Overview | Well, it’s official. LA’s most stylish restaurant has planted roots in the South Bay and is now open for business. The Arthur J., located in the heart of the Manhattan Beach Ave. drag, is lead by beloved Chef David LeFevre and was created by the same masterminds behind same vein staples such as MB Post and Fishing With Dynamite. The Arthur J. was most certainly one of the most highly anticipated openings of 2015 and the chic, mid century modern steakhouse is already knocking out of the part – shocking I know.
I myself have been a huge fan of most of what the Manhattan Beach dining scene has to offer but a steakhouse, with 60’s flare and a top notch design concept was something that was certainly lacking in the area. Enter The Arthur J. with it’s James Bond, Palm Springs, debonaire attitude and a whole new niche has been born. The interior is warm, sleek, modern, and utterly timeless, and with the added bonus of 60’s tunes further livening the space the Arthur J. is truly a whole new experience. If you weren’t a whiskey or bourbon drinker, you might becoming one after stepping in to The Arthur J.
David LeFevre has completely outdone himself with the Arthur J. menu which focuses on a updated twist on a classic style of steakhouse dining. The menu features (huge, like the size of your head) bone-in cuts of Angus or Prime beef, more typical cuts of beef such as ribeye, filet mignon, etc., a variety of starters and sides, and a few things in-between. I had just about one of everything – I’m shocked I’m not actually still full from that incredible meal, but the take away from the entire experience is that the Arthur J. was without a doubt a special treat. It’s not every day we find ourselves filling up on steak, potatoes, and all that is a buttery holy heaven in-between. But when you do get that meal, you’d want to make it count. You’d want it to the one Arthur J. serves.
Favorite Drink | Drunkin’ Boyscouts (teehee): The Arthur J.’s play on a Bourbon Swizzle with fresh lime juice, fresh mint, and a hint of rosemary syrup.
Must Order | Oh boy. Where do we even begin. The obvious item would be a steak, hence the whole “steakhouse” thing. But the standout items to me were the popovers (where can you even get those anymore!), the potato gratin (which is a side), and the Swedish meatballs (those mashed potatoes… mm).
Perfect Spot For | A special occasion, a date, a steak, a great spot for a Manhattan at the bar.
Pro Tip | If you’re a truffle lover, make sure you order a side of the truffle butter for your steak.
Fun Fact | Arthur J. is a real person, and happens to be owners Chris and Mike Simms’ grandfather. The space is an homage to what Arthur’s casual cool life might have looked like in the 60’s. The incredibly chic (and incredibly accurate) mid century modern space was designed by Julie Fisher and Rachel Crowl of fcSTUDIO.
The Arthur J. | 903 Manhattan Ave. Manhattan Beach, CA | 310.878.9620
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