Aloha Grill
221 Main St., Ste. F, Huntington Beach, (714) 374-4427
In the heart of downtown Huntington Beach, you will find this Hawaiian-inspired restaurant more easygoing than the hustle of nearby Main Street. They specialize in Pacific Rim cuisine such as sashimi, teriyaki chicken, Pacific Rim mahi mahi and paniolo steak. Relax in Aloha's casual atmosphere with a fruity, frozen tropical drink, and call it a day.
Services: takeout and catering available. Full bar. Hours: Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-midnight; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-2 a.m. All major credit cards accepted.Anastasia470 Ocean Ave., Laguna Beach, (949) 497-8903
The founder of Anastasia lived in the south of France for many years, so when Anastasia Cafe was conceived, it was done so not only to promote French cuisine but also the French way of life. Situated in artsy, oceany Laguna Beach, the restaurant's relaxing atmosphere can nearly wipe out the fact that we're in fast-paced Southern California. The menu is a French-Californian blend, taking the best of both worlds: flavorful and healthy. For breakfast, enjoy thick Belgian waffles, pain caramel toast or Fisherman's Feast. For lunch, taste the Chinese chicken salad or the salad de la mer. More entres, such as the bouillabaisse or the halibut with macadamia nuts, are artistic creations waiting to be savored.
Services: takeout and catering available. Hours: Mon.-Sun., 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. All major credit cards accepted.Azteca Restaurant/Crooner's Lounge12911 Historical Main St., Garden Grove, (714) 638-3790
Crooner's bills itself as Southern California's only “Elvis Lounge,” a full bar featuring music and memorabilia from the Rat Pack and the King himself. Weekends feature rockabilly to the nines, Friday nights feature Main Street's Classic Car Show outside, and Saturday nights feature Elvis' movies on the TV. You can also re-create Elvis' Fun in Acapulco vibe with some great Mexican food at Azteca restaurant, which offers a menu filled with the owner's original recipes. Try the garlic tacos and garlic salad to set the party off, or ask about the daily special.
Services: takeout available. Full bar. Hours: daily, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; lounge open till 1 a.m. All major credit cards accepted. Bamboo Bistro2600 E. Coast Hwy., Ste. 160, Corona del Mar, (949) 720-1289
Bamboo Bistro features extensive menu selections from Viet-Thai cuisine, including delicious healthy entres compliant with the American Association recommendations. Bamboo Bistro offers a wide variety of dishes, with more than 50 items on their menu ranging from roasted-pork spring rolls to mint-leaf chicken. Gourmet salads such as the Asian greens with prawns or the spicy shredded-chicken salad complement any entre. And don't forget to order the can't-let-go-of-it, you-should-have-gotten-your-own Thai iced tea.
Services: takeout and catering available. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. All major credit cards accepted.BD's Mongolian Barbecue13122 Jamboree Rd., Irvine, (714) 665-0810
Remember Genghis Khan? Well, he was from Mongolia way back in the day, and that raucous, marauding spirit lives on in otherwise-placed Irvine. After introductions with the 9-foot-tall restaurant mascot Mongo man have been made, bang the convenient gong and pillage your way through a hearty dish of Mongolian stir-fry—but with five different meats, four types of seafood, 18 types of vegetables and 20 sauces, you better pillage like you mean it. You pick the ingredients, and they grill it in front of you! It's fun, it's loud, it's high-energy—what more could you or your rampaging horde ask for?
Services: takeout available. Full bar. Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., noon-10 p.m. All major credit cards accepted.Beach Cafe123 23rd St., Newport Beach, (949) 723-6277
Come check out what locals call “the best breakfast” on Balboa Peninsula. Whether you're an early bird or you don't see the light of day until the afternoon, this retro-airy diner serves classic American breakfasts and lunches all day. Popular for their breakfast burritos, beach-named omelets and fluffy pancakes, they also serve up a satisfying fresh ground-beef burger and melt-in-your-mouth Philly cheese steak.
