Pacific City’s Lot 579 Mixes Flavorful Eatery Options With Community
Written By: Elaine Morgan Cutting
Photographed By: Ed Visions Pacific City
Located directly on the scenic Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach sits the delightfully trendy and exciting Pacific City shopping center. Lot 579 hosts hot-name retail brands, fantastic restaurants, niche hipster outlets, ping-pong and foosball tables, fantastic views of the Huntington Beach Pier, and, of course, a collection of gourmet food vendors in Lot 579. This modern cafeteria-style eatery hosts everything from burgers to champagne. No matter what you’re craving, there’s a wide variety of selections that will satisfy the whole day from your morning coffee to fish tacos, delicious snacks, fresh dinners, and delectable dessert. Here are the 12 highlights of Lot 579 and the must-have orders for each location.
Pacific City
Must Order: Prosciutto Burrata Burger
The welcoming atmosphere of The American Dream is as fun and fresh as the burgers they produce. The must-have order here is the delightfully savory Prosciutto Burrata Burger. Made with a chuck brisket patty, oven roasted tomatoes, house-made garlic aioli, pesto, arugula, and of course, burrata cheese and sliced prosciutto; it’s a truly inspiring combination of rich and bitter. “It’s the perfect balance of numerous flavors that instead of competing, blend together for a sensory experience,” says owner Jeremy Saenz. The burger is immensely popular, but it also holds a special meaning, as it was invented by Saenz’s “better half” Samantha Razo.
714.374.1330
Pacific City
Must Order: Spaghetti Grilled Cheese
Burnt Crumbs is not your typical deli. Most everything is made from scratch and that includes the mayonnaise and sauces. “We put love in our food and it shows,” says Manager Jon Ho. The Spaghetti Grilled Cheese began as the leftover remnants of the owner’s empty fridge, now it’s the most popular item on the menu. It’s exactly what it sounds like; spaghetti, fresh mozzarella, and marinara sauce grilled in between two slices of sourdough bread. It’s by far the location’s most unique sandwich and definitely the most satisfying. Additionally, this sandwich is based off one of the chef’s original dishes called “burnt spaghetti,” which contributed to the restaurant’s name “Burnt Crumbs.”
714.374.0777
Pacific City
Must Order: Bear Flag Fish Tacos
At Bear Flag Fish Co., you’ll find some of the freshest fish available because they do the work and fillet whole in-house rather than waiting to receive already filleted, and the difference in quality is astounding! Tacos are based on a wide selection of fish options, spices, and styles for you to mix and match depending on what you’re in the mood for. The fish is grilled, and tacos are made with fresh ingredients every day. It’s simple, healthy, and delicious. “The best food is fresh, no frills healthy food,” says manager Benjamin Gregson. Also, the beachside view doesn’t hurt!
714.374.0558
Pacific City
Must Order: Pineapple Sherbert
Hans’ Homemade Ice Cream has been around since 1972, and it’s not hard to see how it’s stuck around for so long. The ice cream is always made in-house from premium high butterfat to make it delicious and astoundingly rich. “When you taste us, you’ll know right away,” says manager Cole Gatchell. “It’s really creamy and really tasty!” The variety of exciting flavors also sets Hans’ apart. One of their most popular items is the Pineapple Sherbert. It’s truly a magical dessert worthy of the sweet name.
714.979.8815
Pacific City
Must Order: Strawberry Cream Cheese Cupcake
Frosted Cupcakery is owned by a mother and daughter team who are passionate about homestyle cupcakes and perfecting homestyle traditional recipes for that warm, familiar taste. Everything is made in-store fresh every morning, so these gourmet sweets are never sold dull. The Strawberry Cream Cheese Cupcakes are flavored with chunks of real strawberries directly in the cake and mixed in the cream cheese frosting. Frosted doesn’t deal with any of this artificial flavoring nonsense. “The reason it tastes like strawberries is because it has strawberries in it,” says owner Stacia Samartan. “And it’s also really cute, so there’s that too!”
714.374.1080
Pacific City
Must Order: Meat Pie
The gourmet meat pies found at Pie-Not are the creation of owner and Australian-raised Jai Snowdon, who took the beloved Australian dish and added a new spin, making it handheld. The result is like a chicken pot pie, only thicker, easier to eat, and certainly more delicious. “It’s an old favorite, but a new way to put it,” says Snowdon. There are many options like beef, lamb, and even vegetarian. However, nothing beats the Classic Dog’s Eye meat pie. Made with Angus ground beef, minced onions, garlic, and a tomato Worcestershire gravy stuffed between a solid short crust and a fluffy puff pastry lid; it’s truly a fantastic, hearty meal.
