The Surf City USA^® Foodie Awards

Best Açaí Bowl: Banzai Bowls

A Surf City USA^® staple, Banzai Bowls has been fueling beach days with vibrant, fruit-packed creations that taste as good as they look for over a decade. Founded by a local surfer with a passion for healthy living, it's the go-to spot for a refreshing post-surf recharge. 

Best Breakfast Burrito: Pocket Burger Shack

Laid-back neighborhood gem, Pocket Burger Shack, has built a cult following thanks to its crave-worthy breakfast burritos - hearty, flavorful, and always made fresh. Family-owned and full of personality, Pocket Burger proves comfort food hits best by the beach. 

Best Brewery: Riip Beer Co. 

For the second year in a row, Riip Beer Co. takes the crown - proof that their passion for craft beer is anything but short-lived hype. What started as a homebrewing hobby has grown into an award-winning staple, known for innovative brews and a strong sense of community. 

Best Brunch: Mama's on 39

Taking home the top prize again this year, Mama's on 39 continues to be a Surf City USA brunch favorite. Founded by a husband and wife duo, this cozy hotspot serves up Southern comfort classics with bold flavor, generous portions, and a welcoming, homey vibe. 

Best Burger: Pocket Burger Shack

Pocket Burger does it again! With a focus on quality ingredients and big flavor, this family-run spot has mastered the art of the perfect beachside bite serving up juicy, no-frills burgers that keep visitors and locals coming back. 

Best Coffee: IYKYK! Coffee Lab

Tucked away but never overlooked, IYKYK! Coffee Lab has built a loyal following one perfectly crafted cup at a time. With a focus on precision, creativity, and quality beans, this specialty spot is where true coffee lovers feel right at home. 

Best Happy Hour: 25 Degrees

When it comes to leveling up happy hour, 25 Degrees delivers every time. Known for its elevated burgers, craft cocktails, and lively yet laid-back atmosphere, it's the perfect spot to kick back and soak in the Surf City USA scene. 

Best Pizza: Riip Beer & Pizzeria

Riip takes its craft beer roots and pairs them with perfectly crispy, flavor-packed pizzas that hit every time. It's a natural extension of the Riip brand - creative, high-quality, and built for sharing with friends. 

Best Sushi: Sushi on Fire

Sushi on Fire blends traditional techniques with bold, modern flavors for rolls that elevate every bite. Family-owned and full of energy, it's a local favorite for fresh fish and inventive combinations. 

Best Taco: Tacos Los Cholos

Back-to-back winner Tacos Los Cholos started as a humble operation and has grown into one of the most talked-about spots in the area. This eatery delivers authentic, flavor-packed tacos with perfectly grilled meats and a loyal following to prove it. 

Best Treat: Handel's Homemade Ice Cream

Since 1945, Handel's have been serving up rich, homemade ice cream that keeps generations coming back. With endless flavors and over-the-top scoops, it's the ultimate sweet stop after a long beach day. 

Best View: The Bungalow

Perched right across the street from the beach, The Bungalow offers unbeatable ocean views paired with a relaxed, beachy atmosphere. Whether you're catching a sunset or sipping cocktails (or both!), it's all about soaking in that classic Surf City USA scenery. 

The Surf City USA^® Foodie Awards is an initiative designed to celebrate the outstanding restaurants in Huntington Beach. From beachside bites to gourmet dining, this is your chance to honor the restaurants that make our city's food scene so awesome. 

Timeline

Nomination Period

Begins: Monday, March 2, 2026 at 10 am PST

• The community will nominate their favorite restaurants in each of the ten categories. Participants can submit nominations only once per day.
• The top three businesses in each category will move on to the voting round. 

Ends: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 10 am PST

Voting Period 

Begins: Monday, March 16, 2026 at 10 am PST

• The community will cast their votes in each category, making this a true "people's choice" event. Participants can vote only once per day.
• The top business in each category will win the Surf City USA^® Foodie Award for that category!

Ends: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 10 am PST

Winners

One winner from each category will be announced on Monday, March 30, 2026. Good luck!

How to Participate: General Public

Members of the community, including residents and visitors, can participate in this program by nominating and voting for your favorite Huntington Beach restaurants. Return to this page during the nomination and voting periods to submit your choices.

Both the nomination and voting forms will be available on this page when the respective rounds open. 

Tip: Want to show support for your favorite business by nominating and voting for them more than once? Submit ONE nomination or vote for them each day!

How to Participate: Restaurants

All Huntington Beach restaurants are invited to participate in the Surf City USA® Foodie Awards. To support your participation, we’ve created a variety of resources to help you understand how the program works, along with ready-to-use assets you can use to promote your business throughout the campaign. 

• WATCH THE FOODIE AWARDS ZOOM MEETING 
• VIEW THE FOODIE AWARDS PRESENTATION
• DOWNLOAD THE FOODIE AWARDS PARTNER TOOLKIT
• WINNER'S PACKAGE

Questions? Contact Heather@SurfCityUSA.com for more information.