A two-alarm fire cleared out the Pacific Beach Alehouse restaurant and sent a plume of dark smoke over the boardwalk that could be seen for miles a little after 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16. More than 100 staff and customers evacuated the restaurant, located at the corner of Grand Avenue and Mission Boulevard, just steps from the beach. According to reports, San Diego Fire believes a grease fire started in the kitchen and then moved through the exhaust system. No injuries were reported.
According to preliminary estimates, the restaurant may have suffered more than $1 million in damages. The popular eatery is closed until further notice.