La Cave

Where's a menu with prices?

No prices on the menu. They will tell you market price for lobster and Alaskan king crab, $$$. Dinner…

When will you be bringing back your prime rib?

Prime Rib is offered on Saturday nights! Look forward to seeing you soon!

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Someone mentioned an 'early-bird special'. What time is the early-bird special on a Wednesday?

Not sure about the specific day...but it is 4:00 oclock

Is it 21 and up for events?

Yes, this is a nice dinner house and the after hours the bar/dance/band crowd is usually 30-50 years old.

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Is the an age requirement for Saturday night? I want to bring my 19 YO to see the band playing that night?

No age requirement. But not really the place for young children IMO. Super loud so if you have annoying children most of the patrons shouldn't be able to hear them will all the noise.

What is the corkage fee on Fri/Sat evenings please?

They charge $25/bottle regardless of which day you dine so Friday/Saturday applies.

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Is there a corkage fee?

On Mondays and Tuesdays there is no corkage fee before 7pm.

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I 'm fired up about this one!!! I believe I've already…read moregiven a huge thumbs up to the Newport location and since I'm talking about it, we took my 87 year-old mother there for her birthday the other day and the food was absolutely fantastic and the service was awesome. They are extremely well traveled and have been to the finest restaurants around the world and they absolutely loved it. They're not easy to impress. I'm talking about the Costa Mesa location, the outside patio is awesome and inside is some combo of retro plus old Newport plus new Newport plus old and new Costa Mesa. It's cool and thought out. Service was well on point. The food, though, was incredible. I had the three different enchilada combo that was out of this world, and my wife had some healthy protein bowl that was so light and so flavorful, it was just incredible.

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Wild Goose Tavern

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Another amazing visit to Nicks! Not only was the service friendly and attentive, the team also…read morenoticed I couldn't start my car, and Alex jumped it while on a much deserved break. A big shoutout to him for both the car battery and menu recommendations alike! I'll be back again!

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4.3(1.4k reviews)

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4.2(446 reviews)

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3.9(627 reviews)

1.7 mi

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Shorebird

4.3(1.1k reviews)

1.6 mi

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Trenta Pizza & Cucina

4.6(1.6k reviews)

1.0 mi

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Went here for a business lunch with my coworkers and founders, and Trenta certainly hit the spot…read more If you're looking for a place that can hold big parties for your company lunch or just for a big lunch altogether, they offer a pre-fixed menu, which allows you to: 1. not waste time thinking what to order 2. get the most popular and best-in-class dishes all on the front We had a meatball dish alongside a variety of pizzas and some pasta. Great overall lunch made me very sleepy afterwards because it was so delicious and so filling. Would come again, five out of five stars.

Don't get me wrong. I love this place. But I think with popularity, service and quality starts to…read morebreakdown. Went on a Wednesday night with a party of six. Drink order took quite a while. Some people didn't even get asked if they wanted a beverage. 20min at least. Ordered bread, salad and entrees. Bread came out. No salads. Salads came out with entrees. Makes for a crowded table Bottle of red wine was warm. Chicken piccata came with French fries. Menu said baked potatoes. I asked if I could get pasta, they said no substitute. But they did. French fries are not a baked potato. All in all, still had a good time. Just was hoping for great.

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Playa Mesa

4.4(3.5k reviews)

0.2 mi

Late review but I felt like I should leave this here just in case people are wondering cause if…read morethey closed down cause of the food quality. -- Came back to Playa Mesa for my friend's birthday. The chips and salsa were really good. The aguachile had a nice spicy flavor that made it stand out. The queso fundido was SO good super cheesy, and paired with the handmade tortillas it was one of my favorites. We also ordered the calamari and I was surprised by how good it was. Everyone ordered different rounds of cocktails throughout the night and honestly, not one missed. Service was a little slow, but it was a busy Friday night, so that's somewhat expected. I've been here before and the grilled octopus tacos and carne asada burrito were just as good as I remembered them. They also made the birthday celebration really cute. They sang happy birthday, brought out a small ice cream, and gave my friend a big mariachi hat. Good food, great drinks, and still consistent as I remembered it. So long Playa Mesa. 9.5/10

Playa Mesa has a great atmosphere with beautiful aesthetics. In the evening, the open windows…read morecreate a nice breeze, though they do let a few flies in. The hostess was friendly, and our server was funny and kind. He was a little less attentive as it got busier, but the staff worked well as a team, so we never had to wait for refills or anything we needed. Parking in the back can be a little tight. The birria tacos were packed with flavor, and I loved the inside-out cheese crust. My husband's fajitas were flavorful, although the chicken was a little overdone. The guacamole was excellent, especially with the pepita seeds adding great texture. Overall, we enjoyed the flavorful food, service, and atmosphere. We'd definitely come back!

