When you’re in the mood to dine with distinction, there’s no better place than the Pacific Grill. Located on the ground floor of the restored Waddell building at 15th and Pacific Avenue, Pacific Grill is a man’s place with dark wood and brick; it’s like a supper club. It’s the kind of place where I like to order my scotch neat and start with a crab cocktail. 

It leans toward the expensive side, but the experience is worth it during those moments when kitchen, floor and wine staff hit on all cylinders together. Steaks, chops and seafood rule. Creative gourmet treats such as meat candy and stuffed tater tots bump their happy hour to new levels.

Award-winning chef Gordon Naccarato knocks us off his Pacific Grill chair with his tuna melt. The open-faced grilled ahi tuna sandwich off his lunch menu deserves to be bronzed. The combination of the vintage cheddar cheese with the soft, rare flesh of the tuna is very satisfying.

The lamb tartare is quickly grilled, then dressed with feta, black olive-oil-cured olives, golden raisins, fried capers, pine nuts, and charred rosemary aioli — outstanding.

The stellar wine list is long and expensive.

Monday-Thursday: 11:00 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday: 11:00 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

LINK: Oyster shooters with vodka