Services: takeout and catering available. Hours: Mon.-Sun., 7 a.m.-4 p.m. All major credit cards accepted.Benihana Japanese Steakhouse2100 E. Ball Rd., Anaheim, (714) 774-4940; 4250 Birch St., Newport Beach, (949) 955-0822
America's most popular Japanese steakhouse for 37 years, where steak, chicken and seafood are all cooked to perfection before your eyes by your very own chef on the hibachi grill—not only is the food delicious, but there's also nothing more entertaining than the juxtaposition of food, fast-moving knives and flair! In addition to serving signature hibachi garlic-chicken fried rice, lobster and scallops sizzled on the grill, there are authentic sushi bars in both OC locations. Yum!
Services: takeout available. Full bar. Reservations recommended. Anaheim hours: Mon.-Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. & 5-10 p.m.; Fri., 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. & 5-11 p.m.; Sat., noon-11 p.m.; Sun., noon-9 p.m. Newport Beach hours: Mon.-Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. & 5-10 p.m.; Fri., 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. & 5-11 p.m.; Sat., 12:30-3 p.m. & 5 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 12:30-9 p.m.Bobby McGee's200 S. State College, Brea, (714) 529-1998
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Have your exquisitely juicy prime rib beef served to you by a pirate!?!?! Or maybe a clown!?!?! Bobby McGee's offers good-humored, fantasy dining at its finest, as the costumed staff serve up delicious grub. This fun-filled dining extravaganza offers a little bit of everything: from zesty filets topped with Dijon mustard, sliced and sauted mushrooms, and Beranaise sauce to some of the best fresh fish available. And check out the Sunset Dinner menu, which is served until 6 p.m. Remember: though Bobby McGee's is fun for all ages, on Tuesday nights, kids eat free.
Services: takeout. Full bar. Reservations suggested. Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 5-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 4-11 p.m.; Sun., 3-10 p.m. All major credit cards accepted.Caf Plaka18633 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley,(714) 963-4999 It's always a party at Caf Plaka, featuring our beguiling belly dancer (who performs Friday and Saturday nights), live music and dancing Greek waiters keep thing lively Thursday through Sunday. The exotic menu features Californian, Mediterranean and extraordinary Greek specialties. Try our extraordinary padiaka (lamb chops), filet mignon, or chicken and pork souvlakia from the grill. Select from an outrageous assortment of appetizers such as vegetarian grape leaves or calamarakia (fried baby squid). And don't miss the baklava for dessert. Have fun! Services: takeout and catering available. Full bar. Hours: lunch: Mon.-Sat., 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; dinner: Fri.-Sat., 5-11 p.m.; Sun.-Thurs., 5-10 p.m. All major credit cards accepted.California CafeThe Shops at Mission Viejo, Mission Viejo, (949) 347-9333Everything from the innovative seasonal menu to the inviting dcor is designed to feed your senses at the new California Cafe. Warm earth tones, a cheerfully busy exhibition kitchen, a California-style sushi bar, whimsical design accents, fresh flowers, an umbrella-shaped patio, a blazing brick oven, and spa soaps and lotions create a dining oasis for weary shoppers. The attractive lounge features a collection of more than 125 California wines, and chef Jo Dijamico's fare showcases such tantalizing dishes as Herb-Crusted Big Eye Tuna, Sauted Salmon with braised endive, petite herb salad with a red wine reduction, and Spit-Roasted Lemon Rosemary Chicken with spring garlic mashed potatoes and broccolini. The California Sushi Bar offers such signatures as the Marilyn Monroll and the Joe DiMaggiroll, as well as sashimi, temaki handrolls and nigiri—all complemented by such sake-based Bonsai Elixirs as the Rising Sun (raspberry sake, orange juice and grenadine) and the Tokyo Madness (sake, cranberry juice and cointreau). All in all, the California Cafe is a virtual escape from the every day. Services: takeout and catering available. Full bar. Reservations suggested on weekends. Valet parking. Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 11:15 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11:15 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sun., 11:15 a.m.-9 p.m. All major credit cards accepted.Casa Gamino13041 Newport Ave., Tustin, (714) 505-5971; 6061 Westminster Ave., Westminster, (714) 892-8686Casa Gamino has been satisfying appetites for more than thirty years and it's not something they take lightly. They have all the classic Mexican food you would expect at affordable prices and even items you wouldn't expect at still affordable prices. Specialties like the carne asada and the carnitas plates are cooked to succulent perfection. They also have a great selection of seafood dishes ranging from filet la Plancha, grilled fish with rice and beans, to camarones Puerto Vallarta, shrimp wrapped in bacon and served with rice and beans. For dessert, they offer the classic flan, and for the more adventurous, deep-fried ice cream. Services: takeout available. Valet parking available. Hours: Mon.