Forge in the Forest Restaurant, Carmel-By-The-Sea

The dining experience here is superb. On the walls inside, find license plates, skillets, signs, toys, and all sorts of collectibles. On the patio outside is a stone rotisserie that cooks many of the meats. The menu has an excellent selection of center-cut steaks and pastas, and you can even get a crispy duck sandwich. The wine list is extensive, ranging from normal table wines to $110 bottles. The clientele is mostly locals, but tourists roll in now and then.