brent was featuring editor of The Bulldog Bark and was the advisor for the Distributive Education Clubs of America. He was also on the Honor Society, and was the stage manager for the senior play "Our Town". Brent later attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he was a member of the brotherhood of the Fiji Fraternity.

Brent spent his life as a celebrated artist, creative intellect, and a natural salesman. He was known for his dedicated work ethic, his creative talent, his fun-loving sense of humor, and his capability to make the best of any situation. He loved music, drawing, painting, photography, videography, writing and performing comedy, acting, singing, storytelling, playing the drums, riding
Brent is survived by his two daughters, Carrie Steiner & Shannon Mankins, his two grandchildren, Reese Mankins & Aidan Mankins, and his two sisters, Colette Shelley & Pam Anderson.

Brent will be remembered as a loving, dedicated father, an original, funny, creative, talented, honest, intelligent, kind-hearted man, and a genuine friend. He had a deep impact on others, as he influenced and inspired just about every person he met. Several past roommates have asserted that living with him was “the best time of their life”. Other long-time friends stated the following: “He was a great influence upon me... one of the most creative guys I ever met... he literally lit up my life!“ “He was a LEGEND to those who knew and loved him.” The cherished memories and inspirations of Brent Steiner will be remembered, and it is with deep sadness that his passing is announced.

10/02/2026
Help my mama, and Oar House & Buffalo Chips Restaurant waitress extraordinaire, Pat Merryman, get to AC/DC concert for h...
07/09/2026

Help my mama, and Oar House & Buffalo Chips Restaurant waitress extraordinaire, Pat Merryman, get to AC/DC concert for her 80th birthday! ❤️🎸⚡️

Or just send some birthday wishes. She’s having a hard time right now. I will make sure she gets any message. DM me Kelly Merryman if you want me to help with a phone call. xoxo

Let’s Get Mom to AC/DC for Her 80th Birthday Our mom is tu… Kelly Merryman needs your support for 80th BDay Wish: Get to ACDC Concert Despite Parkinson's

Just received a notice of a memorial for Larry Linkus & Bonnie Gordon.  Link was a very talented GAF artist.  They will ...
03/03/2025

Just received a notice of a memorial for Larry Linkus & Bonnie Gordon. Link was a very talented GAF artist. They will be missed.

07/04/2024
It is with sadness and regret that we learn of the passing of Cathy Naugle, an Oar House waitress from the glory days of...
02/05/2024

It is with sadness and regret that we learn of the passing of Cathy Naugle, an Oar House waitress from the glory days of the late sixties. Brent Steiner, a resident at Cathy's home was able to peruse a photo album of past memories from her time at the Oar. We are sharing them on this page as we are sure Cathy would want. I remember most of the people in the photos, hopefully some of you survivors of that era can help fill in the blanks. Vaya con Dios Cathy.

my (Pat Merryman) grandson sporting an original ‘76 Oar House tshirt (modified for a 4 year old)
11/27/2023

my (Pat Merryman) grandson sporting an original ‘76 Oar House tshirt (modified for a 4 year old)

Address

2941 Main Street (Currently Resides Comfortably In The Memory Of The Many)
Santa Monica, CA
90405

Located on Main Street in Santa Monica, this restaurant can be accessed by both public transport and driving. The nearest bus stops are located on Main St./Pier Ave. and Main St./Ashland Ave. Alternatively, if you are driving, there is street parking available on Main Street as well as nearby parking lots accessible from Ocean Park Blvd. or Pacific Avenue.

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 10pm
Tuesday 11am - 10pm
Wednesday 11am - 10pm
Thursday 11am - 10pm
Friday 11am - 10pm
Saturday 11am - 10pm
Sunday 11am - 10pm

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What people say

American restaurants are known for their delicious and hearty meals, and Oar House & Buffalo Chips Restaurant in Santa Monica is no exception. Although both establishments are now gone, they have left a lasting impression on the community. The website dedicated to their memory showcases the fun and lively atmosphere that was once present at these restaurants.

One of the standout dishes at Oar House & Buffalo Chips Restaurant was their Spaghetti Tuesdays, which was a hit among college students. The creative use of profanity by the cooks during busy times added to the overall experience. The Tony Bell doodle flyer for Spaghetti Tuesdays is a testament to the restaurant's unique personality.

The memories page on their website features photos from past events, including PM's "Rites of Spring- Wrongs of the Revelers". The B-12 shot soundtrack added to the fun and festive atmosphere of this event.

Overall, Oar House & Buffalo Chips Restaurant was a beloved American restaurant that left an indelible mark on Santa Monica. Although it may be gone now, its legacy lives on through its loyal patrons and memories shared online.