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84 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Eric X.

16 years ago

Ok guys, yes it is underground, yeee haw! Now get over it! Some might say it's in a basement. Which explains the food. Why people or even the staff consider this a high end steak house, and charge as such, is beyond me. The meat choices are rolled out like a cadaver on a little cart with a plastic lid and a little flashlight taped to it so you can see it. It's kinda gross seeing raw meat and fish next to each other through a grungy little plastic lid under the yellowy glare of a little mini flash light. I hear people rave about the cheesy bread, which has been burnt more times than not when I've ordered it, and once I ordered a rum and coke, and got a rum and soda water, apparently the bargirl hit the wrong button, but I can say it was definitely strong. I used to live across the street from the place and have watch the place decend into mediocrity. You used to get good service, were able to sip a well made drink and smoke while watching some very good jazz bands play. Now it's loud, overcrowded with the OC snotty self ordained elite (haven't we seen enough of this a$$holes on reality TV?) and they're drunk as hell because they completely way over pour the drinks to keep you anesthetized enough to think you're having a good time. I actually watched a guy one night throw up on the bar, and some how it was so busy I was the only one that saw it, he then proceeded to just wipe his mouth, order another round, and turn around to give his little snotty OC girl a kiss (who apparently also missed the puke episode). I had to call over the bartender and let him know what had happened or everyone else would have been swimming around in this guys $#!+. The place looks like it never gets wiped down which is why they keep it so dark I guess (I dare you to go run your hand over one of the walls), and I happened to find out through a friend that they have a rat problem. I guess you can hear them bumping around and screeching in the walls after hours when the place has quieted down. But hey it's okay we're all completely drunk and underground! Yaaaaay! I would recommend this place if you want to get insanely $#!+faced and save a trip to Tiajauna. Although you may still get hassled by federales, but at least there are no kids outside selling gum (yet). (tip:there's a reason the place looks like a portal to hell.) read more

Michael O.

10 months ago

Had dinner last night! WOW! La Cava has an unrivaled vibe that a feels as though John Wayne might be in the booth in one corner and Frank Sinatra in the other! The Piano in the back room wafts rat pack notes that were drifting throughout the "Cellar" that mingled with the notes of sizzling steaks and garlic cheese bread. The chatter of the crowd at the bar and in the restaurant finished the symphony of the vibe. This all was music to the ears and the culinary senses. An over the top full sensory dining experience! The peppered sirloin was a true pepper crusted steak, not just a sauce. the swordfish was thick enough to achieve the desired temp. The Salad was way above a typical side dinner salad with textures galore! The garlic cheese bread was way above steak house standards. The table also enjoyed a perfect temp filet and a large Rib eye with the right marble to be perfectly juicy. The twice stuffed potatoes had a velvety texture but hearty. We finished with a truly amazing cheesecake that was honestly over the top. Edgar our waiter was perfectly attentive and seemed to know when to be near to assist! I HIGHLY recommend La Cave for those looking for a true "old school" steakhouse feel. They don't have to try to be a throwback style, They ARE that style naturally. I was so enamored that I got the whole restaurant to give a standing ovation to the one man show behind the grill! I will be back and in the meanwhile touting the joint to many. by the way... the Martini's are completely legit, Get the Gin for the real deal. Even Bond drank them wrong. Proper size, proper booze and the blue cheese olives could be considered antipasto! Otolini Cuisini read more

William B.

4 years ago

My wife and I dined there Christmas Eve. This has been one of our favorite places to go for years. However, this time it just didn't do it for me. Don't get me wrong, the food was good and our server was great; very attentive and knowledgeable. The vibe is still old school which we both like a lot. But there's several things that struck me as odd and off putting. First, there were no prices on the paper menu. I began to notice this some time ago when they quit putting the prices on the appetizers at the bar. This time it was the entire menu. In contrast, the wine list did have prices. Why one and not the other? Or even both? Second, they have hung 'cheesy' color posters on the walls for some of their menu items. To me this does not evoke the vibe that La Cave used to pass along. This is not Arby's for cryin out loud. Third, there were a plethora of people that came in 'under dressed'. Jeans and t-shirts do not scream this is a upscale place to dine. Though during the dog days of summer, I've been known to pop in occasionally wearing a nice pair of shorts and a Tommy Bahama shirt. My point is if this is supposed to be a nice place; a higher end place, let's try to set some levels of decorum. We will continue to go despite the chance that the prices of menu items could change from when you order to when you get your check. We will have to learn to deal with that. But when we compare this restaurant of today against what it used to be, it appears that the shine is beginning to wear off the penny. Sad read more

Steven D.

