Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Culinary Dropout

    4.3 (433 reviews)
    ModerateNew American
    Closed 10:00 am - 11:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Order Culinary Dropout Takeout or Delivery

    Culinary Dropout Photos

    From this Business

    CULINARY DROPOUT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Classy
    Moderate noise

    More like Culinary Dropout

    Recommended Reviews - Culinary Dropout

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Mongolian Short Rib | IG @moniquedao
    Monique D.

    This place pops up on my DoorDash feed all the time, so I was excited to finally dine here in person. Also because we were hanging out at the Orange Circle and it was only one of the few restaurants around open on July 4th and there wasn't a wait. Unfortunately, the food was a bit of a miss. We started with the House Chips, which I enjoyed. They were large, crunchy, and paired nicely with the onion dip. They were a little oily, but overall still a solid appetizer. For my entrée, I was torn between the 36-Hour Pork Ribs and the Mongolian Short Ribs. I ended up choosing the short ribs and immediately realized I should have gone the other direction. The meat itself was very tender, and the flavors were bold, but the meat was overwhelmingly sweet. It was just too much for my taste. The highlights for me were actually the crispy onions and the green vegetables that came with it. My BF ordered the Roasted Salmon, and I thought it was the better dish of the two. The salmon had a nice crisp top while staying moist and flaky inside. Salmon can dry out so easily, so I was happy to see that wasn't the case here. The restaurant itself is beautiful and probably my favorite part of the experience. It has a nice blend of modern and vintage styles. The overall design feels contemporary, while the chandeliers add a unique character. For some reason, they gave me a slight Disney Haunted Mansion vibe, but in a fun way. Overall, I loved the atmosphere and enjoyed parts of the meal, but I'd definitely order differently next time.

    BBQ Pork Belly Nachos
    Madison B.

    Delicious food & wonderful service! The food was amazing and we can't wait to come back and try more things on the menu. Lemonade is a must!! Our server was also incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. We asked for gluten free options and she recited from memory which items worked, why, and options for substitution. This is a new staple dinner spot for us. Thank you for a wonderful meal!

    36-Hour Pork Ribs
    Jeff P.

    I was so excited to get back to Culinary Dropout after being blown away by the location in Scottsdale, AZ. We had a reservation and were seated right away. The front staff and our server were amazing and brought a smile to every interaction. The wait staff works very well together and stayed on top of the service all night long. We started the meal with several appetizers and they were paced out perfectly, allowing us to enjoy each one individually. We started with the Wagyu Pigs in a Blanket. I was a little disappointed with this one, as it didn't seem to taste like any others I've had before. The mustard sauce was delicious, but I had higher hopes for the app. Next came the bacon wrapped shrimp and these were incredible! The corn bread stuffed inside was an excellent touch and the sauce complemented the dish very well. We finished the appetizers with the Feta and Tahini dip and this is a must try! It had so much flavor and was so creamy! The bread is charred a little to pull it all together as well. Moving on to the main dishes, we ordered the salmon, 36 hour ribs, and Mongolian short ribs. The salmon had a nice crisp to it, but didn't have much flavor. The couscous and corn base was very good, but there didn't seem to be enough of it to lift the flavor of the salmon. We were told the 36 hour ribs would fall off the bone, but that was not the case. They were still very tender and packed with flavor, just not quite what we were hoping for. We did get the mashed potatoes with it though, and those were insanely good! Definitely recommend! Finally, the Mongolian Short Ribs were awesome! The best entree by far and balanced so well with the sauce and vegetables in the bowl. 10/10 dish for sure! Overall it was a great experience and an awesome restaurant to share a meal with loved ones. There are televisions with sports at the bar in case you're looking for that vibe as well. Happy hour is 3-6 Monday-Friday and includes appetizers and drinks. While a few dishes fell a little short, I would still love to go back to try a few of their other available options!

    Yummy in a glass
    Ann Y.

