McKenna’s On the Bay

McKenna’s On the Bay
Long Beach
By Britnie Moniz

 

This past weekend, my boyfriend and I decided we would go and try out a new restaurant in Long Beach, CA called Boathouse on the Bay, formerly McKenna’s On the Bay. Since the restaurant changed ownership in the last year they haven given a portion of the property a “face lift” if you will.

 

We had specifically gone during brunch so we could enjoy the new outside patio overlooking the bay of Long Beach. The outside patio was expanded during the remodel and given a whole new look. We had heard great reviews so we were extremely excited to have brunch here and enjoy the sunny weather.  Unfortunately, the weather had another plan for us! Due to the way the patio was arranged, and the seat we were given in the corner, the wind continuously came wrapping around us leaving me FREEZING! Every other seat in the outside dining area was getting sunlight and avoiding the wind due to how it was arranged on the patio.  Aside from the wind, the patio was great. There were wooden high top tables with bright blue umbrellas. Also amongst us were lower booths with linen padded seats that had white and navy striped cushions. The striped cushions really complimented the coastal theme of the patio. There were stainless steel heaters scattered throughout as well as live music playing which added a very nice touch.  The sounds of the band were almost something you would envision hearing on a tropical island. 

 

The indoor dining area had not been changed much, which was a bit odd because the décor did not match the outdoor seating area very well.  The tile flooring throughout the indoor was some sort of porcelain tile, very small hexagon shapes in a black and white design. The grout was of a dark gray color, which I am not sure if it was meant to be that way, or it had accumulated dirt over the years since I do not believe this was new.  The lighting throughout was very dim and the indoor booth seating and tables were a bit outdated and again did not match the theme that was going on throughout the updated patio.  The indoor bar had what seemed to be a brick veneer, which worked well with the interior design, but again not well with the outdoor design. 

All together, the food was great and the drinks were even better. The presentation was tasteful and fun.  Fresh seafood dishes filled the menu along with a variety of creative dishes you can’t find anywhere else in Long Beach other than this waterfront location. 

 

The vibe of the patio definitely left me wanting more.  It’s a very creative setting where you can meet friends or have a romantic meal with your significant other. However, don’t sit in the corner and make sure you are in the sun! This is definitely a place I would recommend to others, however, only for the outdoor area so you can overlook the bay.