Pacific Coast Grill in Encinitas is a relaxed beachside spot that serves fresh seafood and drinks. With lunch, a raw bar hour, dinner, and desserts all under one roof, every meal turns into its own celebration. Simple menus focus on local catches, seasonal veggies, and clever twists that keep taste buds on their toes.
Wake Up Your Taste Buds at Lunch
Lunch runs from 11 AM to 3 PM, bringing bright flavors and light bites to fuel any afternoon by the water. Choices range from crisp salads loaded with avocado and shrimp to hearty sandwiches on house-baked bread. Don’t miss the fish tacos tossed with cabbage slaw and a squeeze of lime. The poke bowl makes fresh tuna the star alongside seaweed salad and pickled veggies. Each plate wears beach vibes on its sleeve.
Dive into the Raw Bar Splash
Between 3 PM and 4 PM, the raw bar steals the spotlight. Oysters arrive chilled on a bed of ice, waiting for a dash of mignonette or hot sauce. Jumbo shrimp cocktail comes with zingy horseradish and lemon wedges. A rotating catch of ceviche lets you taste whatever the fishermen hauled in that morning. One hour of pure ocean delight sets you up perfectly for dinner.
Savor Dinner by the Shore
Dinner service kicks off at 4 PM daily and runs until 8:30 PM Sunday through Thursday and 9 PM Friday and Saturday. The menu highlights local seafood alongside prime cuts of meat—grilled sea bass stars with blistered tomatoes and garlic butter. The seafood stew simmers clams, mussels, and fish in a saffron-cream broth. Steaks reach a perfect char with rosemary potatoes on the side. Each dish balances coastal flavor and simple preparation.
Drinks That Steal the Show
A full bar pours clever cocktails from early afternoon until close. Classic margaritas get a twist with jalapeño or mango. Bartenders shake up seasonal specials like cucumber gin coolers and citrus bourbon sours. The wine list focuses on California labels and a handful of European picks. Light whites and crisp rosés pair well with fish and salads. Robust reds stand up to steaks and rich sauces. Local craft beers on tap include hoppy IPAs and smooth amber ales.
Sweet Endings and Beyond
Desserts lock in the good mood. The key lime pie wears a graham cracker crust and whipped cream dollops. Flourless chocolate cake finds its balance with fresh berries. Ice cream flavors change often, but always include at least one house-made scoop. A cup of hot espresso or herbal tea wraps up the meal on a warm note.
Options for Every Appetite
Pacific Coast Grill makes sure nobody feels left out. A vegetarian menu features plant-based dishes like butternut squash ravioli and roasted cauliflower steak. Gluten-free options cover lunch and dinner, with gluten-free bread, pasta alternatives, and naturally light proteins. The kids’ menu keeps little ones happy with mac and cheese, chicken tenders, and mini fish plates.
Plan Your Visit
Reserve a table online or by phone to skip the wait and choose an ocean view seat. Walk-ins receive friendly welcomes, but tables fill up on sunny weekends. The address is 2526 S. Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff, CA, and reservations go through 760-479-0721. With a casual vibe and menu built for sharing, Pacific Coast Grill fits everything from date night to family dinner.
Pacific Coast Grill brings simple ingredients together with bold flavors and a lively atmosphere. Every plate shows where the kitchen’s heart sits, right on the coast.
Sources: pacificcoastgrill.com, yelp.com, Pacific Coast Grill Instagram Page
Header Image Source: pacificcoastgrill.com
