Truxton's Bistro to Open on Santa Monica Blvd.

Truxton's American Bistro–which does American food "with a twist"—is expanding into Santa Monica.

The restaurant is renovating the site of the shuttered Over Under Sports Grill at 1329 Santa Monica Blvd., immediately next to the hispter hangout, the CENTRAL Social Aid and Pleasure Club. Truxton's is set to open in early 2013.

Owners John Kaufman and Tim Foley founded Truxton in Westchester in 2006. The Santa Monica branch is the first expansion.

“We have spent the last two years being patient to find the right site to expand the concept and launch our second location," Kaufman in said a press release. "We believe we have found the perfect corner to enter the Santa Monica market with this new site."

Truxton's menu includes a range of "healthful to sinful" offerings, from classics, such as "Aunt Betty's BBQ Chicken" to Asian-inspired, such as "Bangkok Chicken Chop." For those seeking healthy options, the restaurant cooks up a separate menu.

The founders said they commit to a "crate to plate philosophy," meaning they work with local farmers and food suppliers to ensure dishes contain fresh and natural ingredients. 

Speciality menu items include Ahi Tuna and Avocado Tower, 11-Spice Beef Brisket and "upside down" speciality cheesecakes. Appetizer prices range from $5-14 and entrees prices, $8-30. The restaurant also offers a catering service.

On the popular review site Yelp, Westchester location customers rave about Truxton's service, breakfast and salads, but say the dishes are a bit over-priced.

Kaufman and Foley said they plan to open a third site in Woodland Hills.

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