When I learn of a family-owned business that has succeeded for generations, I can’t fathom how difficult that is to accomplish. San Pedro Fish Market (SPFM) is one of those success stories. Their fourth-generation owner continues strong with 65 years in operation. Their newest Long Beach location recently launched a Happy Hour.
The San Pedro Fish Market has an enviable position next to the picturesque Alamitos Bay Marina. Diners in the top deck may enjoy an unobstructed view of the sailboats as they slowly make their way to and from their designated slips. Downtown Long Beach buildings beautifully frame the downtown skyline.
At their Harbor City location, I experienced their World Famous Shrimp Tray. It’s a massive mound of grilled shrimp, potatoes, and veggies served with garlic bread and best shared. With the Create Your Own Tray, diners can customize a large seafood tray and select from shrimp, lobster, and more.
Happy Hour drink pricing is $5 for draft beer, $6 for white or red wine, and $7 for their specialty cocktails. I was surprised to see premium spirits such as Buffalo Trace, Bombay Sapphire, and Kettle One vodka listed at that price. My Mai Tai was made with Barcardi Rum, Meyer’s Dark Rum, Amaretto, orange and pineapple juices, and grenadine and was quite tasty.
Happy Hour food includes Chowder Fries, a combination of two popular favorites. They sprinkle their SPFM Savory Seasoning to add some spice to this dish.
Papas Bravas is their take on the Spanish tapas dish, patatas bravas. Small potato cubes are fried and drizzled with SPFM Savory Seasoning. This dish is a welcome alternative to french fries.
They modernize Vietnamese Shrimp Toast by serving it on a slice of grilled bread instead of deep-frying it. The topping is a mixture of finely minced shrimp with diablo aioli, hoisin, and fresh herbs. The umami taste was an unexpected welcome.
Campechana Baja Tostadas is a well-executed take on the Mexican seafood cocktail dish. Instead of receiving it in a large glass and scooping it out, they serve it on top of a fried corn tortilla as a tostada, and it is easy to pick up at eat.
Happy Hour is Mon, Wed – Fri from 3 – 7 p.m. (closed Tuesday) and is a welcome experience to the Long Beach Happy Hour scene. They succeed in delivering delicious, innovative offerings to their Happy Hour menu. You owe it to yourself to give them a try.
San Pedro Fish Market, 6550 E Marina Dr, Long Beach, CA 90803; 562.206.0090; website
Their happy hour food isn’t a happy hour price. Chowder fries were $9.99. regular chowder bowl is way less. It’s was a few friend with a tiny amount of chowder on a sm cookie sheet They didn’t have a happy hour menu for us to look at and couldn’t really tell us what food was happy hour specials except for fries. Service was slow even with many Open tables.