Ashland Hill - Santa Monica

There is no better way to spend a sunny Santa Monica summer than to sit outside and eat. If that's what you're looking to do, look no further than Ashland Hill.

Parking is uphill both ways, but I swear you'll like it when you finally arrive. The location is ritzy, but Ashland Hill strives to be chill. This casual-chic beer garden embodies Santa Monica swagger, with high-end ingredients set into casual dishes for a higher-maintenance laid-back look.

What better way to start your beer-garden brunch than with a classic hash? The Main St. Hash is traditional with a twist. Two eggs blanket a rich potatoes-and-tomatoes combo, while the lamb gives it a gamier spin.

The Charred Shishito Mac & Cheese is non-euphemistically interesting. I didn't think pickled pepper would go with dairy but it does. And though the day was a little too hot and heavy for a thick coat of the whitest cheddar I've ever seen, the sharp sting of fresh shishitos and pickled peppers perk it up to make it a little more manageable.

Located uncomfortably close to tourist territory, I expected most things at Ashland Hill to be swill. The parking nightmare also makes for a hard sell, but I'd come back for a pleasant brunch and I'll be back to try the beer as well.