Pier 76 Fish Grill in Long Beach: Excellent Vietnamese Catfish, Good Watermelon Lemonade and Sides that Need Work

I confess I wasn't too enthused about the limited choices when I took a peek at Pier 76 Fish Grill's menu. It's a very casual semi-self-service restaurant that specializes in seafood. It has nice outdoor seating but the most uncomfortable chairs. The menu features four types of grilled fish, one jumbo shrimp and one chicken. These entrees come with a side of short grained rice and a choice of various sides like mac-n-cheese and kale and tomato salad (which I got -- it's an extra $1.50 when you forgo the rice for a second side).

While waiting in line to order (you get a number and they bring it to your table), my dining companion and I "grilled" one of the owner/managers who very generously answered our million questions. What is Swai? Vietnamese Catfish. Would the sesame be too strong in the sesame lime Tilapia? No. What is the difference between the three home-made lemonades (fountain drinks), each of which showed a hue of brown, green and red, respectively? They are tamarind lemonade, cucumber lemonade and watermelon lemonade. Are all the fish cooked as fillets? Yes.

The grilled Swai that I got with a side of the mac-n-cheese and kale and tomato salad was superb. It was fresh, tender and grilled to perfection. I felt like I was having freshly caught fish cooked right off the boat. Check out those picture perfect grill marks on that beauty! The arugula almond pesto came on the side instead of smothered on the fish, which I liked, and the pesto itself wasn't as heavy as the regular one made with basil and pine nuts. In fact, the pesto was a gorgeous, bright green color that made it look freshly made and gave it a taste so nutty and wonderful that it made me want to make it at home. I'm usually not huge on pesto so it was a welcome surprise to enjoy it so much.

Now for the not so good. The sides were somewhat disappointing. Loved the selection. Didn't love the execution. The mini pasta shells in the White Cheddar mac-n-cheese was overcooked and the cheese wasn't as flavorful. The kale and tomato salad that came with thinly sliced red onions was refreshing but it was a tad on the overdressed side so quickly wilted.

The fries were average -- probably one of the better sides among the four we tried. The least successful was the broccoli coleslaw that was far too overdressed with vinegar and the very overpowering sesame oil. It's true I'm not a big fan of using sesame oil for non-Asian dishes but sorry to say this one didn't work at all.



The yellowtail fillet that came with roasted garlic butter on the side for dipping was thicker and perhaps for that reason, way dry. It was a must to dunk it generously in the butter to remotely enjoy each morsel of fish. Otherwise, it was pretty bland and devoid of any moist.

I got the watermelon lemonade, which was good but nothing too special. The cucumber one is more of an acquired taste since it's a rather unusual combination. But they were both refreshing. Good for toasty summers.

Service was friendly but they close a bit early -- at 9pm! The outdoor seating area is dog and kid friendly. I may return to try the poke or the fish sandwich (Swai) for lunch but don't think I'll return for dinner. Think I had the best thing on the menu.