Nestled along the Pacific, Redondo Beach is more than just surf shops and sun-bleached piers—it’s a culinary enclave where craft cocktails meet coastal fare. Forget the touristy spots; these bars and restaurants prove that the best bites here are as vibrant as the sunset views.
Beach Cities Social Kitchen & Bar
$$ | (424) 452-6070 | WEBSITE
Finding authentic South Indian food in Redondo Beach is like catching a perfect wave at dawn: you need to know exactly where to look. Fortunately, there’s Beach Cities Social Kitchen & Bar, a local spot that blends traditional dishes like dosas and saag paneer with creative twists like Andrha chicken fry sliders with Hawaiian bund. Aside from the South Indian specialties, we appreciate their Mediterranean and South Indian spiced shrimp and chicken kabobs from the tandoor.
The patio can get lively with ocean scents during peak hours, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying their array of craft beers and live music every Friday.
El Torito
$$ | (310) 376-0547 | WEBSITE
The tamal and enchiladas from El Torito might be the greatest dishes to enjoy post-beach in Redondo, but that’s not the only reason we’re fans of this casual Mexican spot right on the pier. Along with fajitas and steak fajitas, they serve standout dishes like the chicken fajita deal and chile rellenos, praised for their delicious red sauce.
Brunch is popular, featuring bottomless mimosas and an amazing ocean view, but there’s a full bar with margaritas and table-side guac, extra spicy, if you decide to relax with a drink. The views are epic, making it a perfect place to unwind after a day in the sun.
H.T. Grill
$$ | (310) 791-4849 | WEBSITE
Originally established as a local favorite, H.T. Grill is a cozy neighborhood spot that recently refreshed its vibe while keeping the welcoming spirit intact. The indoor space alone feels like stepping into a comfortable living room: warm lighting, inviting booths, and more friendly faces than a community block party. But even if you’re not someone who frequents happy hours, the solid food and well-made cocktails make this one of the most pleasant spots for an evening in Redondo Beach.
Start things off with the Monday night three-course dinner and a signature cocktail and see where the night takes you.
The Bull Pen
$$ | (310) 375-7797 | WEBSITE
If you’re determined to experience a classic steakhouse where the regulars feel like family, The Bull Pen is the top choice in Redondo Beach for a lively night out with local charm. The warm, vaguely rustic dining room is quite literally buzzing with energy (“Any livelier and you’d need earplugs” could be their motto) and the food delivers exactly what you’d hope: hearty but not overly heavy, and satisfying without being fussy.
You can certainly indulge in the prime rib dinner with live music on weekends, but we prefer the famous burger and a martini during their regular evening service. Getting a table near the small dance floor is a must on Fridays and Saturdays.
Coyote Cantina
$$ | (310) 376-1066 | WEBSITE
The go-to spot for reliably good Mexican-American eats in Redondo Beach, Coyote Cantina is where we’d send someone looking for a laid-back family dinner or a lively happy hour with friends over house margaritas and local microbrews. The more indulgent comfort foods tend to be the standout dishes here, so we suggest leaning into the sweet corn ravioli and loaded tacos rather than simpler salads.
The restaurant is tucked into a neighborhood strip and can be easy to miss if you’re not looking for it, but the friendly, bustling cantina atmosphere and consistently hot chips and salsa are worth the visit.
Hennessey’s Tavern
$$ | (310) 540-8443 | WEBSITE
Given the steady stream of beachgoers and locals flocking to Redondo Beach, there’s bound to be at least one reliable tavern serving hearty pub fare. That’s Hennessey’s Tavern, and the good news is it lives up to its casual price: around $18 for a solid meal with a pint. This lively, bustling spot resembles a classic neighborhood hangout, except with hot and fresh dishes like corned beef and cabbage, wings, and Western burgers instead of just standard bar snacks.
It’s known for its hospitality and plenty of beer options, though there might be occasional slow service or undercooked cabbage. If you’re looking for a lighter bite, try the potato skins or quesadillas—they’re less indulgent than the burgers, but just as satisfying.
Ragin Cajun Cafe
$$ | (310) 540-7403 | WEBSITE
Ragin Cajun Cafe is the crown jewel of the Redondo Beach bayou scene. But not because of white-tablecloth service or a tasting menu featuring truffle shavings and gold leaf. Quite the opposite. This casual shack is the ultimate Cajun go-to because it’s one of the most satisfying restaurants you’ll ever encounter. You will also encounter lively music nights, special crawfish boil events, and the greatest gumbo of all time.
Go for a post-beach dinner, go for drinks and snacks at the bar, or go for a weekend feast. And get the fried alligator.
Bac Street Lounge
$ | (310) 374-7030 | WEBSITE
We’re not sure why, but there’s a rule that every old-school bar in Redondo Beach must serve strong drinks with a laid-back vibe. Anyway, we’re here to tell you that the perfectly balanced, punchy cocktails at Bac Street Lounge are the best in town. Located right in the heart of the Beach City scene, this local spot is our preferred choice for when we just want a stiff whiskey sour, some good conversation, and a comfortable atmosphere flowing through the room.
Order those drinks and some bar snacks (served with a smile) and stake out a lounge seat just after sunset.
Thirsty Club
$ | (310) 370-3100 | WEBSITE
One of Redondo Beach’s great charms is that it is somehow home to both polished waterfront restaurants and old-school neighborhood holdouts like Thirsty Club. (Let’s be clear: you’re not allowed to go to those polished places. It doesn’t matter how good their craft cocktails are.) This place has been open 365 days a year, and while it’s not much more than a dark, no-frills bar with a pool table and regulars, it’s awesome.
It’s open from 6am until 2am, though, so come here for a proper dive bar moment with cold drinks and laughs from friendly bartenders like Kat, or a Dodgers game with free hot dogs during Chris’ Karaoke Wednesdays.
Naja’s Place
$ | (310) 376-9951 | WEBSITE
Naja’s Place is so close to the marina that you might initially mistake it for a bait shop (as we did). This dive bar right on the water serves much better beer than you’d expect from, well, a dive bar right on the water: there’s a huge selection of rotating drafts, tasty wings, and a burger that’d make any regular’s evening. Prices aren’t cheap, but considering the toes-on-dock location and lively weekend atmosphere, even the $18 burger-and-beer combo seems fair.
Keep in mind that you’ll have to navigate the busy parking lot on weekends, and beware the regulars—they love the live music.