Five Appetizers Worth Sharing at 31TEN Lounge

A night out in Santa Monica is made for grazing. Before the cocktails arrive or the music settles into its late-evening rhythm, a well-chosen spread of small plates gives everyone something to enjoy. At 31TEN Lounge on Main Street, the combination of lounge seating, table service and a polished bar atmosphere makes appetisers an easy way to begin the evening.

For Australian guests, the format will feel familiar: order a few dishes for the table, pair them with drinks, and let the meal unfold at its own pace. Whether you are visiting from Melbourne, planning a Los Angeles stopover from Sydney, or meeting friends after a day near the coast, these five shareable bites offer a balanced route through a relaxed dinner.

Crispy Calamari With A Fresh Finish

Crispy calamari is a reliable opening choice when you want something light enough for the first round of drinks but satisfying enough to start the meal. Look for tender rings with a well-seasoned coating, a bright citrus element and a dipping sauce that adds creaminess or heat. The contrast between crunch and freshness works especially well with a sparkling cocktail or a gin-based drink.

This is also a practical plate for a group. Four or five people can take a piece without slowing the conversation, which suits the easy social rhythm common in Australian dining rooms. Guests used to sharing plates in Sydney or Brisbane will appreciate the balance: calamari feels substantial, yet it leaves room for richer selections later.

For pairing ideas beyond the usual beer, this guide to craft cocktails explains how acidity, herbs and spice can bring out the best in small bites. At 31TEN, ask the server which cocktail has enough citrus or botanical character to cut through the fried coating.

Truffle Fries For The Table

A generous serving of seasoned fries is the kind of crowd-pleaser that disappears quickly. A truffle version adds a more indulgent lounge-bar feel, particularly when finished with parmesan, herbs or a creamy dipping sauce. The earthy aroma pairs naturally with bourbon, an Old Fashioned or a full-bodied red if you are treating the appetisers as the centre of the evening.

Fries also give the table a familiar anchor while everyone experiments with other dishes. They are easy to share, simple to eat between conversations and substantial enough to soften the impact of strong drinks. In Australia, where chips are often ordered for the whole table rather than as a personal side, this style of appetiser feels especially natural.

Consider ordering them early if you are visiting during happy hour, which runs from 6 PM to 8 PM from Thursday to Saturday. That early window is useful for guests working around the time difference from Australia, as it allows for a relaxed start before the venue becomes busier later in the evening.

Spiced Chicken Wings With A Cooling Dip

Chicken wings bring energy to a shared spread, especially when they combine crisp skin with a sticky glaze or a measured chilli kick. A smoky barbecue sauce suits darker spirits, while a hotter preparation works with a crisp lager or a cocktail featuring lime. The ideal plate offers enough seasoning to be memorable without overwhelming every drink on the table.

A cooling dip, such as ranch-style dressing or blue cheese sauce, adds a useful counterpoint. It also makes the dish more approachable for a mixed group, including diners who enjoy spice in moderation. Keep plenty of napkins nearby and treat the wings as a relaxed, hands-on course rather than something that needs formal table manners.

For Australians, this is familiar territory from sports bars and late-night venues in Melbourne or Perth, though the Santa Monica setting gives it a more polished presentation. Order wings alongside a lighter plate so the meal has contrast, and let the table decide whether the next round should be bright and refreshing or rich and spirit-forward.

Whipped Dip With Warm Flatbread

A whipped feta, labneh or hummus-style dip can bring a cool, creamy texture to the table after fried and glazed dishes. Served with warm flatbread, toasted pita or crisp vegetables, it gives the group a slower, more composed appetiser. Add olive oil, herbs, roasted vegetables or a touch of chilli for extra character.

This option suits guests who prefer a meat-free bite without settling for something plain. It also works beautifully with agave-based cocktails, spritzes and drinks built around fresh citrus. The creaminess softens acidity, while herbs and olive oil help connect the food with botanical ingredients in the glass.

Shared dips fit comfortably with Australian social dining customs, where ordering several middle-of-the-table dishes is common. They are particularly useful when a group includes different appetites or dietary preferences. Confirm the ingredients with the team if you need vegetarian, dairy-free or gluten-conscious options, as recipes and garnishes can vary.

Mini Sliders For A Late-Night Bite

Mini sliders are an excellent choice when the evening is moving towards a second location or a later finish. A small beef, chicken or plant-based burger provides a more filling bite than a delicate canapé, yet the compact size keeps it suitable for sharing. Pickles, a sharp sauce and a soft bun help balance the richness.

They are especially welcome after a few rounds of cocktails, when guests want something savoury without committing to a full entrée. If the table includes visitors comparing American bar food with what they know from Adelaide or Canberra, sliders offer a fun point of contrast: familiar in format, but shaped by the venue’s Californian setting.

Because 31TEN stays open until 2 AM from Thursday to Saturday, sliders can work at either end of the visit. Order them early for a casual meal with cocktails, or bring them in later when the group needs a substantial late-night snack. Table service and VIP options also make it easier to turn a quick plate into part of a longer celebration.

A smart order mixes texture, temperature and intensity: one crisp dish, one indulgent side, one spicy plate, one creamy dip and one filling bite. For ideas on planning your early drinks stop, explore Santa Monica happy hour spots before choosing your reservation time. Arriving close to 6 PM gives you access to happy hour, while a later booking suits guests looking for a livelier atmosphere and extended table service.

Reserve a table at 31TEN Lounge for your next Santa Monica night out, then build the occasion around shareable appetisers, craft cocktails and the venue’s late-evening lounge atmosphere. Whether you are marking a holiday, meeting friends or extending a California itinerary, a well-planned spread makes the first round memorable.