-Sun., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m.-11 p.m. All major credit cards accepted.Catalina Fish Kitchen & Seafood Deli670 W. 17th St., Costa Mesa, (949) 645-8873For the ultimate in casual seafood dining, the Catalina Fish Kitchen & Seafood Deli is the undeniable first stop in Costa Mesa. The menu is a veritable undersea extravaganza, including taco-special days, lobster dinner and seafood specials. Chargrilled seafood, sandwiches, fajitas, and homemade chowders and gumbos in a tropical surf theme. Try the white and red clam chowder and the chargrilled-fish sandwich. You won't regret it. Services: takeout available. Beer and wine. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Cha Cha Cha762 Pacific Ave., Long Beach, (562) 436-3900Take a culinary escape to the warm islands of Cha Cha Cha, where you can taste such contemporary Caribbean cuisine specialties as Jamaican jerk chicken, mango shrimp pizzas, paella Caribe and Rojo Spiced Sangria. And the Caribbean greets Latin America with their honey-cilantro coconut shrimp. Cha Cha Cha also offers a complete gourmet-catering and event-planning service to help you organize special occasions for groups of up to 100 persons, all in their island sway of things. Cha-cha over to Cha Cha Cha for an eclectic Caribbean experience. Services: takeout, delivery and catering available. Full bar. Reservations suggested. Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri., 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. All major credit cards accepted.Cha for Tea4187 Campus Dr., Ste. M-173, Irvine, (949) 725-0300; 9200 Bolsa Ave., Ste. 306, Westminster, (714) 799-6957Is there any beverage more inherently pleasurable than boba iced tea? Sweetened milk tea, poured ice-cold over pearl-sized tapioca balls—quite frankly, it's the most visceral drinking experience you're likely to have. If the concept frightens you, you need to hightail it down to Cha for Tea, which serves more than 50 delicious varieties of boba drinks, from the standard milk tea to passion fruit juice—all concocted and shaken right in front of you. Cha for Tea even infuses their entrees with tea to awaken a more full and voluptuous flavor in their dishes. Dinner is served until 11pm for those who prefer to eat late. Services: takeout and catering available. Hours: daily, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. MasterCard and Visa accepted.Chaparosa Grill and Spiritz30271 Golden St., Laguna Niguel, (949) 363-9888 There's a little something for everybody at the Chaparosa Grill and Spiritz. The restaurant prides itself on putting forth cross-cultural fun with a tropical twist, and with a menu that includes gourmet pizzas and salads, steaks, seafood, chicken and even homemade desserts. Who can resist? Relax. This place is the culinary equivalent of a tropical vacation. Services: takeout available. Reservations accepted. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Chimayo at the Beach315 Pacific Coast Hwy. at the Huntington Beach Pier, Huntington Beach, (714) 374-7273Ocean-view locations don't get any better than this as you sit on Orange County's largest beachside patio, complete with thatched palapas and firepit. Start with one of their oversized martinis, including mango, watermelon, lemonade or the sizzling Mojito. If tequila's your thing, their “In Agave We Trust” motto promises a huge variety of 100 percent blue agave to create your own personalized margaritas. The menu features an eclectic offering of seafood, including spicy Voodoo Shrimp with sweet corn pudding, BBQ Salmon with warm corn relish, blackened-ahi steak with papaya salsa, and rustic, wood-fired pizzas. Services: valet parking. Full bar. Hours: Sun., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Mon.-Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11:30-11 p.m. All major credit cards accepted.Chipotle8182 E. Santa Ana Canyon, Anaheim, (714) 283-3092; 2300 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, (949) 646-1288; 3955 Irvine Blvd., Irvine, (714) 508-2463; 22379 El Toro Rd., Lake Forest, (949) 830-9091The only thing stranger than the name of this hip little Mexican joint (pronounced “chi-POAT-lay”) is the remarkable quality of its cuisine. Founded on the notion that “food served fast doesn't have to taste like fast food,” Chipotle cooks everything on the spot: burritos, tacos, carnitas, etc. And like the high-grade, gourmet-quality Niman Ranch pork (how's that for fast food?) with which the aforementioned carnitas are made, the atmosphere positively sizzles with energy. Oh, and don't forget the muy moderno cantina, where