Shellback – Beer battered seafood works so well because the carbonation in the brew makes the crust expand into feather lightness. Locals may not have known the chemistry but are aware of the effects every time they dig into Shellback’s famous fish and chips – the big filets have a crunchy, delicious crust every time. Manhattan Beach’s venerable waterfront dive serves up order after order moist within and crisp without, following an old British traditional recipe that still keeps everyone coming back for more.
Shellback: 116 Manhattan Beach Blvd., MB. (310) 376-7857. www.shellbacktavern.com
Runner-up: Bouzy’s, 1611 S. Catalina Ave., RB. (310) 540-1222.
