Best Places to Eat in Huntington Beach
While there are many yummy food options and places to go to experience Huntington Beach restaurants, some of the best places to eat in Huntington Beach — including those indoor and outdoor — are found by strolling along the beach, walking down Main Street, or just asking a local. Huntington Beach farmers markets are a can’t miss — they’re a Huntington Beach tradition that combines tasty local eats, live music, and ocean sunsets. Surf City Nights happens on Main Street every Tuesday. Or stop by one of Surf City USA’s local food trucks for everything from amazing Mexican food to unforgettable American comfort classics — grab street tacos at Tacos El Rey, or find gourmet sliders at The Burnt Truck.
Check out our famous oceanfront dining options and local favorites below and find the best food Huntington Beach has to offer.
Outdoor Dining
With an ideal climate all year round, Huntington Beach is a top spot in Southern California for dining al fresco, or outside, any time. Choose from fine dining options to super casual eateries either in the downtown area or along the water. In other words, if you’re up for outdoor dining, you’ll find something to love here.
A few favorites include Watertable in the Hyatt Regency for cocktails and American fare; the open-air patio at Henry's Coastal Cusine for regional flavors from SoCal and South America (bonus, they serve brunch!); and Pacific Hideaway near the Strand for acai bowls, lettuce wraps, burgers and more.
Cruise to the downtown sector for quick dining at Jay Bird's Chicken or Wahoo's Fish Tacos, both of which feature covered patios. Get a little more fancy at Sandy's and Fred's Mexican Café, where heated patios and even hotter meals keep you dining any time, day or night.
The area’s laid-back vibe carries through in the pet-friendly atmosphere offered at most restaurants in Huntington Beach — particularly those with outdoor seating. Check with individual restaurants before bringing the pup along, though.
Find more outdoor dining options here.
Bars & Nightlight
Let’s get one thing out of the way first: it doesn’t matter which part of town you find yourself in. If you’re in Huntington Beach, you’re near a bar. Guaranteed. It’s fair to say most watering holes are within walking distance of the beach or downtown. Variety is the keyword here, with lounges, breweries, distilleries, authentic bars, sports bars, tasting rooms … you name it, we’ve got it.
Go casual at the Longboard Restaurant & Pub, where sandwiches, soups and hot meals accompany the establishment's 17 tap beers. Get tropical at Aloha Grill and kick back with Kalua pork tacos and a colorful island cocktail before getting serious about beer tasting at Four Sons Brewing on Gothard Street (featuring 20 house-brewed beers!). Feeling upscale? Hit Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge for hand-crafted cocktails and views that don’t quit at Waterfront Beach Resort. Get in touch with your inner Jay Gatsby at Graceland Speakeasy where Pacific Ocean views meet the best of the Gilded Age nightly. Or catch the Lakers on the big screen with fellow sports fans at Baja Sharkeez on Main Street. Whatever you choose, Huntington Beach has a bar for you.
Coffee & Sweet Treat Options
Your sweet tooth won’t find itself wanting in Huntington Beach, since there are as many coffee, ice cream and dessert shops here as there are waves on the beach. OK, maybe that’s an overstatement, but suffice it to say, you can get your sugar and caffeine fix around here.
Start with a hot cup of Joe (or espresso as the mood dictates) at Sweet Elle Cafe, 602 Coffee House, AoSA Coffee, Milk & Honey or dozens of other coffee shops here. Then, trek to The Shugar Shack for cakes and snacks, Adams Avenue Donuts for an American classic, the Corner Bakery for freshly baked sweets, or any other bakeries in Huntington Beach. Top off a hot day with ice cream and other cold treats from Popbar, Mangiamo Gelato Cafe or Hans’ Homemade Ice Cream.
