Burgers & Milkshakes at the Pier and other Seal Beach, CA Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Name: Ruby's Diner

Ruby's Diner is located at the very end of the Seal Beach pier in a Cape Cod style building. It is a very fun place to have breakfast, lunch or dinner. I like Ruby's around 3pm, after the lunch crowd leaves, and before it gets busy for dinner. It is decorated with 50s memorabilia and it has a really nice salt water fish tank. Old bicycles and posters adorn the walls. The location offers fantastic views of the water, ships, and Catalina Island on a clear day. When the water is choppy, the pier can really move around, and you may feel like you're in an earthquake. Service is good. There is usually a wait at peak hours. Ruby's diner also has a kid's menu. Even on warm days, it can get windy and cold out at the end of the pier, so make sure you bring a sweater or jacket for the walk back.

Favorite Dish: My favorite item on the menu are the fish tacos, really yummy.
They offer an array of burgers, veggie, turkey or beef, with a variety of toppings. Numerous classic sandwiches and salads. Great milkshakes and sundaes. Wonderful french fries, onion rings, and fried zuchini. Very reasonably prices.

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Theme: Diner
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Phone: 562 431-RUBY
Address: End of Seal Beach Pier
Directions: Walk to the end of the pier
Website: http://www.rubys.com/home.html

Restaurant Name: Cafe La Fayette

A nice restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Good and very diverse menu with lots to choose from. The restaurant is decorated in shades of yellow with retro advertising posters. The service is always good, and the owners are friendly.
Nice bar and wine list. Cafe La Fayette is a favorite amoung locals. Restaurant looks very pretty at night.

Favorite Dish: Everything on the menu is good. I love their lemon rice soup, just excellent. All their salads and pastas are very hearty, and I also love their breakfast wraps. The fried calamari with spicy tomato sauce is a wonderful appetizer. The chinese chicken salad is also good. The prices are reasonable. Breakfast and lunch are under $10. Dinner about $15.
You won't be dissapointed.

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Theme: Eclectic/International
Comparison: about average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Address: 330 Main St
Directions: Just south of the Bay Theatre
Website: 562-598-9566

Restaurant Name: Cold Stone Creamery

Cold Stone Creamery is a very good ice cream shop that stands where Grandma's ice cream used to be. Grandma's was an institution for years, but sold the store a few years ago. Cold Stone Creamery is an excellent replacement.
Cold Stone Creamery does not just serve ice cream, they mix the ice cream with candy, fruit and syrup to create a decadent creation served in a oversized waffle cone. Just the right treat to accompany you on your walk of the pier.

Favorite Dish: Well I like to create my own concoction. Oreo cookie ice cream with reeses peanut butter cup. But how can you go wrong with ice cream, candy and chocolate?

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Theme: Dessert
Comparison: about average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Phone: (562) 626-8151
Address: 101 Main St.
Directions: Corner of Main & Ocean Ave, Right next to the pier
Website: http://www.coldstonecreamery.com/main/index.asp

Restaurant Name: Pietro's Thai-Pan Pizza Kitchen

This restaurant does not look like much, and it is rather strange due to the fact that they sell both Thai and Italian cuisine, but nonetheless, the food is very good and inexpensive. You can eat in, but the place has really no atmosphere, take out or delivery is preferred.

Favorite Dish: Mostaccioli and meat sauce, their pizzas, and their thai noodle soups. Dishes will run you about $5-$6. Great garlic bread as well. Owners and staff are friendly. They also have delivery.

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Theme: Pizza
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Phone: 562-431-2559
Address: 1013 E Pacific Coast Hwy
Directions: In the Pavillions Mall, next to the Laundomat and car wash.

Restaurant Name: Charo Chicken, Fresh, Fast, Fire Grilled

Charo Chicken is a take out or delivery chicken restaurant. There are some chairs and tables, but no atmosphere.

Favorite Dish: Charo Chicken is chicken made fast. This is healthy fast food. Very tasty flame broiled whole chickens marinated in fruit juices, herbs and spices. Dinner plates come with choice of side dishes, such as spanish rice, corn on the cob, beans and tortillas. I love the stuffed Charo potato, with chicken, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. The food is really good. The chicken quesadilla is also very tasty. Charo Chicken would make a great picnic lunch. Make sure you bring lots of napkins, the chicken comes with garlic butter, which is delicious but very messy.

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Theme: Fast Food
Comparison: least expensive
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Phone: 562) 594-0909
Address: 333 Main St
Directions: Across the street from the Bay Theatre, near the corner of PCH and Main.
Website: http://www.charochicken.com/menu/menu.htm