Taco Surf   

Frat brothers, surfers and those on a budget appreciate Taco Surf's hip beach locations at Belmont Shore, Seal Beach, Dana Point and Surfside. For more than ten years, the Mexican restaurant with the taco-on-a-surfboard logo has been serving up enchiladas, fresh fish and quesadillas in a laid-back setting (check out the surfboard collection). Local bands get a shot on the weekends when crowd turns from mellow to rowdy. Happy Hour offers up $1 beers and tacos, and when the weather is nice (which is almost always) you can sip your suds on the patio. Try the fish, beef and chicken soft tacos as well as the crispy tostadas, wet burritos and healthy salads. You can order up margaritas, but aficionados take note -- they're made with wine rather than tequila until they acquire a liquor license. -- Victoria Namkung