River's End Cafe, A restaurant on the sand in Southern California
July 12, 2010
Isolated from the active marina scene of Los Alamitos and the Old Towne Main Street of sleepy Seal Beach, the River’s End Café stands alone just adjacent to a residential neighborhood. This place is one of a kind, like nearby Seal Beach one of the last small-town coastal communities.
A brightly colored surf kite, or a boy and his father fishing off the jetty that guides the San Gabriel River into the ocean may catch your attention as you enter the patio restaurant where co-owners Mike and Carolyn have created a dining experience that captures an old-fashion California beach feeling.
The outside patio is perfect for large groups or pet owners, while the beach-shack interior has large windows framing views of Catalina Island and Palos Verdes. A stack of fleece blankets is handy for cooler temperatures, and framed photographs show beach activities of bygone days.
On the menu, southern Caribbean and Central Mexican dishes compliment traditional American choices. Mike’s favorite breakfast item is the pastrami scrambled egg dish, while locals love the crispy beer battered-halibut. Chilaquiles made with corn tortillas, mixed with eggs, tomatoes sauce and cheese are typical Mexican selections.
Parking: pre-pay $3 at the automated machines in the lot. Your cost will be refunded with a restaurant purchase, or park outside the beach lot on a the street for free. Café open 7am-3pm, dinner to 8pm Wednesday to Sunday. Hours are seasonal.
River’s End Café, Seal Beach, California 15 First Street, Seal Beach, CA; 562 431-5558
Website: www.riversendcafe.com
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