J. King Neptune's not only serves up tasty cocktails and hot bands at night, they also are known for their cooking. Shown in the video above at the annual Sunset Beach Chili Cook-Off, they won for most original display and received honors for their chili.

Chili Cook-Off contestant J. King Neptune's in Sunset Beach, Calif. serves up tasty meals, and has done so for years. Though it has changed hands along the way and no longer prominently features many of the World War II relics that once filled the walls, glass cases and ceilings, it does continues to be one of several major hang-outs for locals from Sunset Beach and Huntington Harbour who actually can walk for a cocktail and walk home. How convenient is that old-fashioned concept of the neighborhood restaurant and bar? 

In small towns across America cities were built with a church, grocery store and bar to serve the locals who didn't always have cars. Many of those towns and cities still exist and maintain such a lifestyle but in Southern California, you'll be more inclined to have to hop in a car and drive to get your food, pubs and even your religious activities. But like an institutional favorite, chili, that may have come from the early days when the cowboys were on the range, Sunset Beach residents hold a warm spot in their hearts for local businesses owners that serve up tasty bowls of chili.

The tight-knit community ways are still apparent in Sunset Beach today as volunteers hold several annual fundraisers throughout the seasons. Chili Cook-Off is one such delight. The major restaurants and some brave entrants all duke it out over pots and pans to cook dynamite chili.

Did someone say dynamite?  The number one comment from Neptune's chili entry was "It's hot."  Actually our taste-testers at Beachcalifornia.com took a sample and found it pleasingly nice.  Hot is a relative term and by the entry standards, it probably was on the spicy side. Nevertheless, the Texas-style chili (meat, no beans), held one exception. It was served on a bed of fluffy, white rice.

"It's delicious," said many who grabbed paper cups filled with the recipe entry and tried it. "It's hot," said others.  Either way, it placed in the finish and was a testament to good food the restaurant serves nightly.  If you're visiting Sunset Beach, stop by J. King Neptune's on Pacific Coast Highway and lick your chops on some tasty meals made fresh daily.

 Chili cook-offs in California range from local fundraiser events such as the Sunset Beach Chili Cook-Off to high-stakes enter-to-win pro-level  competitions for cash prizes.