Miramar Beach Restaurant Serves Up History With Its Fish Tacos

I went looking for some tasty seafood with a view and found much more than I'd bargained for. The seafood at Miramar Beach Restaurant was fresh and appealing. The view from our table by the window was breathtaking in every direction. Oh, and did I mention that the place used to be a speakeasy and bordello?

Without knowing its past, history buffs would be enchanted with photos scattered around the restaurant showing the early days of Half Moon Bay and San Francisco.  But the restaurant itself is a true piece of history, built during Prohibition to take advantage of Half Moon Bay's distinction as a rum-running mecca for liquor smugglers from Canada. Our frequent fog provided the perfect cover.

Then known as the Ocean Beach Hotel, the downstairs was built with secret compartments and revolving doors on cabinets to hide the booze during raids. There were 13 rooms in the upstairs bordello, each equipped with its own sink and a bell system with the kitchen below.

But this is the 21st century and none of that would matter if the food was lousy. As you can see in the accompanying photos, the food was beautifully presented, arrived quickly, and tasted terrific.

The Miramar Beach Restaurant has an extensive menu, a full bar, and an outdoor seating area.

The restaurant is located at 131 Mirada Road, Half Moon Bay, 94019.