A tour of our lounge seating: booths, sofas and high tops

A tour of our lounge seating reveals how strongly the room’s layout shapes the evening. At 31Ten Lounge, upholstered booths, low sofas and high tables serve different social rhythms, from private dinners to quick drinks after work. Main Street provides the setting, while the seating turns a visit into something more personal. Learn more about 262755 Our Spiciest Dish On The Menu And How To Cool Down After.

Guests arriving from Australia may notice the open, late-running style immediately. Melbourne’s compact laneway bars, Sydney’s after-work culture and Brisbane’s relaxed approach to group outings all have familiar counterparts here, but the lounge atmosphere calls for a slower pace. Choosing the right area can help everyone settle in and enjoy the craft cocktails, food menu and table service.

Booths for settling into the evening

Booths offer the most enclosed and composed setting in the room. Their high backs and upholstered seats create a visual break from the bar while still allowing guests to share the energy of the lounge. They suit dates, intimate dinners and small groups that want comfortable seating without retreating from the atmosphere.

Table service works especially well here, allowing dishes and cocktails to arrive without turning the booth into a workspace. Guests can remain seated, speak across the table and let the evening develop naturally. Availability varies, so a booth is worth mentioning when making a reservation rather than assuming it can always be selected.

Sofas for a slower kind of night

Lounge sofas bring a more relaxed character to 31Ten’s seating. They work well for conversation, shared plates and guests who want to remain close to the action without taking a conventional dining position. Melburnians accustomed to the social density of cocktail bars may find this arrangement particularly natural.

A sofa can also complement a mixed group, providing a comfortable central place to gather before drinks are collected or the table is reset. Seating arrangements remain subject to availability, but requesting sofa-style seating can help the team understand the experience you have in mind.

High tops for quick arrivals

High tops bring guests closer to the bar and create a livelier meeting point. They are practical for a first drink, an after-work rendezvous or a small group arriving together before deciding where to spend the rest of the evening. Their elevated surfaces also suit a standing conversation without making the seating feel temporary.

For visitors following a familiar Sydney routine of meeting near a bar before dinner, these tables offer an easy starting point. Alcohol-free guests receive the same attention to ingredients and presentation; the growth of crafted mocktails has made sophisticated serves central to the upscale lounge experience.

Choosing the right seats for your group

The best seating depends on the occasion rather than simply the number of people. A booth supports a focused dinner, sofas encourage shared conversation and high tops keep the opening phase casual. Groups celebrating a birthday or hosting colleagues can choose a central setting, while quieter evenings often suit more private seating.

Australian smart-casual expectations generally translate well, although the Los Angeles climate can differ from Brisbane after sunset. A light layer is useful outside, and dressier footwear can work better than beachwear when moving between the street, the bar and the restaurant area.

Several practical recommendations can improve the experience:

• Request a booth for a private dinner or a date with an emphasis on table service.
• Choose a sofa area when the main goal is relaxed conversation and sharing food.
• Reserve a high table for quick arrivals, first rounds or an informal after-work gathering.
• Explain accessibility needs, celebration plans or group dynamics when booking so the team can place the table appropriately.

Pairing drinks, dishes and the room

The food menu gives the lounge seating another layer, especially when guests order dishes for the middle of the table. Richer plates can complement complex cocktails, while lighter food helps balance an evening built around several drinks. The strongest pairing is often the one that leaves room to enjoy the room and continue talking.

Heat deserves a thoughtful approach when ordering. Treangeli Malta’s guide to cooling spicy dishes explores useful methods for managing chilli while preserving flavour. The same principle applies in Santa Monica: a cooling element can soften a spicy dish without separating it completely from the menu.

Non-alcoholic serves, sparkling water and carefully balanced food can keep a long evening comfortable. Whether the table is a booth, sofa or high top, ordering at a measured pace helps the food remain enjoyable and the conversation stay central to the visit.

Reserve your Santa Monica evening

31Ten Lounge is open Thursday through Saturday from 6 PM to 2 AM, with happy hour from 6 PM to 8 PM. The Santa Monica location page provides current venue information, while the reservations service can help secure a table and communicate seating preferences. Table service, VIP options and special events are also available for guests planning a more tailored visit.

Australian tipping habits differ from those in the United States, so guests should review the bill before deciding whether to add a gratuity. For a Thursday happy hour, Saturday dinner or a celebration with a group, reserve early and share the occasion, expected arrival time and preferred seating style. Choose 31Ten Lounge for the cocktails, menu and Main Street atmosphere, then arrive ready to settle into the part of the room that suits the evening best.