This loud, friendly gathering place isn't on a real beach, but enjoys a prime perch on San Diego Bay. Seated indoors or on a glassed-in patio, diners gaze endlessly at the city skyline, which is dramatic by day and breathtaking at night. The cafe is quite popular at happy hour, when the setting sun glimmers on downtown's mirrored high-rises. The ferry docks at a wooden pier a few steps away, discharging passengers into the complex of gift shops and restaurants with a New England fishing-village theme. Admittedly, the food takes a back seat to the view, but the lunchtime menu of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers is modestly priced and satisfying; dinner entrees--chops and pastas--aren't quite good enough for the price.