What's for lunch in the Marina?

[Dr. Confoundo]

I've been working in the Marina Del Rey area for the past few years, and I'm getting rather tired of the restaurants around here. I've got a few good places to go to (like the restaurants at Mitsuwa on Centinela or Shershah), but I haven't found any more places to try.

Does anyone have any suggestions for new options?

[Bruce Kerr]

Don't miss Sauce on Hampton (block N of Main) at Rose. Great food, fun and unusual comfort food (BLD). A locals favorite.

[westsidegal]

i like the food at sauce on hampton, but if dr. confoundo has much less than 1 hour and 45 minutes for lunch, it could be a problem.
1) traffic on lincoln blvd often goes at a slow crawl.
2) you need to park on the street and walk to the restaurant.
3) the restaurant is tiny so sometimes a table isn't available, meaning you need to wait until someone leaves in order to be seated.
4) the kitchen is tiny, so even after you are seated and your order is in, it can take a very long time for your food to arrive at your table.

i only go there when there is no time pressure

[The Chowhound Team]

We've had to remove a number of off-topic replies from this thread. We'd ask that people keep the conversation focused on food, or we'll be forced to lock or remove the thread.

[Burger Boy]

Sorry about that.

[wienermobile]

Not in the Marina but just a few blocks away in Venice is Baby Blue BBQ. They have some great lunch combos.
http://www.babybluesvenice.com/#/home

-----
Baby Blues BBQ
444 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

[Phurstluv]

Love their mac and cheese, too, KILLER....

[Burger Boy]

Try the mac & cheese at Blue Star in Downtown, only open till 3pm. !5th near Santa Fe.

http://www.bluestarrocksdtla.com/

-----
Blue Star
2200 E 15th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

[Phurstluv]

Hey B-Boy! Still haven't tried Blue Star, but did do the lobster mac & cheese at BPO when their shipment of Ipswich clams didn't come in (curses!!), and it was RIDICULOUS!!

[Burger Boy]

I will have to check that out.

[kevin]

i'm just joking around, and to keep it chowich, burger boy, and this a question i was pondering, do they still have that salmon burger at 26 beach cafe?>

[Phurstluv]

God knows, B-boy would know!!

[Burger Boy]

Yes.........And they just won the Best Burger in LA Competition! Yeah! Check it out......http://www.facebook.com/losangelesfan... You can also purchase 1/2 off coupons to some of the burger places featured, it is 26 Beach today but they have many places left to feature in the next 2 weeks. So get those coupons and enjoy some of the best burgers all over LA!

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26 Beach
3100 Washington Blvd., Venice, CA 90292

[Phurstluv]

OMG - you are relentless with the Promos!!! LOL!!! Okay, I'm Liking them on Facebook, as a personal favor to my amigo, B-Boy!!

[Burger Boy]

Just think it is great for them, mom & pop not a big time restaurant group with deep pockets. That is all and they have been doing this type of gourmet burgers for sooooooo long!

[Servorg]

Since no one else seems inclined to recommend it I'll throw in Pepy's Galley at the Mar Vista Bowling Alley (right on the NE corner of Grandview and Venice Blvd.) for killer chilaquiles and some of the best salsa roja in town. I also really crave their grilled polish sausage and eggs. A dive in the best sense of the word.

There is also a newish branch of Pit Fire Pizza www.pitfirepizza.com on Washington Blvd. at Beethoven in Mar Vista also - although we haven't been to this location the one on Westwood Blvd. is pretty good for lunch or dinner.

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Pepy's Galley
12125 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066

[wienermobile]

Nichols Restaurant in the Pavilions shopping center is a really good coffee shop.
4375 Glencoe Ave
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
[phone]

[Phurstluv]

Sorry if it's a dumb question, but where is the Pavilion's shopping center? I know where the Ralph's one is, but not Pavilion's. I'm in MDR fairly often, and love to know where the grocery stores are in case I need to make a run before I pick up my kids from school.....
Thanks!

[wienermobile]

East of Lincoln between Maxella and the Marina Fwy in the same center as Jerry's Deli (but don't eat at Jerry's) There is also a Gelson's right there on Maxella.

[Phurstluv]

Ooooohhhhh, okay, I know where that is! And no, I already know not to eat at Jerry's, tried them when they first came to Pasadena, and oh, just so bad it's scary.

Thanks, Wieney!!!! (pls don't take that the wrong way, I shorten everyone's name, bad habit....... LOL!)

[kevin]

there's also a sushi bar there, irori, i believe that's suppoed to be good a few years bakc. live sashimi i believe.