the beers and chilled margaritas are about as far removed from Taco Bell as you can possibly get. Services: takeout available (fax orders). Beer and margaritas served. Hours: daily, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. MasterCard and Visa accepted.Choito401 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, (949) 722-7447In a way, it's a shame that sushi has to be a delicacy. Sure, maybe sashimi was meant to be served on ornate dishes with a million different individual sauce holders so you could spend hours contemplating their patterns, but damn it, sometimes that's just not the way you want it. Fortunately, Choito packages authentic Japanese food to go without sacrificing any of the craftsmanship necessary for a truly satisfying sushi feast. For those who shy away from raw salmon and yellowtail, there's always the more conventional teriyaki beef and chicken bowls, plus a refreshing shaved ice to wash it down with. Show up in shorts—quality dining doesn't get more casual or convenient than this. Services: takeout available. Hours: daily, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. MasterCard and Visa accepted. Clay Oven15435 Jeffrey Rd., Ste. 116, Irvine, (949) 552-2851The Clay Oven's a perfect destination if you're looking for a dressy night out on scrumptious Indian food. This restaurant offers the finest in contemporary fare from the Indian subcontinent, including an amazing swordfish tandoori and a mango crme brule that will drive the British Empire out of your taste buds. Settle in with a sweet, sweet lassi and prepare for excellent food, excellent service and an unparalleled good time. And for the financially challenged, check out the Lunch Buffet on weekdays. Services: takeout and catering available. Reservations suggested. Beer and wine. Hours: daily, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. & 5:30-10:30 p.m.Coach House33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, (949) 496-8930One of the premier concert venues in Southern California, the Coach House is a casual, intimate setting for enjoying world-famous artists from all musical genres. Such famous acts as Berlin, Chris Izaak, Leon Russel and Cracker make regular appearances here. At your table, you'll dine on American cuisine, choosing from an entre, appetizer and dessert special offered each night. The regular menu features swordfish, New York steak and burgers. Their crispy mozzarella sticks, nachos or jalapeo poppers go great with a cold brew and good music. Services: full bar. Reservations suggested. Dinner served on show nights after 6 p.m. MasterCard and Visa accepted.Dave and Buster's20 The City Blvd. W., Bldg. G, Ste. 1, Orange, (714) 769-1515There's an unrelenting spirit of fun surrounding Dave & Buster's. It's a crackling excitement emanating from the restaurant's world-class billiards tables, 3D movie theaters and myriad of video games. Indeed, all it needs is an Elvis impersonator, and this would be a little piece of Vegas in Orange County. As fun as it all is, however, the food is an equally tempting draw. Munch on steaks soaked in Jack Daniels and authentic Philly cheese steaks. With private rooms available, this is definitely the spot for a party of any size. Services: takeout available. Full bar. Valet parking. Hours: Sun.-Tues., 11 a.m.-midnight; Wed.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Fri-Sat., 11 a.m.-1:30 a.m. All major credit cards accepted.Di Piazza's3800 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, (562) 494-2071Established in 1952, this award-winning Italian restaurant received Best Pizza honors in the Entertainment Book for five straight years. Offering a huge menu selection, including American dishes, you'll want to try the enticing chicken picata, fettuccini Alfredo, lasagna, shrimp and pastas. The chicken Parmesan melt sandwich or the calimari steak will create lasting memories in your stomach. The building has a mid-'50s design with high walls and Palo Verde brick—not found much anymore—plus the lava fireplace keeps your dining experience heartwarming. Services: takeout available. Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 8-1 a.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-11 p.m. MasterCard and Visa accepted.Din Din at the Bamboo Terrace1773 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa, (949) 645-5550Din Din was added on to the family-owned restaurant's name, Bamboo Terrace, to signify the transfer of operations to the family's third generation. They are committed to serving great-tasting Chinese food using only high-quality ingredients, such as 100 percent white-meat chicken and USDA-choice flank steak, all sans tenderizers and MSG. The dining area resembles a bamboo terrace, and the walls are adorned with Asian art and early 20th-century black-and-white photographs depicting Chinese immigrants. The Asian beer-house-style bar offers a vast selection of tropical drinks and specialty martinis. Weekends feature live, all-original local bands. Services: takeout, delivery and catering available. Full bar. Parking available. Hours: lunch: Tues.-Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. & 5-10 p.m.; Fri., 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. & 5-11 p.m.; Sat., 5-11 p.m.; 5-10 p.m. American Express, MasterCard, Visa and Diner's Club accepted.Drew & Eva's Caribbean Restaurant31732 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, (949) 499-6311This innocuous little roadside restaurant, located a reasonable walk from Thousand Steps beach, is the perfect destination for those who want to take their morning of beachgoing with them when they leave for dinner. Experience West Indies hospitality and exotic food to get your taste buds up and dancing. DANCE, TASTE BUDS, DANCE!!!! Your mouth will be marimbaing to jerk chicken, pineapple pork, Creole stew and fish with “voodoo” sauce—just some of the magnificent dishes awaiting you at Drew & Eva's Caribbean Restaurant. Services: full bar. Parking available. Hours: Tues.-Sun., 5 p.m.-closing. All major credit cards accepted. Fishbucket34091 La Plaza, Dana Point, (949) 489-7809If it hasn't occurred to you to answer, “In a bucket, please,” when asked how you like your fish, a trip to Dana Point's Fishbucket is sure to change your mind. Located just off the beach in a cozy shopping center complete with a small park, Fishbucket is a fun family experience not to be missed. Known for its tasty beach cuisine, standout items include flaky, golden crab cakes and succulent grilled mahi mahi. Minutes after you order, your food arrives fresh at your table in a galvanized bucket replete with golden fries and your choice of fish, seafood, ribs or chicken. Sides of sticky rice and coleslaw are also available. Bar specialties include the restaurant's own specially infused liquors wherein vodka and rum are poured over various types of berries and allowed a week to marinate, producing delightfully fruity and refreshing concoctions. Services: takeout available. Full bar. Hours: daily, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. American Express, MasterCard and Visa accepted.Fitness Cafe4911 Warner Ave., Ste. 102, Huntington Beach, (714) 377-0888You woke up this morning and dutifully did your yoga. You jogged for an hour. You care very deeply about keeping in shape, so obviously you're not gonna go load up on carbs at the local fast-food joint for lunch, are you? Of course not. You're gonna go to the Fitness Cafe, where you can maintain your healthy diet on a menu that consists of more than just tofu. The Fitness Cafe serves a full menu of yummalicious wraps and sandwiches that'll keep you satisfied until your evening workout. Services: takeout available. No liquor. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 6 a.m.-8 p.m.Galaxy Concert Theatre3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana, (714) 957-6605One of the hippest concert venues in Orange County, the Galaxy Concert Theatre is a casual theater-style setting for enjoying world-famous artists from all genres of music. Such famous acts as Sugar Ray, Soul Brains, Lee Rocker, the Fenians and Jerry Lee Lewis make appearances here. At your table, you'll dine on American cuisine, choosing from an entre, appetizer and dessert special offered each night. The regular menu features swordfish, New York steak and burgers. Their crispy mozzarella sticks, nachos or jalapeo poppers go great with a cold brew and good music. Services: full bar. All major credit cards accepted.Geckos7887 Center Dr., Huntington Beach, (714) 892-2227Dance the night away at one of Orange County's most renowned night clubs! Geckos features dancing, pool and music performed by popular local bands and DJs—including radio personalities from the world-famous KROQ. And to make the deal even sweeter, Geckos offers a “Baja Beach Happy Hour” on Thursdays, from 5-10 p.m., with 50-cent tacos and $2.50 gold margaritas, along with a wide range of nibbly food and other specials to get your night off to a fantastic start. Hours: Thurs., 5 p.m.-2 a.m.; Fri., 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat.-Sun., 6 p.m.-2 a.m. The Gypsy DenLab anti-mall, 290 Bristol St., Ste. B102, Costa Mesa, (714) 549-7012; Artist's Village, 125 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, (714) 835-8840At both locations, tasty salads are plentiful, and the yummy soups and healthy, hippie sandwiches are great. Don't forget to leave room for their baked goods—or their amazing crme brule. Chill out and relax in their comfortable dcor of earthy walls, funky art and saved-from-the-secondhand-store furniture. Beer and wine are served at the Santa Ana location. Both locations are open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner and feature some of the finest acoustic music for entertainment. Costa Mesa hours: Mon.-Thurs., 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri., 7:30 a.m.