Introduction
When I first moved to Hermosa Beach — a small coastal town in Los Angeles County’s South Bay — from the Upper West Side of Manhattan, certain aspects were easier to acclimate to than others. Blue skies, stunning sunsets, an ever-present ocean breeze, and an abundance of tacos? Easy. However, while the sense of community was palpable in Hermosa, I wasn’t yet part of it. I missed the connections I had forged in New York City: the barista who made my coffee just right; the market staff who always gave me a bit extra; and the cheerfully grumpy bodega owner with his lovable cat.
Visitors often perceive New Yorkers as unfriendly, but those familiar with the city know that once a New Yorker opens up to you, a genuine bond forms. Suddenly, a simple nod on the street turns into a meaningful connection where you feel assured they would support you in times of trouble. I worried that Southern California, with its bright sunshine and seemingly perfect facade, might lack this deeper sense of connection—until I discovered Mickey’s.
Mickey’s Italian Deli
As an Italian American, Mickey’s Italian Deli and Pizzeria immediately drew me in: the charming green-and-white awnings, the enticing words “pizza,” “sandwiches,” and “pasta” illuminated in red neon lights, and the mural featuring icons like Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando alongside founder Mickey Mance.
“Mickey’s truly values how customers feel when they walk in the door, and we believe they can feel that through our hospitality,” Paul Mance, Mickey’s son and current owner, shared. “Like our Italian roots and culture, customers who walk into Mickey’s are treated like family.”
Many staff members have been part of the Mickey’s family for over 30 years, with some starting “since the beginning,” at a time when “Mickey’s menu was the first of its kind in the South Bay.”
As its neighbor, I can vouch that at Mickey’s, you might not find your preferred non-dairy milk, and your order could sometimes take a bit longer than expected. Nevertheless, it’s a place you’ll keep revisiting—not just for the delicious food, but because the staff remembers your name, engages in good-natured banter about sports, and reminds you to include beer with your pizza with a knowing smile. Personally, I’ve walked in feeling drained and emerged with heartfelt advice and a napkin filled with Excedrin. It truly feels like home.
“The local neighborhood means everything,” Paul observed. “Babies who used to come into Mickey’s, now all grown, return as adults to relive cherished memories… it’s about ensuring people are cared for and fed, rather than just making money.”
Balancing Old and New
Like any enduring establishment, as Mickey’s approaches its 70th anniversary, the challenge lies in balancing tradition with modernity.
“When Mickey’s first opened, we served around 10 to 15 types of sandwiches,” Mickey noted. “Today, we offer 40 to 50 different variations. New items, such as our breakfast burritos and innovative pasta dishes, are regularly introduced.”
“Despite expanding our menu over the years, our foundational recipes have remained unchanged,” Paul added. “We have customers who visited Mickey’s 50 years ago still enjoying the same sandwich today.”
Beyond introducing new dishes, enhanced delivery options, and pandemic-friendly choices like family meals and pizza kits, the Mance family has embarked on an exciting venture with the opening of Vida Modern Taqueria, a vibrant Mexican restaurant in nearby Redondo Beach.
Vida Modern Taqueria
Mickey launched Vida in October with close friend Justin Essman, a former team member at local favorite Baja Sharkeez, to provide “a creative, modern twist on classic Mexican street food.” Inspired by various regions of Mexico, Vida boasts a crafted cocktail program and a lively indoor-outdoor dining atmosphere on Riviera Village’s main thoroughfare, positioning it as a promising new neighborhood staple.
So far, standout dishes include the cinnamon carnitas taco, wild Mexican white shrimp taco, grilled octopus taco, and the surf and turf burrito. More importantly, Mickey has once again succeeded in winning over locals while making his father proud. “My dad’s favorite aspect of Vida’s menu is the creativity and thought behind each dish,” he expressed.
The duo has also appreciated the warm reception from loyal Mickey’s patrons.
“Many visitors to Vida recognize us right away… We’re grateful that many of our dedicated Mickey’s customers are excited to support this new venture,” he remarked.
Looking forward, the pair aims to collaborate with Essman on future projects. Whether it is a new Mickey’s location, an additional Vida, or an entirely new restaurant concept, the Mance family has many more culinary creations on the horizon.
Visit Mickey’s Italian Deli and Pizzeria at 101 Hermosa Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 and Vida Modern Taqueria at 1723 S Catalina Avenue, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.
