Beach House Restaurant   

Local history and a spectacular ocean view abound at this Laguna legend. Originally constructed as a beach getaway for silent screen star Slim Summerville, the little cottage on Sleepy Hollow Lane was transformed into a restaurant by Gale and Leonora Pike in 1968. Since then, it has been the place for serious romance with warm wood, low lighting, cozy tables and a spectacular beach and cliff view. In summer and on warm evenings, dinner is served at sunset on the outdoor patio with the pounding surf only 20 feet below. Not really a kid-friendly place, sip a Cosmo next to smiling couples, well-dressed women on an expensive girls' night out and South County executives schmoozing their clients and friends. With polite and friendly waitresses who seem to have worked there for years, the delicious "coastal cuisine" is a meld of Continental and seafood dishes. Start with a cup of the creamy clam chowder and then decide on either surf (salmon, lobster, crab) or turf (lamb chops, prime rib, filet mignon). Get a great deal between 4:30-6:30PM on a "Sunset Special" like Sand Dabs Amandine for only $9.95. While a banquet room upstairs hosts wedding receptions and large parties, breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch are served on a quaint garden patio. -- Sheryll Alexander