burger restaurant
Ercolès 1101
There are a few similarities between our winner for the fast food burger and the restaurant burger, mainly that both come from places that do almost nothing else. Ercole’s burgers are made with fresh meat from the butcher next door and topped with lettuce and tomato, like In-N-Out. One difference is that Ercole’s burger is thicker and has smoked char from the grill, and another is that you can get it with wine, beer, and cocktails. We’re assuming In-N-Out doesn’t do cocktails and Ercole doesn’t do shakes to avoid confusion between establishments.
Ercolès 1101
1101 Manhattan Ave.
manhattan beach
(310) 372-1997
hamburger fast food
Inside and outside
Most of the business at In-N-Out is take-out, but it’s actually fun to dine inside and admire the incredible coordination of how they operate. They prepare meal after meal in minutes, which is made easier by the fact that they only cook two dishes, burgers and fries. Their dedicated clientele can be attributed to the fact that they do it very well, using fresh ingredients. The meat was ground that day and the onion on your burger was just sliced rather than sitting in a cooler for a while. They’re good, cheap, and fast, and it’s a rare trio to manage at the same time.
Inside and outside
3801 Inglewood Ave.
Redondo Beach
Finalist:
The habit
719 Pier Avenue
Hermosa Beach
order.habitburger.com
First date
FISHBAR, Bottle Inn (tie)
We have a rare tie in a high-voting category, but we understand why, because the ideal restaurant for dates depends on the couple. Is it a fun night? If so, head to Fishbar’s vibrant and bustling dining room and keep it casual. If you’re not sure where the relationship is going, and it could be a friendly night out or the start of something deeper, FISHBAR could be perfect. If you already know your date likes quieter, serene spaces, head to the Bottle Inn and an evening of fine Italian food and wine. Both spaces are a short distance from the beach, so after dinner you can take a moonlight stroll and let the romance blossom.
FISH BAR
3801 Highland Ave.
manhattan beach
bottle inn
26 22nd Street.
Hermosa Beach
Finalist:
blue water grill
665 N Harbor Drive
Redondo Beach
fish and chips
Shellback
These fish and chips are for traditionalists, just like they were invented by Jews. Yes, it is now associated with Britain, but this style of cooking was brought there by Jewish refugees from Portugal. The authentic recipe calls for a batter made from lightly seasoned flour rather than panko, tempura, or other styles, and that’s what you’ll find at the Shellback Tavern. When dipped in hot oil, this batter creates a crispy shell that instantly seals the fish away from the grease, so you’re tasting fish, not grease. The Shellback has been producing golden fried fish for so long that we hesitate to guess how many tons have gone through the fryers, and they succeed every time.
Shellback
116 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
manhattan beach
Shellback-tavern.business.site
Finalist:
Captain Kidd Fish Market and Restaurant
209 N Harbor Dr.
Redondo Beach
(310) 372-7703
