Laguna Pool House & Kitchen

Laguna Pool House has two things going for it: the talent of experienced Chef Luke Palladino. and a serene location next to the pool deck on the sixth floor of the Palms Place high-rise. Whether seated outdoors or in the main dining room, it's a clean, contemporary environment that local chef Crystina Ngyuen says she loves for brunch.

Palladino sticks to familiar fare, but covers a lot of ground, from Korean-style fried chicken and delicately prepared sushi to pizzas and smoked Wagyu short rib. Big John’s Son is a 24-inch hot dog to share, topped with the prime rib of a Philly Cheese steak and served on a bed of French Fries. Bob Barnes of Gayot enjoys the "half-pound Classic Burger, a blend of brisket, short rib and chuck topped with a slightly spicy pimento cheese spread and American cheese" as well as the "Fruity Pebble Cheesecake, which mixes the popular cereal into the batter.”

Overall, it's an ambitious menu in a breezy environment that's already proven to be a popular destination for nightly specials and pop-up events.