This past weekend, my inner kid came out as my boyfriend and I went to the Aquarium of the Pacific.  As we walked throughout the exhibits, I found myself saying, “oooh” at the sea lions or “ahhh” at the jellyfish. It was annoying how uncontrollably giddy I was looking at all of the sea animals. In between the tanks, one thing was clear: the Aquarium is a workout. I may not be sweating on an elliptical or throwing jabs at a punching bag, but it takes energy to dodge kids running after enclosed marine life. So much so I built up a serious appetite. After all the fun with the sea animals of the pacific, my boyfriend and I searched the net to find a spot to eat. The consensus of internet was the best place to grab food near the Aquarium is Pier 76 Fish Grill.

Pier 76 Fish Grill is only 0.3 miles away from the Aquarium, however, when you’re starving and exhausted from being pushed around by a pack of elementary kids, that walk can feel like you’re on a journey to the center of the universe. An exaggeration, but it feels accurate when you’re going through it. Once we finally made it to the restaurant, I was beyond ready to order. I got the Lobster Roll Combo with French Fries ($12.50) and another side of Mac & Cheese ($3). TJ copied me. I guess great minds eat alike. To drink, I ordered a glass Chardonnay ($5.50) and TJ got the Pinot Noir ($5.50).

For a fast casual restaurant, the food was amazing and the price is very reasonable! Out of my two sides, I really liked the fries. I’m pretty easy to please when it comes to fried potato sticks. Just make them hot and crispy and Pier 76 did that! As a result, I cleaned out the bucket. The mac and cheese on the other hand was ok, but there wasn’t anything exciting about it. In no way am I discrediting the dish, it just didn’t come with much favor as I would have hoped. Maybe pairing it with a pepper would have spiced it up (pun intended). But if you’re into white cheddar mac, then this may be a go-to side for you.

Even though the mac and cheese didn’t win my taste buds over, the lobster roll definitely did! It’s safe to say that it may be the best I have ever had. It has large chunks of lobster packed with ripe tomatoes, chipotle blue cheese sauce, and candied bacon all on a thick buttery roll. And when I say “packed” I mean it; seriously look at the pictures. It’s loaded! The lobster is fresh and full of flavor and the chopped bacon was so sweet that it tasted as if it came straight from the Lord’s kitchen. Add to that, the blue cheese was subtle enough that it didn’t taste overwhelming. An interesting ingredient listed on the menu is pure love. Funny thing, it’s listed in the middle of the combo’s description that for a second you question where pure love is sold. Once you come to your senses you realize it comes from the heart. Aww shucks, guys that’s cute!

I really enjoyed eating at Pier 76. The food was perfect and the restaurant is in a great location. Although TJ and I walked to Pier 76, I found out that they offer 2-hour validated parking in the nearby Wells Fargo Building. I love when restaurants have free parking! If the pictures, descriptions, and free parking doesn’t have you drooling over them, then you may want to check if you have a pulse. Even as I write this and simply reminisce about the experience my mouth is watering. Kind of wish I could teleport myself from Downtown LA to Pier 76 right now just so I could relive the delicious feeling again. I should probably work on that.

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