The Restaurants of Surf City

There is nothing more SoCal than spending a day taking in the sunshine, waves, and cars. The premium destination for the ocean and rides is Huntington Beach. You can catch some rays, hang 10 or be wowed by the coupes, convertibles and luxury sedans driving up and down the boulevard. Those souped-up roadsters may make you want to upgrade your ride or at least get it fixed for cruising on Pacific Coast Highway. The Beach Boulevard of Cars is the where you can get all that done. And when all this fun in the sun makes you hungry, you’ll find plenty to eat within relative proximity.

What’s for breakfast in Surf City?

When you want to fuel up for the day, start with the taste-likes-home breakfasts at Sugar Shack on Main Street. Sit on the patio to watch people as you enjoy the Cinnamon Raisin French Toast, pancakes, hash browns, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and the free-refill coffee. Get there when they open around 6 AM because there’s always a line. If you are shopping around looking at the cars, trucks, SUVs, wagons, and vans, you’ll probably notice the local’s vehicles all came from nearby dealerships on Beach Boulevard.

An alternative for breakfast is Sancho’s Tacos on PCH. The Sawed-Off Burrito is packed with red russet potatoes, fresh eggs, cheddar jack cheese, and your choice of chorizo; applewood smoked bacon, country sausage or boneless chicken breast. Light eaters can try the taco version at the outdoor seats.

Is it lunchtime yet?

If you’re enjoying the views from the Huntington Beach Pier and feel the need to feed, the only place to go is Ruby’s Diner perched right over the water on the end of the pier itself. No outdoor seating here but large windows give you views of the Pacific in a retro-diner atmosphere. You’ll find classic American goodies such as hamburgers, hot dogs, bottomless fries, and shakes.

If you have a desire for seafood, Sushi on Fire lies just around the corner from the International Surfing Museum. This popular eatery serves fresh fish and Japanese fares such as Beef Teriyaki, Tempura Udon, and Soft Shell Crab. Try the Tuna Sushi Special or any of the creative rolls like the Snow Crab California Roll or the Yellowtail & Scallions Roll.

Do you call it dinner or supper?

Doesn’t matter as long as you experience it at the most relaxed place by the pier. Named for Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, the legend who brought surfing to the Continental US, Duke’s in Huntington Beach sits directly on the beach next to the pier. Grab a table on the covered patio facing the boardwalk. Hawaiian and seafood specialties are on the menu, including Roasted Tristan Da Cunha Lobster Tails, Steamed Alaskan King Crab Legs, and Roasted Huli Chicken. Save room for Kimo’s Original Hula Pie®, a scrumptious concoction of macadamia nut ice cream, chocolate fudge, whipped cream, and macadamia nuts on a chocolate cookie crust.

If you hop into your vehicle, you can take a quick trip to Italy at Cucina Alessá on Main Street. Start things off with the Calamari Fritti, a fried squid that is as tender inside as it is crispy outside. Then you can dive into the Ravioli de Zucca, a butternut squash ravioli made in-house and sauteed with a butter base sauce and sage. If you’re looking for bounty from the sea, the Gamberoni Alla Brace marinates large prawns in Italian herbs before grilling and serving them with linguini alla Checca sauce.

You’ll never find yourself without a scrumptious place to eat, or a dealership to find a new vehicle or get your current transportation serviced when you are in Surf City USA. Catch a wave, or a new ride today.