Oceanfront Waterbar Lands on Pacific Beach Boardwalk

6700-square-feet of prime Pacific Beach real estate overlooking its bustling boardwalk is being built into a fresh dining and drinking destination called Waterbar. What was formerly Joe’s Crab Shack is being given new life by a team of local restaurateurs that includes co-owner Todd Brown, who currently owns Bub’s at the Beach, Bub’s at the Ballpark and Blind Burro, OMG Hospitality Group head Eric Leitstein (Union Kitchen + Tap, Backyard Kitchen + Tap and PB Alehouse) and Joe Vaught of The Verant Group (Barleymash, Tavern, Sandbar, WESTROOT, True North Tavern, Uptown Tavern).

Scheduled for an early 2017 launch, the restaurant will feature floor-to-ceiling windows to capitalize on its unobstructed beachfront location, just steps from the sand and Pacific Beach’s landmark Crystal Pier. Inside, two large bars will be the focal point of a lounge space that will also include community seating and ocean view tables.

Serving lunch, dinner, brunch and happy hour with a "social seafood menu" inspired by both coasts and Baja, Waterbar’s dishes will range from chowder to cioppino but also span to include small plates and meat and vegetable-forward offerings, while the no-doubt booming bar will center around craft cocktails, San Diego craft beers and an eclectic wine list.