Simmzy's: Burgers, Beer and a Totally Bitchin' Vibe

Overview:  Simmzy’s owner Mike Simms knows a thing or two about the restaurant business.  Not only does he come from a pedigreed family of restaurateurs (his dad founded Mimi’s Café and his brother Chris is the innovator behind Lazy Dog Café), his own portfolio includes the Tin Roof Bistro as well as the critically-acclaimed MB Post, both in Manhattan Beach.  After dabbling in home brewing, Mike decided it was time to open a craft beer bar where he could share his passion with others.  The first Simmzy’s opened in April 2009 in Manhattan Beach near his other culinary ventures and three years later Simms brought his casual concept to Belmont Shore. 

Decor:   Surfing has returned to the shores of Long Beach and, no, the breakwater has not been removed.  Simmzy’s logo, a red vintage VW bus, coupled with the restaurant’s laidback vibe, have transformed what was once a greasy spoon into a surf-style bistro with little trace evidence of the old Shore House Café. The tired wood paneling, Formica tables, and confined space has been replaced with an open and lofty design, floor-to-ceiling windows that magically disappear upon opening, a bar with a view of the taps, and a long communal table that dominates the center of the room.  The exhibition kitchen, located in the back of the restaurant, allows for guests to observe the talents of Chef/Partner and Belmont Shore resident Anne Conness, who has worked at such dining landmarks as Saddle Peak Lodge and Napa Valley Grille.  

The Food:  Simmzy’s menu is one that is simple, inviting and pairs nicely with one of the 31 taps lining the west wall.  Ten additional taps are reserved for the restaurant’s “Wine by the Barrel” program, which highlights small production vintages.  Paper placemats double as the menu showcasing a selection of shareable plates, salads, burgers, sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas and nightly specials.  Simmzy’s calling card is its namesake burger made with Angus beef, caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, tomato and lettuce smeared with garlic aioli.  The Blue Cheese Haystack is a nice accompaniment to any meal (and completely share-worthy considering the generous portion) and features shoestring fries tossed with bleu cheese dressing, garlic and a hint of spicy sauce. The Buttermilk Fried Chicken for two is a deal on Monday nights with mashed potatoes, Napa slaw and gravy - $24.00.   Simmzy’s seems to attract a lot of families, and why not?  There is a nice draft beer ready for dad to tap, a decent wine list for mom, and some rather good grub that the kids will enjoy, too.  The Mac-N-Cheese Pizza, no explanation needed, is a favorite with my brood and a bargain at just $5.  If I had one suggestion for Simmzy’s it would be this:  Offer a side of fries or salad with the burgers and sandwiches.

Service:  In a word – epic.  The servers at Simmzy’s have been trained well and do a superb job with timing.  They’re attentive without hovering – a plus in my book - and don’t overburden with the proverbial “how’s everything tasting?”  My favorite tables are the ones that abut the window overlooking La Verne, but the communal table can be a lot of fun as well.  And, when the restaurant is especially crowded I recommend looking for a seat at the bar – which is available on a first come, first-served basis. 

SIMMZY’S

5271 East 2nd Street
Phone: (562) 439-5590

www.simmzys.com
Hours of Operation:

$$
M-Th 11am-11pm (kitchen 'til 10:30pm)
Fri 11:00am-midnight (kitchen 'til 11pm)
Sat 10:00am-midnight (kitchen 'til 11pm)
Sun 10:00am-11pm (kitchen 'til 10:30pm)
**Closed Thanksgiving Day & Christmas Day**

Disabled Access:  Yes
Parking Info:  Street or metered parking
Restaurant type:  Casual
Restaurant attributes: Great for groups and families, limited seating,  Credit Cards Accepted.

 Elizabeth Borsting is a longtime Belmont Shore resident, frequent restaurant diner and publicist in the hospitality industry. She does not represent the establishments that she reviews for Patch.