Duke's Malibu   

Squads of suntanned surfers await visitors beyond the impressive entrance of Duke's Malibu. A Cape Cod-style structure with Hawaiian flair, Duke's is surprisingly one of the few oceanfront restaurants and bars in the Los Angeles area. The Barefoot Bar at Duke's is a modest, square-shaped tiki affair with surfboards and memorabilia surrounding the facility's namesake, the legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku. The real attraction (besides the bleach blonde service staff) is the outdoor patio, surrounded by crashing waves within a few yards of guests' feet atop a sand floor. Clientele can vary between beach-bound city folk and Malibu locals who like to hang out post-surf and watch their favorite sporting events or simply scope out other singles in the bar. Inside, the restaurant offers California flavors with Hawaiian influences. While enjoying lunch or dinner in one of the coveted window booths, guests choose from a menu of fish tacos, nachos, steaks and a phenomenal Caesar salad. The bar features all the choices of the restaurant except the popular Sunday brunch, which is only offered in the restaurant. By far the best casual restaurant and bar on the beach, Duke's rides a wave of good food and drinks like no other.