[Phurstluv]

Um, thanks I saw that rec above, but now that'll confirm I won't go, not into putting something live in my throat!!!

[westsidegal]

go to antica pizzaria when at that intersection.

[Dommy]

I always forget Nichols... Also in the same shopping center is Irori for Sushi Lunch.

I've also been meaning to hit Ronnie's Diner, not too far.

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Ronnie's Diner
12740 Culver Blvd Ste J, Los Angeles, CA 90066

[Phurstluv]

Is it a true Diner, Dommy? Like the ones back east or is it a pseudo one, never heard of them, means nothing, tho...........

[Burger Boy]

Not a real diner like back east, in the sense of the look or feel. The menu is diner like though. They even have royals on their menu, wonder where that idea came from...cough, cough.........Rutt's, 26 Beach, cough cough.

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26 Beach
3100 Washington Blvd., Venice, CA 90292

[bulavinaka]

>>They even have royals on their menu, wonder where that idea came from...cough, cough.........Rutt's, 26 Beach, cough cough.<<

And a well-deserved shout-out to the late great Kenny's on Centinela as well...He's enjoying retirement but what a loss for the rest of us...

[Burger Boy]

Was that the place with the Char Sui Burritos? I heard about that, I was about 4 months to late. There is still Teri House on 1st just east of Vermont. There was a place next to the parking lot of Fat Burger on Santa Monica in WEHO. Hawaiian and Japanese, my best friends dad, who was both knew all the good places to get some grindzzzsssssssss! RIP Reggie

[Dommy]

Oh boy.... NO, we have nothing like a true diner when compared to the ones back east in all of LA... in fact, whenever we DO go back east (like last week) I demand two things.

1) REAL Clam Belly Roll

http://yfrog.com/49628j

2) Breakfast at a REAL Diner...

http://yfrog.com/bh8kkqj

Everything else, I am happy with what we got out here (Pizza, Bagels, we make killer homemade lobster rolls)

--Dommy!

[Burger Boy]

Have you been to Joe's in Redondo or Gaffey St. in San Pedro? Good diner food, but the atmosphere is lacking.

[Dommy]

Been to Joes in Redondo... the food is good, but the feel and touch with the food is off... Short order cooks are really a rare thing now adays...

--Dommy!

[Burger Boy]

I agree. Would be interested on your take on Gaffey St. Diner in San Pedro.

[Phurstluv]

Good for you, Dommy, don't blame you at all.

PS - have you tried Blue Plate Oysterette's whole belly fried clams yet? pretty good as compared to what I used to get in CT & RI

[Dommy]

No, somehow BPO has fallen off our radar! Thanks for the reminder, we'll be hitting them when the temps stop being so irratic... :D

--Dommy!

[Phurstluv]

I would love to know what you think of them, I've had it twice now, and it's been consistently good. I really like the way they do the tartar sauce too.

[wienermobile]

I 2nd Blue Plate Oysterette on Ocean Ave. They have a good lobster mac and cheese also.

[Phurstluv]

I haven't tried that yet, can't seem to stay away from the clams, but I've eyed it a couple of times. Sure looks good......wish I could get someone to come with me so I can share it with them, while I devour the whole basket of clams.... hahahaha!

[wienermobile]

The fried oysters are great too.
http://blueplatesantamonica.com/bpo/m...

[kevin]

the lobster roll there was good.

[Phurstluv]

It was? Can you tell me, since I didn't get a good look at it, is it lobster salad or is it just lobster meat, sauteed in some butter, which is my preference?

[kevin]

i got it without the mayo usually it's lobster salad, but it was warm lobster meat for me and a little metal canister of drawn butter on the side. i'm not a fan of mayo based lobster rolls, but you can get it either way.

[Phurstluv]

Thanks, Kevin. Soooo good to know, it's very difficult to find a southern New England-style lobster roll......

Hear that Dommy??

Now I have to try that & the mac & cheese, along with my side of fried clams.......boy I'm gonna be full and fat, but Happy :))

[Burger Boy]

Wait, what is this place, oyster loaf / sandwich & lobster mac & cheese. Google here I come.

[Burger Boy]

Is that the place in Studio City area, I drove by the other day?

[wienermobile]

No, Santa Monica
Blue Plate Oysterette
1355 Ocean Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90401
[phone]

[kevin]

wait u all they have fried oyster po boys at blue plate oysterette too.

good advice, too, saying awayf rom the hms.

