Founded 1988 · Lee Michaels · Marina del Rey
About Killer Shrimp, Marina del Rey's Original Waterfront Seafood Restaurant Since 1988
Waterfront Restaurant · Marina del Rey · Est. 1988 · 4211 Admiralty Way · (310) 578-2293
Who Founded Killer Shrimp Restaurant in Marina del Rey?
Lee Michaels was already a legend before he ever ran a restaurant. Best known for his 1971 hit "Do You Know What I Mean," he had toured with the biggest acts in rock. Living in Venice, California, he cooked for his two sons after long days surfing Southern California beaches. He started experimenting with butter, garlic, herbs, pepper, and spices. Not to build a business. To feed his family. Bowl after bowl, he worked the sauce until it was right. That sauce still simmers for nearly ten hours, the same way Lee made it.
How Did One Dish Turn Into a California Institution?
When Lee nailed the recipe, his family and friends couldn't stop talking about it. His sons grew up surfing Southern California beaches and used the word "killer" for anything extraordinary. They kept asking Lee to cook them the "Killer Shrimp." The name stuck. The family turned it into a small business: homemade flyers, bikes, bowls delivered through Venice. Neighbors placed repeat orders. Word spread. Before long they were doing dozens of deliveries in a single evening. No investors. No marketing plan. Just a recipe people couldn't stop telling their friends about. In 1988, they opened Killer Shrimp Restaurant in Marina del Rey. For nearly twenty years, guests didn't come for a menu. They came for one thing: the Original Killer Shrimp.
What Makes Killer Shrimp Different from Every Other Marina del Rey Restaurant?
Most restaurants in Marina del Rey opened in the last 10 years. Killer Shrimp opened in 1988 and has been at the same address ever since. The recipe has not changed. The sauce still simmers for 10 hours. The bread is still for dunking. 39 years of regulars, of date nights, of birthdays, of people who drove from Pasadena for the shrimp and stayed for the view. That is not something you can replicate.
Our History
1988
One dish, one dream
Lee Michaels - a 60s rock legend - opens a 1,000 sq ft shack with one dish and one dessert. There is a line out the door by week two.
Then
The recipe stays secret
The sauce simmers for 10 hours. The recipe lives in one head. That is still true.
Now
24,000 sq ft of waterfront
Marina del Rey. Five venues, one address. The shrimp has not changed.
Frequently Asked
When did Killer Shrimp open?
Killer Shrimp opened in 1988, founded by Lee Michaels - a 60s rock legend who started with a 1,000 square foot venue, one dish, and one dessert.
How long has Killer Shrimp been in Marina del Rey?
Over 39 years. We have been at 4211 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey since 1988 - one of the longest-running restaurants on the waterfront.
What is the story behind the Killer Shrimp recipe?
Killer Shrimp is prepared using all natural ingredients that are simmered for 10 hours to create our luxurious spicy sauce. Lee Michaels, a 60s rock legend, created the secret recipe in the 1980's for his friends and family. When your order is placed the fresh shrimp are added to the sauce and cooked quickly. Your order is then rushed to your table piping hot and served with French bread for dunking.
How big is Killer Shrimp today?
From the original 1,000 square foot shack to 24,000 square feet of waterfront dining, live music, a cafe, a speakeasy, and an ocean adventure company - five revenue centers at one address.
Explore All Five Venues