Menu Makes Beach House a Place for All Seasons

The Beach House, perched above the sands of Laguna Beach, has come a long way since it was launched in the summer of 1968. This one-time vacation home of ‘30s actor/comedian Slim Summerville first attracted patrons mostly with its homey charm and sweeping panorama of the Pacific. But over the years it’s the menu that has kept the diners coming.

Continual refurbishments have culminated in a smart look replete with blond rattan furniture, sea-blue linens, bone-handled cutlery and willow dinnerware. The decor is complemented by retractable canvas tops in the main dining area.

A nautical theme dominates the menu. Appetizers of clams Casino, oysters Rockefeller, steamed littleneck clams and New England clam chowder dished up from a steaming tureen are favorites here, as is the Caesar salad, which is tossed at the table so that every leaf of romaine is lavishly coated with the briny dressing.

Poached salmon, broiled swordfish, Cajun halibut and sauteed bay scallops with fettuccine in a lime cream sauce are among dinner entrees served with steamed broccoli and cauliflower, rice pilaf or baked potato, a basket of French bread and whipped butter. House specialties with the same accompaniments range from lobster Newburg and shrimp Creole to prawns with garlic butter or butterflied and baked with Parmesan, garlic and sherry.

Half a dozen landlubber selections include bacon-wrapped filet mignon, succulent prime rib, Cornish hen stuffed with apple, raisin and walnut, and chicken Marsala in a rather sweet sauce with mushrooms and capers. A la carte dinners range from $14.95 to $19.75, the latter for baked lobster tail. Caesar and bay shrimp tossed salads ample enough to serve two are $3.95, chowder is $2.75, appetizers $5.50 to $9.75.

If those prices are a bit steep for your neighborhood eatery budget, here’s good news: The Beach House is featuring several entrees from the regular dinner menu as Sunset Specials for a bargain $9.95--lobster tail, prime rib and filet mignon are among offerings served daily from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

And the sunsets are free.

The Beach House, 619 Sleepy Hollow Lane, Laguna Beach. Open for breakfast Monday through Saturday, 8 to 11:15 a.m.; Sunday brunch, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; lunch weekdays, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday from 12:30 p.m.; dinner Sunday through Friday, 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., Saturday till 10 p.m. (714) 494-9707.