As if it weren't enough that I got my husband to take me to the Santa Monica Pier the other night; I even got him to eat there! To make a long story longer, (as my husband says I always do), Ron
HATES and I mean it with capital letters, HATES the Santa Monica Pier. "What goes on in that head of yours that you want to walk around with a million tourists on that low life pier?" he questions me. "It makes me happy?" I answer with a question, then bat
my big green ones. "Okay," he answers. "But I swear, (and he really does mean it at the time)we are not coming back here...ever." So we head off and play some games like Roll A Ball where you try to get these stupid race cars across a track by rolling
a golf ball into holes. At $3 a pop, it's so worth it, said no one ever. After a brief, but meaningful conversation with the Zoltar, we were hungry. We decided to try The Albright. Since 1977, this seaside restaurant, named after the nautical Albright
knot, (representing the tying together of two paths) has been owned by two generations of the Kim family. Situated right in the middle of the pier, it's great for people watching. Get in line and order from the chalkboard menu. Start off with some
fresh Fannybay oysters ($15) Kumamoto ($19) or Clams ($19) served with Champagne migonette and spicy relish. Or try some Calamari with chipotle aioli. ($11.75). New England Clam Chowder is full of clams and potatoes and is thick and creamy. Have a cup
with crackers ($7.50) or a Sourdough Bread Bowl ($9.50). The Lobster Roll ($16.95) is meaty and served cold with seasoned French Fries. for a real treat try the Tiger Shrimp & Chips ($17.25). Hand-battered black tiger shrimp are served with
crispy fries and coleslaw. The plate is large and filling too. Beer selection is fantastic with choices from IPAs like Lagunitas ($6) Stella Artois on tap ($6/$11), Affligem Blonde Ale ($7.50), Boddington's Brown Ale ($6), Lagers ($5), Pale Ale, Pilsner,
Porter, Stout, Tripel, Golden, Wheat, and White. The Wine list is none too shabby either. By the glass or by the bottle enjoy favorites like Lamarca Proseco ($35), Raymond Collection Chardonnay ($8/28) or some, J. Lohr Merlot ($9/$36). Don't forget to
get some funnel cake at one of the pier vendors on the way out. Oh, and be sure to tell your husband, "Thanks." The Albright on the Santa Monica Pier 258 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica. (310) 394-9683 Hours: Mon-Fri: 12 p.m.-Close, Sat-Sun:
11 a.m.-Close Does not take reservations.
Recommended Dishes: Clam Chowder, Lobster Roll, Tiger Shrimp, Fresh Oysters, Clams, Calamari