While showing my mom (who was visiting from the Northeast) around Pacific Beach last Sunday evening, I wanted to give her a first-hand tour of the variety of bars and restaurants within walking distance that have decks with amazing views of the boardwalk, beach and ocean.
We started the evening with dinner at Amplified Ale Works, a brewpub with a patio offering ocean views, a Mediterranean-style menu, and a robust beer selection. We ordered rice bowls with chicken and shrimp and enjoyed the casual setting of families, friends, and dogs before heading off to another spot.
The next patio we passed was Lahaina Beach House, which is more of an upbeat beachfront bar with thumping music, cold beers, and a wide deck for a great view of the sunset. We decided to keep strolling down to the Baja Beach Café, which is a hot spot known for its specialty margaritas and lively atmosphere on any given happy hour.
After margaritas, we headed north to check out the PB Shore Club’s new deck and the long line to get in proved that their outdoor addition and pub grub is a popular place for beachgoers.
Our next stop was JRDN at Tower 23 for a more laid back and refined atmosphere. We sat at the indoor bar, which had breathtaking views of the ocean. My mom especially loved this spot for people watching as the crowds rolled in for the sunset. After a drink, we walked to the pier to bid farewell to the sun for the night.
Our final visit was to Woody’s for hot chai tea. There, you can belly up to the boardwalk, relax in the sofa section in the back, or climb up to the second-floor deck that takes the view to the next level.
After an evening of restaurant hopping, I promised my mom I’d take her to breakfast at Kono’s the following morning as our final ocean-view deck.
Make sure to check out these top spots to watch the surf, the people and the sunset the next time you’re venturing around Pacific Beach. Helene Gerasimchuk is a freelance writer and group fitness instructor. Her adventures in Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and Mission Bay will be a continuing feature in the Beach & Bay Press and at sdnews.com. Contact her at [email protected].