Walt's Wharf, Seal Beach 1970s/80s

Walt Babcock founded Walt’s Wharf in 1970 in a building that was originally a ‘house of ill repute’ and a speakeasy for sailors who arrived in Seal Beach, California. A dentist by profession, the enterprising Walt had been frustrated to see fishermen landing their catches in the quaint little beach enclave and transporting them to the ritzier Newport Beach, thus forcing locals to make a round trip of about 25 miles. He opened Walt’s Wharf on the corner of Main Street and Central Avenue (the building had been changed into apartments by this time) as a fish market. The move was so popular with locals that he and his family began to offer freshly prepared food, as well as food to go. As demand continued, this much-loved local businessman expanded Walt’s Wharf into a fully-fledged restaurant and oyster bar with an oak fire pit that became an iconic part of Seal Beach for more than 50 years. The fish was so fresh, catches were sometimes brought through the front door. One long-time patron remembers hearing a struggle at the entrance of the restaurant and turning around to see three employees wrestling a giant and freshly-landed fish through the front door. Walt himself would often go out on his boat and return with fresh fish for dinner. Walt, who owned a cattle ranch in Montana, also established the highly regarded Babcock Winery in Santa Barbara. He passed away at the age of 84 in 2016, leaving his children Brenda and Bryan and a host of loyal employees to carry on what he started. A fire that erupted in January 2024 caused Walt’s to close. But locals who retain their happy memories of the restaurant hope that Walt’s will re-open in the future. This delightful menu with the phrase’ if it’s fresher, it’s still swimming…’ is from the late 1970s or early 80s. Gallery quality Giclée print on natural white, matte, 100% cotton rag, acid and lignin free archival paper using Epson Ultrachrome HD archival inks. Custom printed with border for matting and framing. Each order includes a print of the interior menu. All printed in USA.