Wild Fish
545 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove, (831) 373‑8523, wild‑fish.com
As George and Lennie (Of Mice and Men) make their way to the ranch, George wisely decides to hang back and eat a simple dinner of beans on the banks of the Salinas River around a small fire. Al fresco dining has become a favorite activity of restaurant patrons since the pandemic, especially in downtown Pacific Grove, which has seen some vitality restored thanks to parklets. Wild Fish was a leader back in 2020, embracing outdoor dining by investing in an attractive and sturdy structure that includes heaters, shade and flowers. On Fridays and Saturdays the restaurant features a small jazz band outdoors for added ambiance. The investment has paid off with a loyal clientele and being voted Best Parklet by Weekly readers each year since the category was established in 2021. No simple meal of beans here: Wild Fish offers sustainably caught seafood served in a fine dining experience.