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    Gulliver's Restaurant

    3.6 (1.3k reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 9:30 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Gulliver's Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    GULLIVER'S RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Gulliver's Restaurant

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    Reviews With Photos

    Gulliver 's Lunch Cut and Aged Ribeye
    Caitlin V.

    When my husband told me Gulliver's Restaurant was closing for good, I was sad. I have such fond memories coming here over the years with my family. I knew I had to visit one last time before they closed at the end of the month. It was so nostalgic for me because everything seemed the same (decor and great service), except that I went with my husband and kids instead of my parents and sisters. Their prime rib is always delicious and juicy. I like it medium and it's always cooked perfectly medium.

    Exterior Decor
    Alan S.

    It was sad to hear the news that Gulliver's Restaurant is closing its doors permanently at the end of June after serving the local community for 50+ years! El Torito next door is already out of business and we can thank the landlord for not offering lease renewal to either tenant. Well known for its prime rib and English tavern-style ambiance, you are running out of time if you hope to pay your respects to this fine establishment. Don't forget to book a reservation first! On my most recent visit, I enjoyed the Gulliver's Prime Cut which is their most popular cut according to their menu. It's served with their famous creamed corn, creamed spinach, whipped horseradish, au jus and Yorkshire pudding. The entire experience is reminiscent of Lawry's...just not quite at the same level. Still, it's def one of the best prime rib options in the local area. IMO the food tastes even better reheated the next day! I'm going to try and visit one more time before they close to try something different off their menu. See YOU there?

    Bread
    Francisco M.

    There's a lot with loads of parking. They have a decent amount of indoor and outdoor waiting seating. Inside is well decorated with it's fun theme. The staff are all really nice and friendly. They offer two types of bread while waiting. Both were warm with a crispy exterior. I got the filet mignon with the herb butter. The steak was great and cooked to medium rare. The herb butter was more herb than butter. The green beans and baked potato were quite flavorful. It might be too much depending on your taste. Definitely worth a chance.

    The check
    Alec N.

    Went for the first time in 36 years, since its closing down at the end of the month, and wish I'd gone a few times more in the time between. Was packed at lunch but got seated quickly at the bar. Ordered the large lunch cut prime rib. It came out really quick and was phenomenal with a side of green beans, a tasty potato salad, and delicious au jus and horseradish spread. Then because why not, got the bread pudding, so good. Place feels like a nice time capsule and is pleasant to relax in. Will be a shame losing this part of history. But apparently landlords want to develop the location after 60 years. Grumble. It's pricey, but absolutely worth checking out before it's gone.

    Bar back
    Brett B.

    Food (Prime Rib) has been the speciality here since 1970. John Wayne used to dine here and we sat at his table one for our anniversary. The best service, bokd cocktails and great food everything. Sadly, they are closing June 30. However, they could reopen somewhere else in the local area. As Mr Spock said, " There are always, possibilitys." We wish them the best of luck for our futures.

    Gulliver's Lunch Cut (TikTok: @justandyvu)
    Andy V.

    1. The prime ribs were good! It was a good cut for lunch! 2. The spot has a nice dark ambiance! The interior is big! 3. The staff was friendly and attentive! It all came out in about 10 mins! 4. I only saw indoor seating available! There were a lot of tables! There is also bar seating! 5. Parking lot has a lot of space! There is also street parking! Note: They do offer complimentary bread and butter for dine-in! Photo: GULLIVER'S Lunch Cut

    Gulliver's Prime Cut (swapped out creamed spinach with mash potatoes)
    Mareeya T.

    It was my first time at this quaint spot. It's dimly lit inside which adds to the cozy, tavern-style, historic ambiance. They are known for their prime rib! Unfortunately they are closing down on June 30th, was recommended by a friend to come try it out before it closes! Sad to see them go since it would have been a great dinner date night spot. Had a pleasant meal, although service could have been better since we barely got checked on outside and the sunset was blaring in our eyes (something to consider even though there were umbrellas). It was packed inside so it's understandable. Meat could have been more medium rare but again they were really busy so might have been rushed considering they are closing shop soon and serving all at once. Staff were very friendly nonetheless!

    Rest in peace, Professor Liebeck. 2026
    Quinn N.

    + Scrumptious well-rounded 4-course meal. + Polite, attentive, helpful staff. + My first time ever having horseradish with American dinner. Exotic twist, quite novel and enjoyable. + Absolutely lavish interior decor. Quite the unassuming exterior by juxtaposition. + They have spacious, cozy, decorated rooms for private events. + Ample parking. + Many nice private restrooms. - I just didn't like that the waiters kept trying to take my plate while I clearly was still eating. This was Professor Liebeck's favorite restaurant.

