South of Nick's Laguna Beach

A second-floor perch above Pacific Coast Highway where Mexican small plates and mezcal cocktails fuel a room that gets louder and better as the night goes on.

The patio catches the last of the sunset over the water before the DJ takes over and the crowd shifts from dinner mode to dance mode. Guac gets mashed tableside with the right amount of char and lime, and the short rib tacos disappear fast, but really you're here for the energy as much as the food. Come early for a mellower meal, or embrace the chaos after 9.

Best for: Lively group dinners that spill into late-night dancing