When best friends Riley Montz and Zach Lyall decided to open a bar, they were chasing a dream that had been 20 years in the making. Riley had built a career in restaurants and Zach in the film industry, but both shared a love for great hospitality and the South Bay community. “What else is a little boy’s dream but to open a bar?” Zach laughed.
Living in El Segundo and deeply invested in the local scene, the pair focuses on finding spaces that have been community fixtures and making them ready for the next generation. “People say things like, ‘Thank you for fixing this. This is where I met my wife,’” Zach said. “That’s what gets us excited.”
When Zach and Riley walked into the Old Town Patio for the first time, they felt a “pioneer town” energy. The vintage signage and open-air layout spoke to them instantly, evoking a sense of stepping back in time. They felt that an all-scratch BBQ kitchen would be a perfect food fit for the atmosphere. Since Riley and Zach are self-described front of house people, they brought in Dave Williamson to be their Pit Master. Known for his national BBQ and comedy shows — as well as coaching the local high school water polo team — Dave brought smoking expertise to the kitchen.
For Riley and Zach, food is an important part of the story, but even more essential is their goal of preserving the community’s legacy spots. “Growing up here, you need that place where you go to dinner with your grandpa every week,” Zach explained. They see the Old Town Patio as both a living room for the neighborhood and a landmark that future generations will know by name.“ The goal is making this a place I can come to with my family on the weekends and be proud of it,” Zach expressed.
A Space for Everyone
The layout offers something rare in the South Bay: a great communal space with excellent food, live music, and room for families, friends, and longtime locals. Zach and Riley added features for kids — chalkboards, games, and space to roam — without losing the vibe that draws in longtime regulars.
“You can belly up to the bar with an old war vet, then come outside and have a beer while your kids play,” Zach said. “It’s a nice little harmony.” And don’t forget to experience some of Uncle Chico’s Smoked Chex Mix during your stay at the bar.
Sundays are “Sunday Fun Days,” with live bands and, of course, great BBQ. As the reputation for being a place for everyone grows, people are coming from all over the South Bay. The restaurant has long been a gathering spot for locals, and Zach and Riley’s focus on community is expanding that, which makes it a draw for Redondo Beach and other beach communities. The goal is to keep it fresh, fun, and rooted in the community.
A Taste of the Patio
While history and community drive the mission, the food is also phenomenal. The menu — all made from scratch, even the BBQ sauces — leans into smoked specialties. Favorites include the brisket sandwich, tri-tip, jalapeño burnt end sausage, and a brisket chili that regulars love.
In addition to the classics, patrons can also try something new. Zach recommends the fruit and pineapple grilled cheese melt that “sounds weird but is delicious.” He also says people won’t want to miss their smoked buttered Chex Mix or pork beans, made with a secret recipe.
The Old Town Patio makes three BBQ sauces in-house so patrons can choose between a Carolina Gold, a coffee-infused blend, and a collaboration with El Segundo Brewing Company.
Along with brisket or tri-tip smothered in the house-made BBQ sauce, patrons can enjoy a beer from El Segundo Brewery, Common Space Brewery, or HopSaint Brewery. There are also domestic beers, a wine list, and cocktails on the way. There really is something for everyone!
Looking Ahead
As Old Town Patio gets ready to enter its second year in the current iteration, Zach and Riley’s goal is to build upon its deeply rooted history in the El Segundo community. Patrons can expect the best BBQ in the South Bay eaten alongside great bands and other fun events.
As for upcoming happenings, there will continue to be live music every weekend along with BBQ specials and more comedy nights. Follow Old Town Patio’s Instagram for details on weekly events.
In the end, what makes Old Town Patio special isn’t just the amazing BBQ or fun atmosphere — it’s the way Riley and Zach have revived a place that holds meaning for the community.
It’s more than a bar, more than a restaurant — it’s a piece of the neighborhood’s history, retold for a new generation.
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Uncle Chico’s Smoked Chex Mix
Old Town Patio’s Favorite Bar Snack
This recipe is Old Town Patio chef, Uncle Chico’s, go-to salty snack crafted to pair perfectly with an ice-cold beer. Served right at the Old Town Patio bar, it has become a crowd favorite and for good reason—crispy, smoky, and irresistibly salty. Guests can’t resist going back for more.
Servings: Makes a party-sized batch
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 ½ hours
Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 Tbsp “W” Sauce or your favorite Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ tsp “Meat Dave” All-Purpose Seasoning or seasoned salt of your choice
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- 1 (1 oz) packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix
- 1 party-size bag Chex Mix
- 2–3 cups Cheez-Its
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker or oven to 220°F.
- Make the seasoning butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, seasoning salt, garlic powder, and ranch seasoning until well combined.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large aluminum pan, combine the Chex Mix and Cheez-Its. Drizzle the butter mixture evenly over the dry mix, tossing gently to coat every piece.
- Smoke or bake: Place the pan in the smoker (or oven) and cook for 1 ½ hours, stirring every 20 minutes to ensure even flavor and crispness.
Serve: Enjoy warm, ideally with your favorite cold beer.
"The things that get us really excited are finding legacy places and revitalizing them to bring them back to the community."