Situated on arguably the best beachside property in Los Angeles, The Strand House offers up amazing views with few obstructions. Perched almost on top of the Manhattan Beach Pier and with a clear view of the entire Santa Monica Bay, the location is undeniably ideal. The Strand (the world famous beachfront bike path) runs across the foot of the establishment, so people watching is unavoidable. If you can score a table along the coveted front window, it can be hard to focus on the interior of the restaurant with the distractions outside. Perched literally on top of the stretch of sand that is known as “The Birthplace of Beach Volleyball”, The Strand House is a popular spot for a sunset or evening drink after a day on the beach.

The main reason for the instant impact of the restaurant has been the food, however. The addition of an upscale restaurant seems to be what locals were looking for, following the recent gentrification trend in the city. With an extensive menu offering everything from a Braised Rabbit Gnocchi to an amazing Lobster Cavatelli, any palate will be pleased by the variety. The pricing isn’t outrageous and the portions are good-sized, especially on dishes such as the Grilled Jidoori Chicken.

Any visit to the Strand House wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Strand Bar. It’s already becoming a tradition for many locals to have an aptly named “Sunset Over Manhattan” (clementine vodka, fresh tangarine juice, blood orange cordial) or a martini at the end of the day.

The Strand House is located at 117 Manhattan Beach Boulevard in Manhattan Beach, CA and their number is 310.545.7470.

Related Articles:

Share this:

Union Cattle Company in Hermosa Beach is also closing this week, although the location will retain the same ownership and will be redesigned as a more upscale eatery. The new restaurant is called Abigaile, and will create more flow between the classy Ocean Bar upstairs and the main dining area downstairs. Instead of riding a mechanical bull and devouring a 22 oz. steak, you can sip a dirty martini and have a 1 oz. appetizer. Executive chef Max DiMare will be running the show at Abigaile.

Some South Bay locals and long-time residents are a bit concerned with the relatively recent shift towards a chic style that resembles L.A. or Laguna Beach a bit too much. But, for every person unhappy with the recent gentrification of Hermosa Beach, 2 more people are buying an $800K, 1 bedroom apartment down the street. It may just be a matter of time before Manhattan Beach’s successful makeover of the grungy beach scene oozes south into Hermosa to turn the South Bay into a Bel-Air by the sea. Only time will tell.

Share this:

Many people choose to go to house parties in Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach, but the local drinking establishments have come to realize that Super Bowl Sunday is a huge day for them as well. Many bars such as Baja Sharkeez and Sangria in Hermosa Beach, are gearing up for the football game in a big way. Sharkeez claims 60 flat-screen TVs (we think it’s more like 40) and Sangria will be hosting entertainment for hours before, during and after the game. Included for $25 at Sangria are swim suit models, beer, a taco bar and more with a portion going to charity.

For an upscale scene, head over to Manhattan Beach’s Shade Hotel. All the comforts of home; cozy couches, multiple TVs, great food & drinks, without the set-up or clean-up.

Pretty much anywhere on the Hermosa Pier or in downtown Manhattan Beach will fill up early on game day, so plan on staying at one establishment. Fat Face Fenner’s Fishshack (F.F.F.F.) on the HB Pier is a well-known New England sports bar, so steer clear if you’re a Giants fan.

Super Bowl Sunday is a guaranteed good time, even for part-time sports fans. Make sure you take advantage of the plethora of options in the South Bay and leave the car keys at home.

Share this: