California
California is a no-brainer when it comes to seafood. With over
800 miles of coastlines to choose from, there is something for
everyone, everywhere. Here, you’ll find rock crab, rockfish,
swordfish, prawns, spider crab, sea urchin, tuna, Dungeness crab,
oysters, seabass, ridgeback shrimp, king salmon, and so much
more.
Renting a boat for a day or taking a fishing charter out on these
seafood-infested waters will never leave you empty-handed, but
if you’re more up for eating and less inclined to catch your own
dinner, head to Barbara’s Fishtrap for a great seafood meal. Bar-
bara’s has been serving up the good stuff since the 70s, and it
only gets better with age, here. Enjoy fantastic sunset views of
Half Moon Bay, with the option for outside dining, as you explore
the overflowing menu.
The atmosphere is casual and
“homey,” and daily specials are
listed on their website, such as
tempura oysters or broiled Mahi
Mahi. Our suggestion? Try the Combo
Pasta, which is linguine tossed in a mari-
nara-style sauce with prawns, scallops,
mussels, clams, calamari, and fish! All pastas are
served with warm sourdough bread.
The award-winning fish and chips or the Dungeness crab
sandwich are both excellent choices as well. The sandwich is
served with house-made tartar, celery, and onions, with a side
of soup, fries, or slaw. Perhaps the most impressive menu item
is Barbara’s Fishtrap Special, which is fish, calamari, scallops,
and prawns, all fried golden-brown and served with your
choice of starch, along with bread and veggies; Hearty ap-
petites only!
Fishing With Dynamite is another local favorite, located in
Manhattan Beach. A little more upscale than Barbara’s, FWD
is known for its seafood, along with it’s eclectic drink menu.
The bartender is showcasing fun cocktails like “If I Ever Cease
to Love,” which is Sazerac with Koval white rye whiskey, saf-
flower, lemon, and Nonino, an Italian pomace brandy. Add
some fresh seafood to your table, and you’re in for a treat.
FWD has a raw bar, featuring littleneck clams, Peruvian scal-
lops, Prince Edward Island mussels, and more, all served on
shaved ice. Oysters are abundant here as well, with about a
half dozen different types to choose from. Not sure which one
to order? Opt for the sampler platter, where you’ll be able to
try every oyster on the bar!
For big groups, we recommend The Mothershucker, a giant
platter than feeds six people, and consists of 15 oysters, 6
clams, 16 shrimp, 20 mussels, 1 entire lobster, and 1 ½ lbs. of
king crab. For $160, you’ll all eat like kings. Kick it “old school”
if you’re not up for the platter, and order the Maryland Blue
Crab Cake, served with in-house dill pickles. A surefire way
to please any picky palate is with the FWD’s version of New
England Clam Chowdah, with house-made oyster crackers
and other locally-sourced ingredients. “New school” entrees
are best left for the adventurous. Here, you’ll find Grilled Oc-
topus with cranberry beans, Rockfish Ceviche with kumquat,
and a few other modern creations.
Whether you’re in the mood for simple seafood, fried to per-
fection, or something a little more unique, these places have
you covered. From the Atlantic to the Pacific, and every bay
in between, these states are at the top of the list for a reason.
Eat your fill of coastal cuisine, or try your hand at catching your
own meal. Whatever dish you’re searching for will be found
in these establishments, where they’re serving up the freshest
seafood, that is definitely foodie-approved!