    I had a great time at CD, but I would suggest they address a few issues first. My pretzel knobs were extremely cold, so I had to request them to be reheated. It's understandable that pretzels can be cold, but how can I add mustard to a cold pretzel? Fortunately, they rectified the situation. The service was excellent. I had two attentive servers who assisted me and my husband with everything we needed, including the Knicks game. Everything turned out perfectly!

    $35 for this platter - it was good but kinda spendy for what you get
    Carrie R.

    We stopped in for a beverage and snack while waiting to attend a wedding reception. It was our first time so we really didn't know what to expect. We were pleasantly surprised that it wasn't too noisy - but we had arrived just before the rush, because it started to fill up as we were there. They had a nice selection of drinks and snacks. We got the cheese tray which seemed a bit spendy for the amount we got (see pic) - and housemade chips with onion dip. Since I'm cutting back on carbs, I asked for celery and carrot sticks so I could have some of the onion dip - a cup of carrots and celery sticks was four bucks. The items on the platter were tasty, and we had expected the chips to be warm, but they weren't. And the onion dip was ok - very mild - almost couldn't really taste the onion. We'll definitely plan to come back to try their entrées. Just be aware that prices are a bit on the spendy side, two appetizers and three drinks came to $85 - and supposedly we were there during Happy Hour.

    Bbq 36-Hour Pork Ribs
    Michelle Y.

    Beautiful restaurant in the heart of the orange circle. Restaurant has its own lot with valet service. There's also street parking that you can pay for. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. Our waitress Katie was great and helpful with recommendations. We loved the decor and the atmosphere was chill and romantic. Love the music and different styles of art work around the restaurant. Our food was all delicious, ribs fell off the bone just as I like it. Flavors were great! My prime rib dip sandwich was made to perfection. Restrooms were very clean and designed beautifully. We will be coming back. Highly recommended. Priced well for really great tasting food.

    Smokehouse Hash
    Nick P.

    We wanted to check out Culinary Dropout for some time. Finally decided to come here to celebrate a birthday. We made reservations for a Saturday afternoon. They offer valet parking but we decided to do the paid lot across the street instead. Upon arrival, we were seated promptly on the patio towards a back corner. We brought our little pug with us, so patio was perfect. Our server came and passed us our menus. She gave us a few recommendations and gave us some time to review the menu while she would bring us our waters. The menu itself wasn't too extensive. They had their main offerings as well as brunch items. They also had a wide variety of drinks. We really like the ambiance here and the restaurant itself is very nice too. HOWEVER, this is where we have to start subtracting the stars. Sadly, our server was not the most pleasant. She took a long time to get back to us as well as giving us some attitude when we asked her for more waters because she had forgot to give us enough. The sun was starting to beat down on us so we asked her for an umbrella. She said she would ask her manager but after 20 minutes, there was no progress. We had to ask the hostess for help, and the hostess was able to move our tables within minutes. The hostess ALSO brought us our food during this process because our server was too busy hanging out with a friend. As for the FOOD, it took awhile to come out. We ordered the pork ribs, deviled eggs, and smokehouse hash. The ribs were decent. The sauce was good and the meat was pretty tender. The fries were fine, nothing special. The deviled eggs were our favorite. We really like the flavor and definitely recommend that item. As for the smokehouse hash, we found a piece of hair in the egg yolk. We asked to remove the item from our order as we did not want to wait another 20 minutes for the hash to be remade. Towards the end of our meal, our server brought out a slice of birthday cake. She dropped it off with much attitude. We were taken aback by her treatment. Nonetheless, the cake was seriously the BEST item that we had here. Love the flavors of vanilla bean with chocolate sauce. Overall experience with Culinary Dropout was pretty disappointing. The food was not bad, but the experience couldn't be more lackluster. Finding a piece of hair in our hash kind of made it awkward. On top of that, our server giving the impression that she was too good for her job and then falling short in every aspect of our dining experience... However, we do want to give kudos to the hostess who picked up the slack. She also did an impeccable job helping us. We do love the ambiance of the restaurant, but its just not enough for us to come back.

