Neighborhood bar
Shellback
One of the most expensive residential neighborhoods in California has a favorite neighborhood bar that does not fit expectations. Rather than a palace of fancy mixology with a high style interior, locals prefer an unpretentious beachy hangout that looks worn around the edges. That’s probably a mix of nostalgia and habit for the folks who grew up here, but something else entirely for those who didn’t. They moved to the South Bay so they could be the kind of people who would hang out at the Shellback, spend an hour or two with some beers, some burgers, and some friends. If they don’t have friends when they walk in, they might by the time they walk out – it’s that kind of place.
Shellback
116 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Manhattan Beach
Shellback-tavern.business.site
Runner-up:
Barnacles
837 Hermosa Ave.
Hermosa Beach
Wine List (Restaurant)
The Bottle Inn
Wine Spectator Magazine is of the opinion that the Bottle Inn has an excellent wine list – they’ve won that award four years in a row beginning in 2019. South Bay locals have known that a lot longer, because they’ve voted wine awards to the Bottle Inn for decades. It’s not just that they have rare and expensive offerings that would impress any connoisseur, but that they have excellent selections at all price levels, plus staff who treat customers with respect whether they’re ordering a $35 everyday wine or a $500 Nebbiolo. Some excellent wines are available by the glass, something that doesn’t happen everywhere, so you can experience the best and educate your palate. Whether you’re a casual sipper or someone who has some of those high-end bottles at home, they understand your needs.
The Bottle Inn
26 22nd St.
Hermosa Beach
Runner-up
The Strand House
117 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Manhattan Beach
(310) 545-7470
Sports bar
Grunions
The place doesn’t look like much from the outside, a nondescript tan building with a small red sign. Many people have driven by hundreds of times without noticing it. Inside, Grunion’s has character and characters, the latter in the form of a staff who greet many customers by name. It’s a quirky, friendly place with painted acoustical tiles in the ceiling commemorating various regulars and occasions, but most customers have eyes on the screens rather than overhead. They munch good conventional bar food, cheer on their favorite modern gladiators, quaff beers, and basic but well-made cocktails, and enjoy a convivial time celebrating the game of the day.
Grunions
1501 N Sepulveda Blvd.
Manhattan Beach
Runner-up
American Junkie
68 Pier Ave.
Hermosa Beach
