Trailblazing Oceanside restaurateurs (Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub, The Plot, Shoots Fish & Beer) Jessica and Davin Waite’s newest seafood venture, Brine Box, is now open on the seaward end of the iconic Oceanside Pier, taking over a former kiosk structure adjacent to the shuttered Ruby’s Diner.

Oceanside Pier welcomes Brine Box

Since its original construction in 1888, the 1,942-feet-long pier — the longest on the West Coast — continues to serve as one of the most iconic landmarks in the city and a haven for locals and tourists alike.

The Waites bring their infectious energy and a fresh perspective to pier dining while also activating a space that has sat vacant since early 2021.

“Brine Box is a fabulous addition to our beloved Oceanside Pier, “ said Jonathan E. Borrego, City Manager – Oceanside. “ It fills a long-standing need for a quality, yet affordable, food to-go option at this location. On behalf of the City of Oceanside, we’d like to thank the Waites for their continued investment in our community and wish them much success!”

Permanent fixtures in Oceanside and well-known for their commitment to the local community, to the environment and to culinary innovation, the Waites are passionate advocates for minimizing impact with Earth-first, regenerative practices. From their 100% plant-based, zero-waste The Plot to their highly creative sushi and seafood restaurant Wrench & Rodent and sustainable poké shop, Shoots Fish & Beer, each project is deeply personal and purpose-driven.

Brine Box builds upon the Waites’ legacy and showcases the best of what’s in and on San Diego waters.

The small, 109 sf space, serves lighter preparations of classic seaside snack food to-go, reminiscent of the nostalgic English fish and “chippies” in Whitby and North Shields Davin grew up frequenting during summertime visits with family living in Durham. It’s that same spirit of childhood nostalgia and tradition that will be celebrated at Brine Box.

Pier visitors can expect sustainable seafood creatively prepared with the modern, irreverent twist which Davin is most known for — fitting for a chef who often turns to the sea for his culinary inspiration and creativity.

Although a large portion of the menu will include cooked seafood items, there will be raw fish and plant-based offerings as well. And all items will be pier-friendly, built for walking and taking in the 360-degree ocean views.

The Team

Joining Brine Box’s team as Chef de Cuisine is Rachel Hurley, a SoCal native and longtime friend of Davin’s. Rachel brings with her years of experience working with the Waites at Wrench & Rodent and The Plot, and is eager to further her creative talents in the zero-waste, sustainable seafood movement. Her expertise in fish fabrication will be put to use in developing new and exciting dishes for Brine Box.

The project also reunites the Waites with designer and general contractor Chris Slowey of CLTVT (Shoots Fish & Beer, The Plot) along with designer and architect Andy McCabe of Tecscape.

The Menu

The Waites commitment to sustainability is reflected in their menu, featuring fully sustainable and zero-waste dishes. Brine Box will source unique species from local purveyors like famed fishmonger Tommy Gomes of TunaVille Market, ensuring that only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients are used.

A revolving specials menu will reflect what’s fresh from local harbors. Expect a mix of local halibut, sable fish, tuna, black cod and rockfish for the opening menu.

FISH & CHIPS – Seasoned beer battered local fish of the day, crispy seasoned fries with mushy pea sauce, a favorite British accompaniment.

CURRY CHIPS – Crispy seasoned fries topped with house curry sauce. Option to add on fresh fish of the day.

SEA-ANIMAL FRIES – Crispy seasoned fries topped with melted american cheese, secret sauce, caramelized onions, and seared fish of the day.

SPAM, EGG, & CHEESE – Seared spam, fried egg, with melted American cheese on a milk/brioche bun with anchovy aioli. Served with tots or fries.

KOREAN BBQ PRAWNS & SEASONAL SALAD – Sustainably farmed grilled jumbo prawns from TransparentSea Farm shrimp tossed in a tangy BBQ sauce, served with a seasonal salad dressed with smoked yuzu vinaigrette.

SEARED ALBACORE & SEASONAL SALAD – Garlic ponzu albacore with a seasonal salad.

See you there!

Brine Box is now open Wednesday-Sunday from 11AM to 7PM. You can find more information on the website here or Brine Box’s Instagram.

See you there, San Diego!