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Chuck warned me it wouldn't be fancy.
As we entered The Rudder Room and made our way down the narrow entrance hallway that takes you past the bathroom, I could see he was right. But what the bar lacked in decor, it made up for in locale.
We perched on two stools and, in between sips of beer, stared out the window behind the bar, which overlooks the sand and surf of Oxnard's Hollywood Beach.
It was an ideal setting for ending our day on the water. Chuck, my wife's uncle, keeps a boat at Channel Islands Harbor. We spent a Friday afternoon lounging on deck before taking the boat out beyond the break water. It was a short sail, but long enough to make us thirsty. And after I answered no when Chuck asked if I'd ever been to The Rudder Room, our destination was confirmed.
The view is what makes Oxnard's most famous dive bar such a destination. Well, that and the prices. Where else can you drink in ocean views and two domestic beers for less than the price of one movie ticket?
Or, if you prefer to sit outside, enjoy your drink with your toes in the sand. A collection of Adirondack chairs invite you to watch a pick-up volleyball game or the sun setting on the horizon.
In Southern California you can add an ocean view to almost any dining experience, no matter how simple.
Take coffee, for instance. Kraken Coffee Company is just steps from the Pismo Beach pier. A roll-up front door opens to an expansive view, plus the ocean breeze. The coffee is excellent too, whether you're in the mood for something hot or iced, they have it all - from almond to oat milk.
With plenty of tables, you can settle in, sit down and people watch. Or you can take your cup to go and wander out to the end of the pier to watch surfers ride the long rollers or follow the wooden steps down to Pismo's wide beach for an extended stroll.
How about a beachfront burger? That's the ultimate combo meal, and you can find it at Jalama Beach. Sure, Jalama is out of the way, but that's what makes it so special. Your reward for driving 14 miles down a two-lane road outside Lompoc is reaching a county campground and park that gives you access to one of the last unspoiled stretches of California coastline.
Empty beaches stretch for miles in either direction. After a long walk you'll have earned yourself a Jalama Burger. Order one at the campground store - add a side of onion rings - and settle in at a picnic table in the sand for a messy, juicy treat.
Maybe you just want fries? Head to Avila Market, just north of Pismo in Avila Beach. That's where you'll find Breaker Fries. They're seasoned with Old Bay, topped with pico de gallo, jalapeno crema, chimichurri and queso. If you're really hungry, add your choice of protein - fried egg, avocado, pork belly, bacon, fried chicken or carnitas. While you're enjoying your fries and a cold draft beer, you can watch the sun sparkle off Avila's calm waters.
Don't forget about dessert. Although it's technically not on the water, McConnell's Fine Ice Cream on Santa Barbara's State Street is close enough. Top your cone with Turkish Coffee or Eureka Lemon and Marionberries and then stroll a few blocks down to West Beach or Stearns Wharf to soak in the views of the waterfront.
Fancy is sometimes overrated. Just keep it simple and enjoy the views.
Eric Harnish lives in Castaic when he is not enjoying ocean-front dining.

Go There!
The Rudder Room instagram.com/therudderroom/
Kraken Coffee Company poorbutsexy.biz/krakencoffeeco
Jalama Beach Store jalamabeachstore.com
Avila Market theavilamarket.com