Dinin’ under the sun

Summer is undoubtedly a time for backyard barbecues and catchin’ some

rays.

At Pierce Street Annex in Costa Mesa, you are more than welcome to do

both in the comfort of their backyard -- more formally called the outdoor

patio. Between noon and sundown, on any day, customers are invited to

shed those pesky layers of clothing that make for funny tan lines and

hang out on the patio topless.

To keep traffic on 17th Street from coming to a screeching halt, only

guys can actually be topless. Women are welcome to wear tank or bikini

tops.

If a rumble of hunger emanates from that bare midriff, people are

welcome to throw a burger on the outdoor grill. The “drinking

establishment” -- as the popular 17th Street bar has dubbed itself -- has

the charcoals hot and patties ready for a self-serve patio barbecue.

Various spices and sauces, including teriyaki and traditional barbecue,

are readily available to season the meat, and condiments are also on

hand.

About a dozen hungry patrons -- turned chefs -- crowded around the

unmanned grill, cooking their burgers to perfection.

Adrienne Whipple, a 23-year-old Santa Ana Heights resident, said she

likes her burgers medium well, with the buns slightly toasted. To

complement her perfect meal, Whipple orders an ice cold Corona from a

passing cocktail waitress.

“It’s nice to just hang out in the sun with a cold beer and your

friends,” Whipple said.

From 4 to 8 p.m. Sundays, summer fun is taken to a new level as

Marvin’s Band entertains bargoers with live tunes.

Pierce Street tries to accommodate its customers with the comforts of

home while providing special perks -- such as a fully stocked bar and

live music -- that aren’t found at the usual backyard barbecues.

Tanning, grilling and rock ‘n’ roll combine for the ultimate summer

party, said John Waters, one of the bar’s owners.

“We get the live band out here with the warm Southern California

sunshine, and it becomes the place to be,” Waters said.