San Pedro's Pappy's Seafood Signs, Seals, + Delivers
Perfectly removed from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles’ sometimes stuffy and oftentimes, chaotic dining scene, sits a seafood restaurant in the small and endearing hood of San Pedro, right off the way of cruise liners, commercial fishing boats, and the Long Beach bridge. Pappy’s Seafood sits prominently on an eccentric and yet, quaint street corner among thrift stores, record shops, and collective grit and grime that’s reminiscent of downtown LA.
As a San Pedro first timer, I’m instantly hooked by the vibe.
Housed in San Pedro’s first ever post office building, Pappy’s boasts an interior that makes my design-loving soul swoon. Sky-high ceilings with exposed wooden beams, giant windows, subway tiling, hexagonal flooring, aluminum siding exposed brick, and brass accenting, it’s a delightful mix of industrial and fish house meets farmhouse that’s also both (super) old and also, new construction.
Chris and I are seated immediately by the friendly staff and are given a quick tour of the menu that’s focused on local and sustainable seafood with dishes that are both classic and tastefully trendy. With seafood staples like Fish + Chips, Clam Chowder, and a clambake for two, Pappy’s also features less traditional seafood house offerings like Paella, Ahi Poke, Brazilian Moqueca Stew, and a Fried Whole Fish with Thai Sweet Chili sauce.
While we could’ve easily ordered a feast from the impeccably curated menu, we opted for a couple safe bets - though it’s safe to say that we will absolutely be back to sample their paella and Brazilian stew sooner than later.
Because it was a beautiful sunny Sunday, I found it only appropriate I order a cocktail. And while Pappy’s is currently beer and wine only, I’m happy to report that I did not miss the tequila from my Jalapeno margarita even a little bit.
Perhaps the best lobster roll I’ve had this side of New England, Pappy’s version was true to tradition with its chilled lobster dressed in mayo and piled generously in a buttered and lightly toasted bun. I feel like this is one of those times when a picture is worth a thousand words though so I’ll just let you marvel over the photos for a moment.
Pappy’s Fish & Chips are exactly what a fried fish connoisseur could ever hope for. A delectably light beer battered cod that dips ever so heavenly in a house made tartar, the fish is exceptional but dare I say it, the crispy and thin cut fries fries are the star of the show. I can’t begin to articulate the level of awesomeness. Addictive is an understatement.
Pappy’s is exactly the kind of casual seafood eatery every neighborhood needs. Laid-back with a well-thought menu, friendly staff, and dishes with excellent presentation and flavor, it’s the kind of restaurant I’ll be keeping permanently on my restaurant hit list.
