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The Albright
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
The Albright
8.5
This seafood-focused pier restaurant elevates their Old Bay-seasoned fries to complement fresh catches. Beer-battered and twice-fried, these golden beauties pair perfectly with their sustainable seafood offerings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Old Bay Seasoned Fries, Fish & Chips Platter, Raw Bar Selection
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Sustainable seafood meets perfectly seasoned fries
Who should go: Seafood lovers seeking pier dining
When to visit: Happy hour for best value
What to order: Fish & chips, Old Bay fries, oysters
Insider tip: Request extra Old Bay seasoning on side
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Pier deck parking $8-15, fills up by noon on weekends. Street parking 10-min walk
Dress code: California casual to smart casual - sundresses and nice shorts work for lunch, step it up for dinner
Noise level: Moderate - outdoor seating can get lively but conversation-friendly
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, especially sunset hours
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min typical, walk-ins usually ok
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 options including excellent truffle mac, salads, and those Old Bay fries
Vegan options: Limited - 2 modified salads and fries, call ahead for special prep
Gluten-free options: Yes - grilled fish options, dedicated fryer for fries available on request
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for it - romantic pier views, shareable plates, and upscale but not stuffy. Book sunset timing for maximum impact
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch yes, dinner unlikely. Try the bar area for walk-ins or come at 5pm before the sunset rush
Is it kid-friendly? Yes until 8pm - kids menu available, high chairs provided, and pier location keeps them entertained. Gets more date-focused after dark
Best For
Better for: Fresher seafood than other pier spots, actual wine list vs beach beer focus, and those Old Bay fries beat standard boardwalk fare
Skip if: You want cheap eats (try Rusty's instead) or hate seafood smells (it's prominent on the patio)
The Albright
7.7
A pier mainstay since 1977, this classic seaside eatery serves sustainable seafood and pier favorites like fish & chips and clam chowder. The Morena family maintains the original character while adding modern touches and an extensive craft beer program.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beer-Battered Fish & Chips, Ms. Kim's Spicy Seafood Soup, Ahi Poke Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: 47-year pier tradition with sustainable seafood focus
Who should go: Tourists and families visiting the pier
When to visit: Weekdays to avoid pier crowds
What to order: Ms. Kim's soup (unchanged since 1977), fish & chips, raw bar
Insider tip: Counter service moves faster than table service on busy days
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Pier parking lots $8-25 depending on day/season, arrive early or use beach lots and walk 10 min
Dress code: Beach casual - shorts, sandals, and t-shirts standard, come as you are from the beach
Noise level: Loud - pier crowds and ocean sounds, outdoor seating especially noisy
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, up to 90 min summer weekends
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min for table service, minimal for counter
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie tacos, salads, and sides available
Vegan options: Very limited - mainly sides and modified salads
Gluten-free options: Some options - grilled fish and salads, but no dedicated fryer
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates - it's loud and touristy but fun if you both enjoy pier energy and ocean views. Counter service feels too casual for romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they don't take reservations. Weekdays usually 15-30 min wait, weekends can exceed an hour. Try counter service to skip the wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - kids love the pier location, casual atmosphere welcomes families, high chairs available, and fish & chips are kid-pleasers. Outdoor seating lets kids be louder.
Best For
Better for: Authentic pier dining experience with ocean views, better value than newer pier restaurants, and more character than chain competitors
Skip if: You want upscale seafood or intimate dining - try Catch LA or Water Grill instead for special occasions