FishBar

Tucked away on the northern edge of Manhattan Beach, FishBar manages to be something increasingly rare in this beach town: a genuinely local spot. While the surrounding area fills up with vacationing families and weekend crowds, this seafood-focused bar draws the people who actually call the neighborhood home. The vibe is unmistakably casual—wrap-around bar, flat screens on every wall, and enough Caribbean-inspired decor to make Jimmy Buffett feel at home.

The real surprise here is the food. This place defies every low expectation you might have about bar grub. The fish tacos alone are worth the trip, featuring thick chunks of fresh fish (order them blackened) piled onto housemade tortillas that taste like someone actually cares. Add pico de gallo, cotija cheese, and their signature taco sauce, and you’ve got one of the better fish tacos on this side of the 405. The menu covers the seafood spectrum—shrimp salads, mussels swimming in garlic broth, crispy fish and chips, and bacon-wrapped shrimp skewers that hit the spot.

Whether you’re there for the game or couldn’t care less about sports, FishBar welcomes everyone with the same easygoing attitude. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a cold beer, share a bowl of clams with friends, and not feel like you’re sacrificing quality for atmosphere. Groups do particularly well here, with plenty of shareable dishes and a bar setup that makes socializing easy.

For anyone who’s written off sports bars as places where good food goes to die, FishBar offers a welcome correction. The kitchen takes pride in what comes out, the locals keep coming back, and that alone tells you everything you need to know.