    Front
    Francine L.

    I came to check out Culinary Dropout by coincidence. I was doing some tests with a doctor and it was around the area. So decided to order for pick up from here. Thanks Timmy for writing a review about this spot! I had the plate of fried chicken after the doctors lol as a treat to myself. Haha, probably not the best choice but at the time I just really wanted it. The pieces were large and the mashed potatoes had a nice light gravy on top. The coleslaw was also good. Next time if I have time I would like to sit down and enjoy it. The interior looks modern and comforting.

    Two to Mango
    Raven R.

    This is a fun new place in Old Towne Orange. It tends to get busy on weekends so plan accordingly. The staff is very friendly and accommodating and I love the contemporary chic vibe of the place. We started with two to mango and sweater weather for drinks. For our appetizer, we picked the pretzel and fondue. Our shared main is the 36 hr pork ribs. For dessert, we got the apple monkey bread. Two to Mango- You get a bit of titos vodka to start. The orange and guava fruit bases make it sweet and refreshing. Pineapple high noon seltzer finishes the flavor palate and you get what's left in the can on the side. Sweater Weather Sangria- This is a cozy winter blend sangria with spiced peaches that are also fun to eat once you're done with the drink. You also get passion fruit, apple brandy, lemon, and redwine. Pretzels and Provolone Fondue- This was a great way to start the meal. You get soft pretzels fresh from the oven and a rich, creamy provolone fondue for dipping. 36 Hr Pork Ribs- You get sweet and spicy jalapeno molasses sauce. Meat is tender and fall off the bone. Served with a side of fries and coleslaw. This was a shared main and they were kind enough to split our dish with no extra charge. Apple Monkey Bread- What a satisfying end! You get a hot skillet of sweet and wonderfully spiced monkey bread. The apple flavor is strong and carried the dish. Finished with creamy vanilla ice cream. Great experience overall!

    Jose H.

    Have not visited in a while due to over visiting when hey first opened. In my opinion it is still one of the better places to have a quick work lunch in the circle. Came here for lunch with a co-worker and the food is still on point and delicious. Finally tried the squash salad with steak and it might be my favorite salad now giving Fanny's a run for the money on their Moroccan Salad with Salmon, which i can eat daily. The portion on the squash salad seems a little small, but it is tasty. Staff is friendly, and come to check on us to ensure we were taken care of. The space is an elevated gastro pub? like the booths and the dark space. We tried the devil eggs with truffle oil and the banana bar for dessert. I would definitely get the banana bar again and again.

    Vivian N.

    4/5 -- Overall, I had a great experience here, especially with the fried chicken dinner. We ordered it to share, and they were kind enough to split the entire meal in half for us. Each plate still came with all the sides and fixings, and it honestly still felt like a full meal for both of us, which I really appreciated. The fried chicken was delicious! Well seasoned and definitely not dry. The coleslaw helped cut through the heaviness of the meal, which was a nice balance. The biscuit was a little dry for my taste, but they do offer honey on the side, which was a nice touch. The mashed potatoes were easily my favorite part though, super creamy, garlicky, and really flavorful. My only complaint is that I wish they gave more gravy. We also tried the Mongolian short rib bowl since it was one of the popular dishes our waitress recommended, but it just wasn't for me. It was very sweet, and there was so much sauce that it made the rice a little mushy. The vegetables were actually great though, the bok choy and broccolini were cooked well and still had a nice crunch. But overall, the dish leaned too sweet and soft in texture for my personal preference. I'd definitely come back for the fried chicken dinner and to try some of the other items!

    Crispy Brussels Sprouts
    Elly P.

