In this week’s Best of Laguna Beach radio show, I sat down with Andrew Turula, the 18-year General Manager of The Cliff Restaurant & Live Music, who’s been keeping the iconic Cliff - our YES, only CLIFFside restaurant – running for nearly two decades.
From raw scallops, fish tacos and the best steaks in the land … to ongoing events on their cliffside terrace over the ocean … and 6-day-a-week live music under the stars, Andrew shares insider stories on what makes The Cliff a beloved local spot and international draw. He opens up about Laguna’s shifting tourism scene, the restaurant’s unbeatable ocean views, their spectacular event venue, and what keeps his team motivated through 1,400-cover summer Saturdays.
🏈 PLUS! Monday Night Football Just Got Interesting at The Cliff 😉
Starting on the first Monday Football Night, The Cliff is rolling out a Pro Football-only Menu for Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays. Think chili cheese dogs, wings, nachos, tenders, and more with killer drink specials.But here’s the game-winning kick:
Then for Monday Night Football ONLY, guess the final combined score of the game before the end of the 1st quarter, and if you nail it … The Cliff gives you a gift card for the entire amount. Yep, the entire tab (no more than two people, though - no pile ons allowed!)
Key Points from our Interview
- 18 Years at the Helm – Andrew Turula has grown with The Cliff since 2006, starting as a server and moving on up to GM.
- History of the Village (Who Knew? 😮 ) – Taken on by two sisters, Kathy Gibson and Sharon Heron, whose parents founded Laguna Village Arts & Flowers in the 1960s; today the Village hosts The Cliff plus 12+ artisan shops with strictly original, handmade work. Them’s the rules!
- Views & Venue – 30 restaurant tables and a stunning cliffside event venue that hosts up to 200+ guests with unbeatable sunset ceremonies over the ocean.
- Culinary Standouts – Fan favorites include raw scallops (their #1 appetizer and a special reserve with their providers), and a cocktail menu known for this …
- HAPPY HOUR + TACO TUESDAY - Happy Hour is Mondays- Friday, 3 pm - 6 pm and Taco Tuesday overlaps on its special day, 4 pm - close.
- Live Music Legacy – What started as open mic night has evolved into one of Laguna’s best live music programs, with bands and duos (like Perfect Blend) drawing 100+ crowds year-round.
- Phenomenal Event Venue for Your Next Group – Weddings, social events and corporate celebrations are fully customizable, with menus rivaling high-end steakhouses and every table, linen and chair you desire. (Andrew even got married there himself).
- Seasonal Shifts – Summer traffic has slowed post-COVID compared to neighboring beach towns, which Andrew attributes to weakened city marketing. What are his thoughts on where Laguna needs to shift (and quickly) to change it up?
- Locals & Loyalty – From Taco Tuesday feasts to happy hours and football-night specials, The Cliff continues to innovate while staying a community favorite.