Schooners

171 N Ocean Ave., (805) 995-3883. L-D daily; $$. Reservations advised.

exterior of Schooners in Cayucos, California

Situated near the pier and offering an ocean view, Schooners features a nautical theme with a rustic woodsy decor. It brings to mind an old-time seafront. The restaurant has plenty of sheltered outdoor dining. Our table was out on a spacious second-floor terrace equipped with heaters and expansive windows, but unfortunately we were too late to enjoy the sunset so we looked out to darkness. But that’s not to say we didn’t have a great time. Turns out the music system seemed to be set to the ‘60s, so we were having a blast identifying songs by Steppenwolf, Jimi Hendrix, and more from the era. This popular restaurant is known for its cocktails and seafood, but salads, burgers, and steaks also populate the menu. We started with delicious Mouse Rock Mai Tais, which were so good and relaxing that we later ordered up a second round. Their deliciousness comes from Appleton Estate rum, housemade orgeat, Orange Curaçao, and fresh lime. Drinks here really are exceptional, and I plan to come back to try the Jalapeño-Pineapple Margarita and the Frothy Colada. Because we shared everything, we got to try more items. For the Cayucos Salad starter--a mix of lettuces with avocado, tomatoes, carrots, celery, cucumber, and red onion--the cilantro-lime-mango dressing was so tasty that we threw calorie cares to the wind and asked for additional. Crab cakes followed and included a side of more salad, though this one was enhanced with roasted corn and black beans. The main-course halibut and chips was crispy-fried and satisfying(, but the chips were actually French fries. Because it was my husband’s birthday, we selected for dessert the house specialty “Cayookie” to sub in as cake. This over-the-top confection is in reality a cookie baked in and served in a small black iron skillet and topped with vanilla ice cream.

Mai Tais at Schooners in Cayucos, California

Cayucos Salad at Schooners in Cayucos, California

Cayookie dessert at Schooners in Cayucos, California

2020 pandemic update: Schooners has plenty of open-air dining space on both the first and second levels. Tables are well spaced, and the wait staff wears masks and makes an effort to observe social distancing. The menu is currently abbreviated, and cocktails to go are contained in glass Mason jars. You can also visit Schooners virtually by attending one of its twice-monthly virtual happy hours.