Saint & Second — Restaurant in Manhattan Beach

I was so excited to celebrate my birthday here last week at the Manhattan Beach location but was so disappointed. Unfortunately our server made our first time experience disappointing. To start we did not get enough silverware, he had someone bring in extra and just set them on the counter (we were in the private room) the silverware was never passed out. Every time we asked for something it felt like we were inconveniencing him. He forgot someone's drink and we asked for it and it was brought once we were done eating. We never felt welcomed, we noticed he spent more time talking to the two other tables he had so we were left waiting for him. HE never acknowledged we were celebrating a birthday. Once we were done eating he approached one of the guys in my party and said, "oh you wont be having dessert right?". I have never felt so offended and on my birthday! After that comment we said no, we will go to Handles and he said, “you’ll be better off there” Like really?! How do you say that? We all felt very offended! Thats what I was looking forward to on my birthday. I get that it just opened and things are a bit rocky, but the comment and the attitude given were very unprofessional. No matter how good the food is, if the service is terrible the entire experience is terrible. I wish I would’ve known what the server said to my guest so that I could’ve spoken to the onset manager but he felt it would’ve ruined my night at that moment. I really wanted to like this place but I don't think we will...

What an incredible disappointment. The restaurant is extremely well decorated and the atmosphere is welcoming. After that it all goes downhill. We ordered crabcakes for an appetizer; it was 90% filler with ZERO lump crab. Tasteless and not even edible; they could have have passed for a vegetarian " crabcake". For a main course we ordered branzino with mashed potatoes. Again, the dish was tasteless and disgusting. The fish was overcooked and dry and the mashed potatoes were brown with a funky flavor. Finally for dessert, we ordered a vanilla latte and an earl grey tea with no gin. They couldn't even get that right as the latte came out 10 minutes before the tea. The latte was decent but the tea tasted like it had some sort of cleaning solution in it. When the tea finally did arrive it had whipped cream spilling down the side of the cup and the handle without any dish or plate. There was no manager checking on how people's experience was and people close to us were annoyed at how slow and disconnected everything was. If I were offered a free meal to try S & S again, I wouldn't do it. To cap it off, we shared our dining experience on the way out the door and the host walked away. This place needs leadership and a new chef. Save your time and money and walk 50 feet to Joey or any number of other better, more established restaurants that appreciate your patronage. For the food and service I would have given it zero stars if that option...

Making a reservation online was quick and easy. They also had plenty of seating inside and out, so they may be able to accommodate walk-in also.

The restaurant is located in the center of the shopping area, and parking in one of the garages is the best option.

We had a party of four, and they weren't too busy when we arrived. We were seated outside with a view of the courtyard, This was perfect for people watching.

Our server, Brooke, was very attentive and prompt in meeting our needs.

The couple we were with enjoyed the mimosa flight, which came with a full bottle of champagne.

I ordered the Smoked Tri-Tip Hash. It was full of flavor. I don't mind poached eggs, but if that's not your thing, be sure to ask for them cooked differently. The yolk, while tasty, gets everywhere! I also tried some of the pancakes, chef's kiss. They come as two large pancakes, so if that's your meal, you'll definitely be full. They could also be good for sharing.

Everyone was satisfied with their meals. Some others in the party lightly added salt and pepper to their meals, but the Tri-Tip Hash was good for me.

I often stay in the Manhattan Beach area when I'm in LA, and this restaurant has definitely been added to my list...