A Whale of Tale Restaurant at Olde Port Inn Harford Pier
Avila Beach Dining -- In May 2010, the ocean view restaurant celebrated 40
years in existence.
Someone actually built a pier restaurant in California for a couple hundred
bucks. It doesn't seem likely, but it is true!
According to the Olde Port Inn
restaurant founder, Barry A. Cohen, he
constructed the Avila Beach restaurant
on Harford Pier for around $300.
With the best view dining on the Central
Coast's San Luis Obispo County, the
restaurant has a solid fish menu,
a full bar, and many wines to choose
from. If you need an introduction to the
local wines, why not set yourself down
for an afternoon of sampling?
The Wines-- Chardonnays include Tolosa
"1772″, Edna Valley, Talley "Rincon,
Arroyo Grande, Talley "Rosemarys",
Arroyo Grande, Talley Vineyards, Arroyo
Grande, Wolff, Edna Valley, Baileyana,
Edna Valley, Martin & Weyrich, "Unwooded
Chardonnay", and Rex Goliath ,
California.
Napa serves up the Sauvignon Blancs with
wineries Duckhorn, Provenance and Grgich
Hills, St. Supery, and Brander. Pinot
Blanc, Pinot Grigio, White Zinfandel,
Gewurtztraminer, Johannisburg Riesling,
Petite Sirah, Merlot, Zinfandel, Pinot
Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon all get a
fair shake. The wine list offers
suggestions for paring with particular
menu items.
One of the most rustic piers in all of
California with its often windy breeze
that can chill you to the bone if you
don't have a warm enough coat in the
winter, leads you past serious free pier
fishing, past the noisy sea lions, and
the smell of fish, as you wander to the
end of the wooden pier where the
restaurant sits.
Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries,
celebrations, and romantic dates,
The Olde Port Inn prices are around
$35-50/person.
Olde Port Inn, Harford Pier in Port San
Luis, Avila Beach, CA 93424
(805) 595-2515. -oldeportinn.com
There are approx. 20 piers and wharfs in
California with restaurant dining. The
views are king at these dining
establishments that often serve at least
one fish item on the menu. Most sell
beer & wine, and quite a few have full
bars serving alcoholic beverages.
Favorite hotel: Avila Lighthouse Suites
is newer, and right at the beach. Winter
off-season is the best time to book it.