LA JOLLA SHORES’ casual-cool oyster bar and restaurant, Sandpiper Wood-Fired Grill & Oysters (celebrating its second anniversary in business), has debuted a refreshed dining menu by executive chef Marty Fay

The relaxed La Jolla Shores relation of George's at the Cove hosts an all-day happy hour running from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays when wines by the glass, well drinks, and draft beer are $4 off. Or try the $10 Sandpiper passionfruit margarita available during happy hour. Food specials include $5 Baja fish tacos, crispy shrimp, or albacore tiradito, along with its signature offer of a free dozen oysters with the purchase or a botte or Champagne.

Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters near La Jolla Shores draws the local crowd for fire-licked seafood and briny oysters.

Often referred to as the “Jewell by the Sea”, the coastal community of La Jolla is known for its picturesque beaches and stately home.

There’s no ambivalence towards bivalves. Slippery, savory, and sweet oysters trigger a gag reflex in some and moans of delight in others. (I happen to fall firmly in the second camp. Give me a seafood tower over a dessert cart any day.)

New Summer Menu at Sandpiper

Now Available. Sandpiper Wood-Fired Grill & Oysters—La Jolla Shores’ casual-cool oyster bar and restaurant—debuts a refreshed summer menu by executive chef Marty Fay. New additions include the smoked albacore dip (pictured) accompanied by “everything bagel” crackers, pickles and a soft boiled egg; swordfish schnitzel with German potato salad and marinated cucumbers; cod croquettes with bechamel and lemon aioli; and a panzanella salad with tomatoes, burrata, peaches and sourdough. See website for hours. 2259 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, 858.228.5655. sandpipersd.com

Often referred to as the “Jewell by the Sea”, the coastal community of La Jolla is known for its picturesque beaches and stately home.

La Jolla restaurant Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters has launched a new summer menu. Some of the plates include swordfish schnitzel with German potato salad and marinated cucumbers; panzanella with tomato, burrata, peaches and sourdough bread; croqueta de bacalao with cod, bechamel and lemon aioli; and albacore dip with smoked albacore, bagel crackers, soft boiled egg and pickles (above). Executive chef Marty Fay created the summer menu. 2259 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla. (858) 228-5655, sandpipersd.com

As the sister restaurant of La Jolla’s Georges at the Cove, this laid-back restaurant is the perfect spot to chill with friends after a day in the sand and share oysters from the raw bar or rosemary Parmesan fries dipped in jalapeño ranch. Grab a seat on the dog-friendly patio or head indoors for grilled favorites including octopus, prime rib, and cast-iron focaccia with honey ricotta. A smoky element takes flavors up a notch, with nearly every dish touching the wood-fired grill. Sunday brunch and happy hour (Sunday--Thursday, 4–5:30 pm; Friday and Saturday all day) are both on point, especially with tempting offers that include a dozen oysters on the house with any purchase of a bottle of Champagne.

The La Jolla Shores restaurant is seriously robust, offered from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with $4 off draft beer, wine, specialty cocktails, and well drinks and an extensive list of food that includes menu favorites like Baja fish tacos, smash burgers, steamed mussels, and crispy shrimp.