Food & Drink

An Orange County classic, Hans’ churns everything at their original Santa Ana creamery and scoops it right here in Pacific City — old-school, homemade, and rich in the way chain ice cream never quite manages.

Steps from our door, it settles the eternal post-haircut question: yes, you have earned a scoop.

The line outside Handel’s on PCH is a fixture of downtown Huntington Beach — and it moves fast, because the scoops are worth it. The ice cream is made fresh in small batches, and the flavor board runs deep.

Across from the pier and a short walk from the shop: the correct way to end a beach day, freshly trimmed, cone in hand.

Sitting right at the base of the pier and named for Duke Kahanamoku — the father of modern surfing — Duke’s pairs Hawaiian-inspired seafood with front-row ocean views.

It is where we point visitors who want the full Surf City evening: fresh fish, a sunset, and the pier lit up above the water.

A Main Street institution, Jan’s has been feeding Huntington Beach healthy sandwiches, smoothies, and bowls for generations of surfers and locals.

It is the kind of unpretentious, always-right lunch we never get tired of recommending — and it is an easy stop between downtown and your appointment with us.

“The Original” North Shore Poke on 5th Street has been doing Hawaiian-style poke since long before it was everywhere — generous bowls, house sauces, no shortcuts.

Two blocks from the shop and easy to eat on the walk to the pier. A regulars’ favorite for good reason.

A Pacific City staple, Bear Flag runs a proper fish counter — pick what looks best and they will turn it into poke, tacos, or a plate, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking toward the water.

It is the spot we send anyone who says “something fresh, nothing fussy.” Order at the counter, grab a seat, watch the beach do its thing.

Sticks & Stones is Pacific City’s clubhouse sports bar — the place to land when there is a game on and you want cold drinks and a crowd that cares about the score.

It is steps from the shop, which makes it dangerously easy to turn a haircut into an afternoon.

Little Sister brings bold, Vietnamese-inspired cooking to Pacific City — sharp flavors, great energy, and a menu that rewards ordering for the table.

If you are turning your visit to us into a proper evening out, this is the dinner reservation we recommend first. It is a short walk from our chairs.

A block up 5th Street at The Strand, Primecut is our go-to answer when someone in the chair asks where to grab tacos downtown. The meats are the star here — cut and grilled with real care — and the tortillas hold up to a walk back toward the beach.

It is quick, casual, and close enough to squeeze in before or after your appointment without rushing.