5 Secrets Behind Manhattan Beach Post (MB Post): The South Bay's Most Iconic Restaurant

The Manhattan Beach Post (MB Post) is not just a restaurant; it is the culinary cornerstone of the South Bay, a lively, soulful dining experience that redefined coastal California cuisine when it opened its doors in 2011. As of December 2025, the establishment continues to thrive, anchoring the Manhattan Beach dining scene with its commitment to artisan, shared plates and a vibrant atmosphere that captures the town's laid-back yet sophisticated spirit. Its enduring popularity is evidenced by its consistent inclusion in top Los Angeles dining guides and the buzz around its seasonal offerings, such as the recent Thanksgiving 2025 Togo Menu, which allowed locals to bring Chef LeFevre's signature touch home. This iconic eatery, located just steps from the Manhattan Beach Pier, has become synonymous with elevated, yet unpretentious, food. It’s a place where fine-dining technique meets rustic, family-style warmth, encouraging guests to sample their way through a playful menu designed for sharing. The success of MB Post is deeply rooted in the vision of its chef-owner, David LeFevre, whose personal journey from the Midwest to the world's most vibrant culinary communities is the secret ingredient behind the restaurant's unique charm.

The Visionary: Chef David LeFevre's Full Biography and Restaurant Empire

The heart of MB Post’s success lies with its founder, Chef David LeFevre, a veteran of the Los Angeles dining scene often credited with transforming the culinary landscape of the entire South Bay.

• Birthplace: Madison, Wisconsin.
• Early Influence: Developed a passion for cooking by helping his mother in the kitchen.
• Culinary Training: Trained extensively in Europe, including a notable three-year stint with the legendary Chef Charlie Trotter in Chicago.
• Michelin Star History: LeFevre earned a prized Michelin Star for his mastery of seafood during his time as Executive Chef.
• Executive Chef Role: Served as the Executive Chef of Water Grill in downtown Los Angeles for six years, where he gained critical acclaim.
• The Founding of MB Post: Opened Manhattan Beach Post (M.B. Post) in spring 2011, marking a return to his roots and a highly personal menu concept.
• Restaurant Group: LeFevre is the chef-owner behind a critically acclaimed trifecta of Manhattan Beach restaurants: M.B. Post, the oyster bar Fishing with Dynamite, and the ultimate neighborhood steakhouse, The Arthur J.
• Culinary Philosophy: Known for blending expert technique with rustic warmth, prioritizing seasonal ingredients and a social dining experience.

LeFevre’s philosophy for MB Post was a conscious departure from the formality of fine dining, aiming instead for a lively, communal atmosphere where the food is served as small, shared plates, not sides, for the entire table. This approach has cemented MB Post as a cultural hub, not just a place to eat.

The Five Essential MB Post Dishes You Must Order

The menu at MB Post is constantly evolving with the seasons, but certain dishes have achieved legendary status, becoming non-negotiable items for first-time visitors and longtime regulars alike. These dishes perfectly encapsulate the restaurant’s "soulful, highly personal" approach to food.

1. The Famous Bacon Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits

No discussion of MB Post is complete without mentioning the Bacon Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits. These are arguably the single most famous item on the menu, often cited as some of the best biscuits in the country. Served warm and accompanied by a side of sweet, house-made maple butter, these biscuits are a staple of the "Pass the Bread" section and represent the perfect marriage of rustic comfort and sophisticated flavor.

2. Wood-Fired Meats and Shared Plates

MB Post’s dinner menu features a dedicated "Meat Me" section, highlighting their focus on wood-fired grilling. The menu offers creative dishes designed to be shared, such as market-fresh seafood and various cuts of meat, all prepared with an emphasis on expert technique and rustic warmth. This focus on a communal, family-style presentation is key to the MB Post experience.

3. The Seasonal "Eat Your Vegetables" Creations

While the name is playful, the vegetable dishes at MB Post are anything but an afterthought. LeFevre’s commitment to seasonal ingredients means the "Eat Your Vegetables" section is always fresh and inventive. These plates showcase creative pairings and textures, encouraging diners to enjoy an array of new ingredients and flavors outside of the typical protein-heavy entree.

4. Brunch Staples: Thick-Cut Caramelized Bacon

The weekend brunch at MB Post is a South Bay tradition, and a standout item is the thick-cut caramelized bacon. This dish is a perfect example of the restaurant's ability to elevate simple, comforting food into something memorable. The sweet and savory balance makes it a highly addictive side that is essential for any brunch seating.

5. Hand-Crafted Cocktails and Artisan Wines

Beyond the food, the beverage program is a core part of the MB Post identity. The bar serves a selection of hand-crafted cocktails, which are often creative revamps of classic drinks, alongside a carefully curated list of small production wines. The lively atmosphere is often fueled by these drinks, making the restaurant a popular spot for social gatherings and date nights.

The MB Post Impact on South Bay Dining and Topical Authority

The opening of Manhattan Beach Post did more than just introduce a new restaurant; it catalyzed a culinary renaissance in the South Bay. Before MB Post, the area was often overlooked in favor of the more established dining scenes in West Los Angeles and Hollywood. LeFevre’s success proved that a world-class, critically acclaimed dining experience could thrive right off the sand. The restaurant's influence is seen in several key areas that contribute to its topical authority:

• The Shared Plate Revolution: MB Post popularized the "small shared plates" concept in the area, moving away from traditional appetizer/entree structures and fostering a more interactive, communal dining experience.
• Michelin Recognition: While MB Post is considered "casual dining," its quality is recognized by prestigious guides like the Michelin Guide, which notes its big, buzzing atmosphere and prime location near the Manhattan Beach Pier. The restaurant was also notably included on the late Jonathan Gold's revered "101 Best Restaurants" list.
• The LeFevre Empire: The subsequent opening of Fishing with Dynamite (for seafood lovers) and The Arthur J (a classic steakhouse) created a powerful restaurant group that dominates the Manhattan Beach culinary landscape, offering diverse, high-quality options all within a few blocks. This cluster of elite dining options is a major draw for the entire Southern California region.
• Community Engagement: The restaurant actively participates in local events, such as DineLA Restaurant Week, offering special prix-fixe menus that make its coastal California cuisine accessible to a wider audience. Furthermore, the recent availability of their Thanksgiving 2025 Togo Menu highlights their commitment to serving the community even during holiday seasons.

MB Post remains a benchmark for South Bay dining, seamlessly blending a sophisticated, chef-driven menu with the relaxed, beach-town vibe of Manhattan Beach, CA. It is an essential culinary destination for anyone exploring the Los Angeles coastline.