The Beachcomber's Malibu Pier Club

In Short
The small bare-bones interior consists only of a long bar, but what's inside is beside the point. Visitors here have one location in mind: Outside on the pier. Even though there's no real decor to speak of, there is a live piano player, blankets on the backs of chairs in case you get cold and blue Pacific Ocean as far as the eye can see. Families and couples on dates enjoy the upscale pub grub including starters like ahi tacos and a two-person Caesar salad ''fondue'' with the dressing served in a bread bowl and endive and romaine lettuce on the side for dipping. Sandwiches provide the bulk of entrees, with such offerings as brick-pressed pork served with sweet potato fries. Desserts are mostly light and creamy, such as a chocolate and mascarpone mousse. Many people skip the meal altogether and simply enjoy a cocktail and the view.

Hits: This waterfront venue on the historic Malibu Pier is a great way to impress a date without necessarily spending a ton of money. Here, you don't simply have a view of the ocean, you're on it.

Misses: The menu is short and fairly one-note. There aren't many options for the healthy eater.