We know a long day at the beach always works up an appetite- whether you’re catching eight-footers in Encinitas or sitting on the beach watching friends score gnarly waves in Mission Beach, by the end of the day you’ll be in need of some serious grub, here are 5 places to eat.
Hermosa Beach Fish Shop
For the beach bums up north, Hermosa Beach Fish Shop located at the corner of Pier Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway is the ideal spot to refuel. California may be home to a plethora of fresh seafood spots, but The Fish Shop takes it one step fresher by allowing you to choose your own catch before the grueling decision of which house-made seasoning and serving style you want. Whether you’re craving a traditional fish ‘n chips platter or decide to go with the award-winning TKO taco made of mahi-mahi topped with homemade mango salsa, there’s no doubt you’ll leave with a full belly of fresh-from-the-sea goodness.
719 Pier Avenue | 90254 Hermosa Beach | 310.372.3480 | Website: thefishshophermosabeach.com
Encinitas Fish Shop
If searching for the perfect wave takes you south on the 101, there is also a Fish Shop location in Encinitas offering the same sea of options. Encinitas Fish Shop is located at 1010 S. Coast Highway 101 just minutes from the sand. With a slew of healthy sides of seaweed salad, vinaigrette coleslaw, fresh steamed veggies or seven-grain steamed rice you can get enough nutrients to prepare your body for a sunrise surf tomorrow!
1010 S. Coast Highway 101 | Encinitas, CA, 92024 | (760) 436-4665 | Website: thefishshopencinitas.com
Pillbox Tavern
Solana Beach has a new favorite post-surf spot in the aptly named Pillbox Tavern above the Cliffside Solana Beach neighborhood of Fletcher Cove. This bar and restaurant named after the famous beach break below will welcome you with open beers and a lineup of savory dishes that will make you feel right at home. From the Panko Crusted Pork Tenderloin Sandwich to a house specialty Shrimp and Mahi Ceviche served with warm tortilla chips you can satisfy your hunger with any item off their Coastal Americana menu.
117 W Plaza Street | Solana Beach, CA 92075 | (858) 436-7016 | Website: pillboxtavern.com
The Duck Dive
The surf term moniker of Pacific Beach’s The Duck Dive is an homage to the thousands of surfers that fill the beaches year round in this coastal town, but is also a nod to the creative use of duck in their menu. A local favorite side to any dish are the savory duck fat fries offered plain with a trio of house made sauces, “spiced” with garlic and parmesan or “loaded” with angus beef meatloaf, creamy cheese sauce and peppers. Several dishes include a seared duck breast served with blueberry risotto and dragon wings made with duck meat double fried in duck fat and glazed with asian inspired hoisin-plum mahogany sauce. The menu also includes a range of craft cocktails created by award-winning bartender and general manager Rob McShea.
4650 Mission Blvd | San Diego, CA. 92109 | 858.273.3825 | Website: theduckdive.com
The Sandbar Sports Bar & Grill
If you keep paddling south you’ll reach The Sandbar Sports Bar & Grill in Mission Beach serving up bar-food-but-better! You can choose from Sandbar staples such as Carne Asada Tots, Crispy Calamari served with jalapeno chiles, jalapeno jelly and a spicy aioli dip, TKO tacos, or a variety of tasty burgers, wraps, salads and “sandos.” The upstairs patio has a picturesque view of the waves breaking only steps away from the front door if you still haven’t had enough salty air in your lungs for the day.
718 Ventura Place | Mission Beach, CA 92109 | 858.488.1274 | Website: sandbarsportsgrill.com/
What are your favorite places to grab grub after a day of surfing?
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Pictures and round up provided by Alternative Strategies team.