949.650.7437
Must Order: Chocolate Dipped Popsicle
The delightful diagonally dipped chocolate popsicles at Popbar have become something of an icon in Orange County and it’s not hard to see why. The frozen treats are delicious, made in-house with fresh ingredients and no preservatives, and are so darn fun! Popsicle connoisseurs can choose from an array of vibrant popsicle flavors, then mix and match between five types of dipping sauces and seven different toppings. “It’s an unlimited combination you can choose from,” says owner Jacky Chan. The dipping happens right at the bar with extra flourish, and the result is nothing short of delicious artwork on a stick.
714.369.8212
Must Order: Mocha
Enchanting aromas of roasted coffee from Portola Coffee Lab wafts well beyond the stools of the delightful little coffee bar in the center of Lot 579. Gathered from all around the world, roasted fresh daily, and carefully brewed with science lab-like craftsmanship, Portola’s coffee is truly an inspiration for any serious coffee drinker. Make sure to grab a hot latte for some exciting latte art, which will undoubtedly shine as a coffee masterpiece in every delicious cup. “We allow our baristas to be super creative,” says Portola owner Christa Duggan. “So, the customer never knows what they’re gonna get.”
714.374.0616
Must Order: Sweet n’ Spicy Brisket
Mahogany Smoked Meats has been serving premium jerky since 1922, and its rich history shows in their meats. Smoked long and deep with mahogany logs, the top quality jerky is available in preservative-free beef, turkey, elk, and bison and come in fantastic flavors like Habanero, Sweet n’ Spicy, Chipotle Bourbon, and more. The Sweet n’ Spicy Brisket is made from thin slices of brisket, which are marinated with honey, soy sauce, pepper, and Tabasco sauce. The strips are then cut again before cooking. “This unique process and flavorful marinade create the perfect chewy texture and flavor,” says Owner Brandon Mojarro.
714.374.2399
Must order: Pig Fat and Truffle Ragu with Pappardelle Pasta
This newest location of il Barone is operated by the second generation of Barones to continue a longstanding family tradition of ingenious Italian cuisine. They offer everything from pizza and pasta to calzones and salad, and a fantastic mozzarella bar, each of which can be enjoyed with a wide selection of wine, beer, or gelato. The Pig Fat and Truffle Ragu has quickly become a customer favorite. “I came up with it on a whim when a customer had told me to surprise them and it has followed me ever since,” says Chef Jonathan Barone. “It’s definitely a dish you won’t find anywhere else!”
714.374.1065
Must Order: CalifornIPA
The Dudes’ Brewing Company is as chill as their name. Offering a laid-back environment and several Dudes’ beers on tap, this family-owned craft brewery specializes in innovative approaches to classic beer. It’s a great experience for beer fanatics and beer freshies all at once. They even offer fun events like weekly trivia nights, monthly comedy shows, or Yoga and Beer mornings. “A must have is our CalifornIPA,” said President and Founder of The Dudes’ Brewing Company, Toby “The Dude” Humes. “It’s a perfectly balanced West Coast IPA that will appeal to casual beer drinkers and craft beer fanatics alike.”
714.461.4111
What’s in a Name? The name Lot 579 is based off the lifeguard towers 5, 7, and 9, which are located directly across from Pacific City.
More Than Just Food: Pacific City hosts ongoing events throughout the month for guests to enjoy beyond shopping and awesome views. Live music is held on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The soft and exciting foam-filled kids’ play area also plays host to PC Grommets, a regular story and activity time held the third Tuesday of every month for the younger shoppers who may not be interested in retail just yet.
Coming Soon: vomFass, a unique and delightful venue for handcrafted vinegar, oils, spirits, and spices is set to open in early June. Other upcoming venues include Beau Soleil Kitchen, a French sidewalk café.
You’re the Ping to my Pong: With stylish open seating, free Wi-Fi, and ping pong tables, Lot 579 is designed to hang out and enjoy the presence of friends or even strangers. For guests who’d like to play at the ping-pong tables, Burnt Crumbs has the equipment. All you need to do is ask!
Petals & Pop | Must Sip: Château de Bligny
Petals & Pop began with a tradition to pop Champagne for a bride while arranging her floral decorations, then it turned into the charming Champagne bar and flower shop seen today.
Indulge for the Greater Good
Come and experience Lot 579 on Thursday, May 11 from 7-9 p.m., as Locale hosts a delicious night of food, fun, cocktails, music, and more! Your $20 ticket gives you access to a complimentary cocktail, as well as sips and tastes from all of the food hall purveyors. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Surfrider Foundation! For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/TasteofLOT579
Lot 579 at Pacific City
21010 Pacific Coast Hwy
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Come for the Views, Stay for the Food
