Ocean view casual dining at The Hangout in Seal Beach, California

Aaron Kweskin knew he wanted to open a restaurant. Kinda Lahaina Broiler’s corner location on Main and Ocean came up on the market and Aaron swooped in on this perfect location. Using reclaimed wood for the table tops, bar top, and walls, Aaron and friends helped turn this restaurant space into The Hangout on May 21, 2012. The restaurant has been a full house ever since with a New American menu with southern flair. It became so popular, a second location has opened in Huntington Beach’s Bella Terra.

Deviled Eggs ($5.95) are made with relish and topped with herb dust and bacon crumbles. One of my favorite comfort foods. The yolky filling is creamy with pickled relish flavor. Lightening up a touch on the relish would make it is less vinegary and not so chunky. Rating: 4.3/5

Bacon Mac n’ Cheese Balls ($7.95) are fried and served in marinara sauce. At first look, they look like arancini (deep fried risotto balls). The mac n’ cheese have a great cheesy flavor. The bacon adds a salty, smoky flavor. The hubby does not like mac n’ cheese but he really loved these. Rating: 4.5/5

Dragon Berry Mojito ($9) is made with Bacardi Dragon Berry Rum, fresh berry, simple syrup, mint, and lime. It tastes like an adult Shirley Temple with a tropical flair. It is very easy to drink and would pair well with any dish. The presentation is beautiful as well. Rating: 4.3/5

BBQ Pork Cheese Burger is a burger patty topped with pulled pork, cheddar, fried onions, house-made BBQ sauce and served with French fries. The pulled pork is tender and tossed in just the right amount of sauce. The burger patty is meaty and juicy. There is great taste in every bite. The French fries taste like In-N-Out with fresh cut potato flavor with skins on. Rating: 4.8/5

Clam Bake Pot ($24.95) is filled with clams, shrimp, mussels, andouille sausage, red potatoes, corn, and veggies in your choice of garlic lemon, spicy tomato, or lobster bisque (tonight’s choice was lobster bisque). This is true a melting pot of flavors but has more of a southern influence with addition of spicy andouille sausage. The seafood is cooked to perfection. The lobster bisque makes the perfect base. It would also be great with a side of rice or pasta to extend the use of the bisque. I took home the extra bisque and tossed it with linguine for another meal the next day. Rating: 5/5

Chocolate Lava Cake ($5.95) is served with vanilla ice cream and topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle. The cake itself is actually quite light, almost like a chocolate sponge cake. The chocolate lava inside is very hot and flows out when you hit its molten core. It is sweet and decadent – the perfect ending to a great meal. Rating: 4.5/5

Take advantage of our extended summer weather and let The Hangout be your ocean escape.

Atmosphere: 4 out of 5 stars

Décor: 4 out of 5 stars

Service: 5 out of 5 stars

Food: 5 out of 5 stars

Specials:

• Check out their daily specials

For more information:
The Hangout Restaurant & Beach Bar

901 Ocean Avenue

Seal Beach, CA 90740

+1.562.431.4888

Hours: Daily from 7 AM to 12 AM