My favorite spot is The Highlands Inn - the views from the glass bar overlooking the ocean are gorgeous, and the service is amazing. You will drive right to it if you take the 1 just past carmel. If you go, ask for Faye or Amy - they are always very sweet! They have lots of great cocktails, including a special mix Amy makes for me when we go. Their calamari is delicious if you need a pre dinner snack to watch the sun go down.
We also have been going to the same restaurant since we first started going together almost 5 years ago... it used be called Bahama Billy's, then it was something else, now it's called Bahama's Island Steakhouse. It's tucked away in the Barnyard shopping center. I don't go for the steak though, I go for the appetizers! They have a delicious sweet potato fries with a mango chutney sauce that I could eat every day, and their garlic corn bread fills me up so much that I have learned not to order an actual entree. Between these two appetizers and a small salad, I am always good to go!
Cute little shopping area "The Barnyard"
YUM!
We also visit the Baja Cantina if we are in the mood for delicious margaritas and authentic Mexican grub. The cantina is so cute, it has a very homey feel with rustic decor and lots of stuff! Their margaritas and hand made guacamole are definitely worth ordering, and I usually get one of their huge burritos to eat.
There is something really special about the California Coast... it's a gorgeous place - and the cliffs that drop into the ocean are definitely worth seeing.
