First stop–the Reel Inn. Found excellent parking JUST outside the restaurant (this can only be because it was a weekday–they do have a small parking lot, but I’m 100% certain it’s a madhouse on weekends). The place really has an idyllic location—I’d call it a shack set between mountain and sea. Sitting on the outdoor patio, you’ve got an excellent view straight up the Santa Monica Mountains to your left , and to your right, the crest of the Pacific Ocean crashing against the shore. But I’m getting ahead of myself…
Walking into the fish shack, we looked up at the chalkboard menu. Luckily for a Reel Inn virgin like myself, I came with an experienced patron (Matt) and it was less busy than usual (or so Matt tells me), so I had time to review the “rules” of ordering—which are written on a huge red surfboard propped up near the register.
