Brooke Williamson is famous now thanks to her appearances on Top Chef, but to the demanding clientele at Hudson House it’s what is happening live and in person that is really important. The idea of small portions of big flavors isn’t exactly new, but the team here delivers it in style – crispy kale fritters, the justifiably famous pretzel burger, even the Tuesday taco night, when the already low prices hit rock bottom. The gastropub craze may have peaked, but great bar food will never go out of style, and Hudson House serves it every night.
514 N Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach (310) 798-9183, www.hudsonhousebar.com
Runner up: Baja Sharkeez, 52 Pier Ave Hermosa Beach (310) 318-0004, 3600 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, 310-545-8811, www.sharkeez.net
