The Warehouse Restaurant

A Restaurant Built From History

Walk into The Warehouse and you step into a space built from the bones of old California shipyards. Real wharf posts support the structure. Wine barrels from another era line the walls. Shipping crates, nautical rigging, and fishing nets hang throughout, all trucked in from abandoned San Pedro shipyards when founder Burt Hixson opened the restaurant in 1969.

Hixson was an award-winning cameraman who traveled extensively, and his collection of photographs from around the world still decorates the walls. The original furniture came from hand-woven Malaysian bamboo and Hawaiian cane, creating a Polynesian atmosphere that feels more authentic than kitschy. The design works because nothing here is fake. The weathered lumber shows real age, the maritime equipment served real ships, and the tropical touches reference actual places Hixson visited.

This approach made The Warehouse one of Marina del Rey’s first restaurants, and it remains a landmark over 55 years later.

Waterfront Dining and Marina Views

The main draw is the waterfront patio. Tables look directly onto the marina, where sailboats and yachts bob on the water. Sunsets here deliver the California coastal experience visitors expect. The outdoor area includes “the pond,” home to large koi fish and turtles that add movement to the scenery.

Inside, the barrel-and-crate dining room maintains the shipyard warehouse aesthetic. The space can accommodate small groups or parties up to 350, with a loft area holding 175 and the main dining room offering quieter corners near the windows. The setting balances casual and special occasion, appropriate for both weekend brunch and date night.

Steaks, Seafood, and Weekend Brunch

Los Angeles Magazine named The Warehouse one of the city’s Top Ten Steakhouses, and the menu reflects that focus. Prime rib comes with all the traditional accompaniments. Malaysian prawns arrive colossal and properly cooked. The seafood selection spans fresh catches prepared with straightforward techniques that let quality ingredients stand out.

Weekend brunch draws crowds for the buffet spread, including fried chicken that regulars specifically recommend. The Gouda mac and cheese has developed its own following. Portions run generous, prices land in the moderate-to-upscale range, and the cooking stays consistent.

Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 4pm to 7pm in the lounge area, with discounted drinks and appetizer specials. Locals from Marina del Rey, Venice, Santa Monica, Playa del Rey, and Playa Vista receive a 10% discount on food with valid ID.

Live Entertainment and Friday Salsa

Friday nights bring salsa dancing and bachata music. A free lesson starts at 9pm, then the floor opens to everyone at 10pm. The marina setting makes this one of the more distinctive dance venues in the area.

Saturday evenings feature live music in the bar. Monday nights host comedy shows with Comics on the Spot. Thursday happy hours include live music from local bands. The entertainment schedule keeps the restaurant active beyond just dinner service.

Visiting Details

Reservations help, especially for weekend dining or if you want patio seating during sunset. The valet parking costs a flat fee regardless of how long you stay. The space is wheelchair accessible and the patio welcomes pets with some restrictions.

The Warehouse works for different occasions. Couples come for sunset dinners. Groups book the private spaces for events. Regulars stop by for happy hour at the koi pond. Weekend brunchers fill the buffet tables. And on Friday nights, dancers take over the floor while the restaurant keeps serving food.

Current owners Lee and Martha Spencer maintain what Hixson built while keeping the menu and entertainment calendar active. The combination of authentic maritime materials, quality steaks and seafood, waterfront views, and regular entertainment explains why this place has lasted over five decades in a competitive marina restaurant market.