Beachfire Bar & Grill   

Some people just can't let go of the past, and Dave Donaldson, owner of this San Clemente restaurant, is one of them. In trying to re-create the summertime barbecues of his youth, Donaldson has opened a restaurant that locals love and out-of-towners want to export. The expansive outdoor patio, an indoor crackling firepit, the good-looking crowd, festive ambience and live music all form an atmosphere similar to what you might find at a beach party in OC. The difference is that you won't get sand between your toes and the food goes far beyond steak and hotdogs. Donaldson recruited Chris Skolmutch, formerly of the famous Charthouse, to head up the kitchen staff. Skolmutch has created a menu that includes everything from ginger pepper ahi to jerk chicken to Dave's favorite, the Beachfire tri-tip. There are also tasty appetizers: ceviche, grilled artichoke, Hawaiian-style barbecued ribs. During happy hour (Mon.-Fri. 4-6:30PM), they're 50 percent off. All together, it's enough to make you cut out of work early -- something that Dave would probably approve of heartily. -- Lena Katz