Some of the best meals in California hide in places you would drive right past without a second look. Picture a plain little building near the working docks, a menu on the wall, and the smell of fresh fish drifting out the door.
Then you notice the line of hungry people wrapping outside, and you start wondering what they know that you don’t. Grab a paper plate and some curiosity, because this harbor shack is worth the wait.
A Fish Market Tucked Into the Port
Down at 555 Pico Ave in Long Beach, right where the port does its busy work, sits Berth 55-Fish Market & Seafood Deli. It is a walk-in fish market and a walk-up seafood eatery rolled into one dockside spot.
Plenty of folks admit they drove past it for years without noticing it was there. One visitor only found it through an app and later called it a true hidden gem.
That surprise is part of the fun, since the building does not shout for attention at all.
What it does offer is simple. You get fresh catches, cooked to order, served with a view of the water and the boats bobbing nearby.
Truckers passing through the port appreciate it because there are not many food options around. Locals and curious travelers come for the same reason everyone else does, which is seafood that tastes like it just came off the dock.
Where Market Meets Kitchen
Imagine picking your dinner straight from the ice and watching it head to the grill. That is the basic idea behind the two-part setup here.
On one side, the fish market lays out its seafood so you can see exactly what is fresh that day. One visitor was pleased to find that it did not smell super fishy, which says a lot about how quickly things move through.
On the other side, the deli cooks your choice once you order it, so nothing sits around waiting.
Some guests shop the market and leave with bags of goodies. One person picked up a pound each of breaded fried shrimp, cooked shrimp, and big scallops with veggies, and called both the shrimp and scallops great.
Others skip the shopping and head right for a hot plate. Either way, the freshness comes from the same simple fact that the kitchen and the market share one roof.
The Famous Clam Chowder Bread Bowl
Ask around about what to order first, and chowder comes up more than almost anything else. It is easily one of the most talked about items on the menu.
Served in a sourdough bread bowl, the soup gets called hearty, creamy, and nice and hot. One guest who bought seafood by the pound still grabbed a bowl and said it was delicious.
Another praised the decent chunks of potato and the fresh bread that is perfect for tearing off and dipping.
Not everyone thinks it is the richest version around. One diner felt the seasoning was a little mild and wished for more clam flavor.
Still, that same person finished most of the bowl without complaint and found it warm and comforting. On a breezy harbor day, a steaming bread bowl might be just what you need while you wait for the rest of your food to arrive.
Grilled Red Snapper and Halibut Plates
Simple fresh fish, no fancy extras. One happy diner described the grilled halibut with a shrimp skewer as divine for exactly that reason.
Red snapper is another big favorite among regulars. A guest ordered the red snapper plate with grilled shrimp, while her mother chose the fried oyster plate, and she said both were amazing.
Another table tried grilled red snapper with jumbo shrimp alongside grilled catfish and shrimp, and they raved about the fresh, juicy taste.
The appeal here is honest cooking. Instead of heavy sauces, the grill lets the fish speak for itself.
If you are the kind of eater who wants to actually taste what came out of the ocean, these plates are a smart pick. Some diners have seen plates of grilled fish with veggies and potatoes going out, so it pays to ask the counter what sides come with your choice.
Shrimp Three Ways
Fried, grilled, or glazed with BBQ, shrimp shows up everywhere at this counter. Guests keep circling back to it for good reason.
The fried version gets a crunchy coating, and one first-timer said the fry and seasoning were really good, with everything served nice, fresh, and hot. Grilled shrimp skewers are a popular add-on to fish plates.
One family called their shrimp excellent, and another visitor described the ones they bought by the pound as jumbo.
The BBQ shrimp is where things get flavorful. A longtime visitor praised the freshly cooked fish and BBQ shrimps as well prepared.
Another couple loved how perfectly cooked their shrimp was. A few people do mention the kitchen can sometimes go heavy on seasoning, so speak up if you like things mild.
Otherwise, shrimp is a reliable way to start if you are unsure what to choose.
Scallops, Oysters, and Lobster Tail
Smoky, tender BBQ scallops are hard to find, according to one couple who could not stop talking about them. That smoky touch is a big reason they recommend skipping any judgment about the surroundings.
Oyster fans have options too. One group ordered two dozen oysters on the half shell and loved how large they were.
A small heads up, though. That same visitor noticed there was no horseradish in the building, so bring your own expectations accordingly.
Fried oyster plates also get warm praise.
