The team behind North County San Diego sushi destination Wrench & Rodent will soon open an English-style seafood stand named Brine Box in part of the space last occupied by Ruby's at the end of the Oceanside Pier.
Husband-and-wife team Davin and Jessica Waite opened Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub in 2013 on a quiet stretch of South Oceanside in San Diego's North County. The rockstar sushi destination quickly gained a loyal following for its eclectic menu of sustainable seafood, value-oriented omakase, and its unorthodox zero-waste ethos. The Waites eventually opened Whet Noodle ramen house in the neighboring unit and then The Plot, a plant-based no-waste restaurant and catering service sited just a block north. Chef Davin is also a partner in Shootz Fish & Beer, which first opened inside Oceanside's Bottlecraft location and is currently in the process of replicating along with The Plot in Carlsbad.
Last fall, the Waites took over a portion of the building that long housed Ruby's, a 1940s-style diner that sat at the end of the 1880s-era pier for nearly 30 years before closing in early 2021. Named Brine Box, the 109 square-foot kiosk space will be modeled after an English "chippy", which is a casual seafood shop like those Davin would visit during summer visits to family in northern England. Expect a menu designed by Chef Davin and Chef de cuisine Rachel Hurley featuring modern takes on English seaside shack dining options like fish & chips, fried seafood platters, and raw bar staples, as well as vegan options and unique dishes like chowder tots, sea "Animal fries", and anchovy avocado toast.
The rest of the main building at the end of the pier is in the hands of Alex Leff, who also operates Bud & Gene's casual seafood restaurant at the end of the Huntington Beach Pier in another building that long housed a Ruby's location. He is currently finalizing a name and concept for the incoming restaurant.
Brine Box is anticipated to open this June at the end of the Oceanside Pier. For more information, visit osidebrinebox.com.
Brine Box is anticipated to open this June at the end of the Oceanside Pier. For more information, visit osidebrinebox.com.
