Duarte's Tavern, Pescadero

Located about an hour south of San Francisco on the Pacific coast, in the quaint fishing village of Pescadero, family-owned Duarte's Tavern (pronounced "dew arts") is a true off-the-beaten-path treasure. Officially named "An American Classic" by the James Beard Foundation, the tavern lies a ways inland, past dunes and marshlands, at a dusty little intersection. Inside, you'll find bikers, fishermen and day-tripping families mingling over pints of beer, bowls of world-famous Crab Cioppino and plates of award-winning Olallieberry Pie. Don't forget to stop by the souvenir table for a jar of homemade jam or a hooded logo sweatshirt (essential for a windy afternoon on the beach just down the road). See website for menu, history and online shopping.