Custom House

Custom House sits right on the promenade at 404 Front Street, with a patio that looks across the sand to San Luis Bay. It calls itself fast casual dining with ocean views, and that's a fair description. You can come in off the beach in sandals for lunch or settle in at the bar for a drink at sunset.

It shares its building with Mr. Rick's, the beach bar next door, and Mission Pizza, the takeout counter at the back.

What to order at Custom House

The menu covers fresh fish, hand-cut steaks, salads and appetizers, plus a cocktail bar. Burgers and tater tots are the items people mention most, and the tri-tip nachos and cioppino bowl are a little more unusual. It also opens at 10 a.m., which makes it an easy late-morning stop after a walk on the beach.

Menus change, so check the restaurant's website for what's on now.

Getting there and parking

Custom House is in the middle of Front Street, near the Avila Beach Pier. Free street parking near Front Street goes fast on summer weekends; the parking guide covers the side streets and the paid lot off First Street.

Around Custom House

You're steps from everything downtown. Walk the promenade and main beach, let kids loose at the pirate ship playground at the west end of Front Street, or come back on a Friday evening in season for the farmers market. For more drinks along the sand, see Bars & Happy Hour.