Labor Day weekend is summer’s last hurrah as kids head back to school, the tag-teaming and carpooling starts, and schedules fill up with after school activities, homework and, somewhere in there, dinner.
If you find yourself in Huntington Beach and want to soak up all the sun, surf, and sand possible, treat yourself to one of these fine restaurants with views of the expansive beaches and mesmerizing waves that make Huntington Beach famous.
BLK Earth Sea Spirits – BLK Earth Sea Spirits boasts a stunning ocean view overlooking Huntington Beach Pier and an outstanding menu of Kobe certified steaks, chops and seafood (such as the Scallops with Asparagus and King Crab Legs shown above) as well as a popular Sunday Brunch. Most romantic spot? Window table for two or snuggle around the patio fire pit.
300 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 202. 714-960-0996
Duke’s – At the foot of Huntington Beach Pier and just steps from the sand, Duke’s restaurant and Barefoot Bar invites you to enjoy their Hawaiian beach house ambiance and trademark Pacific Rim cuisine and cocktails. Surfing memorabilia lines the walls paying homage to namesake, Duke Kahanamoku, who originated board surfing on the beach in front of the original Duke’s Canoe Club in Waikiki.
317 Pacific Coast Highway (at the Huntington Beach Pier). 714-374-6446
Ways & Means – With fresh seafood, a casual seaside ambiance that celebrates world-class oyster bars, and daily Sunset Social specials from 2 p.m. to sunset, Monday – Friday, this family-friendly restaurant in Pacific City is a must try. I mean who can pass up $9.99 Maine Lobster – Monday’s Sunset Social special. Visit Ways & Means website to see the daily food and drink specials.
21022 Pacific Coast Highway (at Pacific City). 714-960-4300.
Ola Mexican Kitchen – There’s more to Ola Mexican Kitchen than Taco Tuesday! With panoramic ocean views spanning the entire length of the restaurant, guests enjoy authentic Mexican food elevated beyond your typical Mexican cantina and a modern rustic minimalist decor that let’s the view be the star. The most romantic spot? The covered outdoor patio open to the sights and sounds of HB’s expansive beach and ocean playground.
21040 Pacific Coast Highway, F100 (in Pacific City). 714-969-7300.
Simmzy’s – Describing themselves as a local’s pub serving artisan foods, craft beers and small production wines, Simmzy’s is being humble when you consider the million-dollar view this beachside gastropub possesses. From house-made sweet & spicy wings and jalapeño poppers to fresh salads, juicy burgers, sandwiches and SoCal favorites like fish tacos and tuna poke round out the casual, affordable menu.
21028 Pacific Coast Highway (at Pacific City). 714-831-1240.
Shades – Shades at the Waterfront Beach Resort boasts intoxicating ocean views, a bonfire patio, live poolside entertainment on weekends, and market-fresh fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For lunch there’s The Fat Elvis with house made peanut butter, bacon and bananas, bountiful salads, and an Endless Summer BBQ on Saturdays. Later in the day, get cozy and watch the blaze of color as the sun sinks below the horizon with an artisan cheese and charcuterie plate, BBQ Rub Salmon, 6-Hour Braised Short Ribs, or the Shades Pub Burger.
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