[Phurstluv]

Ya know, being an old CT girl, I'm not as into fried oysters the way I am about clams. Not sure what it is, don't dislike oysters, nor do I dislike fried seafood of any sort, basically. But they just don't do it for me the way fried clams do. I only crave those, and it's worse b/c they are hard to find out here, at least good ones, anyway.

[Burger Boy]

The place with the oyster or was it clams with bellies po' boys is in the Valley, I drove by the other day with friends, not sure what street I was on. But I knw the place when I see it!

[lindaana]

26 Beach is awesome, but yes, can be pricey. GREAT for a business lunch though. Some of the most amazing salads and burgers ever...and they serve breakfast all day. The menu is overwhleming..in a good way. Portions are so large you could totally split a meal with someone

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26 Beach
3100 Washington Blvd., Venice, CA 90292

[bulavinaka]

Some of the folks at the office go to 26 Beach once a week for lunch - and they're wage earners - not well-to-do by any stretch of the imagination. Like I mentioned above, it's a little splurge for them - once a week on average. And yes, because the portions are huge, the often either split an order, or eat half and bring the other half home for dinner.

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26 Beach
3100 Washington Blvd., Venice, CA 90292

[westsidegal]

i must be a pig, because to me those portions are the correct size for one person.
i've always finished everything they served to me and i've never split a meal.
love the food.
especially the tuscan salad.

[Phurstluv]

No, Sweetie, I'm def. sure you ARE NOT piggy!!! I will def. look for that salad next time I go.....

And I too, wolfed down my large hamburger and salad when I went, prolly even washed it down with a glass or two of white wine, so, no, we just happen to love good food!!

[westsidegal]

thanks for the support!
gotta say, though, that the fries they serve as sides to the burgers are superior to their side salads (though much more calorically dense).
can't understand how they can turn out such exceptional entree salads, yet their side salads don't ring my bell at all. . .

[Phurstluv]

Oh, jeez, you really did not have to inform me of that!!!! I was going on Burger Boy's recs of the burgers and salads and trying to be good, I really don't need the fries........but now, forget it. I'm going for it next time!!

Yes, usually the side salads are an afterthought at most places, I know. And for some reason, I was not in the mood for an entree salad when I went, tho they looked really good. But was def. pleased with my chimichurri burger, just done perfectly. And I'm picky about my burgers. Really delicious.

Okay, I'm going to go broke this spring financing all the lunches I NEED to get. Thank Goodness taxes are out the door!!

[Burger Boy]

Please try the California Roll Burger. It is crazy good, it is a California roll on a hamburger. This thing is whack, sick, dope, the bomb and any other hip outdated adjective you want to use........LOL I am losing my mind. Just had a couple of slice from 2 Boots Pizza in Echo Park!

[Phurstluv]

Does it have sushi rice on it??

[Burger Boy]

No. hamburger patty, crab, avocado, pink pickled ginger, seaweed and a wasabi mayo but I think there is something else in the mayo also. Sounds weird but kind of like a japanese surf & turf, does that make sense? They also have a katsu sandwich made with chicken, I have had those sandwiches at Mitsuwa Food court but this is really different, avocado, sprouts, these little red pickled crunchy things and that wonderful katsu sauce. I hope I did no disrespect to the Japanese food community in my description. I am new to these. Hay, have you had the potato salad sandwich from the little place in Mitsuwa, that rocks!

[Phurstluv]

Good, since I wouldn't get it if it did. Must be filling tho, with the big burger and the crab. Will look for it next time I go.

Sounds good, B-Boy. No have not been to Mitsuwa, where's that again, in the Marina??

[Juji]

I like the grilled shrimp po'boy from Uncle Darrow's.

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Uncle Darrow's
2560 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

[Dr. Confoundo]

Some good recommendations so far.

26 Beach was very nice, but it's a little upscale for a regular lunch place - I did take my wife there once when she had the day off.

I think that I might hit Gallegos Mexican Deli for lunch - I've been looking for a place that serves mole sauce.

Thanks all, and keep the recommendations coming

-----
26 Beach
3100 Washington Blvd., Venice, CA 90292

Gallegos Mexican Deli
12470 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066

[Burger Boy]

Great chorizo and egg burro at Gallegos!

[Phurstluv]

Hey friend!!! Did you know you have a place named in your honor in Anaheim??! LOFAO!

[Burger Boy]

Is it Lamonica's Pizza? Yeah, I own them, it was given to me by "The Family" wink wink, nudge nudge. I am independently wealth and do this to keep my mind sharp........ROTFLMMFAO!