    Long wait but amazing waiters! Be prepared to wait at least 30 minutes longer than the estimated time the front desk staff give you or make reservations in advance and be prepared to wait at least 15 minutes longer. Food: - Rigatoni: pasta was al dente, best dish of the bunch! Great flavor with tasty chicken and spinach - Brussel sprouts: almost deep fried? Very crunchy, interesting fusion of flavors with gochujang spices, adds a kick - Fried chicken: chicken had good crunch, almost too much, similar to korean fried chicken flavoring, chicken needed brining; biscuit buttery, mashed potatoes were watery - Wagyu pigs in a blanket: couldn't really tell that the meat was wagyu, but decent; puff pastry had good flavor and texture - Asian crunch: good salad Service/Ambiance/Seating: - Mari was an AMAZING waitress! She was very helpful, sympathetic and kind the entire night - free valet parking - large interior with seating inside and outside on the patio

    Timmy S.

    This large restaurant is located a block off Glassell near the Orange Circle. The interior feels semi-swanky with many tables and booths plus a cool bar. There is a lot of patio seating. We showed up for a late lunch and were immediately seated. Our server was excellent, very friendly and gave great recommendations. We started with an appetizer, whipped feta & tahini dip. The dip also had pomegranate seeds, apricot preserves, and "pistachio crunch' along with slices of grilled ciabatta on which to smear the dip onto. This was REALLY good and I highly recommend it as I thought it was the best part of my meal. I then ordered the crispy chicken katsu sandwich with a side salad. The sandwich used Japanese bread and added miso aioli, slaw, and hoisin sauce on the chicken. The bread was grilled a bit too much but was still crispy-good and held together well. The chicken was tender and the ingredients had good flavor, especially the bites with the slaw, but the crunchy coating (I don't think it was panko) was fried too long. The salad was fresh but bland until I spiced it up with a load of pepper. If there was dressing on it, it was tasteless. I'd rate the appetizer a 5 and the sandwich plate a 3. I'd definitely pick another sandwich or entree if I were to visit again.

    Wagyu Pigs in a Blanket

    See all

    1 month ago

    Excellent vegetarian options, casual environment, good place for lunch. Parking is available in the shared lot.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Matt B.

    Matt B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Mia P.

    Mia P.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of AJ H.
    5
    55
    143

    1 day ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Mia P.

    Mia P.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Mia P.

    Mia P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    17 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Mia P.

    Mia P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    25 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Mia P.

    Mia P.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ann Y.
    457
    336
    1806

    27 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Matt B.

    Matt B.

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    28 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Matt B.

    Matt B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Matt B.

    Matt B.

    Helpful 17
    Thanks 4
    Love this 15
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Mia P.

    Mia P.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Mia P.

    Mia P.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Debbi U.

    Debbi U.

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 3
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of James H.

    James H.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Matt B.

    Matt B.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Matt B.

    Matt B.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Mia P.

    Mia P.

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 4
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Mia P.

    Mia P.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    23 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of James H.

    James H.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Mia P.

    Mia P.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Mia P.

    Mia P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Matt B.

    Matt B.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    26 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Mia P.

    Mia P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Mia P.

    Mia P.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Mia P.

    Mia P.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Debbi U.

    Debbi U.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Debbi U.

    Debbi U.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dennis L.
    14
    4
    1128

    11 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Mia P.

    Mia P.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of James H.

    James H.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Mia P.

    Mia P.

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    16 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Mia P.

    Mia P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    21 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of James H.

    James H.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2
    Photo of Tara Q.
    190
    7
    0

    14 hours ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Debbi U.

    Debbi U.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Mia P.

    Mia P.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    24 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of James H.

    James H.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of James H.

    James H.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Matt B.

    Matt B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Matt B.

    Matt B.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of James H.

    James H.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 11

    Ask the Community - Culinary Dropout

    Is happy hour available all throughout the restaurant or only in the bar area?

    I was there recently and I believe HH is only in the bar and bar lounge area. There are pub tables in the bar lounge area which are comfortable.

    What is the parking situation?

    Hello! Monday - Friday for lunch we have self parking available on Maple & Grand. There is a… Read more

    Are there any gluten-free options?

