Neptune's Net

Neptune’s Net
Malibu, CA

It was our first morning in the state of California. My dad and I were staying at a motel in Canoga Park. It was a bit pricey, but the room was clean and comfortable and the location was good for us. I woke up early (with only three hours of sleep) walking around breathing in the San Fernando Valley mist. We didn’t really have any set plans other than taking things as they came. I did know that I wanted to eat at a place called Neptune’s Net which is located along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. I had seen it on a T.V. show back in 2001 and my curiosity had grown over the years. I pulled up the official website on my laptop and told my dad we had to go. So we made it our ambition for that day to head out to Malibu.

We stopped in at Barger Harley Davidson on Sherman Way in Canoga Park. My dad rides his motorcycle a lot and he wanted to see what they had. We would end up stopping at two more Harley locations in Southern California. My dad asked the lady behind the counter how to get to Malibu and she told us to take Topanga Canyon Blvd. The drive was truly amazing from the city all the way to the coast going through narrow canyons and wooded areas. On some of the twists and turns we could see the whole valley region. I considered that remarkable because I had seen it in countless movies and magazines and now I was seeing it with my own eyes. It was definitely one of the highlights of the trip.

When we got to the Coast Highway, it was our, well at least my first glimpse of the majestic Pacific Ocean. We turned right and I took a couple of pictures of the Santa Monica Mountains. In one of the cars driving in the opposite direction a lady was literally sitting on the edge of the passenger side window with camera in hand filming everything. I guess I should have expected something like that.

We made it to Neptune’s Net and found a spot toward the back. The sign warning us of rattlesnakes did not phase me. For one thing I’m used to exotic wildlife living in Florida. Second, I wasn’t about to let letters on a small sign posted on a piece of wood warning me a of a creature that rarely comes out ruin the trip of a lifetime. I recall seeing a couple of Ferrari’s parked in the lot as we went in. No surprise either. However, I can say that I wasn’t expecting to see a drove of motorcycles parked in the front. My dad was excited at the sight. I had heard that “the Net” was a haven for locals, bikers, surfers and even celebrities. I also remember seeing dozens of bicyclists and joggers along the highway. I’m sure they stop in to eat on occasion.

We entered in on the side where the outdoor seating was. It was a packed area as we were coming in close to lunch. I personally prefer restaurants with a patio. Growing up in Kansas places with an outdoor eating area of any kind was far and few. Once we got inside we walked through the long line of people. I can almost always tell what kind of a restaurant it is the moment I walk in. To me the casual, laid back atmosphere that I got going into Neptune’s Net was perfect. We weren’t looking for the glamorous, just something that was local, on the beach and quick.

After we ordered our food we went to go sit down in one of the booths. Above our heads hung a long line of fishing nets and behind that was a “freezer section” where the beverages where kept. We got a decent view of the Pacific and a picture of Adam Sandler on the wall behind us. My dad ordered a hamburger and fries and I ordered fried shrimp. By the way it was the first time in my life I had fried shrimp. I was on a shrimp craze that summer and figured I would try some. When it’s time to get your food they call out your order number and you go to the counter to pick it up. They give you the food in plastic baskets. I personally prefer that. No silverware or glass plates, just good food in a small basket.

Neptune’s Net to me was a place where I could go to relax and grab a bite to eat and at the same time hang out in a upbeat environment. The service was quick and the food was great. If you are ever in the Los Angeles metro area and happen to wonder up the Pacific Coast Highway, stop at Neptune’s Net to get a taste of local Southern California food. All in all I had a great time and will probably order their fried shrimp when I go back there.