Laguna Beach Magazine December | January 2022 Digital_Magazine_LB112_12.22 | Page 80

TASTE OF THE TOWN DINING GUIDE A RESTAURANT RESOURCE FOR DINING OUT IN LAGUNA BEACH

Morning Meals

Comedor at La Casa del Camino hotel began serving breakfast this fall with California-inspired dishes by Executive Chef Glen Tinsley and also added a lineup of entertainment every night in the upscale
New breakfast dishes at Comedor restaurant and lounge . In the morning , from 7-10 a . m ., dig into dishes like a classic croissant breakfast sandwich , breakfast burrito or chilaquiles , or savor Country Ham Avocado Toast with two eggs , ham and avocado on bread , topped with arugula , pickled onions and aioli . For a sweet treat , try the Marzipan French Toast , which brings together brioche , marzipan , berries , maple syrup and toasted almonds . Return in the evening for jazz nights on Wednesdays ( 6-9 p . m .) and salsa nights on Sundays ( 5:30-8:30 p . m .), both with Brian Clemens , Karaoke with Peggie on Thursdays at 8 p . m . and a rotating mix of local musicians on Friday and Saturday nights . Coming soon , Comedor will also be refreshing its dinner menu , which includes bar bites , small plates and shareable dishes , featuring locally caught seafood and other high-quality ingredients . ( 949-497-2446 ; comedorlaguna . com ) — S . S .
THE SALOON 446 S . COAST HWY .; 949-494-15469 ; LAGUNABEACHSALOON . COM : The Saloon is a small , cozy bar with a friendly staff and great drinks . With an intimate setting and chalkboards listing daily specials , the bar makes for a perfect stop before or after dinner at one of the nearby surrounding restaurants .
SAN SHI GO 858 S . COAST HWY .; 949-494-1551 ; SANSHIGOLB . COM : Although its former location closed , this eatery has moved into the former Okura Robata Grill & Sushi Bar space . Through the years , sushi lovers have come to San Shi Go for some of the freshest , most inventive rolls in Orange County . Have a seat at the sushi bar with a Japanese beer while watching the chefs .
THE SANDPIPER LOUNGE 1183 S . COAST HWY .; 949-494-4694 ; SANDPIPERLOUNGE . COM : Known as the “ Dirty Bird ” by locals , The Sandpiper is where legends are made . The old bar is a true dive , complete with dartboards , strong drinks and live music . Open for more than 75 years , the popular bar doesn ’ t serve food but is known as a late-night hangout after many of the other local venues close .
SAPPHIRE , CELLAR-CRAFT-COOK 1200 S . COAST HWY .; 949-715-9888 ; SAPPHIRELAGUNA . COM : Located in the historic Old Pottery Place , Sapphire , Cellar-Craft-Cook is a new take on an old favorite . Chef Azmin Ghahreman has turned it over to Russ Bendel , known for Newport ’ s Olea and Ironwood in Laguna Hills . The refreshed menu includes duck meatballs , Alaskan halibut , a wagyu beef burger and more . Pantry at Sapphire next door offers quick to-go options .
SEABUTTER 1100 S . COAST HWY .; 949-942-6042 ; SEABUTTERLA . COM : Bringing a Beverly Hills concept to Laguna Beach , Seabutter offers contemporary sushi and sashimi dishes that highlight a talented culinary team and the freshest fish . The innovative menu also features hot plates and a chef ’ s special multicourse dinner .
THE SEAHORSE 1796 S . COAST HWY .; 949-715-4533 ; PEARLSTGENERAL . COM : After transitioning from a 1940s gay bar to an auto parts shop , The Seahorse inside Pearl St . General has become a neighborhood watering hole once more . Offering an ever-changing lineup of beers and an extensive list of wines from California and around the world , the bar also serves cheese plates and creative snacks like duck wings , crabcakes and salmon tacos .
SELANNE STEAK TAVERN 1464 S . COAST HWY .; 949- 715-9881 ; SELANNESTEAKTAVERN . COM : Selanne Steak Tavern , a culinary venture from former Anaheim Ducks hockey player Teemu Selanne , is an upscale tavern serving chef-driven comfort food , small plates and steaks cooked ot perfection . Sectioned into distinct venues , the restaurant accommodates customers with an open downstairs tavern , outdoor patio , wine room and upstairs dining room .
