Yorba Cantina is so far northeast in Yorba Linda, it’s not too far away from the end of La Palma Avenue. It’s so far northeast, that to get you, you’ll have to exit Gypsum Canyon Road, the last stop before you cross over into Riverside County, that off-ramp you’ve probably never used in your life. It’s so far northeast that you could fart here, and they’d smell it in Corona.
Given it’s so isolated from the rest of Orange County, Yorba Cantina is THE neighborhood place to enjoy some decent Mexican food, liberally poured drinks and 16 taps of craft beer. The $2 Taco Tuesday tacos are stuffed with your choice of meat or shrimp (they also add lettuce and tomato) and the salsas are spicy with a hint of garlic. Friendly bartenders pack this place with the local bros and gals—get here early to find a seat at the bar.
You could excuse them for just offering the usual domestic drafts and a few Mexican-style beers, which they do. But Yorba raises the bar (see what I did there?) of most neighborhood watering holes by having selections from Elysian Brewing Co., Golden Road Brewing, Left Coast Brewing, Oskar Blues Brewing and the ever-reliable Stone Brewing Co. Elysian Spacedust is a tasty American IPA 8.2% ABV, three different hops tickling those taste buds. Hoppy but not bitter. It finishes dry but not before you enjoy the floral and citrus notes. Stone Xocoveza Mocha Stout, on the other hand, is perfect for your dessert—so rich, so smooth and sooooo Mexican chocolate. A real treat on a cool winter night, if those actually existed in SoCal.
But this week’s Beer of the Week is Maui Mana Wheat by Maui Brewing Co.: 5.5%ABV, super-smooth and tasty, infused with Maui Gold Pineapple. This craft beer literally brings the islands of Hawaii to YOU!
Beyond the good beer selection, the ambience at Yorba is perfect right now: too prole and laid-back for the suds snobs—but I did spot a stray cougar or two from the Chino wildlands…
Yorba Cantina, 23741 La Palma Ave., Yorba Linda, (714) 692-7777; www.yorbacantina.com