    Yes

    Is there a corkage fee for bringing wine in?

    Yes! $25 per bottle

    Is this an ok pace for kids?

    Yes

    Hi! Is the patio dog friendly?

    Yes, there was a beautiful German Shepard at the table in front of us on Friday.

    Are you open tomorrow?

    Hi! We are not open on Thanksgiving but will be open at 11am on Friday

    Do you offer any vegan options?

    I had a Vegan Curry dish that was good. Not sure if they have anything else specifically Vegan.

    Is a reservation necessary? Just asking because from reading some reviews it sounds like people just stopped in. Not sure if it was fully needed as the proper time we wanted wasn't available.

    Hi, reservations are not required, we always accept walk ins! However, we are always happy to get a reservation set up for you to avoid potential wait times! If you are seeing issues with the time you’re looking for, you’re welcome to message us… Read more

    Can you make reservations?

    Hi Kim! We absolutely accept reservations, I'd be happy to get you situated with one! You can give us a call at 714-439-5566 or visit us on OpenTable!… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for New American 259,266 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Benchmark

    Benchmark

    4.5
    (1.8k reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$

    One of our favorite places that we have ever tried! The appetizers are a must try!…read more The fries were so crispy yet so fluffy on the inside. The ahi tuna was amazing, must try. The rigatoni was ok, nothing surprising. The steak had a very strong wine glaze which was not our favorite. It was very busy when we got there but we were lucky to get a small table by a tree. All the servers seem to help all the tables so service was a bit chaotic as different servers asked us if we ordered already. Regardless, all of the servers were super kind. This restaurant only has outdoor seating area which creates a breezy and chill vibe when the weather is nice.

    We came for lunch and the environment is nice outside, we were seated outdoors. I remember the sun…read morecould be an issue, a lot of the areas aren't shaded. It seems like this spot is super popular for brunch drinks. Had the birria taco and this one was probably my favorite of the dishes tha we ordered. There is a crispy shell, two different sauces, and condiments to add with it. There is a lot of different textures and the meat was juicy. The smoked salmon flatbread wasn't as good, it looks very colorful and pretty, but I didnt think the flavors went together very well. I like the smokiness but the salmon wasn't umami enough to justify mixing in caviar and avocado and arugula that would normally pair well with beef. Finally, had the chicken tinga skillet, which had flavor in the sauce, but the chicken itself was just ok.

    Photos
    Date night ambience
    Date night ambience
    GUAVA PALOMA $8 and FRITTO MISTO $10 calamari, shrimp, pickled vegetables, aji verde sauce. grilled lemon
    GUAVA PALOMA $8 and FRITTO MISTO $10 calamari, shrimp, pickled vegetables, aji verde sauce. grilled lemon
    Short Rib Pasta

    See all

    Short Rib Pasta
    Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar

    Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar

    3.7
    (3.4k reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$$
    Full bar
    Takes reservations

    I love this place! They have the best truffle mac & cheese and slow braised short rib. They also…read morehave amazing drink deals all week long. Our server Eddie, was very knowledgeable of the drink promotions and explained them to us so we could stop by more often and take advantage of the deals. Great service great ambience, and great food! Definitely recommend this place at the orange circle. They have indoor seating bar, seating and patio seating, which is perfect depending on your mood.

    ​A Major Disappointment: 1 out of 10 ​I visited Haven Craft…read moreKitchen + Bar this past Tuesday with some former colleagues, and unfortunately, it was a "one and done" experience for all of us. Almost everything we ordered was a massive letdown. ​The European Seabass: This was the biggest issue. The fish had a very strong, unpleasant odor and tasted just as bad. Even adding fresh lemon couldn't mask it. Worst of all, it actually made me sick afterward. ​Pappardelle Pasta with Pesto: We couldn't even finish this dish. It was so heavily seasoned with pepper that it became completely inedible. ​The Coffee: It was incredibly weak--essentially hot water with a faint hint of coffee flavor. ​The Only Highlight: The skillet cornbread was actually quite good, but it certainly wasn't enough to save the meal. ​Between the poor food quality and the physical aftermath, I cannot recommend this spot. We were very disappointed and won't be returning.

