Have I ever told you the story about Juan’s daddy? Well, it’s really the American dream.
   
It’s one I first learned from a friend of mine, Tom Golden, a Sunset Beach local who speaks with a silver tongue and a Southern drawl. We were dining with a group at J. King Neptune’s, and Golden began the story with that very question.
   
It’s a tale of a father of seven, Jose Alvarez, who worked as a cook at Harpoon Harry’s and eventually became the owner of Neptune’s, where he works alongside his sons Juan, Francisco, Lance and Saul, and daughter Lupe. It’s a great little neighborhood gem that features live music three nights a week and karaoke every Friday, and serves a menu of seafood that meets or beats the fare served at even the fanciest restaurants. (Go HERE to read more about Juan’s dad and how he came to own Neptune’s.)
   
The place is easy to miss. It’s a beige building with simple signage on the front. And the interior is, well, humble. There’s a game room to the right of the entry. The bar occupies the center of the space, with a lounge and stage to the left. The dining room is off to the left of the entry, nestled in the corner.
   
At first, the menu looks ordinary, with appetizers that you’d expect to see at any pub – chicken fingers, fried zucchini, Buffalo wings, barbecue ribs. Look farther down, and you’ll find crab-stuffed mushrooms, and steamed clams and mussels. For dinner, you’ll see Spicy Cajun Prawns with pasta, New York steak and filet mignon, and an impressive selection of seafood, all fresh and expertly prepared. Most of the dishes are priced between $17.95 and $20.95. The locals who eat here like to think of it as their little secret – they rarely have to wait for a table.
   
I’m hooked on the scallops – seared, then sautéed in roasted garlic and butter, and served with fresh steamed vegetables, a soup or salad, and a baked potato, rice pilaf or french fries.
   
My husband dreams about the clam chowder – chunky with clams steeped in a rich cream base with bits of potato.
   
Juan’s daddy should be proud.

J. King Neptune’s
jkingneptune.com
17115 Pacific Coast Hwy., Sunset Beach
562.592.4878
Hours: Dinner daily starting at 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, bar opens at 2 p.m.
Friday, bar opens at 1 p.m. (Happy hour is offered weekdays from 3 to 6 p.m.,
with drink discounts and complimentary food.)