Downtown Manhattan Beach Guide
Updated: February 20, 2009
Manhattan Beach is a sandy gem between Culver City and Palos Verdes with local wonders once overlooked. But since Raleigh television studios hit the scene in 1998, and an influx of Hollywood execs and celebs gave the city a facelift, this formerly sleepy beachside stretch has become the talk of the town.
On this page:Eat, Shop, Play, ... And Beyond.
Eat
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Uncle Bill's Pancake House
Read Reviews1305 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)
Lines out the door don't deter the breakfast and lunch crowds that gather here daily for chocolate chip pancakes, omelettes and steaming hot homemade muffins.
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Petros Restaurant
Read Reviews451 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)
A beautiful outdoor patio and family style Greek dishes make this upscale restaurant popular with locals and tourists alike.
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Mucho
Read Reviews903 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)
This ain't no ordinary taco joint. Serving up haute Mexican cusine, this stylish hot spot is where South Bay locals head for delish Cali-Mex dishes and more handcrafted margaritas.
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Fonz's Steaks & Seafood
Read Reviews1017 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)
Meat and seafood lovers gather at this restaurant that exemplifies the higher end of Manhattan Beach dining.
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Mama D's Italian
Read Reviews1125 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)
This bustling Italian joint is family-friendly and the kitchen is always overflowing with bountiful plates of creamy pasta, cheesy pizza and big salads.
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Kettle
Read Reviews1138 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)
Hearty American food with a French twist comes out hot 24 hours a day at this popular evening haunt.
Shop
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Beehive
Read Reviews324 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)
How much is that tchotchke in the window? This retro-styled clothing shop has everything for girls and their moms to stay sweet.
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Lulu's
Read Reviews300 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)
French countryside meets Victorian dollhouse at this tiny jewel box where fashionistas go for girly underthings, of-the-moment heels and fun, drool-worthy baubles.
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Udderly Perfect
Write a review1203 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)
This Manhattan Beach mainstay is where to go for fun gift items, trendy outerwear and kitschy housewares--flashy peace signs included.
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A Team Shoe Shop
Read Reviews1108 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)
Forget flip-flops. This downtown spot is where the best sneaker brands, like Adidas, Nike and PF Flyers, overtake sandy beach feet.
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Una
Write a review3212 N Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)
East Coast prep gets a SoCal twist at this women's boutique where heavenly cashmere wraps, lightweight wool trousers, hard-to-find jeans, buttery leather handbags and other chic staples abound.
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Real Vintage
Write a review451 Manhattan Beach Blvd Ste B106, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)
We're bringing stonewash back: The holy grail for seekers of Levi's, this cozy shop is perpetually stocked with the OG denim brand in virtually every cut, fit and wash.
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Dolly Rocker
Write a review212 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)
Get the trends without the 'tude at this slightly irreverent, very girlie beach shop where tweens and 20-somethings stock up on talking tees and Hello Kitty.
Play
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Shade
Read Reviews1221 N Valley Dr, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)
One of the latest luxe locales in Manhattan Beach, this seaside getaway has ocean views and one of the hottest weekend bar scenes in town.
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Color Me Mine
Read Reviews451 Manhattan Beach Blvd Ste C130, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)
Customers of all ages create their own artistic projects at this paint-your-own pottery studio in the outdoor Metlox complex.
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Roundhouse Marine Lab & Aqm
Read Reviews2 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)
A scenic walk down the pier ends at this aquatic roundhouse that houses sea creatures to touch and see.
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Manhattan Beach Farmers Market
Write a review13th St and Morningside Dr, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)
This petite outdoor food marketplace is where South Bay residents go for juicy fruits, ripe veggies and tasty lunch items like warm chicken tamales and savory crepes.
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Ercoles Bar
Read Reviews1101 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)
The ultimate hole-in-the-wall bar maintains the original small town feel of the Manhattan Beach of days past.
... And Beyond
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Volk
Read Reviews3612 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)
North Manhattan Beach boutique--carrying men's and women's clothing and accessories--caters to trend-setting styles and high-quality fashions.
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Polliwog Park
Write a review1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)
Outdoor gazebos, children's play equipment and a disc-golf course draw local crowds to this large South Bay park.
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Dave's Old Book Shop
Read Reviews350 N Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)
The only book store in Manhattan Beach besides one towering Barnes & Noble features used versions of classic literature, children's stories, browsable art books and some first editions.
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Gia Salon
Read Reviews1021 N Sepulveda Blvd Ste B, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)
Local owner and stylist runs one of the South Bay's most stylish salons with a small town touch.
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El Tarasco
Read Reviews316 Rosecrans Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)
Since 1965, 10-counter seat eatery known for super deluxe burritos draws lots of regulars and the late-night, post-club crowd.
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Berritree
Write a review350 N Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)
Manhattan's own version of Pinkberry, this airy spot doles out non-fat frozen yogurt, classic Italian gelato and organic coffee drinks.
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North End Caffe
Read Reviews3421 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)
Heaping salads, grilled hot sandwiches and seasoned fries with dipping sauces tantalize South Bay taste buds for breakfast and lunch.




















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