Beach House at Lovers Point
620 Ocean View Blvd., Pacific Grove
(831) 375-2345, www.beachhousepg.com
The field in this category came more loaded than any in the 20-plus years there’s been a Best of Monterey County Readers’ Vote. Which means the Beach House is loaded with so many qualities it somehow swallowed the huge hype that preceded its much-delayed opening and spit it into Lovers Point Cove: nice values, a versatile menu, clever and fresh firecracker shrimp and bacon-wrapped meatloaf flavors, early bird bargains, locals love, super-friendly service, one-of-a-kind views, expert bartenders and two gorgeous young chefs making sweet harmony behind the kitchen doors.