MICHELIN Guide’s Point Of View

This hideout has welcomed generations of locals through its doors since 1937, even as its location on Highway 1 gave way to the more bustling 101. Enter the whitewashed Craftsman building, and you’ll be given your choice of dining—either at the clubby bar or the grand main room with wood-paneled walls and red leather banquettes. The food here is classic but never dull, with a simple menu of salads, sandwiches and grilled meats. Oysters bingo set over spinach and topped with garlic aïoli oozes with California panache, while succulent and crisp-skinned chili-lime brick chicken is just as delicious as its accompanying sides-think polenta sticks and cheese-stuffed pasilla peppers. Finish with a slice of pie-the s'mores version or key lime are both winners.