Bear Flag Fish Co. Opens Elevated Costa Mesa Location

Bear Flag Fish Co. is marking two decades in business in a big way, with its most elevated location yet now open in Costa Mesa. The restaurant and fish market has taken over the former Santa Monica Seafood space on East 17th Street. Each Bear Flag has its own character, but this one finally gives the team room to show everything they do.

The Costa Mesa location is the company’s fourth, joining two in Newport Beach, including one at Crystal Cove, and one in Huntington Beach. It is also the first stand-alone location. The company was founded by fisherman Thomas “Thos” Carson. Steve Jones, founder of the design firm bettershelter, has worked with the brand for years. He has designed the interior of each location with its own distinctive Bear Flag Fish Co. look: classic nautical details with a playful, retro twist. The new location has a full bar and offers indoor, counter and patio dining.

Sustainability is a priority for Bear Flag, which says protecting the fish supply is good for both the environment and the company’s future.

The menu is part fish market, part taco shop and part sushi bar. Fan favorites include the Bear Flag taco and burrito, made with panko-crusted white fish, plus poke bowls, ceviche and seafood salads sold by the pound. Diners can build their own seafood plate from the market case or choose a grilled seafood sandwich or a lobster roll. More exclusive menu items will be added to this location.

Starters include shrimp cocktail, calamari fries and sauteed clams and mussels. Chowder, cioppino and miso soup round out the menu.

The sushi bar offers nigiri, sashimi, signature rolls like the Bear Flag roll with Cajun seared tuna, and an omakase.

The seafood market carries more than 20 varieties, from halibut and swordfish to white sea bass and uni, along with premium picks like Chilean sea bass, black cod and toro.

Bear Flag Fish Co. is at 154 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, and is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 949-396-2800.

Treehouse on PCH Casts A Halloween Spell

For readers craving a little witchy wonder this October, Treehouse on PCH, the rooftop bar at Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach, is embracing the season with a themed cocktail menu, a late-night happy hour and a Halloween party overlooking the Pacific. There are no tricks here, just treats (and tequila).

Halloween Cocktail Menu
Available through Oct. 31

Wake the Dead: A haunting take on the classic espresso martini, made with Aspen Vodka from the nitro cold machine and garnished with cocoa dust.

Black Magic Margarita: A spellbinding blackberry brew made with Flecha Azul Reposado and finished with a black salt rim.

Cristalino Creeper: An elevated sip that creeps up on you, made with Flecha Azul Cristalino Añejo Tequila, Midori melon liqueur and lime juice, garnished with an eyeball.

Blood Bag: A mystically mixed treat made with Aspen Vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice and grenadine.

Devil’s Kiss: The evil twin of a popular skinny margarita, made with Flecha Azul Blanco and muddled jalapeños.

Blood Shot: A frightfully fun bloody Jell-O shot made with Aspen Vodka.

Late Night Happy Hour
Before the witching hour, settle in every Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. to midnight for $12 classic cocktails, $7 draft beers and $9 wine by the glass.

Enchanted Treehouse Halloween Party
Saturday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m. to midnight
The rooftop transforms into an enchanted forest with themed decor, photo opportunities, a live DJ, and spooky specialty cocktails and bites. Festive attire is encouraged. Groups of four to 10 can reserve a private cabana or firepit couch, complete with an enchanted punch bowl, for extra magical memories.

Día de los Muertos Weekend
Oct. 30 to Nov. 1
The celebration continues through Halloween weekend with vibrant rooftop decor, DJ entertainment and festive cocktails. Guests are invited to show off Catrina-inspired attire and face paint.

21080 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach.

Barnes & Noble Returned to Costa Mesa

In case you missed it, Barnes & Noble opened a new flagship store at South Coast Plaza in August, bringing the bookseller back to Costa Mesa.

The 27,000-square-foot space sits on the upper level of the mall and revives bookselling in a location that once housed Borders and, more recently, Sports Chalet. Inside, shoppers will find an extensive selection of books, exclusive gifts, a curated collection of toys and games, vinyl records, a newsstand and more.

The store also features a Barnes & Noble Café with an outdoor patio and sweeping views, a nice spot to settle in with a new read.

For details on events and store information, visit stores.barnesandnoble.com.

Open daily 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

3333 Bear Street, Suite 340, Costa Mesa.