First Look at El Pescador's La Jolla Expansion

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• 634 Pearl Street

After 27 years in La Jolla, El Pescador Fish Market & Restaurant is preparing for a huge move, if not in distance, than definitely in size and scope.

El Pescador's owner, Sean Shannon, gave Eater a peek at the beginnings of their new space, just across Pearl Street in what used to be Marrakesh Restaurant. Shannon, who first started working at the fish market and seafood deli's original Del Mar spot when he was just 16 years old, also considered a building down the block that once housed a Persian restaurant and is now Tandoori Chef, but deemed it not big enough.

Their current, 1,150 square foot eatery at 627 Pearl Street will stay open until construction is finished; it holds just 12 seats. The new space, due this summer, spans 3,000 square feet, has its own parking lot and will accommodate 65 to 75 people — a sidewalk patio's in the works too.

Shannon was quick to say that he doesn't want much else to change, despite the bigger location. There will be beer, three to four taps, and wine but no dedicated bar area, and the restaurant will close by 9 p.m. — oh, and no T.V.'s.

Food ordering will be via a walk-up counter and the menu (seafood cocktails, char-grilled fish sandwiches and a few specials) and prices, will likely remain much the same. A few additions might include burritos, a brown rice option and grilled vegetables. A separate area will be also designated for those just shopping for fish from El Pescador's new 24 feet of refrigerated seafood cases.
· El Pescador Fish Market & Restaurant [Official Site]
· All Plywood Reports on Eater San Diego [~ESD~]