You might be buying some camouflage pajama shorts at Costco (those exist) or battling post-SAT traffic, but one way or another, you’ll find yourself in Seaside. I’ve just scratched the surface, but here are a few choice eateries I’ve encountered while exploring Seaside.
Phat Burger
Don’t judge a book by its cover, but it’s totally okay to judge a burger place by its smell. Phat Burger, tucked away a block from the Embassy Suites, smells like a greasy slice of heaven—unless you’re a cardiologist.
I was in the house that trans-fat built, so I decided to go big with a double Phat Burger, curly fries and a shake. Boy, was I in for a treat.
What arrived was a burger I couldn’t put down, partially because it was delicious and perfectly cooked, and partially because it was so greasy I risked drowning my fries if I did. Speaking of fries, all three varieties I sampled—curly, sweet potato and onion rings (hey, they’re technically fries, BACK OFF!)—were crispy and well-seasoned.
Despite the charbroiled goodness, not everything was so tasty. The shakes tasted like they were made with flavored syrup rather than ice cream—definitely a no-no. Also, you will not find a healthy or refined meal here, but if want is a cheap, satisfying burger, Phat is where it’s at.
The Orient Restaurant
Craving something lighter? Check out Orient Restaurant, on the corner of Fremont and Echo Avenue.
Situated luxuriously between a drycleaner and a family photo studio, this Chinese/Vietnamese joint is clean, small and cheap (main courses under $10).
The menu is huge but simple, which is why I like it. Lots of proteins—chicken, shrimp, beef— and lots of ways to eat them—soup, noodles, stir fry—ensure you can basically get whatever you so desire. Fear not, vegetarians! Every meat dish has a tofu counterpart, and the Vietnamese know their tofu.
Don’t let the basic menu fool you; the food is complex and authentic. The springs rolls, enclosed in a cool rice wrapper, maintain Vietnamese food’s trademark lightness while having some Chinese kick.
Between soup, spring rolls, stir-fry noodles and crunchy pork, I ate practically every food type on the menu, and I have no complaints. Dishes were flavorful and filling, but not so much that they’ll make you yack on Grandma.
When leaving, I did get chatted up by a hobo, so if you fear a dash of sketchiness, leave Orient off your list. However, if you want tasty P.F. Chang’s-style Asian cuisine without the training wheels, the wait or the fat bill, The Orient is worth the schlepp.
The Breakfast Club
Now, I’m not instructing you to hang with a band of greasy misfits like that Breakfast Club—I mean, do whatever you want—but what I do advise is grabbing brunch at The Breakfast Club.
Nearly every Seasidian seems to recommended this place, and I can see why. The menu is what you’d expect—omelets, French toast, pancakes—but it gets bonus points for adding a little Mexican food flair. Refried beans with your omelet? No problem. Juevos Rancheros? Coming right up.
Though you won’t find very many dishes on the menu for under $10, and orange juice is a spit-take-inducing $3.50, a plate is definitely worth the price. In addition to a whopping four-egg omelet, my order came with two huge biscuits covered in gravy and a pile of roasted potatoes, and the French toast was eggy and perfectly crunchy.
So, if you’re willing to pony up for a satisfying meal, The Breakfast Club is your place.
You might be buying some camouflage pajama shorts at Costco (those exist) or battling post-SAT traffic, but one way or another, you’ll find yourself in Seaside. I’ve just scratched the surface, but here are a few choice eateries I’ve encountered while exploring Seaside.
Phat Burger
Don’t judge a book by its cover, but it’s totally okay to judge a burger place by its smell. Phat Burger, tucked away a block from the Embassy Suites, smells like a greasy slice of heaven—unless you’re a cardiologist.
I was in the house that trans-fat built, so I decided to go big with a double Phat Burger, curly fries and a shake. Boy, was I in for a treat.
What arrived was a burger I couldn’t put down, partially because it was delicious and perfectly cooked, and partially because it was so greasy I risked drowning my fries if I did. Speaking of fries, all three varieties I sampled—curly, sweet potato and onion rings (hey, they’re technically fries, BACK OFF!)—were crispy and well-seasoned.
Despite the charbroiled goodness, not everything was so tasty. The shakes tasted like they were made with flavored syrup rather than ice cream—definitely a no-no. Also, you will not find a healthy or refined meal here, but if want is a cheap, satisfying burger, Phat is where it’s at.
The Orient Restaurant
Craving something lighter? Check out Orient Restaurant, on the corner of Fremont and Echo Avenue.
Situated luxuriously between a drycleaner and a family photo studio, this Chinese/Vietnamese joint is clean, small and cheap (main courses under $10).
The menu is huge but simple, which is why I like it. Lots of proteins—chicken, shrimp, beef— and lots of ways to eat them—soup, noodles, stir fry—ensure you can basically get whatever you so desire. Fear not, vegetarians! Every meat dish has a tofu counterpart, and the Vietnamese know their tofu.
Don’t let the basic menu fool you; the food is complex and authentic. The springs rolls, enclosed in a cool rice wrapper, maintain Vietnamese food’s trademark lightness while having some Chinese kick.
Between soup, spring rolls, stir-fry noodles and crunchy pork, I ate practically every food type on the menu, and I have no complaints. Dishes were flavorful and filling, but not so much that they’ll make you yack on Grandma.
When leaving, I did get chatted up by a hobo, so if you fear a dash of sketchiness, leave Orient off your list. However, if you want tasty P.F. Chang’s-style Asian cuisine without the training wheels, the wait or the fat bill, The Orient is worth the schlepp.
The Breakfast Club
Now, I’m not instructing you to hang with a band of greasy misfits like that Breakfast Club—I mean, do whatever you want—but what I do advise is grabbing brunch at The Breakfast Club.
Nearly every Seasidian seems to recommended this place, and I can see why. The menu is what you’d expect—omelets, French toast, pancakes—but it gets bonus points for adding a little Mexican food flair. Refried beans with your omelet? No problem. Juevos Rancheros? Coming right up.
Though you won’t find very many dishes on the menu for under $10, and orange juice is a spit-take-inducing $3.50, a plate is definitely worth the price. In addition to a whopping four-egg omelet, my order came with two huge biscuits covered in gravy and a pile of roasted potatoes, and the French toast was eggy and perfectly crunchy.
So, if you’re willing to pony up for a satisfying meal, The Breakfast Club is your place.
