Price = $26 / service = above avg / cleanliness = avg / vibe = chic, casual / parking = decent size back lot
Ordered the Yuki Spicy Tuna burger with fries = ~$26. Now...it is tough to find a good solid yet alone unique burger house. Unfortunately, 26 Beach is not one of them. Although it seems that they would be based on the unique sushi burgers, Kobe and other interesting items, it seems best to avoid any of the burgers. IMO if the patty is thinner than the bun, the burger is no good. There are only a handful of "smashed" patties that are worth it and most of them are from the chain faster food joints.
The flavor was decent being just enough salty and very slightly juicy: however, there was nothing special about the burger even on a spicy tuna sushi topping. Imagine you running up to a delicious smelling and looking burger patty eagerly waiting to bite into a thick savory and juicy patty but then someone took a step on it and spicy tuna oozed out with the patty getting squished thin. I know the sushi on meat sounds fearsome, but even the patty and toppings itself needs much work. I almost ordered the Kobe but do not think it would be worth it after this burger. The bun was sadly VIP which should be the other way around from the patty. Brioche type that is fluffy like biting into a cloud with a slight push back saying "don't bite me". Fries are decent but not good enough to recommend. They are the slight crunchy but soft and gooshy insides kind. It is like if you fry Play-Doh and the crust becomes slightly crunchy. You know those times where you expect a good meal but had a subpar one and now you are annoyed...this was one of those times.
HOWEVER, their breakfast might be worth it as I believe most Yelpers that reviewed ordered those. I stalked some of the other table / ordered items and the sandwiches DO look yummy. Stick with the sandwiches or front breakfast items. There is a reason that seems to be the front menu. Pastas are dependent too but probably better to avoid for a main at 26 Beach. I plan to visit again and have the other recommended items to possibly update my review to match the overall response.
Interior has a chic and casual vibe. One of the best interiors with a cafe vibe. Lots of high fashion brand names and decor to match. Selfie and...
Read more26 Beach Restaurant in Venice is a true hidden gem that offers a delightful and unique dining experience. This iconic eatery has been a local favorite for over 40 years, and it’s easy to see why. From its eclectic retro decor to its fantastic and creative menu, it's a place that captures the fun and laid-back spirit of Venice. One of the most striking things about 26 Beach is its vibrant and charming atmosphere. The decor is wonderfully unique and colorful, creating a beachy vibe that makes you feel like you're on a tropical getaway. The heated back patio with a retractable roof is a fantastic feature, allowing you to enjoy the California sunshine or stay cozy on a cooler day. It’s a great spot for a casual meal with friends or a romantic date night. The menu is a fantastic fusion of different cuisines, with a creative flair that sets it apart. While they serve everything from classic American burgers and sandwiches to filet mignon, they are particularly known for their inventive "burger rolls," which blend a hamburger patty with sushi elements. The Chef Katsu's Original California Roll Hamburger, with crab, avocado, and wasabi mayo, is a must-try for an adventurous palate. The brunch menu is also a big hit, with popular dishes like the Peach Melba French Toast made with croissant and the Big Daddy's Blue Plate which features chicken wings and French toast. Other standout dishes include the Orange Rosemary Salmon and the flavorful K.C. Baby Back Ribs. And for those who appreciate good food with a little less hassle, 26 Beach has a convenient solution to the Venice parking struggle. They have their own parking lot in the rear of the restaurant. You just need to look for a narrow alley on the side of the building, and it leads you right to a stress-free parking spot. This thoughtful detail makes a visit here even more enjoyable. Overall, 26 Beach is a fantastic choice for any meal. Its lively ambiance, diverse menu, and convenient parking make it a standout destination. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this restaurant offers a memorable experience with its unique style and...
Read moreThe good: The menu is extensive to the point of overwhelming, and everything I’ve had there in my three visits has been tasty. The sushi burgers are unique and delicious and the many varieties of just French toast, salads, burgers, egg scrambled, and other dishes available will surely satisfy most tastes. I’m not a big French toast guy, but the croissant style French toast is quite unique and delicious.
Now for the bad and the reason I probably won’t be back: The service was very slow despite the fact that we showed up at 11am in a Friday. It took us more than an hour and a half to finally leave due in large part to waiting on service so much, every time we needed it.
The food is overpriced, although I will say that this is somewhat made up for by the quantity. For example most dishes including burgers, French toast, scrambled, etc are $17-21. Most portions are quite large and two of our party took food to go. But $6 for a small glass of watermelon juice?
And for the worst bit: we found not one but two different labels in our food in our party of five. The first was a label from some sort of seafood, and oddly was in a ceasar salad. The waiter offered to exchange the dish for a new dish, but it took 10 minutes of waiting to get the new dish. All of that might have been OK but he didn’t apologize or even act surprised.
The kicker came today, though as I was eating the leftover eggplant Parmesan at home. The food was tasty but as I was chowing down in it, I found the label from one of the eggplants in the dish. So from this one meal, two out of five dishes had labels in them. I could believe one is a coincidence but 2 in one setting? Get your quality control...
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