Rio Grill
101 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel (831) 625-5436, riogrill.com
If this were the ’80s, word on the street about Rio Grill would be that it is downright bad. That’s right: b-a-d. Keep in mind that back then, bad meant good – as in totally, totally righteous. The kitchen leans a little to California cool, a little more to the spicy vibe of the Southwest. So you can go from pumpkin seed salmon to chili-braised bison short ribs, without firing up the IROC-Z. The bar fixes some impressive cocktails, as well. So ditch the mall walk and head out to the shopping center.