Rock n' Fish with a capital R. R for reliable - it's probably the most reliable restaurant in Manhattan Beach. They have two well-staffed stories in an almost-beach side building where most bars are hurting for space, Rock n' Fish has a small outdoor patio and a pretty spacious bar area, allowing them to make room for reservations as well as a few weekday walk-ins.
You're guaranteed a good time based on their cocktail menu alone. I usually stay away from the sweetened spirits, but the Berry Mule is pure fruity fun. Vodka is a strong foundation, but it blends well with blackberries and strawberries, which lend a more natural sweetness with their buried (berried) sugar. Ginger beer softens the alcoholic aftertaste, but beware, these drinks are stronger than you think.
Another sweet treat: the Coconut Crusted Mahi Sliders. I was told we were getting these, and my only choice was to eat one or to get another set for myself. These are great. Flaky, tender mahi filets, fresh and white as snow. Mango slaw to soften the blow, avocado to go with the flow. They get some sugar from the sweet chili aioli, but there's just enough to taste and not so much it drips.
Their theme is coconut-y, and it works. The Coconut Prawns are jumbo with a tropical spin. Shredded coconut thread through hard panko, dipped in a pineapple buerre blanc. It literally tastes like hint of pina colada wrapped around a shrimp.
They name a lot of things about the restaurant, but they do add their own signature so I can deal. The Rock'n Crab Cakes are packed with lump crab. If there is any celery it's minimal, and the breading/battering doesn't drown the crab. I won't order crab cakes in most places, but I'd have these again.
The Rock'n Scampi is my entree, but I could have easily gotten full on another shared app or two. More jumbo prawns, garlic-fresh in butter and spice. They also add mushrooms, capers and everything nice to a bed of fresh linguini.
It's no secret that I don't love the food in MB. FwD aside, Rock n' Fish may be the only place I would consistently go. Their seafood selections are solid, and you're guaranteed to have a good time. Think what you want and say what you will, but there's a reason they've lasted 18 years in an area this competitive, and there's a reason they're here to stay.
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