There is this whole thing about being a tourist in a city one knowns at their own. When this is…read morepracticed with intention, one can see, understand and enjoy a different layer of a city's personality. I feel like my visit to Venice Beach Bar & Kitchen made me a tourist in Venice Beach because I got to see (and more importantly feel) the world famous beach transition from day to evening splash. This allowed me to see the beach's sky shift in shade and hue, which was a treat for the other 4 senses, not just the view for the eyes. Thus, I experienced a Venice Beach beach night in a comfortable spot that allowed me to take in the moment, a tourist's dream, per chance.
On a previous night walk, some fun-loving dudes were waving hello to passing walkers, from the second floor of this joint. They were sticking themselves out from windows. I engaged back with them, and it all felt breezy and cool. Thus, I made a point to return to this bar to experience the vibe that jolted these dudes to window fun. As my friend Conrad and I approached, we felt the setting sun, the chill of a breeze, and the cool pop of a night to be had. When we got the security guard he checked for Conrad's ID but not my own. He said, "I was more worried about him, than you," no offense. I said, "it does sound like a little like a slap in the face." I should have been beach cool and said, "no you are fine, who can possible take offense to that?" He further explained that the joint was still a bar and restaurant but good luck with finding a spot to sit. As soon as Conrad and I entered we found a table for two in their beach facing patio. Like a ninja with a mission I scurried to the open table. In crowded places like this one, politeness matters 1000% percent. I just rushed to the table, because it was open, I did not elbow or verbally pushed others aside for the table. I was politely determined not rudely in a rush.
When we sat at the table, that is where we could best enjoy the Venice Beach environment. When we first sat the light of the day waning was present. We could still see the blue of the sky and the water. The sky's clouds were becoming filled with color, like a subtle pink. The palmtrees lost their color, now they were only black silhouettes, a sight I never get tired off because its California classic. It was peace in the beach, while I was sitting in a chair, not laying on a beach towel. The opportunity to be at the beach, while not being at the beach, is a great point for this place!
During my visit I had four of their tacos. I had their pes-cod-do and their squash taco first. They were ok. I expected more but that could be my expectation, there was nothing wrong with them per say. Then I had a corn on a stick, and two more tacos. Their carne asada, and their Gringo, which was made of ground beef. I like these tacos way more! But they were easily to like. Like the ground beef taco had all the ingredients of an American taco- sour cream, shredded lettuce, and it was easy to enjoy because it was all familiar and flavorful. The carne asada taco was not made with think skirt steak. It was made with thick cut pieces of steak, and it was the best tack of the four, easily. The corn was also super good! The corn was steamed in water. I would have liked it to be roasted but that was. personal preference. I had two margaritas- pineapple and they were strong and tasty. Conrad got some chipotle wings, with sliced carrots on top, which was a new sight for me. The wings were also good, I tried one, but buffalo is not a sauce for me.
The place itself is spacy and has two floors. It was not super packed for a Saturday night but I am not complaining. This place is a beach bar and beach bar, at least in my mind, is not really for the night but for the day.