    Clam chowder, almost no clams or potato
    Jay P.

    My wife's family loves this place and we normally come for Japanese family dinner with my family and my brother in law. It's an odd choice for a Japanese family but there is nostalgia and history here so we come frequently. It's located near John Wayne airport and reminds me a bit of "airport" food. It has an outdated but charming interior and is dark inside, often I find myself more tired than usual because of how dim it is inside. The good thing is giant American sized portions so you will not leave hungry. GULLIVER'S CLASSIC PRIME RIB DINNER: creamed corn, creamed spinach, whipped horseradish, au jus and Yorkshire pudding. I always get this and I feel like I would like some of the other entree options more. It's an OK piece of prime rib, always cooked medium rare. Sides are OK. CAESAR SALAD:Crisp Romaine lettuce, house made garlic crostini, shaved Parmesan. I appreciate they don't drown this in dressing, it tastes OK with a large portion size. NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER: Definitely house made, it comes very spares with potato and clams. Tasted OK but I think I can make this better at home.

    Escargot
    Jim E.

    Been wanting to try for years but we are usually in the area, before they open or after they close, finally in the area when we could make it in for dinner on a Saturday. No wait for a table when we arrived at 5pm, seated right away. Hostess was very friendly and guided us to our table, welcomed us to the restaurant. Our server Tony arrived a few minutes later and took our drink order a London Bridge and asked if we had any questions. When Tony brought our drink back we were ready to order. We started with escargot and puff pastry, they came quickly, Tony warned us the little cups were hot as they just came out of the oven and left us to begin our feast. The escargot was delicious, our next course was the clam chowder, one of the best we have ever had, rich, thick and full of flavor. Tony took our empty bowls a a few minutes passed before our mains arrived, Prime Rib a perfect medium rare and a peppercorn crusted rib eye. Both were delicious. Each was complimented with creamed spinach and creamed corn. The creamed corn was especially delicious. Prime rib came with yourkshire pudding and the ribeye with a twice baked potato. We also ordered the truffle mashed potatoes, silky smooth with a bold truffle flavor. The building is warm and cozy, dark woods and lots of decorations on the walls, reminds me of a country manor house from the 1800s. Overall an excellent evening, food was delicious, staff was very friendly and attentive. Dinner for two with tax and tip was $220. Right in line with other higher end steak houses in the area. Highly recommend for a special evening or just a night out for dinner.

    Menu face :)
    Randy L.

    2nd time visiting. Very roomy restaurant with a spacy interior, very "open" with only a couple of walls separating areas for large groups. The staple of Gulliver's is the Prime Rib. The other entree options include salmon, duck, lamb, chicken, fresh catch of the day, and BBQ beef ribs. (I love ribs, so I am going to try that on my next visit!) The basket of bread with 2 very large pats of butter are the first on the table after seating. The menu is very simple and concise, just TWO pages (even the Liquor & Wine menu has more pages). The sides were simply "killer": creamed spinach and creamed corn. No need for mashed potatoes or fries (as a side). The creamed veggies are simply the best and they come with the PR meals. TONY was our server and he was simply SPOT ON. The service from the staff was very attentive. Water glass always full; checking in with the table every now and then; really none-for-want! Overall, the people here are so friendly, happy, and accommodating. My total experience is a 5-Star. The only reason for the 4-Star is the pricing. No need to elaborate, just look at the menu. BUT, I would still recommend Gulliver's if you have never been. It's a unique experience.

    Creamed Corn
    Kasey D.

    Everything was just "fine". I've been making their creamed corn and creamed spinach for over 30 years now (they used to give out the recipes ages ago) and the spinach I make is so much better than what we had tonight. This spinach just was hammered to death, lost its green color, and lacked flavor. The spinach I make is delicious so this was such a disappointment. The corn was accurate to the recipe I've been making and was the best bite of the night. The meat was just okay. My table's cuts seemed all over the place and lacked consistency when some ordered the same thing. The Yorkshire pudding was cold and ate really dry. Apps were okay. Crab cakes had good flavor and the honey mustard sauce and diced red bell peppers were a nice touch. Corkage fee was $30 for the wine we brought. Love the extensive holiday decorations this time of year. As we were finishing, the floor manager was making his rounds and thanked us for coming in. The odd part for me was as we were walking out, he acknowledge our server by placing his hand on her sternum and the other on her upper back and patted her. I could tell it was a "good job" kind of gesture, but it just made me uncomfortable with the placement on her upper chest. I hope she speaks up if this was unwelcomed.

