Eat, Drink, And Duffy: Nigel's Restaurant

By John Grossi 

Photos by Monique Kuhlman

Nigel Ohrberg, Owner of Anchors Away Duffy Rentals, and Founder of Nigel’s

Anchors Away Duffy Rentals, and Founder of Nigel’s

Welcome to the newest waterfront hot spot in town: Nigel’s, where the slogan is, “Eat, Drink, Duffy.” It’s swanky, it’s over the top, it’s elegant and fun with a touch of pink. It’s got a DJ for weekend brunch and 80 seats literally floating on top of the water (on circular tubes) with capacity for another 250 people solidly on land overlooking the water.

   In the Marina Pacifica parking lot, hidden from the average shopper, you walk down the ramp toward the Duffy dock (between a Nordstrom Rack and Ralph’s), and when you get to the water… what you see is a restaurant/bar concept that presents an escape from everyday life, in a fun, vibrant, coastal setting.

   “I think in today’s economy, you need to create a special atmosphere without raising the price,” says proprietor Nigel Ohrberg. “We’re going over the top on everything and it’s going to be the same price as a normal eatery.”

If the location sounds like where the popular Anchors Away Duffy Rental business is, it’s because they are one and the same. Nigel started Anchors Away, now one of the most popular attractions in Long Beach, on a whim after he had bought a personal Duffy boat to enjoy with his son, and realized how many people wanted to “go on rides and have the Duffy experience.” The business now has a top-of-the-line fleet of 22 Duffy boats and 20 paddleboards, sending thousands of guests each week on a dream waterfront experience.

   “This restaurant sort of started on the same whim,” says Nigel. “We began to realize that people were having so much fun on the Duffy’s that when their ride ended, they didn’t want to leave. So, we built a bar/event space concept and people didn’t want to leave that either. That’s when I decided to go all in and build a restaurant/bar right here along the water, unlike anything else in Long Beach.”

   When Nigel goes all in, he goes all in. Just like his Duffy boats, which are the “best in the business,” he’s cutting no corners on the newest concept. The chef and general manager come from high end, well-respected restaurants, and their “California Coastal” menu is focused on quality foods made consistently to perfection. The bar menu is no exception as Nigel’s is equally a great place to catch a drink and some views as to dine.

   As for the “special atmosphere” Nigel mentioned? Expect a grand entrance, extraordinary design and décor, and every detail to have thoughtful flair… from staff uniforms right on down to the flatware and glassware.

6272 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, 90803  |  (562) 286-1995  |  nigelslb.com