LONG BEACH – This past summer Russell Maize and Chris Summerer were the talk of town when they purchased the old Mary Lou’s Tavern from Phil Norman and began an extensive facelift, bringing a bright new business to downtown Long Beach – Castaways Seafood Grille.

The bold purple-blue outdoor paint hue is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the originality of Castaways’ décor; the bright colors and fun tropical theme inside are bound to appeal to any visitor.

A family-friendly restaurant, Castaways has been described by the owners as “a fun fresh environment” in the heart of town. It features a full liquor bar, beer, wine, and an extensive menu with breakfast, lunch and dinners specializing in seafood items. Happy hour specials, daily specials and kids’ menus are also available.

Brighten up your morning by ordering one of Castaways’ breakfast specials, omelets, waffles, pancake stacks, egg dishes, or an order of French toast or biscuits and gravy. For a quick bite, try a cinnamon roll and a cup of their freshly brewed Columbia River Coffee Roaster Castaway blend coffee. Breakfast items are served until 11 a.m.

Their appetizer menu includes yummy favorites like chips and salsa, jalapeno poppers, chicken tenders and mozzarella sticks. Other fun choices are artichoke and spinach dip on chips, fried mac ‘n cheese, deep fried Willapa Bay oysters or a plate of Castaway’s Sliders – three mini burgers with lettuce and pickles. These items are also available half-price as happy hour specials in the bar from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.

On their lunch and dinner menu, choose from starters like Island Onion Towers, fried calamari, buffalo wings, nachos, shrimp cocktails, crab cocktails, homemade clam chowder, soup, salads or a crab or shrimp louie.

Some of the lunch and dinner meals one can find are burgers, sandwiches, seafood and chips, grilled fish and top sirloin steak.

Beverage choices include coffee, tea, lemonade, Pepsi products, juice, milk, hot chocolate, milkshakes, beer and wine.

A private banquet room can be reserved for up to 25 people and takeout is always available.

Castaways Seafood Grille is located at 208 Pacific Avenue South in Long Beach. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Their phone number is 642-4745.