    History
    Debbie R.

    Best get to Gulliver's while you still can! Closing June 30th. Best prime rib around.

    Prime rib

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    10 days ago

    It should not close. It's been one of the best restaurants around for years. And there aren't many of those anymore.

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    Food, service, atmosphere, all superb. My prime rube was excellent, and the creamed corn is to die for. A plus all around.

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    Gulliver's Restaurant Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Gulliver's Restaurant

    Is there a kids menu?

    Gulliver's Restaurant in Irvine is known for its classic American steakhouse fare, but for kids, they offer standard, satisfying options like burgers, chicken fingers, mac & cheese, and sometimes sandwiches, served with sides like fries and a drink,… Read more

    Hi can't find Thanksgiving Menu on your Website?

    Hi The Thanksgiving menu is available on our website under the “Menus” tab and then scrawl down to… Read more

    Casual? Are shorts ok as we are coming straight from the golf course

    I wore shorts and a tshirt with a ball cap. Had a buddy just get in from flying and he was in flip flops and no one said anything to us or maybe this is why we got not up to standard quality of food

    When does the Christmas decorations come down?

    Is the Christmas decor up during Thanksgiving? We have reservations that day and would love to see it decked out for the Holidays.

    Hi Yes, our Christmas decorations will be up on thanksgiving

    Do you offer pick-up orders?

    Hi Hillary Yes, we do takeout orders every day. Lunch Monday to Friday from 11:30 to 3pm and dinner seven days a week from 4:30 to 8:30pm. Simply call us to place your pick… Read more

    Do they have gift certificates?

    Dear Heather, We do offer gift cards for purchase at the restaurant.

    Can we bring our own wine? How much corkage?

    Dear Annabelle, Yes, you can bring your own bottle of wine. The corkage fee is $20 per 750ml bottle.

    What is on the menu that is vegetarian friendly?

    Hi, We have a steamed/grilled vegetarian plate as well as pasta primavera.

    Is this place kid friendly (6, 10) for a tuesday dinner?

    Sue O seems like she needs a hug.

    Do they still have those delicious weekly lunch specials?

    Yes

    Do they have happy hour?

    Yes. The prices on their drinks are the same; however, they have unlimited hors d'oeuvres for you to snack on. Friday is the best time to go for their Happy Hour.

    View All 18 Questions

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    Cozy Pine feels like a hidden gem I almost don't want to share. But after the evening we had, I…read morecan't help but spill every delicious detail. The moment you walk in, you're wrapped in warm, cozy pine--wood-paneled walls, soft amber lighting, and that unmistakable speakeasy charm. Its very small and cozy, resembling a night out camping. And then there's Angelina. From the moment we sat down, she made the experience absolutely unforgettable. She knew the menu inside and out, recommended a smoked old-fashioned that came with a toasted marshmallow. You can tell she genuinely loves what she does--and it shows. She's the secret ingredient that turns a good night into a great one!

    Okay this is officially the only kind of camping I'm willing to do…read more Tucked inside Bacchus Wine Bar is the cutest little camping-themed speakeasy, and it completely exceeded expectations. From the moment you walk in, it's giving cozy campsite vibes but elevated -- like if camping had good lighting, great cocktails, and zero bugs. We had such a fun night here. The ambiance alone makes it feel like a whole experience, not just drinks. We tried a few of their specialty cocktails, all super well done, but the real highlight was our server John. He was amazing -- attentive, fun, and clearly knows his drinks. At one point he made us an off-menu cocktail that was STRONG (in the best way) and honestly one of my favorites of the night. And the attention to detail?? He even let me borrow his hat for photos so I could fully commit to the camping aesthetic 10/10 for the vibes. Overall: such a cute, unique spot for a night out. Perfect for something a little different, a little playful, and definitely memorable. Would absolutely come back -- as long as it's this kind of camping.

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    Inside speakeasy
    Inside speakeasy
    Speakeasy interior
    Speakeasy interior
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    Hive and Honey Rooftop Bar

    Hive and Honey Rooftop Bar

    3.3
    (924 reviews)
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    Great clean and beautiful rooftop bar on top of the Mariott hotel. It is valet only, but I heard…read morethere is free parking across the street. I only tried the drinks here and they were all great. Service was great and attentive, and overall I enjoyed my time and view here! Great place to chat and lounge around.

