Seemor

Ensenada's Surf N Turf GrillBWorth Trying

Name: Ensenada's Surf N Turf Grill
Address: 4749 Artesia Blvd, Lawndale, CA 90260, Lawndale, United States
Rating: 4.6

4749 Artesia Blvd, Lawndale, CA 90260 · Seafood restaurant, Fast food restaurant, Restaurant · 4.6/5 Google (3191 reviews)

Takeout · Outdoor seating

Destination-worthy Baja-style seafood tacos with generous portions and a bustling counter-service vibe, offering strong value and speed but occasional service mix-ups and inconsistency at peak or late hours.

Why it gets a B for overall quality

Ensenada's Surf N Turf Grill delivers exceptional food quality—particularly benchmark-level battered fish tacos and fresh ceviche—with strong service speed and genuine customer loyalty. However, inconsistent execution on off-days, limited service knowledge, and cramped space with parking challenges prevent grade A territory. It's a reliable neighborhood favorite with standout dishes, but operational inconsistencies and space limitations keep it from competing with the area's premier dining destinations.

Restaurant Summary

The room feels busy and casual, with lines at the counter, orders called by number, and a self-serve salsa bar stacked with roasted yellow chiles and lime wedges. Diners describe the battered fish tacos as “crispy outside and juicy inside,” and the vibe as fast and friendly. Parking can be tight, and peak times get loud. Cooking leans classic Baja-style—battered or grilled fish and shrimp, fresh ceviche, and hearty burritos. It is not fancy, but portions are generous and seafood-forward. Most days are reliably tasty, though a few late-evening visits brought bland soup or dry fish; come earlier for the best turnover and freshness. For families, there are plenty of kid-approachable options like cheese quesadillas, carne asada tacos, fries, and simple grilled fish. No formal kids menu, but prices on tacos ($4-$6) and shareable burritos ($16-$20) make mixing and matching easy. Salsa heat is optional, so you can keep things mild.

At a Glance

Benchmark-level battered fish tacos with generous pieces of fish
Fresh ceviche and a great self-serve salsa and condiments bar
Small parking lot and crowded peak hours
Occasional service mix-ups and attitude under rush
Card surcharge and reported promo inconsistency (Wednesday deal)

What Sets It Apart

Baja-style battered seafood focus
Robust salsa and condiments bar

What People Love

Crispy, juicy battered fish tacos
Fresh ceviche with bright acidity
Big portions and fair prices
Friendly cashiers and fast turnaround

Points of Concern

Parking is limited; lines and crowding at peak hours
Inconsistent experiences late in the evening (cold rice, bland soup, dry fish)
A few hygiene red flags reported over years; not a dominant theme but worth noting
Review patterns show potential nickel-and-diming (card surcharge) and occasional promo confusion

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleCounter With Seating Average Cost$20-32 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

First-timer set: 2 battered fish tacos plus fish ceviche tostada for balance of crisp and fresh
Light order: Grilled mahi taco and ceviche tostada
Hearty choice: Grilled fish burrito; add roasted chiles from salsa bar

Perfect For

Quick seafood taco run
Casual weeknight dinner
Solo meals with counter service
Group snack stop after the beach

Location Insights

Area: Busy suburban corridor along Artesia Blvd serving locals and commuters; casual, high-throughput dining strip.

Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; occasional reports of cramped, crowded conditions during peak hours.

Nearby: Near retail and service businesses; draws from Redondo, Hawthorne, and South Bay beach communities.

LawndaleLawndale is a primarily residential suburb with a modest commercial corridor along Artesia Blvd. The dining scene is casual and community-oriented, featuring a variety of ethnic eateries and family-friendly restaurants. The area is accessible and safe, catering mostly to local residents and commuters.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday10:00–20:00 Tuesday10:00–21:00 Wednesday10:00–21:00 Thursday10:00–21:00 Friday10:00–21:00 Saturday10:00–21:00 Sunday10:00–20:00

Available: Takeout, Outdoor seating

View full analysis on Seemor →