[Phurstluv]

NO, it's called BURGER BOY!!!!

Yeah, I know, I figured as much, you're independently wealthy, spending your free time on CH, rec'ing your own places...........hahahahaha!!

I got your number, friend!!! So, are you at the Anaheim place much?? Should I let you know next time we're at the "Happiest {cough} place on Earth"??? At least you'd serve us a beer...!!! Cheers!

[Phurstluv]

It may be too far for weekday lunch but if you want excellent mole, Monte Alban on SM blvd in WLA is awesome.

-----
Monte Alban
11927 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

[westsidegal]

1)if you go east to sepulveda, GREEN PEAS (one of dommy's finds)
2)also, from what i hear from other posters, mariscos chente is now offering more in the way of tacos.
3)for terrific tacos/mexican food at unbelievably low prices, on centinela, taqueria sanchez
4)in westchester, ayara thai cuisine
5)the deli section of gelsons (in the back of the store) has a good selection of premade salads and made-to-order sandwiches and they have tables set up in the front of the store near the bakery.
( fwiw, imho the salad bar at gelsons is way too expensive to be justifiable as a weekday lunch. better deals at the deli counter.)
6) the counter for built-to-order hamburgers

[bulavinaka]

You've probably been driving right by Gallegos Mexican Deli on the way to the Mitsuwa food court. Great barbacoa burritos, chips are awesome, the tamales are great as well. Also look up the daily specials list.

http://www.gallegosmexicandeli.com/

Depending on how healthy your appetite is, 26 Beach is on Washington about a couple of blocks west of Lincoln. Most things are great there, but their burgers and salads get huge nods on this board.

http://www.26beach.com/

Pitfire Artisan Pizza is pretty good - they've been open for a few months now, have worked out a lot of the kinks, and have a very respectable beer list, including some great brews on tap. Their pizzas are very good (but not Mozza-good), and their salads make a great lunch or dinner. I just had their grilled steak salad, and it was very good.

http://www.pitfirepizza.com/

Do you consider Venice within reach? Parking is much tougher, but Abbot's pizza, Hal's, Casa Linda, and 3 Square might be suitable choices for lunch. They're all on Abbot Kinney, within a few blocks of each other - from just south of California Ave to San Juan Ave. Try to park either in the lots between Abbot Kinney and Electric, or the neighborhood southwest of Abbot Kinney.

French Market Cafe is further south on Abbot Kinney, has a parking lot, as does really good lunch fare. Marla's is across the street on Abbot Kinney and Victoria. She's been in the catering business for a few decades, and decided to offer her food through her recently opened cafe. The food is very good - they make the food to order, so it can take a while. Order over the phone and meet your lunch there.

http://marlascafe.com/

I almost forgot The Curious Palate on Venice Blvd, between Grand View and Inglewood. They're worth a try as well. Like Marla's they can take a bit in the kitchen, so best to order before going, or get it to go.

http://thecuriouspalate.com/

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26 Beach
3100 Washington Blvd., Venice, CA 90292

3 Square Cafe
1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Gallegos Mexican Deli
12470 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066

French Market Cafe
2321 Abbot Kinney Blvd Ste 200, Venice, CA 90291

Casa Linda
1357 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

[Dommy]

Great list! Although I have to add my favorite Venice lunch spot, Lemonade!

--Dommy!

[bulavinaka]

D'oh! How could I overlook them?! I eat there often... One caviat - the eating areas are really loud! Really bad acoustics, especially the smaller one behind the cash register.

[wienermobile]

A 3rd for Lemonade. A great lunch for around $10.
http://www.lemonadela.com/locations/l...

[westsidegal]

fourth for lemonade.
terrific price/quality/quantity ratios

[bulavinaka]

I still can't get over how many salads they offer, and I've yet to try one that I was just meh about. I've found though that a couple of servers behind the counter seem to really try to push me into getting six small servings of the various salads, as opposed to one or two specific ones that I already want. I think that's fine if one either wants a lot of variety or just wants to gain some ideas on possible favorites. But one can already sample them by asking.

[Phurstluv]

Yup. Love Lemonade, that short rib sammy with mac & cheese is awesome on a cool day.....

[Burger Boy]

Your gonna get me taken off the payroll at 26 Beach, geez....LOL In the Mitsuwa Market the have a pre-made sushi section, I hope you have tried it. THE BEST spicy tuna roll or bowl in the city!

-----
26 Beach
3100 Washington Blvd., Venice, CA 90292

[bulavinaka]

>>Your gonna get me taken off the payroll at 26 Beach, geez....<<

LOLing! Your position as the unofficial shout-outer of 26 Beach is secure. I'm just one of your peeps in the crowd waving back!

