American, Restaurants

Nick’s

Perched on Laguna’s prime stretch of Coast Highway, this inviting, urbane bar and grill lures grownups who prefer to skip the surfer grub scene in favor of tasty cocktails and a compact all-day menu of comfort classics with modern twists. Ace bets include the steakhouse salad and blackened halibut sandwich. Softly lit and cushily appointed, the open-air space boasts a sidewalk patio. Sociable service is notably polished.

See website for additional locations.