Venice Beach’s Surfside: Enjoy Global Comfort Food and Cocktails at the Beach
Venice Beach is as iconic of a Los Angeles neighborhood as it gets. Along with the Santa Monica Pier and the Hollywood Sign, The Venice Beach boardwalk enjoys an eclectic reputation filled with eccentric locals, muscle beach giants, great deals to be had while shopping, and tons of foot traffic, street performers and people watching. Don’t sleep on the food scene either. With Surfside, Venice Beach locals and visitors alike have a place they can call their new “home away from home”.
Surfside opened its doors in late 2016 and took the space that was previously inhabited by Danny’s Deli. With thoughts on preservation, the folks at Surfside and the Samesun Backpackers, who inhabit the space above came to an agreement to maintain the location as a place for locals to meet, just how it has been for the past 100 years.
At Surfside, one can count on excellent food that is sourced locally and that follows guidelines for sustainability. In addition, one can order one of many thirst quenching cocktails from the bar and will definitely leave satisfied.
Looking to quench an undying thirst, I decided to order some cocktails; the first being the El Nino, which includes tequila, watermelon juice, lime, jalapeno, Tabasco and agave. This firecracker of a beverage brought some serious heat to my heart.
Second out was the Lilo Cooler Shot, a concoction made with vodka, orange juice and peach schnapps topped with Red Bull Orange Edition. This shot hit the spot and I was feeling like I was entering my happy place.
Next out was the Boardwalk Breeze, a cocktail made with vodka mixed with fresh cucumber juice, lemon juice, and soda water. This slightly sweet and refreshing drink was exactly what the doctor had ordered and was very pleasant in my humble opinion.
After pondering over the appetizers, I decided to order the Korean Fries. This amazing appetizer was flavored with Korean delights such as caramelized Kimchi, Bulgogi steak along with onions, cilantro, sesame seeds, cheese and sriracha mayo.
The fries were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside which held its own while enhancing the flavor of the other ingredients.
The second appetizer was the L.A. Street Corn, an ode to this underrated street food found commonly on the corners of LA’s most iconic avenues and boulevards. Prepared with steamed sweet white corn and covered with mayo, parmesan and tajin. As soon as I took my first bite, I knew that this item was reason enough to come back to Surfside.
It was now time for the entrees, and started with Surfside’s iconic Breakwater Burger, a half pound of certified Angus beef, applewood bacon, aged cheddar, tomato, grilled onion, Bibb lettuce, tangy sauce with pickles on a brioche bun.
This sizable burger was pleasing to the palate and sure to fill the hungry locals of Venice Beach.
The last entrée was the Mexicali Bowl with grilled steak, brown rice, roasted corn, black beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, cilantro, cotija cheese, and chipotle crème.
Big enough to share but tasty enough to enjoy on your own, Surfside’s Mexicali Bowl showcases the locally sourced and sustainable produce and proteins. This is one guilt-free bowl of goodness.
While it is a great place for locals to meet and congregate, tourists and LA natives should consider taking a trip to the beach and experiencing the excellent food and warm customer service offered at Venice Beach’s Surfside.
SURFSIDE
23 Windward Ave.
Venice, CA 90291
(424) 256-7894
CLICK HERE for a review of 85C Bakery Café