Best specialty salad: Lemonade
We assume our readers didn’t have a specific salad in mind when they voted Lemonade as best specialty salad. Or perhaps each voter had a specific salad in mind, but not necessarily the one anybody else was thinking of. It’s just as valid either way, since Lemonade offers a vast selection of pre-made salads at […]
Best Window Replacement: Clark Adams
When a baseball crashes through the backyard window, one of the most trusted names in window replacement is Clark Adams. Last year, the 33-year-old South Bay institution closes its Torrance showroom and now solely operates out of its North Redondo location. The company specializes in Renewal by Anderson. And its installers are second to none, […]
Best sliders: Hot’s Kitchen
The menu at Hot’s Kitchen doesn’t mention sliders, which might make you think they aren’t served there. They are, but not under that name – Hot’s has based their business on selling small portions of many things so that customers enjoy a great variety over the course of a meal. Their burgers are sliders and […]
Best Floor: Maxwell Brothers/Flooring America
Maxwell Brothers/Flooring America has gained a loyal following due to owner Felix Green’s close ties to the community. Felix has owned the 40-year-old company since 1989. “Felix is pretty involved in the community,” said Lisa Jovicic, his assistant. “His kids play a lot of sports so a lot of friends and family end up being […]
Best Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food: Mediterraneo/The Med Kitchen & Bar
There have been a few changes at the restaurant we have known and loved for so long – founding chef Amber Caudle departed and was replaced by Pedro Pureco, and the name has been changed to The Med. There are new and intriguing items on the menu, but the things we have always loved are […]
Best Carpet, Best Window Cover: Kirk Flooring
Kirk Flooring has been an El Segundo institution since 1994 when owner Kirk Wolfsberger opened a local showroom. Kirk grew up in the city and has gained a trusted clientele based on the company’s quality installers and a wide selection of floors, carpets and window treatments. “Lots of our business comes from return customers or […]
Best steak under $20: Coyote Cantina
The top steak in this category is at a Mexican restaurant? Yes it is, and it’s something special. The carne asada at Coyote Cantina is a grilled skirt steak topped with caramelized onions, and it’s as tender and tasty as many that cost much more. For $16 you get a substantial piece of meat served […]
Best Flooring: JC’s Carpet Cleaning & Restoration
With a passionate adherence to “green cleaning methods,” a 24-hour emergency water damage clean-up service, and a hands-on founder who feels personally invested in the success of each job, it’s no wonder that JC’s Carpet has a loyal local fan base in the South Bay. Founded in 1989 by longtime Manhattan Beach resident Jim Crampton, […]
Best steak over $20: Fleming’s Steakhouse
Our readers agree that Fleming’s is the place where steaks are a science, the specialist spot where you go when you want a piece of meat that has been properly aged and expertly cooked. You can perceive the difference even before you order; the servers here know their stuff, and can intelligently discuss the difference […]
Best Mexican food over $10: Coyote Cantina
The décor is the first thing to register – art of amorous, sophisticated coyotes dancing, romancing, and driving fast cars, a whimsical visual introduction to a cheerfully eclectic establishment. The classics are here, but so are some items that take Mexican ideas to new levels – brie and mango quesadilla to start, anyone, or perhaps […]
Best Mexican food under $10: El Burrito Jr.
There’s a reason that El Burrito Jr. is enduringly popular, and it’s not the décor – this roadside stand has only a few old picnic tables for seating, but they are often full. The secret is very good food at rock bottom prices, neither of which have changed for years – don’t bother asking about […]
Best Tequilla bar: Palmilla
Behind the bar at Palmilla, the stack of bottles of clear and amber liquid looks like a shrine to tequila. That’s probably because it is one – the people who set up this bar have a respect for that elixir that borders on worship. The great names are here, as well as some you have […]
Best independent coffee house: Java Man
For 20 years and counting, Java Man has been a popular spot for South Bay locals to enjoy coffee, homemade soups and sandwiches, and breakfast entrees. The coffee shop has comfortable seating for catching up with friends or getting work done out of the office. The gentlemen behind the counter are always welcoming and accommodating, […]
Best outdoor dining: Hennessey’s Taverns
Hennessey’s is open from early morning to late night, and their outdoor dining areas are full for most of that time – all three locations in the South Bay are great places to enjoy the ambiance that makes our area such a great place to live. You can walk by the Manhattan Beach patio early […]
Best Italian under $20: Mama D’s
Another year, another win for the perennial favorite in moderately priced Italian dining. Mama D’s is the classic red checkered tablecloth Italian joint, serving a wide variety of pastas and pizzas along with dishes like eggplant parmesan, lasagna, and homemade ravioli. Go there on any evening and the place will be packed with families having […]
Best Music Lessons: Dietz Brothers
Dietz Brothers Music has proved to be one of Manhattan Beach’s most beloved and successful family businesses since opening its doors more than 30 years ago. Founded by Manhattan Beach brothers and music aficionados John and Pat Dietz and their musician wives Susan and Carol, Dietz Bros provides lessons in guitar, bass, piano, mandolin, ukulele, […]