Tired of taking orders as an assistant...

Tired of taking orders as an assistant manager at Hennessey’s Tavern, Alfredo Garnica struck out on his own in 1986 and opened the California Bar and Grill in Hawthorne. Five years later he opened another California Bar and Grill, this one in Carson. In Garnica’s case, insubordination turned out to be a good thing: Both establishments, friendly and relaxed, are doing a lively business.

The Carson restaurant has wooden tables, floor-to-ceiling windows and 10 televisions typically tuned to sporting events. The menu is divided into four categories: appetizers, salads, hamburgers and sandwiches.

The most popular appetizers are the chicken quesadilla ($4.50), a flour tortilla filled with cheese and chunks of chicken breast, and buffalo wings ($4.95), 12 drummettes served with a buttermilk dressing.

Several salads are offered, including a Cobb salad ($5.95) that includes bacon, ham, turkey, avocado, hard-boiled egg and a topping of crumbled blue cheese. The biggest-selling salad is the Caesar with chicken ($6.95).

Hamburger fans should be pleased with the menu because it lists eight variations on that all-American favorite. You won’t have any trouble finding the beef here: The nearly half-pound patty extends beyond the borders of the bun. There is a bacon burger ($5.50), a Hawaiian burger ($5.50), which comes with pineapple and teriyaki sauce, and a blue cheese burger ($5.95).

The bottom of the menu lists 10 sandwiches, including my favorite item here, the grilled chicken breast sandwich ($6.95), which comes on a sesame seed bun. The six-ounce chicken breast is topped with melted Cheddar cheese and two strips of bacon. The swordfish sandwich ($8.95), a filet of swordfish on a French roll, is accompanied by French fries.

Garnica, a guy who lives to have a good time, frequently has entertainment at his restaurants, such as singers and dancers.

California Bar and Grill is at 860 E. Carson St., Carson (310) 518-6282, and 14047 Hawthorne Blvd., Hawthorne (310) 675-5930. Hours are 10 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. seven days a week. Full bar.