Huntington Beach’s annual spectacle in the sky, the Pacific Airshow, returns Friday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 4, celebrating 10 years with military and civilian aviators from around the globe.
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As the sands of Surf City fill with spectators craning their necks skyward, why not take in some of the action with a proper lunch in front of you minus a trip to the chiropractor? Most of these six restaurants offer ocean views that make them ideal places to watch, depending on your seat. (There’s also a taqueria for a break between the airplane acrobatics.) Call ahead about viewing arrangements.
Duke’s Huntington Beach
At the foot of the pier, Duke’s offers a beachfront setting ideal for a meal and a view. The Hawaiian-inspired menu includes coconut shrimp, poke tacos and macadamia nut-and-herb-crusted fish. Of special note is the Hula Pie, which comes with macadamia nut ice cream in a chocolate cookie crust with hot fudge and whipped cream. This spot will be busy, so arrive sooner rather than later to grab a coveted seat. Note: They will be taking walk-ins only during lunch hours for the airshow.
Find it: 317 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, 714-374-6446, dukeshuntington.com
Jolie & the Belle
This restaurant’s ocean-facing dining area and the Belle rooftop offer major appeal for the show. In the main restaurant, brunch and lunch menus will be available (like blackened mahi sandwich, a warm lobster roll and chilaquiles, to name a few dishes). For Saturday and Sunday, the Belle, found upstairs, advertises a separate rooftop airshow experience with a brunch buffet, cocktails, beer and wine. Reservations and walk-ins welcome.
Find it: 300 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 220, Huntington Beach, 714-740-2524, joliehb.com
Ola Mexican Kitchen
Ola’s perch at Pacific City puts the ocean in view and it has an extensive taco menu to boot. Start with a daring guacamole studded with pomegranate and orange zest, then check out the lobster tacos with citrus butter or pork belly tacos topped with pickled Fresno peppers and fried leeks. The second-floor setting makes this a great lunch-and-a-show option. Walk-ins only up until 4:30 p.m. each day of the airshow.
Find it: 21040 Pacific Coast Highway, ste F200, Huntington Beach, 714-969-7300, olamexicankitchen.com
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Pacific Hideaway
Above street level at the Kimpton Shorebreak resort, Pacific Hideaway’s patio looks toward the beach and pier, making an outdoor table a hot commodity. The brunch menu, available until 2 p.m., offers Grandma’s Chilaquiles with chorizo, beans and eggs, plus a Hideaway Hash Benny with Lao sausage, coconut rice and hollandaise. After 2 p.m., the dinner menu will be available. Both walk-ins and reservations accepted.
Find it: 500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, 714-965-4448, pacifichideawayhb.com
Sandy’s Beach Shack
Ideal spot for checking out the action above, Sandy’s Beach Shack is selling tables on patio (two seating times per day), with four-top and six-top tables available. Inside is first-come, first-serve seating. Menu highlights include poke stacks, ceviche, Cesar and Cobb salads, tacos, burgers and sandwiches, alongside a kids menu of chicken tenders, mini corn dogs and more.
Find it: 315 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, 714-374-7273, sandysbeachshack.com
Tacos Los Cholos
Make this your stop for a bite before, after or between performances. The Huntington Beach outpost specializes in meats cooked over mesquite charcoal, with choices ranging from asada and chorizo to ribeye and filet mignon. My recommendation? Order a few tacos to compare meats. You can also commit to a Papa Loka, the restaurant’s stuffed baked potato concept. This downtown location keeps you near the waterfront, but the real reason to come here is what’s on the grill and a respite from the crowds.
Find it: 300 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 113, Huntington Beach, 714-274-9364, tacosloscholos.net
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