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"Perched atop Del Mar Plaza, I found Monarch Ocean Pub to be Social Syndicate’s first North County venue and the group's second restaurant opened during the pandemic (after La Doña). With a casual, weathered beach house design by Tecture and 180-degree ocean views, the 5,800-square-foot space places roughly three-quarters of its seating outdoors. While San Diego County was in takeout and delivery mode, the restaurant ran to-go orders through a bar set up in an adjacent public park where customers could sit and enjoy their meals. Open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 8 p.m., it serves specialty cocktails, beer and wine and an abridged menu of modern American comfort food from culinary director Craig Jimenez (Supernatural Sandwiches), including wood-fired smoked chicken wings, smoked pork belly lettuce wraps, and a variety of salads." - Candice Woo