-midnight; Sat., 8 a.m.-midnight; Sun., 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Santa Ana hours: Mon.-Thurs., 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri., 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.Hard Rock Caf451 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, (949) 640-8844If you're stranded at Fashion Island after a three-hour shopping spree, just sit back in a plush booth or at the big rectangular bar. Besides great piped-in tunes and fantastic music paraphernalia (shoes worn by Elton John, Prince's purple suit, a red-leather outfit worn by Gwen Stefani, and more), you'll find a wide range of menu items, including burger platters, salads and “really big” sandwiches. And don't miss such Hard Rock specialties as the delicious chicken pasta with red-pepper cream sauce, Texas T-bone steak, and the grilled marinated chicken breast. Services: takeout and catering available. Full bar. Hours: Sun.-Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. All major credit cards accepted.Hogue Barmichaels3950 Campus Dr., Newport Beach, (949) 262-6270Hogue Barmichaels hasn't changed their prices in eight years, so you can still get a mouth-watering, half-pound hamburger fried over an open-fire grill for only 5 bucks—and that's with a side of steak fries! This restaurant prides itself on serving a fusion of traditional, American grill favorites with Asian cuisine, made all the better by a friendly staff and lunchtime happy hour specials. As if the food wasn't good enough, this is still the best place to hear all your '80s favorites in an intimate setting. A Flock of Seagulls, Dave Wakeling, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Missing Persons—all of the new wave greats call this place home when they're in OC, and with burgers this good, it's completely understandable why that is. Services: delivery, catering and takeout available. Full bar. Hours: daily, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. All major credit cards accepted. Huntington Beach Beer Co.201 Main St., Huntington Beach, (714) 960-5343; www.hbbeerco.comHuntington Beach Beer Co. (HBBC) is fast becoming a downtown landmark. As the name implies, HBBC is known for its fresh, hand-crafted ales, which are brewed with local flair, evident from names such as Huntington Beach Blond, Pier Pale Ale and Main Street Wheat. The constantly expanding menu features everything from appetizers (like breaded calimari and grilled quesadillas) to main dishes (like grilled mahi mahi, jambalaya and brick-oven-baked pizzas). Because everything's made fresh to order, you really can't go wrong for lunch or dinner. One outstanding dish is the Chinese chicken salad, which doesn't skimp on the good stuff, including grilled chicken and a homemade dressing with pizzazz. Since the beer company is located one floor up from the hustle and bustle of Main Street, its two heated patios are perfectly situated for kicking back and swilling tasty brews. Services: takeout available. Beer, wine and cider only. Hours: Sun.-Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m. (light menu available until midnight). All major credit cards accepted.Hurricanes200 Main St., Ste. 200, Huntington Beach, (714) 374-0500Situated on Main Street near the pier, Hurricanes in Huntington Beach promises the happiest happy hour in Orange County. If you're not thrilled when you get there, you're sure to be wearing a smile soon after indulging in half-price premium liquors and appetizers, such as the crab-and-spinach firecrackers, loaded with cream cheese and jumbo lump crab and drizzled with mango aioli. If that's not enough to soothe the savage beast, staring out over the vast ocean panoramas of the Pacific should do the trick. Specializing in Caribbean cuisine, Hurricanes offers ginger chicken, pan roasted with papaya and spinach and served over rice with fresh veggies and chiles. Live music starting at 8 p.m. nightly adds to the relaxed atmosphere, with Mondays reserved for live comedy. Services: delivery, takeout and catering available. Full bar. Hours: daily, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. All major credit cards accepted.Inka Grill260 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, (714) 444-4652; 10205 Valley View, Cypress, (714) 484-0888; 301 Main St., Huntington Beach, (714) 374-3399Mystique and music from the Andes on Friday and Saturday nights are what await at the Inka Grill, where one can enjoy an extensive list of wines from around the world in a warm, inviting atmosphere. And this is a great little nook to bring a date if you're looking for ambiance and tucked-in conversation. Don't miss the arroz con mariscos. The ceviche is also great, as is the lamb. This authentic Peruvian restaurant offers a 42 entre menu, entirely derived from family recipes, featuring quality ingredients and moderate prices. It's a must for any appetite. Services: catering and takeout available. Full bar. Hours: daily, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Brunch in Cypress and Huntington Beach locations only, Sun., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. All major credit cards accepted.Jackshrimp2400 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, (949) 650-5577; 3041 Michelson Rd., Irvine, (949) 252-1023; 26705 Aliso Creek Rd., Aliso Viejo, (949) 448-0085The food here is authentic Louisiana cuisine from the jambalaya to the interactive namesake jackshrimp (you gotta peel them yourself, but that's half the fun). This is seafood with a little bit of spice to make up for what's missing in your life. We don't mean those calm mild spices you don't really notice. We are talking the hot, obnoxious delicious spices. The good kind of sinus-clearing spices. If you aren't in the mood for spicy food, they have stuff for you, too, but you only live once unless you are Shirley MacLaine, so dig into a plate of the hot stuff, and you won't be sorry. Don't worry about the burning sensation in your mouth; there are a variety of beverages to meet your needs (Newport Beach and Aliso Viejo: beer and wine only; Irvine: full bar). And for goodness sake, leave your tie at home because formal attire ain't required and casual is encouraged. Services: delivery, takeout and catering available. Full bar(Irvine location only). Irvine and Aliso Viejo hours: Sun.-Thurs., 5:30-9 p.m., Fri.-Sat., 5:30-10 p.m. Newport Beach hours: Sat.-Thurs., 5:30-9 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. American Express, MasterCard and Visa accepted.JT Schmids2610 E. Katella Blvd., Anaheim, (714) 634-9200For the past five years, Jason Schmid of JT Schmids has been offering the best California cuisine that Anaheim has to offer. The hand-tossed pizzas and crazy salad creations are bursting with flavor, but if you are in the mood for seafood, you could always go for the macadamia-nut-crusted halibut. It is as fun to eat as it is to say! Occasional live entertainment saddles the patio and inside, providing equal entertainment for those who wish to listen. The demeanor and dcor is a comfortably casual environment that is about as upscale as a microbrewery that seats 700 people can get. Conveniently located across from the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim, this place provides the perfect opportunity for you to get ready for action before a Mighty Ducks game or a boxing match, but if you aren't lucky enough to score tickets, this place has plenty of TVs for you to catch the action. Services: delivery, takeout and catering available. Full bar. Valet parking. Hours: daily, 11:30 a.m.-midnight.Khoury's110 Marina Dr., Long Beach, (562) 598-6800Commanding a picturesque waterfront location in scenic Long Beach, Khoury's has a little something for everyone. Breakfasts run the gamut from good, old-fashioned bacon and scrambled eggs to such exotics as a puff pastry stuffed with crab and topped with a lobster bisque sauce. Lunch and dinner are just as fabulous, allowing diners to partake of such enticements as a Seafood Buffet featuring all you can eat live Maine lobster, king crab legs and clam cakes, along with a fresh pasta bar, oysters on the half-shell, smoked salmon, prime rib and, for dessert, the extremely popular flaming bananas or cherries jubilee. And as if the excellent food and ocean view weren't enough, Khoury's offers a wide range of entertainment, from swing dancing to Monday-night football on two large-screen TVs. Surely, it's no wonder why Khoury's is becoming one of Long Beach's most popular destinations. Services: takeout and catering available. Reservations two weeks in advance essential on Fri.-Sat. Valet parking Fri.-Sat. Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. & 3-9 p.m. All major credit cards accepted.L&L Hawaiian Barbecue19692 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, (714) 968-1898.In the heart of the “Gospel Swamp,” next to Huntington Beach's historic Newland House, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue offers up a glorious array of Hawaiian dishes, many with a Japanese flair. The popular grilled beef and chicken teriyaki dishes are rumored to inspire diners to stand up and do the hula. Try the Saimin noodles: bathed in a fish broth, these thin flour noodles are soft and tender, and they won't disappoint. Equally tempting are the seafood dishes—succulent mahi mahi breaded with panko and deep-fried to perfection. Alas, it wouldn't be an authentic Hawaiian dining experience without Spam. Served with rice and wrapped in seaweed, musubi is a favorite among diners and is offered not only with Spam but also Portuguese sausage, barbecue chicken and chicken katsu. Services: takeout and catering available. Casual dress; reservations not necessary. Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat.,-10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. CONTINUED