-----
26 Beach
3100 Washington Blvd., Venice, CA 90292

[westsidegal]

the reason i didn't suggest them is that i think of 26 beach as $15 before tax and tip--a little too much for weekday lunch in my book.
the price issue is also why i didn't recommend antica pizzaria.

[Burger Boy]

Westside, easy! You have a guilt complex....LOL

[Burger Boy]

I think that you are right, burger and a drink, salad and a drink or french toast and coffee start around $15.

[bulavinaka]

I figured that if the OP is going out to lunch often enough, I'd lay one or two options out that might be considered more splurge-y but not too fancy or fluffy. Pitfire can be $15-20 as well as Hal's and 3 Square, but all have worthy dishes that I think the majority of folks could enjoy for a slightly nicer lunch. And I think you should mention Antica. For the OP: Their pizzas are a notch above Spitfire. Spitfire is very casual, you order at the counter - they bring to your table, benches/tables or booths and a nice little patio area. Antica serves pizza like it's straight out of Napoli, has a nicer sit-down atmosphere and is full-service as well.

-----
3 Square Cafe
1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

[Burger Boy]

I also shout out many places, without variety it is a very boring ride. Hey, if you like spicy tuna, get some inside the market at Mitsuwa,(Mar Vista) in the sushi section not the fish section, it tastes different. I am convinced they are using some heroine in there. I have had it 12 times in 2 weeks. Who needs 26 Beach when I have my spicy tuna. Hey, wait, maybe I can take some spicy tuna and sneak it on one of their hamburgers..........hmmmmmmmm

-----
26 Beach
3100 Washington Blvd., Venice, CA 90292

[Phurstluv]

@Burger Boy: I KNEW IT!!!!! ROFLMAO!!

[Phurstluv]

Hey Bula! Have you tried Casa Linda yet? I've been waiting to hear from a 'hound as to what they thought....

Thanks, friend.

-----
Casa Linda
1357 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

[bulavinaka]

Hi Phurstluv, I've yet to try Casa Linda but folks who have are enjoying it. You might know it's owned by the folks who own Hal's a few door up the street. Nothing mind-blowing from those who've tried it, but very good. The head chef at Hal's is from Mexico, and evidently impressed the owners enough to let him make the calls at CL, at least initially.

-----
Casa Linda
1357 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

[wienermobile]

Mendocino Farms, with really great sandwiches, will be opening in the Marina really soon.

http://mendocinofarms.com/menu/

[wienermobile]

Mendocino Farms in the Marina opens next Thursday April 29th.
http://la.eater.com/archives/2010/04/...

[Phurstluv]

YEAH, can't wait to try them!!! Meet ya there!!! LOL!

[Servorg]

Is this in the same complex as the MDR "The Counter" burger place? (and CPK / Chipotle Grill, etc.)

[wienermobile]

Yes it is in the same Ralph's market complex. It's almost right next door to Sugar Fish. The address is 4724 Admiralty Way.

[Phurstluv]

OMFG - I'm there about once a month, give or take a week. CAN'T WAIT.......

[wienermobile]

Mendocino Farms opened in the Marina today and boy is it nice to have them in the neighborhood. I had the French Onion Soup Melt sandwich with smoked gouda, gruyere fondue, caramelized onions panini pressed on Ciabatta (they were out of the pretzel roll)with honey ham. It was really good but it could of been a little more melty. My son had the Kurobutta Pork Belly Manh Mi and it was great. They have a nice outdoor patio and really good service. They are open until 9pm nightly.

[Phurstluv]

I tried the Kurobuta Pork Belly Bahn Mi today as well. Delicious, if not authentic. I also tried the Blue Buffalo, Not Blue Cow on the honey tortilla wrap, and it was also very good.

And the service is wonderful, very nice and helpful. Their menu is large and very interesting, I only wish I had a bigger stomach and wallet!! Now if only they would open one up in my homely little village.......

[bulavinaka]

Mendocino Farms is becoming part of our regular rotation. We really like the quality and variety of their sandwiches...

-----
Mendocino Farms
300 S Grand Ave Ste Lp40, Los Angeles, CA 90071

[Phurstluv]

I envy you.....Yes I would agree the quality is there, and I love the willingness to help people, and explain things, esp. to new customers.

And the fact that the nice girl at the front admitted she was still new and had not tried everything yet. Very accomodating and absolutely no attitude at all. Love it.