    This was my second time visiting this restaurant -- my first visit was years ago -- and I came back…read moreto celebrate a friend's birthday. Overall, the food, drinks, and atmosphere were great, but unfortunately the hostess experience kept it from being a full 5-star night. I had a 7:30 reservation and arrived at 7:35, but waited nearly 10 minutes before being acknowledged. The hostess was quite rude and told me we had lost our table because we were "late," even though I had been standing there waiting to be helped. She eventually seated us at a dirty table and the overall interaction felt unprofessional and unwelcoming. Thankfully, our server Omar completely turned the night around -- he was kind, attentive, and very helpful. The manager Dave was also amazing and made sure we were taken care of. The food and drinks were excellent. The cocktails were delicious, the hummus with warm pita was fantastic (definitely ask for extra bread!), and the melted cheese with toasted bread was a highlight. The fries were uniquely cut and perfectly cooked, and the calamari was top-notch. The view and ambiance make this a great place to relax with friends over tapas and drinks. I would come back again for the quality of the food, the beautiful setting, and the wonderful service from Omar -- but I do hope management addresses the front-host experience, as it really sets the tone for the evening.

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    Dinning area
    Dinning area
    Appetizers and drinks
    Appetizers and drinks
    Fire pit table

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    Fire pit table
    YNK

    YNK

    4.4
    (190 reviews)
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    $$

    Very cute little speakeasy inside the Marriott hotel, the staff was very friendly and accommodating…read moreupon arrival. The drink menu had a lot of unique cocktails on it which I thought was pretty cool. I went for this cocktail called the purple pancake and it ended up being delicious. My boyfriend ordered a pickled margarita which he liked. I was very happy with the lobster roll I ordered it was divine. Overall I would come back, I enjoyed my time here. Cocktails are about $20 each.

    Stopped by for a quick nightcap and ended up having a great time…read more Food: When you're at YNK, you can order off the Floe Lounge menu for food which is nice. My friend and I both got the autumn salad: mine with a crab cake, hers with steak. Another friend ordered the steak and fries. My salad was fantastic, and the crab cake (both as a topping and as a starter) was a hit across the table. Everyone was happy with their food. Cocktails: The current theme is classic cocktails, and the space definitely leans into that old school martini bar vibe, very classy. Drinks were solid. I ordered the mango cocktail (can't remember the name) and it was a little on the sweet side, but not overly so. Still enjoyable. Service: This is really why I'm writing the update. Erica was our server and she was AWESOME. She noticed my friend's steak was overcooked and immediately replaced it even though he said he'd eat it because he was starving. That kind of attention and care is rare. Someone please give her a raise. Parking: They validate if you park in the Marriott lot Vibe: For a Thursday night, it was surprisingly busy in the lounge, in a good way. Tons of people out and about adding to that chill, lively Thursday evening energy. I loved the blue glow from the outdoor fire pits. Next time, I'm definitely taking my YNK drink outside for a few sips.

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    YNK
    New Prohibition Menu
    New Prohibition Menu
    (yuzu mojito?) goof

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    Ruin Bar

    Ruin Bar

    4.1
    (477 reviews)
    1.6 mi
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    Been a here a few times and it's a vibe. Went here after a brewery run with some friends to end the…read morenight and tried the Charleston cherry for the first time. Excellent drink and very smooth. The place overall is very small but there's so much to see. Seating can be tricky, especially for a group, but once you're situated it's a great place to just hangout and enjoy the company of whoever you're with while enjoying some good drinks. You order at the front and the drinks are quickly made and the bartenders are very friendly and happy to answer any questions you have about the menu. This place is part of the Anti-lab mall with excellent dessert places nearby as well.

    A very special bar, from the drinks to the decor. I really like that they are open during the day…read moreand also late at night, with mixed indoor and outdoor seating (though the outdoor seating is a bit worn). Vibes are always good. If you have some time while browsing The Lab during the day, I recommend stopping by for a drink! It's also nice to include in your barhopping itinerary in the evening since there are a number of breweries around too. I've had mixed experiences with the bartenders. Luckily, the gentleman manning the bar during my most recent visit was very friendly. Drinks are always great. I've tried a variety of drinks from the menu here, but my favorites are: -Love in Drunk, a lovely cocktail with cucumber and grapefruit flavors that create a fresh watermelon taste when mixed together -Bee's Knees, short but strong and sweet -London Mule, very herbal thanks to the gin and very refreshing

    Photos
    Old fashion. House bourbon. Better than anywhere else.
    Old fashion. House bourbon. Better than anywhere else.
    Coconut pineapple peach shots. Phenomenal.
    Coconut pineapple peach shots. Phenomenal.
    Outside patio

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    Outside patio

    Gulliver's Restaurant - tradamerican - Updated June 2026

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