Pacific Coast Grill Opens in Cardiff

After what feels like forever, the new Pacific Coast Grill is now open in Cardiff by the Sea.

Bringing new life to the prime waterfront space on S. Coast Highway 101 formerly known as Charlie’s, Pacific Coast Grill is a two-story restaurant and bar that is bound to be Cardiff’s summer hot spot. PCG is the northern-most venue on Cardiff’s ‘restaurant row’ sitting beside The Beach House and Chart House. The summer opening (finally) comes more than a year after the closing of its original Solana Beach location.

The completely renovated building brings the natural seascape inside through large windows, aqua shades and a spacious patio set beneath a second story deck. A ‘great ocean view’ just doesn’t do the setting justice; PCG literally sits on the rocky shore, steps from the rhythmic waves. Inside, designer Georgia Goldberg and architect Steve Adams created a Baja-inspired façade. Look for reclaimed boat wood, beach rocks, an impressive private dining room, and the treasure chest wine cellar -- a nod to Solana Beach beginnings.

The Food: Start with the Lobster & Lump Crab Cakes, Baked Oysters, Made-to-Order Guacamole, Yellowtail Tartare Stack or the Cardiff Reef Roll, made with spicy tuna, snow crab, tempura jalapeno, avocado and ginger-ponzu sauce. Entrees are divided into ‘On-Shore’ and ‘Off-Shore’ options. Dive off shore with Tequila Shrimp Pasta, Char-Grilled Wild Salmon, Coconut-Crab Crusted Mahi Mahi or Pacific Lobster Tail. Meaty on-shore options range from the hearty Turkey Breast Meatloaf, to Hawaiian-Style Baby Back Ribs, Spicy Char-Pork Tenderloin and Chile-Rubbed Filet Mignon. Entrees are priced between $18-55.

The lunch menu features many of the same appetizers and small plates, paired with burgers, sliders, sandwiches and a mini selection of ‘On-Shore’ and ‘Off-Shore’ entrees. Mid-day, nosh on the Braised Short Rib Sliders, Seared Ahi Sliders or the ‘I Love Juicy Burger’ made with house-ground certified ‘Sterling’ tenderloin stuffed with herb butter ($15).

The Spirits: But what we really care about is the booze. PCG is serving a stiff menu of signature cocktails. While soaking in the ocean breeze, sip on the Sunset Mojito Martini, made with passion fruit Malibu, Bacardi, fresh mint and a squeeze of lime, served up; the Black Berry Lemonade, made with Kettle One Vodka, Triple Sec, fresh black berries and house-made lemonade. For lunch, you’ll want to order the Seaside Bloody Tini -- a mix of Absolut, fresh lime, Tabasco, Worcestershire, horseradish and V8 11. PCG also boasts local craft brews Green Flash IPA and Stone Pale Ale on tap, in addition to bottle beers, a full bar and wine list.

Run by the same parent company as Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, the new Pacific Coast Grill is now serving lunch and dinner from 2526 S. Coast Highway 101 in Cardiff. Learn more at pacificcoastgrill.com

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Source: DiscoverSD