510 Highway 1, Big Sur

667-2345, www.nepenthebigsur.com

The family-owned-and-operated coastal spot made lasting impressions on Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton while filming The Sandpiper in 1963 and has been doing the same to visitors ever since. Three key reasons: 1) the incomparable Ambrosia burger; 2) the powerful and tasty punch of the refreshingly evil South Coast margarita; and 3) the sweeping views of the Pacific, which have the ability to make whatever you’re eating or drinking taste even better.