    Photos
    Interior bar seating
    Interior bar seating
    Interior Window Seating
    Interior Window Seating
    Watermelon Salad

    See all

    Watermelon Salad
    Citrus City Grille

    Citrus City Grille

    4.0
    (1.8k reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    Stellar experience all around here! This place has it all, incredible service, inviting atmosphere,…read morenice ambiance, and most importantly -- delicious food. Ava helped me out today and was very friendly and attentive. I sat inside and it was such a cool vibe. The interior is very open and there's plenty of seating, also a bar with a few TVs. There's also an outside dining area which I've eaten at before and it's so nice to chill and people-watch on sunny days. I ordered the Wild King salmon today and it was BOMB!!! The presentation deserves bonus points, and the flavor in this dish truly packed a punch. There was a nice sear on the outside, while the rest of the fish was perfectly flaky and tender. The roasted potatoes and sautéed spinach were a great compliment to the fish and the pesto sauce tied everything together by adding immense flavor to the dish. I loved every single bite and they practically had to stop me from licking the plate clean. Highly recommend you try this dish when you go!! I'm a big fan of this place the couple times that I've been so far and can't wait to go back as I can tell everything I try will rock my tastebud's world.

    First time here with friends and I would gladly return…read more I had the CCG Burger and fries ($22) and they were great. The burger was sizeable. The tomahawk chicken ($29) looked delicious as did the King Salmon ($38). Both received favorable comments by my companions. The service was very good and the interior was spacious. Parking is an issue. We had to circle around a few times in order to find a parking spot.

    Photos
    Citrus City Grille
    Bread Pudding
    Bread Pudding
    Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake

    See all

    Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake
    PUBlic Legacy

    PUBlic Legacy

    4.5
    (453 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Private events

    Service A+ Amanda was our server, she was so bubbly and had awesome recommendations for Coctails…read moreand food. My husband has a wheat allergy and she was so sweet to help with accommodating him as well as offering tasting when trying to decide between seltzer or a cider. Coctails and Food were A++ I will dream about their Tomato Addiction until i have it again! Bursting with flavors, sourdough was fresh and had the right amount of crunch. Melty brie and the garlicy tomatoes married together perfectly. Will be returning for that alone! Santa Ana Winds was yummy with the perfect amount of coconutty flavor. Nightbloom had a beautiful presentation with a very unique flavor, so delish!!

    I've been to this place numerous times and have never had a bad experience. It's easy to find right…read morepast the Honda center. The only downside is parking can be a little difficult during lunch time. One of the things I like about this place is when you walk through the door you already have a warm and fuzzy feeling. Almost like you're going into someone else's home for a meal. Lots of wood. Lots of dim lining. The place is very upscale without feeling stuffy. If you are going there for lunch, I highly recommend you get the burger off the menu. I am not kidding. It is one of the best tasting hamburgers I've had in a very long time. They cook it perfectly and their french fries are seasoned to perfection. Wait staff is top-notch, they definitely take care of your table while not hovering over you. One thing of note, they have great iced tea. Bottom line? If you are in town and looking for a good lunch that won't break the bank, I highly recommend public legacy, and make sure you get the burger!

