Longfellow and Manhattan Avenues

The intersection of Longfellow and Manhattan avenues is the South Bay’s version of a border crossing, welcoming folks to sunny Hermosa just steps from equally sunny Manhattan. It’s also one of the busiest corners in a neighborhood that’s primarily residential. In fact, this tiny stretch of retail, restaurants and more kind of sneaks up on you if you’re cutting through from one town to the other. Here are a few reasons to pause your commute and enjoy this unexpected enclave.

Boccato’s Groceries (1) is probably the most iconic spot on the strip, hosting hungry South Bay families for years now. Its close proximity to the shore makes it the perfect beach store for last-minute picnic items, sandwiches, fine wines and other booze for late-afternoon house parties. (3127 Manhattan Avenue)

You get not one but two taco joints to choose from on the street. Amigo’s Tacos (2), known for their “famous” breakfast burritos, is a popular detour for office commuters (3216 Manhattan Avenue), and family-owned La Penita (3) has those yummy chicken tacos and a sunny patio. (200 Longfellow Avenue)

In the shopping center on the east side of Manhattan Avenue, you’ll find one of our favorite shops in the South Bay, DoubleTake (4). Known for their amazing selection of vintage dresses and shoes, this stylish consignment boutique carries every high-end designer you can imagine. (3216 Manhattan Avenue)

Across the street you’ll find a row of cute storefronts with a wide variety of services. These include O’Connor Property (5), a family real estate operation with more than 36 years of experience (3201 Manhattan Avenue), Karen Wittich Designs (6), purveyor of fine art and home décor (3209 Manhattan Avenue), and Chug Salon (7), cutting beach hair since 1980 (3217 Manhattan Avenue).

That bright green building belongs to Unlimited Fitness (8), a “by-appointment” personal training studio that accommodates up to eight clients per trainer per hour. You know, it’s still early enough in the season to fit into last year’s swimsuit. (3219 Manhattan Avenue)