Outdoor Alternatives
If you have a couple hours on your hands, treat yourself to lunch in the Barefoot Bar at Duke’s on the Pier. Settle into a nice table on the outside patio and start by ordering a glass of chilled tropical Matua Chardonnay. Drink in hand, request the delicious mixed green Crispy Wonton Salad from the Dining Room Menu and give an emphatic “yes” to Blue Cheese crumbles. Compliment the salad with fried Crab Macnut Wontons plated atop of mustard plum sauce and the ever so satisfying Hawaiian style Poke Rolls. This last dish, consisting of seared Ahi Tuna wrapped in rice paper and sautéed in Maui onions, is absolute h-e-a-v-e-n. Allow the cool ocean breeze and relaxing music factor into this excellent, quintessential Huntington Beach dining experience. Duke’s, 317 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, 714.374.6446
Many downtown restaurants offer patio seating, but if your looking for ambiance, look no further than Spark Woodfire Grill. Located on the 2nd floor near the movie theaters, this stylish restaurant attracts a sophisticated dinner crowd. Request outdoor seating, if there’s a wait, order a refreshing cocktail from the small, but sleek bar near the entrance. If it is not too crowded, sneak out to the fire pit on the terrace and take in the ocean view. The plates here are rich and satisfying and compliment the atmosphere. Begin you dining experience with the excellent Chopped Green salad, and then further satisfy your taste buds with the classic herb-crusted halibut served with roasted garlic butter sauce, hazelnut green beans and rice pilaf. Complete your romantic evening with coffee and Chocolate XXX Cake. Spark Woodfire Grill 300 Pacific Coast Hwy, Suite 202, Huntington Beach 92648, 714.960.0996
Traveling with hungry children, but tired of hamburgers and fries? Try Wahoo’s Fish Taco on Main Street. You can easily recognize this establishment as the windows are covered with surf and pop culture stickers. Don’t let its name intimidate the kids, there are plenty of non-seafood options, but for those willing to take an ocean plunge, try the tasty blackened Fish Tacos. Here you can spread out, be loud and enjoy a healthy and affordable meal. Wahoo’s is also convenient if you are dining alone and don’t have a lot of time. Wahoo’s Fish Taco, 120 Main Street, Huntington Beach, 92648, 714.536.2050
Local hotspot Chronic Tacos, located in downtown Huntington Beach, is just six short blocks from Main Street. You can drive, bike or walk – just head north on Main Street (away from the beach) and turn left on Orange. Take a gander and the interesting houses while you travel west, to 11th street. It is here, on the corner of Orange and 11th, that you will discover Chronic Tacos and their mouthwatering Mexican food. Most likely there will be a line out the door as Chronic is addicting to the natives. Fortunately, they have a large menu posted on the wall and a fairly fast assembly line. Customizing your order is expected, be prepared to answer a series of questions based on your taste preferences. Try the Carne Asada Fatty Tacos, with onions and cilantro, and then wash it down with a cold beer. The atmosphere is extremely casual, but this taco stand has a good family vibe. Chronic Taco, 328 11th Street, Huntington Beach, 714.960.0339