    Photos
    Public Legacy Bar
    Public Legacy Bar
    Short rib Paperdelle
    Short rib Paperdelle
    Rubeun sandwich

    See all

    Rubeun sandwich
    Fat Of The Land

    Fat Of The Land

    4.9
    (420 reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$$
    Family-owned & operated
    Free parking

    This intimate tapas restaurant really blew me away. Reservations are recommended due to the small…read moresize, but my friend and I came in on a weeknight at opening and were able to be seated. Our server was very warm and helpful. For two of us we ordered one heavier dish and 3 on the lighter side and I actually left pretty stuffed. The menu is always evolving so I'd love to return, but for this visit we started with the bread and ham butter. The bread was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the ham butter imparted so much flavor. My favorite item that we ordered was the Galician Octopus. The thin slices were perfectly executed and the flavors underneath packed a punch. I would pass on the Gambas al Ajillo. While the shrimp were large, I found myself wishing that they had some char. The Summer Squash Salad was a perfect complement to the other dishes. I found the squash ribbons to be unique, the dressing to be light and fresh, and the inclusion of small bits of cheese to impart just the right amount of saltiness to the dish. Because we were celebrating my birthday, they gave us a complimentary slice of the basque cheesecake with a candle in it. Typically I'm not a big fan of this type of cheesecake, but theirs was wonderful and we ate the whole thing. I'm always appreciative when a restaurant does a little something extra for a special occasion. Extra props to our server because she noticed the gift that my friend brought for me and took it upon herself to inquire about the occasion and bring the dessert. It's those little touches that mean a lot.

    Fat of the Land was such a nice treat…read more I went here with two other people to celebrate a birthday dinner. Making reservations is recommended since the restaurant is small but making it wasn't too difficult. We were impressed by how cute it was. It had a dark European vibe which we loved. It's definitely intimate and great for small groups, not so much larger ones. We brought in our own wine to enjoy with a corkage free. We got seated right away and our nice waiter gave us great recommendations and answered our many questions. We ended up ordering a lot between all three of us but that's just how we roll. We started with their bread & ham butter, pork pate, and burrata. The pork pate didn't come with bread so we were glad our waiter recommended it. The pate was really good and was different. It was on the dense side but still spreadable and full of flavor. The burrata had peaches, cherries and pinenuts. It was different but in a good way and we also ate that with the bread. It was more bland and nice with the pate. For dinner we got their steak tartare, mushrooms, chicken, and pork. The steak tartare was on the saltier side which I didn't mind. It was actually a large portion and sat on some toast. The mushrooms were a hit. They were braised with an onsen egg on top to mix. The pork was exceptional. It was flavorful, tender, and cooked to perfection. I highly recommend it for protein. My least favorite dish was the chicken, which was actually super tender and cooked just right. I just didn't like the sauce taste and I am not a fan of beans. We ended the night with some basque cheesecake which was not too sweet and delicious. What an incredible meal. The pricing we thought was good for the quality and what you get. Some of the portions were smaller but good for us. The pork did have a 40 minute wait to make which our waiter told us. Service was amazing and the food came out as it was made. The restaurant is small so reservations is recommended. They have limited parking and there is also street parking around.

    Photos
    Fat Of The Land
    Fat Of The Land
    Fat Of The Land

    See all

    The Peel

    The Peel

    4.2
    (144 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$$

    Located inside Fera Anaheim, a DoubleTree by Hilton, this bar/lounge was honestly one of the main…read morereasons we decided to book our stay there. The space is BEAUTIFUL, both during the day and at night. When we checked in on Friday evening they even had live music, but unfortunately I was feeling a little sick so I skipped it and told myself I'd redeem the experience the next day before heading to Disneyland. And I'm glad I did. In the daytime, the patio area is gorgeous--you can really appreciate the firepit seating and the little lake with koi fish outside. Such a relaxing vibe. We came by around 4PM to pregame before Disney and the bar was pretty busy. Huge shoutout to Arvey, the bartender who took care of us during our visit. Not only was the service exceptional, but he genuinely made some of the best cocktails we've had in a while. Sitting at the bar and watching him make the drinks was honestly part of the experience itself. At first we were trying to customize and tweak our drinks because we usually stay in our comfort zone, but after talking with him and learning more about the ingredients in The Peel's specialty cocktails, we decided to trust the process a little more. We ordered the Dragonfly and Playing With Fire, and both were amazing--beautiful presentation, really balanced flavors, sweet and sour in the best way. We're usually not big foam cocktail people either, but this visit might've changed our minds a little. Also, Playing With Fire came with a fun little presentation moment which made it even better. Honestly, I was really impressed with my experience here. I even came back for another drink at breakfast before checking out of the hotel lol. The dining area also looked beautiful and the food coming out to other tables looked really good too. Definitely looking forward to coming back anytime I'm around the Anaheim area again.

