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

  1. 1 4 Star Rating: Recommended Uncle Bill's Pancake House
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    1305 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.

  2. 2 3.5 Star Rating: Average Petros Restaurant
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    451 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.

  3. 3 3 Star Rating: Average Mucho
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    903 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.

  4. 4 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Fonz's Steaks & Seafood
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    1017 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)

    Meat and seafood lovers gather at this restaurant that exemplifies the higher end of Manhattan Beach dining.

  5. 5 4 Star Rating: Recommended Mama D's Italian
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    1125 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.

  6. 6 4 Star Rating: Recommended Kettle
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    1138 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

  1. 7 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Beehive
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    324 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.

  2. 8 4 Star Rating: Recommended Lulu's
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    300 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.

  3. 9 Udderly Perfect
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    1203 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.

  4. 10 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended A Team Shoe Shop
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    1108 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.

  5. 11 Una
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    3212 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.

  6. 12 Real Vintage
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    451 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.

  7. 13 Dolly Rocker
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    212 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

  1. 14 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Shade
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    1221 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.

  2. 15 4 Star Rating: Recommended Color Me Mine
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    451 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.

  3. 16 3 Star Rating: Average Roundhouse Marine Lab & Aqm
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    2 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.

  4. 17 Manhattan Beach Farmers Market
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    13th 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.

  5. 18 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Ercoles Bar
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    1101 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

  1. 19 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Volk
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    3612 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.

  2. 20 Polliwog Park
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    1601 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.

  3. 21 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Dave's Old Book Shop
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    350 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.

  4. 22 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Gia Salon
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    1021 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.

  5. 23 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended El Tarasco
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    316 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.

  6. 24 Berritree
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    350 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.

  7. 25 4 Star Rating: Recommended North End Caffe
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    3421 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.