Then there is the grilled lobster tail on a skewer with fries. A diner said it came out nicely charred outside and juicy inside, with a spicy kick that did not hide its natural sweetness.
It was also called a generous portion for the price. Crab legs earned a delicious rating too, though one guest joked about needing a tool to crack them open.
Fish and Chips, Burgers, and Other Basics
Not every order has to be fancy. Sometimes you just want a classic basket.
One group said everything they tried was delicious, from classic fish and chips to a couple of seafood skewers. Combo plates pairing fried fish with scallops or shrimp are common first picks.
Fries tend to be the crinkle-cut kind, hot and crispy when they first arrive.
Here is where honesty helps. A few diners felt the fried fish plate was on the small side, with mostly batter, and that it felt pricey at around $15.
Another found the burger and fries only okay, with fries a bit soft, though he still planned to return and try something else. The takeaway is simple.
The grilled fresh fish and seafood tend to win more hearts than the land-based snacks. If you want to finish on a sweet note, the carrot cake gets a friendly shoutout from a regular.
Picnic Tables With a Harbor View
Sunshine, salty air, and a table right by the boats. For many guests, the setting is half the reason to come.
Seating is picnic style and outdoors. Diners describe the waterside tables as chill and relaxed, ideal for a laid-back meal.
You can watch the boats as you eat, and several visitors say you simply cannot beat the view. There is plenty of seating for family gatherings or groups of friends, too.
After lunch, stretch your legs. One couple took a walk on the dock once their plates were cleaned, which sounds like a lovely way to end a meal.
A staff member has been spotted wiping tables and keeping the area tidy. One guest did mention a few fruit flies, likely thanks to being right by the water.
Consider it part of the true outdoor, dockside experience.
How Ordering Works at the Counter
First timers, pay attention. The system here is quick once you understand it.
There are no waiters. You walk up to the counter, read the menu posted on the walls, place your order, and get a number.
When your food is ready, they call it out. On busy days, like a Sunday afternoon, there can be a line out the door, and a staff member may let only a few groups inside at a time.
The menu is described as manageable, not too big. Still, some guests noticed others eating items they did not see listed, like raw oysters or grilled plates with veggies and potatoes.
The lesson is to ask questions. Several visitors say staff happily answered them, while one group felt rushed.
Be clear, especially if you have food allergies, and double check your order before digging in. A little patience goes a long way.
Come-As-You-Are Atmosphere
Real, everyday people. That is how one visitor summed up the crowd, saying the place welcomes you just as you are.
You will not find white tablecloths here. One guest called it a grab your food, find a table, and enjoy kind of spot, good for hanging out solo or with a crew.
Another loved that it feels local and authentic, a great stop if you enjoy the energy of a big city port.
The building itself shows some age. A longtime customer said the entrance and inside could use a little care.
Staff are often described as helpful but no nonsense, which fits the working harbor mood. Truckers, families, fishing fans, and curious foodies all blend together.
If you value flavor over frills, you will probably feel right at home. If you need polish and pampering, maybe save this one for a casual day.
Hours, Prices, and Parking Tips
Good news for flexible schedules. Berth 55 keeps the same hours every day of the week, opening at 10 AM and closing at 7 PM.
Prices are often called reasonable or decent for what you get. Keep in mind some items, like oysters, are sold by the pound.
One group of three spent about $70 on three plates plus drinks, while a single fried fish plate ran around $15. It helps to know roughly what you want before reaching the counter.
Parking is usually plentiful, but it can fill up at times, so one regular suggests arriving early. Crowds vary too.
Some Sundays are packed with a line outside, while other Sundays felt surprisingly empty. Long Beach Sportfishing operates in the same area, which explains some of the bustle.
Questions before you go? Call +1 562-435-8366 or check berth55seafood.com for details.
Worth the Wait? A Friendly Verdict
Don’t let the location fool you. That advice from one happy diner sums up the spirit of this harbor spot nicely.
Berth 55 is not perfect. Service can feel hurried on busy days, some fried dishes get mixed reviews, and the building shows its years.
But the heart of the place, fresh seafood cooked to order and eaten by the water, wins over a huge number of guests. Grilled snapper, halibut, shrimp, scallops, and that bread bowl chowder keep people coming back again and again.
Go in with the right mindset. Ask questions at the counter, stick with the fresh catches, and grab a table near the boats.
Then take a slow walk on the dock afterward. If you enjoy honest food with a side of salty air, this Long Beach shack might just become your new favorite reason to wait in line.
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