    The Peel is located inside Hotel Fera and you can park in the lot just out front, on the side of…read morethe hotel there's a few spots you can scan the QR code and pay for, or you can park in the parking structure that's behind and to the right of the hotel. Parking validation is done at the front desk. They have a solid menu of appetizers, entrees and desserts and a very nice craft cocktail menu. It's sectioned off at the south east end of the lobby and feels like a more open space than a standard restaurant or bar and the vibe feels very OC, hipster, upscale. The only downside is the service is not consistent the last two times we've been here. The night we visited, there was a singer playing piano between the bar and restaurant area. I love entertainment at any venue, but the sound was way too loud for indoors and we couldn't hear each other talking. The reason I suggested The Peel for dinner was because I've been able to have conversations with friends and catch up without any competing noise from neighboring tables or crowds in the past. Maybe call ahead of time if there's going to be entertainment and if there's an event in town (Motocross was happening this weekend) to gauge the crowd and noise level before you go. The bar is fully stocked and they have a lot of craft cocktails to choose from and the drinks are consistently good. I had the Como la Flor cocktail this night and in the past I've enjoyed the Fera & the Dragonfly cocktails. The appetizers are great to share with your friends and there's lots to choose from. I enjoyed the Brussels sprouts and the mini sliders a lot and my friends really loved the chorizo flatbread. For the entree I got the smash burger and it's pretty filling and rich. You get fries with the order and the fries are perfectly crispy and tasty. For dessert we got the bread pudding, lemon cheesecake and lava cake. The lemon cheesecake was like biting a slice of lemon with some sugar. It's definitely for lemon lovers and I enjoyed it. Bread pudding ice cream was good but the bread pudding was alright and you can't go wrong with lava cake. Again, my only issue with the Peel is the service. It's not very hospitable compared to other restaurants I've visited. There was a bit of a wait from when we were seated to when our server showed up. He took our orders, the food and drinks would show up, and after that we didn't see our server for a while, so we were without drink refills and our table had dirty dishes that just sat there. I glanced around a few times and saw no servers on the floor, a server that was not ours that was far away or would try to flag one down for a refill on our waters but they were quickly leaving the area. We were waiting on the check, but just kept talking instead and then finally, when the check came we were in mid conversation catching up. He stopped by a few minutes later, picked up the check and realized we had not put our cards down to pay it and came back and dropped it off again. We paid using Google-Wallet at their point of sale system and sat back down to finish our conversation and the busser asked if he could remove the dirty dishes on our table and said, in a rude tone, "Yeah because we're closed already." We didn't realize they were closed since there was still a large crowd of people at the bar, and he could have said that in a polite way and said thank you for coming, but he made it known he has to set his jars of jam down on the table for breakfast tomorrow. Honestly, had our server come by much earlier and checked on us and left the bill, we would've left before closing. I don't usually think of a hotel restaurant as a go-to for dinner with friends, but this is the only one in a while that I would recommend because the vibe is unique. I hope the service improves, but other than that it's a solid restaurant.

    Photos
    OC Restaurant Week: Seared short rib with roasted root vegetables, asparagus, and savory pan jus at The Peel Craftbar
    OC Restaurant Week: Seared short rib with roasted root vegetables, asparagus, and savory pan jus at The Peel Craftbar
    Chef Curated Easter Sunday Pizza and Craft Beer Anaheim
    Chef Curated Easter Sunday Pizza and Craft Beer Anaheim
    The Peel

    See all

    Culinary Dropout - newamerican - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...