Fishbar

Should you find yourself saddled with picking someone up from LAX, consider arriving early, skipping the terminal loop, and heading to Fishbar in Manhattan Beach. The decor is maritime kitsch in the best possible way, with buoys and surfboards hanging overhead and TVs in every corner for the sports fanatic. Don’t be fooled by the Long John Silver’s facade, though: When it comes to fish and chips, this place means business. Available with either cod or salmon, the fish is fresh and flaky, and packaged in a light golden crust that defies the deep-fried, oily taste that is so often this dish’s demise. The chips, though closer to American-style fries, are uniformly crisp and well-seasoned. Wash it all down with a Fishbar Brew—the house honey blonde—and pray that your poor friend’s flight is delayed.