This hidden brewery in Anaheim is just one of many fabulous breweries in Orange County. While many people in Anaheim may go to the Bruery or Bottle Logic for superb beer, Phantom Ales still seems to be Anaheim's best kept secret since it's usually filled with mostly locals. The brewery always has innovative beers on tap, try the Kona Coffee Lager for a kick or the Pecan Brown Recluse for chocolatey suds. Moreover, the bar serves cider, mead and the wine menu is extensive. The kitchen serves small bites as well as full entrees, and don't forget to ask the knowledgeable staff about pairings, they know their stuff.
East Borough is nestled among hip and trendy retail stores inside the popular Camp shopping area. East Borough's menu fuses dishes that vacillate between the French and Vietnamese kitchens, for instance, the Pho Baguette and Pork Loaf Pate Banh Mi are superb examples of this. Salads, noodles, rice and spring rolls round out the rest of the menu while the Vietnamese coffee and Salted Plum Soda serve as perfect drinks to accompany the spicy, savory and sweet flavors.
The Wine Lab is not your typical wine bar, here the focus is on small batch wines sourced from vineyards that are rarely found outside of their particular regions. Most of the varietals are covered, so on certain days you can find yourself with a bold Barolo and on another, a superb Californian Syrah. The knowledgeable staff will aid you in your search among more than 70 wines by the glass while the kitchen will take care of the charcuterie and cheese. In addition to wine, the bar stocks more than 50 craft beers at any time and like the vino, the suds constantly rotate as well.
This is a terrific spot in Long Beach for great jazz and a New Orleans theme. People come from all over to relax, sit back, listen to some blues and jazz, and have a beer. You can get creole tinged seafood dishes, like scallops or crab, as well as steak and chicken dishes. The interior of this restaurant, which was built as a modern take on the fish houses in New Orleans, has a very rustic-southern feeling, emphasized with pictures of blues legends and 1940's posters. Crab and oysters are the main attractions at this third-generation restaurant. They are prepared in a delightful manner and go great with a glass of beer. There is also a wine list with prices that are easy to your pocket and also a kids menu for the little ones.
The Harp Inn is a great Irish pub in Costa Mesa that features lively talented Irish bands (locals and imports) that the crowd loves. The bar is owned by Irish transplants, which makes you feel as if you are in Dublin, especially since many of the patrons are also Irish. People love the friendly vibes the locals and staff give off, and you can't beat the drinks. Head to the outdoor seating area for some fresh air or a smoke.
The Anthill Pub on the UC Irvine campus has a great drink selection and an amazing pub food menu. If you're not sure what to order, the buffalo popcorn chicken with Louisiana hot sauce and blue cheese dipping sauce is especially good. The rotating beer menu is carefully curated and has one of the best selections in all of Irvine. The fact that this is on a college campus is a recipe for an interesting atmosphere. Live music and other events are held here often.