10 Best Cocktail Bars in Manhattan Beach

“The food is absolutely brilliant, the parking is okay, the staff are friendly and the atmosphere is great“

“Beautiful little restaraunt by Manhattan Beach Pier. I’m there every year end of Aug.“

“Had a lovely lunch with out-of-town guests. Food was better than i remembered and the service was excellent. Had a great table next to the window at the end which was quieter to accommodate on member of the party who was hearing impaired and it was perfect.“

“I had the warmest experience at The Arthur J, from the hostess at the front door, the wait staff and the manager. I had recently lost my husband prior to my reservation and was determined to enjoy our anniversary dinner. Not only was a the food delicious, but the overall experience was beyond memorable. Thank you…. thank you. Can’t wait until I return for his birthday.“

“Great food and service (Amanda did a great job), I love their double r 20 oz cowboy’s rib eye and I like the ambiance it is very cozy.“

“Mercado Manhattan Beach: A Review That’s 90% Enthusiasm, 10% Queso Coma

I walked into Mercado Manhattan Beach expecting solid tacos and left questioning whether I’d just experienced peak human achievement or simply overdosed on crema. The answer, it turns out, is both.

Let’s start with the star of the show: the Al Pastor Tacos. These little corn-tortilla miracles arrive looking like they’ve been drizzled by a hyperactive Jackson Pollock who only owns green paint and a grudge against restraint. The pork is shaved so thin it’s basically prosciutto’s tropical cousin, caramelized toueto edges that taste like someone figured out how to bottle campfire. Then they hit it with pineapple that somehow manages to be both sweet and aggressively tangy—like if piña colada grew up and started doing CrossFit. Topped with onions, cilantro, and enough green sauce to power a small salsa cartel. One bite and I actually whispered “dios mío” unironically. My dining companion heard me and nodded solemnly, as if we’d just witnessed a religious event.

Up next: the Queso Fundido, which should come with a warning label and a waiver. This is not “cheese dip.” This is molten queso Oaxaca doing its best impersonation of a lava flow in a cute little bowl. Chorizo chunks bob around like spicy little life rafts. You will attempt to be civilized with the provided tortillas. You will fail. You will resort to spoon. You will consider bathing in it. The waiter will pretend not to notice when you guard the bowl like Gollum with the One Ring.

And then, because apparently we hate ourselves, we ordered the Flautas de Pollo. Picture taquito’s fancy older sister who went to culinary school in Guadalajara and came back with strong opinions about presentation. Perfectly rolled, fried to a shattering crisp, then piled so high with lettuce, crema, queso fresco, and pico that it looks like a edible Jenga tower. One wrong move and you’re wearing half of it. Worth it.

Service was the kind of attentive that makes you feel mildly famous—like the staff genuinely wants you to have the best night of your life, and they’re willing to sprint for extra limes to make it happen. Cocktails are dangerously good (the mezcal situation is reckless), and the patio is prime South Bay people-watching real estate.

Only complaint: portions are aggressively generous, which feels like a trap. I left in what can only be described as a full-body food hug, waddling to my car while mentally drafting my will to leave everything to Mercado.

10/10, would sell my soul for more of that green sauce. Bring stretchy pants and zero shame.“

“I’ve had breakfast the last two mornings at the restaurant and experienced the most amazing service. The food was yummy (breakfast burrito) and honestly really good coffee. The hostess Claudia was a consummate professional and I was so impressed that she remembered my name and my preferred table from the day before. My waiter Antonio was the same, incredible service, remembered every single specific thing about my order, including my allergies and preference for sweetener. When you travel a lot you know bad , good and outstanding service and both Claudia and Antonio were beyond outstanding. I recommend the restaurant/hotel clone them immediately … no joke.“

“Hook & Plow has a great menu that appeals to almost everyone and all the locations have awesome staff and service. The sandwiches and burgers are always popular and their raw bar elevates the menu. The steak sandwich is so tender and flavorful and the burgers are equally delicious. The lobster roll is loaded and super tender.. really good quality. The salads are very popular and can be ordered with yummy salmon that makes for a healthy low carb meal option. They also have lunch combinations which are a great value and don't forget about happy hour!“

“We had a wonderful first time experiencell. All three dishes were wonderful. Our server was exceptional.  polite, knowledgeable, attentive. I wish I got his name. He was a young man with dark hair. The only negative was unfortunately there was a party of six young ladies who were very loud. Normally that wouldn't bother us, but my mom is 99 and it was a lot for her. we will certainly be back.“

“Yummylicious and good enough for a dinner , affordable, you going to love it 🥰“