The beer probably helped, but I think I had fonder memories of this restaurant chain when I was in college.
I must be getting old...the decor says "cheesy spraypaint t-shirts from swap meet" and sort of a laid back eclectic. I did like that they painted faux peepholes in the exposed a/c ducts with funny little characters peeking out.
What kind of lost it for me was that the place has just opened up and it looks kind of like a dump already. I mean, I know it's supposed to be casual and beachy...but the booths already have butt-dents permanently ingrained in the vinyl.
Crusty stained menu = Ew
Sticky floors = Ew
Sticky table = Ew
Stuffed animal order marker with food stains = NASTY
Upside was the food was decent and so were the prices. But why are there waitresses when you have to go to the register to order food, get drinks, and refills, and get your own chips and salsa? They were nice, nonetheless...still...
Overall I just got a blah reaction.
I had way better fish tacos in San Diego.