Opening March 9 on Hermosa Beach’s Pier Avenue, Tower 12 is a new hang that throws it back for the local community. The new South Bay spot incorporates vintage artifacts, furnishings and artwork that rep the laidback surf, music and beach scene. Wanting to create a welcoming, truly unique space for friends and neighbors to kick back and enjoy incredible food and drink, the Tower 12 team called on Consulting Chef Brendan Collins to create California-inspired, updated spins on American classics. Located on a second story deck with interconnected rooms that overlook the ocean and pier, Tower 12 is the ultimate beachside spot for sunset sessions, après surf and always-welcome vibes.
Tower 12’s food program is guided by Consulting Chef Brendan Collins, one of Los Angeles’ most distinguished culinary names, alongside Executive Chef Alex Granados. The Tower 12 team created a menu full of delights for the hungry surfer. Shareable starters include Woodfired Garlic Blue Shrimp with Whole Caledonian Shrimp, garlic butter & charred sourdough, Cheese Steak Poppers with Yorkshire popovers, ribeye, peppers, onion & cheese sauce and Chicken Lollipop Wings with green apple & bourbon chipotle hot sauce. Tower 12 also offers an assortment of chef selected charcuterie and artisan cheese boards. Signature salads include Roasted Heirloom Beets with Caña de Cabre Goat Cheese, baby greens, cherry tomato, Banyuls vinaigrette and Smoked Chicken Waldorf with house-smoked chicken, candied walnuts, green apple, bleu cheese, baby gem & cranberry balsamic vinaigrette. Hand-tossed, house made pizzas baked in Tower 12’s woodfired oven include the Banzai Pipeline Hawaiian Pizza with parma cotto ham, pineapple, Fresno chilis, mint & tomato sauce and Magic Mushroom Pizza with forest mushrooms, truffle gremolata, crème fraiche & arugula. Among the “between the bread” offerings are a House-Smoked Pastrami Sandwich with double-smoked, hand-cut pastrami, Emmental cheese, coleslaw & house Russian dressing on grilled marble rye and Ahi Tuna Banh Mi Burger with sushi grade tuna, cucumber, Vietnamese mint, nam sauce, roasted peanuts, cilantro, hoisin, pickled carrots & cucumbers on a sesame seed bun. Hearty entrees include a 12-Hour Braised Short Rib with brown butter mashed potatoes & grilled broccolini and Organic Salmon on Cedar with a miso glaze, grilled broccolini & chile marmalade. Rounding out the menu are vegetable sides such as Grilled Broccolini with lemon, garlic, shallots, EVOO, chili flake and Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes with Yukon potato and caramelized brown butter.
Because no one likes waiting too long for a cold one, Tower 12 houses two full-service bars specializing in handcrafted cocktails, wine and 30 local brews on tap. Created by Mixologist John Fox of Palmilla, signature drinks include Gleaming the Cube with Dewar’s 12 Scotch, St. Germain, mint, honey syrup, fresh lemon juice, Por Qué No Margarita with Cazadores Anejo, mezcal, peach liqueur, chipotle, fresh lime & pineapple juice on the rocks with a chipotle powder rim and 16th Street Spiked Rum Smash with Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, muddled pineapple & mint, fresh lime juice, Myer’s Dark Rum float, Luxardo Maraschino Cherry, served in a branded souvenir glass that guests may take home. Tower 12 also offers “Socialbowls” for sharing such as a 90 oz. Mavericks Mai Mule with Stoli Vodka, fresh lime juice, ginger beer, orange curacao & Giffard Orgeat and a flaming 48 oz. Southbay Swizzle with Pyrat Rum, Citronge, Luxardo Cherry Liqueur & fresh lime juice.
Designed by Vanrooy Creative Group, Tower 12 feels like a kickback spot. Guests can chill in three main rooms connected by a wraparound, wooden outdoor balcony. With two bars, one of which opens to the balcony, guests can order drinks as they mingle on the outdoor walkway. Bookshelves and walls are covered with ‘70s surfboards, vintage artifacts and framed photographs of old Hermosa. White-paneled walls with warm, wooden accents create a homey yet light backdrop for a seemingly endless amount of South Bay memorabilia, including local artwork from Made in SoCal, Larry Hamilton photography, Black Flag posters, a custom-shaped surf board table by Spyder Surf’s founder Dennis Jarvis, a photo of Hermosa’s iconic Green Store and pictures of residents skateboarding The Strand. Televisions are scattered throughout, along with a selection of classic ‘80s and ‘90s arcade games such as Pacman, Street Fighter and NBA/ NFL Blitz. The two back rooms feature an eclectic assortment of lounge chairs, couches and tree stump stools, whereas the front room offers more conventional seating with high tops, barstools, pew booths and custom tables made from live wood and a repurposed surfboard. In total, the front room seats 78 people, with the back living room spaces seating an additional 61.
Tower 12 is located at 53 Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach, California. The phone number is (310) 379 – 6400. Tower 12 is open at 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, please visit www.tower12hb.com, or follow on Instagram (@tower12hb) and Facebook.com/tower12hb.
ABOUT TOWER 12: Tower 12 is a beach-town casual kitchen and bar located in Hermosa Beach, California. The concept honors the local South Bay community, incorporating vintage artifacts, furnishings and artwork that reflect its laidback surf, music and beach culture and history. Created by distinguished chef Brendan Collins, the menu offers California-inspired, updated spins on American classics including shareable bar bites, wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, salads and entrees. In addition to the food program, Tower 12 houses two full-service bars specializing in handcrafted cocktails, wine and 30 local brews on tap. Located on a second story deck with beautiful ocean views, Tower 12 features a wraparound, wooden outdoor balcony and interconnected rooms that feel more like a kickback for friends than a public space.