SERGIO ’ S EMPANADAS 977 S . COAST HWY .; 949-715- 7622 : SERGIOSEMPANADAS . COM : Find empanadas for every craving , from those featuring traditional fillings like carne asada and spicy pork to more creative options like macaroni and cheese empanadas . Frozen empanadas are available for cooking at home , and the eatery also offers salads , soups and more .
SEVEN7SEVEN 777 LAGUNA CANYON RD .; 949-494- 6044 ; 777LAGUNABEACH . COM : Located on the grounds of Laguna Art-A-Fair , the former Tivoli Too ! has been transformed into a more casual dining option , where festivalgoers will pay in advance then find a table or walk with their food . With Art-A-Fair closed for 2020 , service will return in 2021 .
SHIRLEY ’ S BAGELS 303 BROADWAY ST ., STE . 108 ; 949-494-6296 ; SHIRLEYSBAGELS . COM : Supplying freshly baked bagels , Shirley ’ s features a selection of classics like poppy , onion and everything bagels , and the more adventurous jalapeno and sundried tomato . Enjoy these with cream cheese or as bread for a sandwich to go with your cup of delicious coffee .
SKYLOFT 422 S . COAST HWY .; 949-715-1550 ; SKYLOFTOC . COM : Enjoy live music and sweeping ocean views from the rooftop at Skyloft . The eatery also boasts menu items like brisket , ribs and pulled pork , as well as beer , wine and cocktails , plus a daily happy hour .
SLAPFISH 211 BROADWAY ST .; 949-715-9200 ; SLAPFISHRESTAURANT . COM : Sitting just steps away from Main Beach , this “ grab and go ” lunch spot features meals that are easy to eat en route to the beach . The menu features lobster and shrimp rolls , chowder fries and fish tacos . Additionally , all seafood items are caught sustainably and responsibly .
SLICE PIZZA & BEER 477 FOREST AVE .; 949-715-3993 ; SLICELB . COM : This pizzeria offers customizable pies as well as curated salads and sandwiches , all crafted with fresh ingredients from the local farmers market . Slice is housed in a building that was erected in the early 1900s with a long community table as the focal point where groups can sit spread apart as well as a bar with stools along the window .
SOUTH OF NICK ’ S 540 S . COAST HWY .; 949-715-3717 ; NICKSRESTAURANTS . COM : Nick Nickoloff of Nick ’ s Laguna Beach decided to bring his other chain , South of Nick ’ s , to town , serving up dishes with Mexican flair . Enjoy sharable orders of queso fundido or shrimp taquitos before indulging in specialties like chicken chipotle , pork carnitas or the mini soft taco platter .
SPLASHES RESTAURANT AND BAR AT SURF & SAND RESORT ; 1555 S . COAST HWY ; 949-497-4477 ; SURFANDSANDRESORT . COM : With dining that ’ s practically on the sand , Splashes offers cuisine inspired by the sea as well as soups , salads and steaks . Enjoy breakfast , lunch , dinner or one of the restaurant ’ s inventive top-shelf cocktails . Splashes is a solid choice for light bites or romantic date nights with a spectacular oceanfront view that ’ s guaranteed to impress patrons .
THE STAND NATURAL FOODS 238 THALIA ST .; 949-494- 8101 ; THESTANDNATURALFOODS . COM : Order vegan bowls , soups , sandwiches , tamales , burritos and desserts from this little walk-up window on Thalia Street . The Stand prides itself on using natural and sustainable ingredients and is a local favorite of those getting ready to spend the day in the sand .
SUEÑOS 222 OCEAN AVE .; 949-715-8155 ; SUENOSLAGUNABEACH . COM : Now offering a Peruvian menu , Sueños ( which means “ dreams ” in Spanish ”) is owned by husband-and-wife team Jose Gutierrez and Kay Ayazi , who have opened several other eateries in OC together such as Costa , a contemporary Peruvian establishment in Costa Mesa .
SUSHI LAGUNA 231 OCEAN AVE .; 949-376-8786 : This popular sushi spot offers a wide variety of rolls that taste as good as they look , along with other Japanese favorites . The atmosphere is comfortably casual and the space includes a patio for outdoor dining .
TACO LOCO 640 S . COAST HWY .; 949-497-1635 ; TACOLOCO . NET : A casual spot for both quick lunches and late-night eats , Taco Loco serves up delicious tacos , salads , quesadillas , nachos , fajitas , burgers and even Mexican pizzas . The small outdoor patio space is a great spot for enjoying a beer or glass of wine with your meal .
ASHLEY LITTLEFIELD
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