By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Nightlife Blogger
One of my long-time complains about bars and restaurants in Manhattan Beach has been the lack of outdoor seating.
After all, here you have a place with the best weather in the world – an average of 325 days of sunshine – and there were almost no places to sit outside to eat or have a few drinks. Particularly with an ocean view.
Well, for a while that was not the case, as COVID-19 led to a proliferation of places. But that has come to an end, as the city council has ended the outdoor patio policy effective Nov. 1.
Yes, many of the spaces were like mini restaurants, built up all along Manhattan Ave., and Manhattan Beach Blvd., all along the downtown and pier area. They also took up several parking spot in a city already very limited in parking.
That’s why at least one business owner, Bob Beverly of Shellback Tavern, is thrilled at the move. The city will also benefit with some $17K a month in revenue restored from parking meters as well as from those “oh crap” tickets for those who didn’t get to their meter before it expired.
Surely there could be some type of compromise, such as taking away those huge structures many places built and having tables with umbrellas on the sidewalk, while somehow maintaining room for foot traffic. Use Sand Bar 66 as an example.
Esperanza Restaurant Is Open
The spectacular Esperanza restaurant is now open on upper Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Walk up to it and it looks like a palace. Inside, you’ll find fantastic food and luxury cocktails. Even tho it’s owned by Sharkeez, this is no Sharkeez.
Expect to pay $50 and up per person for dinner and a couple of drinks, but that’s pretty standard now for downtown fine dining. Esperanza is a savor-the-moment experience and a great addition to the Manhattan Beach restaurant and nightlife scene.
Leave a Reply