One of San Diego’s best restaurant views comes at Pacifica Del Mar, a fantastically-located fine dining palace in Del Mar. Overlooking the water, the ambience is spectacular, and the food more than matches it. Pacifica Del Mar specializes in fresh, inventively-prepared seafood, with fantastic oysters, shrimp, and fish dishes winning raves from visitors. The crown jewel of the bar is the International Vodka Bar, which offers a staggering 75 of the world’s best vodkas. Gone are the days when a vodka was judged by how little you noticed its presence—these are artisanal spirits with a variety of tastes and profiles. The bar menu offers snacks made with the same care and craft as the service menu. Drinks are $1 off at Happy Hour. Show up early in the summer months to get a seat on the outside deck and take in a fantastic Pacific sunset.

Pacifica Del Mar
1555 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, CA 92014
(858) 792-0476
www.pacificadelmar.com

Best wishes for happiness on Valentine's Day and every day.

The craft beer craze has hit San Diego just like everywhere else in the nation, but the trailblazers have been Karl Strauss Brewing, which has expanded to include an amazing six brewpubs in the region. Originally started by two college friends in 1989, Karl Strauss has developed a business that produces 30 types of beer a year—six standards and a wide range of specialty drafts. At their brewery restaurants, you can get it straight from the tap or in a “growler” to take home. As for food, it’s quality bar grub, served in sizable portions that are conducive to sharing. The garlic fries are especially raved about, their salt and flavor making a perfect complement to a fresh mug of beer. The atmosphere is friendly and semi-casual, and the place definitely fills up after 5 p.m. as people get off work and want to wash the day away with an amber glass of excellent beer.

Karl Strauss Brewing Company
1157 Columbia St
San Diego, CA
(619) 234-2739
http://www.karlstrauss.com