The Shore San Clemente, San Clemente

Perk up your ears upon entering The Shore’s sleek, dimly lit dining room, and you’ll make out a variety of sounds. Frying pans crackle and hiss in the kitchen as chefs whip up Louisiana-style shrimp ‘n’ grits and Guinness-braised short ribs, as well as other contemporary American dishes lauded by reporters from San Clemente Journal.

Out by the backlit bar, the air resounds with the tinkle of ice and the pop of corks as bartenders blend specialty cocktails and dole out glasses of wine and beer. Meanwhile, five flat-screen televisions hum with the voices of sportscasters who comment on games and praise the timeless appeal of referee uniforms. On the weekends, the eatery features live musicians who send guitar melodies and drumbeats echoing across the dining room’s cushy black banquettes and intimate tabletops.