South Bay Through a Local’s Eye: Heather Jacobsen
Photo by WorkofArtPhotography
Heather lived in the South Bay for 5 years before having to move away to Arizona, but in the end, the ocean called her back. Now she has returned to her favorite spot with her favorite things and wants to share it all. Here are just a few of her favorites.
Playa Hermosa Fish and Oyster Co.
HERMOSA BEACH
Even though Playa Hermosa Fish & Oyster Co. is located in a prime location at the end of Hermosa Pier it stays relatively quiet. It has a clear view of the pier and the ocean. It has indoor and outdoor seating (dog friendly deck) but best of all, everything is so extremely fresh! The oysters are shucked when they are ordered. The sashimi is sliced to order too! The pasta is made in-house, and the drinks are made from scratch with ingredients locally sourced at the farmer's market. Al is the nicest server who will give you the down low on anything you want to know while serving up only the best recommendations and dishes. You won't regret going. I promise!
Noble Park At 15th Street
HERMOSA BEACH
Just steps from the beach but first order takeout at La Playita Mexican Cafe (their mole sauce is to die for.) Once you have your delicious takeout in tow find a knoll in the park to lay out your blanket and enjoy. If you have kids, they can walk to the sand while you sit and enjoy your burrito with the view. If you have pups they can enjoy meeting the other furry friends as they walk by on their evening stroll. If you don't have a blanket, don't worry! There are plenty of benches where you can post up and maybe even watch a beach volleyball game going on just across the beautifully lined houses called the Strand.
Clark Building and Cypress Park
HERMOSA BEACH
Located at 861 valley drive in Hermosa Beach, the Clark Building is a historic building located in the heart of downtown Hermosa Beach. The building's classic architecture and prime location make it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Cypress Park, located just a few blocks away from the Clark Building, features greenery, picnic tables, tennis courts, basketball courts, and wait for it...lawn bowling! It is a great spot for a relaxing afternoon with family and friends, or for a peaceful stroll across the street along the green belt that transports you from the city to a lush, green path. Lastly, this is the same area where you will find the Hermosa Farmers market every Friday from 12 to 4 pm!
Uncorked
HERMOSA BEACH & MANHATTAN BEACH
Heather and her girlfriends love to enjoy afternoons out on the beautiful patio enjoying the ocean breeze with wine and a charcuterie board. Uncorked has live music that you can checkout on their events page and once a week they highlight 8 different wines on their tasting menu. With its laid-back atmosphere, excellent wine selection, and knowledgeable staff, Uncorked is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy a fun plus educational wine-tasting experience in Hermosa Beach. Centrally located on Pier Avenue makes it a perfect stop before heading down to the beach or across the street for a mani/pedi. Literally, everything is right around here and he owners just opened a second location in Manhattan beach too!
Sea Level Restaurant at the Shade Hotel
REDONDO BEACH
This place has some of the tastiest food with a stellar view of the boats in the marina! Where to start?! Heather’s favorite thing...bottomless mimosas for $30! (for 2 hours). Another favorite thing...their happy hour menu is offered Monday through Friday from 4-6 PM. You can't go wrong with Sea Level’s live music which is offered every Friday and Saturday from 6-9 pm AND they celebrate wellness Wednesdays with a complimentary yoga class for guests and locals. To top it off, attendees of the yoga class get 10% off at the restaurant and lounge following the class. End this all with the fact they offer valet parking and it means this place is a no-brainer! Literally and figuratively.
Brothers Burritos
HERMOSA BEACH
Most locals agree that Brothers Burritos is a regular stop for a no-fuss quick and hearty breakfast or lunch. Grab a seat and rub elbows with your neighbors while enjoying their "build your own burrito" 2 for $8 or take it to-go and enjoy a walk on the pier! This is a favorite of many local professional athletes with its great variety of breakfast burritos and bowls at a great price. Nothing fancy here, but it exudes good food made by good people.
Malaga Cove Ranch Market
PALOSE VERDES ESTATES
Being that Heather lives in Palos Verdes, she drives down the beautiful coastline to Redondo, Hermosa, and Manhattan almost daily. Malaga Cove Ranch Market is a local deli, bakery, market, and wine/beer bar that has been family run for over 25 years. It's the perfect place to grab a coffee, basic groceries, homemade treats, sandwiches, or a glass of wine if it's that time of day! The owners, Nune and her husband Nerses, saw Heather and her husband so often that when they moved back, not only was it one of their first stops but they were greeted with "Where have you guys been?" You know it's a special market with special owners and employees when it feels so close-knit. It's the perfect place to grab a fresh meal to go if you are heading to the bluff to watch the sunset (also one of Heather's favorite things).
