Philadelphia transplant Billy Daniels had been managing Jimmy O's in Del Mar for five years when he heard Martini Ranch in Encinitas was for sale. Daniels, who grew up in nightclubs, restaurants and bars, knew the opportunity to open his own place had finally come.

Encouraged by his wife, Priscilla, the fledgling entrepreneur presented his "Jimmy O's on steroids" concept to investors Chip Larsen and Sam Hansen, who green-lighted the project. D Street Bar and Grill opened in December last year.

The family-friendly gathering spot occupies a corner of prime, storied real estate at D Street and Coast Highway. The La Paloma Theater is next door, and D Street beach is known for some of the best surfing around.

"I wanted to bring a great neighborhood pub to a great neighborhood," said Daniels. "I'm so thankful to the community. They supported us from the start."

The restaurant has 35 TVs and seating for 200, so sports fans can watch just about any televised event from college sports to thoroughbred racing. The airy space is made comfortable with dark wood floors, exposed brick walls and leather booths. Upbeat music keeps things lively, and sports memorabilia hangs on the walls alongside framed black-and-white photos of Encinitas.

Upstairs is the retro Zebra Lounge, modeled after one of Daniel's father's nightclubs in the '70s. Open Thursday through Saturday, the lounge can also be booked for small private parties.

Larsen and Hansen keep tabs on the money while Daniels and Thomas King, also from Philadelphia, run the day-to-day operations. "It was my brainchild, but it's a team effort," said Daniels.

According to King, Daniels gave him his first bartending job even though he lacked experience. "Billy hired me because having no experience also meant I had no bad habits."

They made a pact that if ever the right opportunity came along where they could have their own place, they'd give each other a call. "I'd been backpacking all over Europe, but when Billy called, I was on the first plane out here," said King.

D Street's menu is a taste of Americana, a step up from your average pub food -- and the prices are reasonable, too. Appetizer options are plentiful. Try the spinach and artichoke dip served with tortilla chips or blackened sushi-grade ahi with cucumber and mango salsa, both $8.95.

Healthful choices abound, too. Take the cranberry spin, a spinach salad with walnuts, red onions, dried cranberries and crumbled blue cheese or the club wedge -- iceberg lettuce with tomatoes, avocado, crumbled bacon and blue cheese, both $7.95.

Chicken wings are a customer favorite ($8.95 for 10 pieces or $12.95 for 20 pieces), as are the steak sandwiches ($6.95 for a cheese steak and $7.95 for one with mushrooms).

Build your own burger ($7.50) or choose from one of nine sandwiches such as the meatball Parmesan ($7.95) or Cajun chicken served with chipotle chile mayo ($7.25). Burgers and sandwiches come with fries, but customers can substitute a house or Caesar salad at no charge. For another heart-healthy option, swap a lettuce wrap for that Kaiser roll at no charge.

Some of the recipes are homemade favorites, like the angel hair pasta and meatballs topped with Momma D's homemade marinara sauce ($8.50).

A kids' menu includes items such as mac 'n' cheese ($4.25) or chicken fingers with fries ($4.95). For dessert, there's New York cheesecake and Key lime pie ($5.95).

Local artists performing Wednesday through Sunday draw the singles crowd. "It's not intrusive," said Daniels. "It's acoustic, unplugged, so people can still talk or watch a game."

D Street has a full bar and 12 beers on tap priced from $3.50 to $5. Happy hour from 4 to 6 daily features $2 off beer, cocktails, and appetizers.

Now that it's football season, D Street is open for breakfast at 9 a.m. on weekend game days. Try items like the D Street breakfast burrito, stuffed with three scrambled eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes, avocado and cheddar cheese ($7.95).

"But don't worry," said King. "If you have to have your spicy chicken wings at 9 in the morning, we'll make 'em. No problem. We aim to please."

- Cameron James is a freelance writer. To suggest a new restaurant or food-related shop for "Now Serving," e-mail features@nctimes.com.

NOW SERVING:

What: D Street Bar and Grill

Where: 485 S. Coast Highway, Encinitas

Hours: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 a.m. daily; Happy Hour 4-6 p.m. daily.

Call: (760) 943-9101; www.Dstreetbarandgrill.com