Starkey's BBQ, San Diego

Starkey's BBQ thumbs its nose at nature by proving that water and fire mix perfectly well. The beach-themed venue lies a mere block from the shoreline’s waves, and its decor is vibrantly tropical: a glowing aquarium illuminates the hall, a surfboard hangs over the doorway, and ocean murals splash across the walls with images of turtles and famous cartoon fish such as Flounder and Nemo. Yet the kitchen adds heat to the mix. House barbecue sauce decorates tri-tip, pulled pork, and pulled chicken—smoked daily and flavored with a signature dry rub—before they stuff sandwiches fuller than a child’s cheeks on Halloween. Locally made microbrews, meanwhile, offset the tang of St. Louis–style short ribs and spicy ranch wings, which arrive decked in sriracha sauce and jalapeños. At the bar, hundreds of bottle caps have been painstakingly nailed to the front of the counter—an example of the inventive craftsmanship that also imbues Starkey's menu, where sides such as baked beans and mac 'n' cheese carry a housemade depth of flavor.