[singlepic id=342 w=320 h=240 mode=watermark float=right]For years now, The Pacific Edge, a small hotel right in the middle of the bustle of Laguna Beach, has always been known to the locals here as “that great wedding place on the beach.” I’ve been to three weddings there myself, including my niece’s.

That all changed up a couple months ago.

The Pacific Edge’s fabulous outdoor deck right on the beach (and I mean, waves lapping under the deck in high tide) has now become a full-blown outdoor bar  – aptly titled “The Deck” – with full menu options and adjoining cabanas to boot. From me personally, I’d say it’s a big improvement! There’s no other open-air, gasp-at-the-sunset bar in Laguna Beach that sits any closer to the waves than this little winner.

[singlepic id=344 w=320 h=240 mode=watermark float=left]Having waited more than a year for City approval to officially open, these folks at “The Deck” are primed and taking it down. “The Deck” has been rocking since July 1st’s grand opening and it’s only going to get busier as the word about this place spreads, so best hustle yourself down there NOW.

The Deck is part of an ownership arrangement that includes The Beach House on one side, and the Pacific Edge, a combo entertainment complex and hotel on the other. So, each entity supports its shouldering sibling.

The Deck serves up its own full bar, including its already-signature generous wine pours and its best-selling “Cool as a Cucumber” martini.

It further provides a full appetizer and meal menu, complements of The Beach House chefs nearby. It was a pleasure to see the chefs step it up a notch with an expanded appetizer menu (including their great Ahi Chip appetizer, Coconut Shrimp and a “Clam Bake”) as well as a number of salad and entree options that range from Mahi Tacos to Pasta Pomodoro and Paella for Two.

[singlepic id=345 w=320 h=240 mode=watermark float=left]Then, the Pacific Edge to the left of The Deck kicks in with these great new beachfront cabana rooms that have been refabbed from first-floor hotel rooms. Rented in 12-hour slots (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.), these Cabanas aren’t just your basic “here’s a couch, here’s a table, and what do you want for bottle service?”

Yes, you get ALL that in what they call your “Front Yard,” but you also have a refabbed hotel room included as part of the Cabana experience behind your “yard” with couches, chairs, TVs, sound system, kitchenette, refrigerators, closets and full baths. Further, cabana guests can order mani/pedis, massages, or ask for a “beach sherpa” for set-up on the beach.
What a glorious way to spend a full day and evening right on the beach!

[singlepic id=343 w=320 h=240 mode=watermark float=right]Of course, the Cabanas come with a full-time “cabana girl” – the evening I was there, I chatted with Jacqueline, a former Miss Colorado. I’m a Denver native, too, so while this might be a slightly partial assessment, I can assure my gentlemanly audience out there that these waitresses are quite stellar! (Alas, Jacqueline is returning to college on the East Coast at the time of this writing, but we’ll hope she’ll return next summer.) So … back on track here … as a Cabana guest, you have access to the full menu options of the Beach House; the full drink menu options of The Deck; and Cabana-special party platters. But, if your guests feel like mingling with The Deck crowd, they have easy flow-through access to The Deck at any time, too.

Even without the Beach House Restaurant and the Pacific Edge Cabanas, The Deck would still haul in the crowds based on its on-the-beach location and incredible Laguna Beach views. But, thanks to the forethought of a very smart ownership group, I’d say this little entity will be sitting “on the edge” and playing host to thousands for a long time to come.

To find The Deck: If you’re coming from Main Beach in the main part of Laguna Beach, head south and pass Legion (it’s the street at the top of a small hill heading up from downtown). Look for signs for The Beach House on the right and turn on Sleepy Hollow Lane. You’ll find valets there for car parking for access to both The Beach House and The Deck. If you’re walking in from the street, you’re welcome to walk into the courtyard of The Pacific Edge Hotel and head to the outdoor elevator on the south side of the courtyard. Take it to the lowest level, then mosey toward the beach (down stairs, a short walkway, and you’re there at the hostess stand for The Deck.)