With 10 miles of open sandy beaches, an iconic pier and worldly cuisine, Surf City USA is a paradise for surfers, families and couples alike. Here are the latest dining hot spots to try plus tried-and-true hotels and drinking destinations.
The new Sunday brunch menu at Henry’s Coastal Cuisine features decadent dishes like honey grilled chicken salad PHOTO: BY BOB HODSON
WHERE TO DINE
Sandbar Cocina y Tequila
Baja Sharkeez Restaurant Group’s surf-inspired favorite from Santa Barbara has found a second home in Huntington Beach—just blocks from the coast. Travel to the shores of Mexico with classic dishes that have a modern SoCal twist, such as ribeye steak tacos and fresh ceviche. The breezy openair space blends a tropical aesthetic with ’70s surf culture, decorated with colorful surfboards, vintage prints and local art. Sandbar also boasts an intimate tequila lounge that offers a range of international tequilas and mezcals as well as handcrafted Mexican cocktails. 714.460.5423, sandbar.net
Sandbar Cocina y Tequila transports guests to Mexico with a range of tequilas and handcrafted cocktails such as the passion fruit paloma and spicy pomegranate margarita. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SANDBAR COCINA Y TEQUILA
Nardò
With 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Gianni Chiloiro—founder of Doppio Zero, the acclaimed Bay Area restaurant group and pizzerias—has brought a new Southern Italian hot spot to Pacific City. The authentic eatery pays homage to the Chiloiro family’s hometown of Taranto, Italy, with handpainted murals of banana leaves and delicate floral arrangements. Freshly made gnocchi and ravioli are a must-try, along with specialty pizzas wood-fired in an oven imported from Italy. 657.204.9830, nardoitalian.com
Treehouse Lounge atop Paséa Hotel & Spa COURTESY OF PASÉA HOTEL & SPA
Henry’s Coastal Cuisine
Roasted strawberry ricotta toast and honey grilled chicken salad with fresh peaches are just two of the tasty dishes featured on the new Sunday brunch menu at Henry’s Coastal Cuisine. The relaxed yet elevated restaurant at The Waterfront Beach Resort makes locally sourced, seasonal ingredients the star of creative coastal cuisine inspired by French traditions—and frequently updates its menus throughout the year. For brunch, chef Lewis Butler also puts his unique spin on the classics, like Japanese-inspired karaage chicken and sweet potato waffles topped with rich, maple garlic syrup. Come hungry! 714.845.8000, waterfrontresort.com
The Bungalow Huntington Beach COURTESY OF PASÉA HOTEL & SPA
WHERE TO SIP
The Bungalow Huntington Beach
The second outpost of Brent Bolthouse’s beachy Santa Monica hot spot, The Bungalow Huntington Beach is a laid-back lounge and patio situated above the oceanfront Pacific City. This season, sample refreshing beverages like Tan Lines, a jalapeño tequila concoction with fresh watermelon, or the pineapple-infused Summer of Love. Unique to t his location is a menu of light bites from culinary partner Bear Flag Fish Co. Snack on Hawaiian-style tuna poke or fried fish tacos to complete an idyllic beach day. 714.374.0399, thebungalow.com
Treehouse Lounge
Perched atop Paséa Hotel & Spa, this chic rooftop lounge with panoramic ocean views is the perfect spot to unwind with a delicious drink. Pair appetizers such as spicy shishito peppers or crispy Brussels sprouts with a glass of wine or a craft cocktail, like the Cucumber Delight or Cadillac Margarita. From Thursday to Sunday, you’ll enjoy live sets from top local DJs while you sip. Treehouse Lounge is also a great vantage point from which to watch magnificent planes fly across the sky during the annual Huntington Beach Pacific Airshow, running Sept. 30 to Oct. 2. 855.622.2472, paseahotel.com
Escape to one of 250 luxurious rooms and suites at Paséa Hotel & Spa, a seaside escape with dreamy views of the Pacific Ocean THE BUNGALOW KITCHEN PHOTO BY RYAN FORBES
WHERE TO STAY
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa
For a peaceful getaway, book a spacious room or a deluxe suite with a furnished patio complete with private fire pit. The Hyatt Regency’s newly renovated cabanas by the pool make for a relaxing day in the sun, and for a more adventurous outing, journey out into the ocean on a thrilling whale watching tour. In addition to the luxurious Pacific Waters Spa, the resort is home to five SoCal-inspired restaurants. Dine at Watertable for elegant coastal cuisine or choose Pete’s Sunset Grille for a casual, surf-inspired meal by the beach. Pete’s also hosts a summer concert series that runs through September. 714.698.1234, hyatt.com
Paséa Hotel & Spa
Wake up to dreamy views of the Pacific Ocean and the Huntington Beach Pier when you stay in one of 250 rooms and suites at this seaside oasis. Tanner’s Restaurant has you covered for contemporary coastal cuisine. For a wellness weekend, exercise at the state-of-the-art fitness center or take a private yoga lesson before an indulgent massage at the renowned Aarna Spa. Feel free to bring your furry friend—who can partake in the Paw-Séa experience and socialize in an exclusive dog park or nibble on puppy parfaits from Tanner’s. 855.622.2472, paseahotel.com
The Waterfront Beach Resort
This picturesque beachfront property is a luxurious home base for exploring Huntington Beach’s landmarks, from the scenic pier to the International Surfing Museum. Relax with the resort’s two pools, waterslides, private cabanas and serene day spa. Stop into The Boardwalk for day-to-night dining, or visit Henry’s Coastal Cuisine for a sophisticated oceanfront dining experience. At the end of the day, return to a contemporary ocean-view room or suite in one of the The Waterfront’s two sleek towers. Guests can also shop at the new Current by Drift boutique, which sells everything from fuzzy Barefoot Dreams robes to L Space swimwear. 714.845.8000, waterfrontresort.com
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