Brewco Social, a Longtime Manhattan Beach Favorite, Enjoys a Modern Revival

“Given the changing economy, as well as the shifting demographics in Manhattan Beach, we envisioned a fresh, upscale and vibrant social hub for our wonderful locals and visitors alike,” he shares.

The restaurant reopened earlier this year with a fresh design, a reimagined menu and a new name: Brewco Social. To help realize his vision for the location’s grand revival, Mike collaborated with interior designer Noelle Isbell of Noelle Interiors.

“We wanted to support a local designer whose work I genuinely admire,” says Mike. “When she shared her rendering, I was instantly impressed. As an owner-builder who usually works independently, I found this collaboration to be a pleasant surprise. Supporting local talent from our amazing beach community made it all the more rewarding.”

“It’s a space designed for flexibility and sociability, ensuring everyone feels comfortable whether they’re dropping by for a quick drink or staying for a full meal with friends.”

Having spent two decades as a regular at the restaurant, Noelle knew exactly what Brewco meant to the South Bay and had a clear plan for how to elevate the venue. “The design was all about blending Brewco’s original charm with modern touches to create a space that feels comfortable and stylish—perfect for a town that values connection as much as it does a laid-back beach vibe,” she explains. “It was a bold move, but I believed in the vision. And fortunately, Michael shared that excitement.”

With “Social” now part of the brand, connection became the heart of the redesign. The new layout focuses on versatile seating options, including modular tables that can easily be rearranged to accommodate everything from intimate dinners to large group gatherings. The high-top seating by the windows encourages people to take in the lively downtown atmosphere while staying connected to local events happening right outside.

“It’s a space designed for flexibility and sociability, ensuring everyone feels comfortable whether they’re dropping by for a quick drink or staying for a full meal with friends,” says Noelle.

The use of warm wood tones, soft curves in the booth seating and brass accents throughout introduces a touch of sophistication while maintaining the relaxed ambience that comes with Brewco’s history. “It’s about creating a space that feels inclusive and timeless, appealing to both longtime patrons and new visitors,” she says.

One of Noelle’s favorite hidden gems of the redesign is the restrooms. “They’re unexpectedly spacious without traditional stalls, and we created a really intimate, sophisticated vibe,” she says. “The dynamic tile patterns and colors climb up the walls and meet a mirrored ceiling, which adds an element of surprise and depth. The vanities are designed with soft, flattering lighting that gives the space a sexy, elegant feel—perfect for freshening up during a night out. The artwork is understated but interesting, adding just the right amount of charm to make the space feel thoughtfully curated.”

Best of all, Brewco Social is still a place to enjoy the beachside energy with delicious dishes and a huge variety of craft beers, wines and cocktails. Mike recommends the daily selection of Russian River beers, the Terracotta Paloma and the Social Spritz before indulging in shishito peppers, tuna rolls and lamb tacos.

He adds, “Who doesn’t love starting a meal with sushi and then indulging in a burger or ribs?” We do.