PB Ale House – Best New Beach Restaurant

By Chef Jaime Daniel on behalf of The Venue Menu, July/Aug/Sep 2008

PB Ale House is a great new restaurant and bar in Pacific Beach, located at the end of Grand Avenue, close to the boardwalk. The restaurant is stylish and comfortable with tons of outdoor seating, including a rooftop deck with ocean views. The rooftop deck sports three separate tiers, uniquely providing each level privacy and ocean views.

As the name suggests, PB Ale House also houses a microbrewery, with large steel vats observable from the main seating room (street level). Brew master Erik Jenson, formerly of Karl Strauss, has handcrafted the Ale House's signature beers. He uses state-of-the-art equipment to keep the beer fresh and tasting great.

The PB Ale House brews a tasty selection of six ales, ranging from IPA’s to Porters; they also feature guest beers and a very nice wine list!

Chef Kerry’s background in Southwestern & Asian cuisine shapes a diverse menu that reflects good ole’ pub style food with an upscale twist. The PB Ale House offers a great selection of appetizers, including stuffed jalapeno skins packed with cheddar, bacon, pico de gallo – the sour c ream side is great, as it cools this moderately spicy dish.

Also, nothing beats the house favorite starter, “Popcorn Lobster Lettuce Wraps.” This appetizer offers nice chunks of lobster, lightly tempura fried with jalapenos and onions tossed in a sweet chili sauce – served with nice crisp lettuce.

The creative entrees are mouthwatering, including Chef Kerry’s very special Spicy Porter House Chili! This is hands down one of the best chilis I’ve ever tried, and the homemade white cheddar cornbread is addicting. Mind you, chili is one of my specialties, having won a chilic cook-off or two, so this is a high compliment indeed.

Another menu standout is the Lobster BLT, complete with applewood smoked bacon, fresh tomato and butter lettuce. The BLT is served on a huge crusty hoagie roll painted with jalapeno aioli sauce. Simply put, this gets my vote for best sandwich at the beach!

Also, the fish and chips are excellent, not overly fried so the fish remains moist and flaky; the homemade tartar sauce is a big hit as well. If you prefer lighter fare, try the Ruby Rare Ahi (soy glaze), served with wasabi mashed potatoes and seasonal veggies. As you might expect, the PB Ale House offers some great deserts, including a brownie sundae and mile high ice cream pie.