14 years ago

I think this place is special. I love the atmosphere. I started coming here a couple of years when it was recommended to me as a good place to bring my girl friend on a date. The "menu" is a cart that they wheel around that has all the different cuts of meat they offer. I could see some people turned off by this but we both thought it was awesome. With an entree they give you a a salad and a baked potato. The salad options are pretty basic and really it doesn't vary a whole lot besides which dressing comes on it. The baked potato and can twice baked with cheese which is very, very good. The potatoes are some of the best I ever had. For the main event, the meat has always been prepared properly. It's very flavorful and tender. I'm usually a filet mignon kind of guy and I have always been pleased with theirs. I've tried other cuts here as well and have been just as impressed. They some times have minor issues, though. Last time I was in they didn't put any dressing on my salad and they put the wrong fixing on my cocktail. But no harm done. They fixed both quickly and apologized. All in all I like this place a lot. I'll return even if I was a bit disappointed last time. It's hard to be 100% all the time. read more

amber s.

9 months ago

I booked a 40th birthday dinner for a group of 20 two weeks in advance, and everything was confirmed. After sending formal invitations and coordinating everyone's schedules -- and knowing it's just five days before Christmas and it will be nearly impossible now to find a new location -- the owner called saying they could no longer accommodate us because "the front desk made a mistake." She even went as far to say i should i have asked for a manager to make a reservation and started blaming me for the mistake her team made. The only "solution" offered was for us to come three hours later, which was completely unrealistic and ignored all the effort and planning that had already gone into this celebration. I've never experienced something so unprofessional from a restaurant I've loved and supported for over 20 years. I'm incredibly disappointed. This last-minute cancellation ruined a very special day for a close friend and showed a complete lack of accountability or customer care. I truly never expected this from a place I used to enjoy, but after this experience, I won't be returning- truly appauled by the owners behavior and customer service. read more

Doug B.

10 years ago

I took my wife here for dinner never have I been here before it was all kind of strange to me ordering food with no prices but I figured it can't be that expensive so we ordered a steak dinner with some sides it cost me $240 for two steak dinner was really disappointed in the stake I've had better at Denny's the waitress that helped us was kind of rude I don't know maybe having a bad day either way overpriced way overpriced for the quality of the steaks if you're looking for a good steak I recommend Outback Steakhouse much cheaper and better taste I've talked to a few people who have eaten here before and everyone is telling me that this place is going downhill that used to be good once upon a time ago but I guess not they must make their money on the bar not the food either way just wanted to leave this for you hope it helps out I will never be eating here again read more

Heaven S.

12 years ago

NEW FLASH: Done with La Cave as another fave bartender is leaving!! I like when I can go to a place and know the workers by name and they greet me the same. Dave is my favorite for 15 years now, I always go with friends when he's there cos he's such a genuinely nice guy, totally classy, awesome bartender, and is soooo the La Cave vibe! So long, La Cave - you lose Dave, you lose my business. My integrity demands it. (Who's next - Josh?! Hope not...) Serious, it'll be just another "bar" now, and I am sad and mad! Place won't be the same coolness without the original bartend crew. They really made the place! I'm giving it 5 stars only because I want everyone to know that David and the crew are worth 5 stars! It was a fun run, LC, and I'll miss you. read more

David S.

14 years ago

I love everything about the experience of dining at La Cave. From the minute you walk into the elevator and arrive into the swanky, dark underground restaurant you feel transported into a different era. The food here is amazing! You can order anything off the menu and it will not dissapoint. Classy decor and a great live band in the lounge area if you want a little extra ambiance. If you are a first timer the you will experience the great atmosphere and friendly service. The server will have no proplem explaining how to order, how the food is prepared and even offer wine selection advice. Like I said ealier all the food on the menu is good and depending on how you feel that night there will be something for you. read more

Stacy R.

12 years ago

I ate dinner at La Cave tonight. The food was great! My server Jen said the mushroom appetizer was very good. She was so right. I feel bad though during our dinner there was a table that started using bad language and making a huge scene. Our server is apparently also a manager. She went over to the table and asked them to leave. They got ever louder. I feel bad for servers when they have to deal with entitled people that think everyone should bow down to them. Also it disrupted everyone still having dinner. Jen apologized to us for the issue. But honestly I apologized to her for having to deal with such a terrible person. I will definitely be back and hopefully those people will not be there as well. read more

Lani G.

15 years ago

La Cave is a hidden gem and a local favorite! Its in a very odd location, but gives you vibes of a swanky underground club.... that just happens to have delicious food. The steaks here are great; their prices are actually pretty good for a classy/nice place ... especially for a last minute date night. During Restaurant Week they have prix fix menus which are VERY economical. The bar is dark, but has a great vibe. Definitely make reservations though because the bar area is not very roomy and you may be awkwardly standing over people waiting for a table... not much of a waiting area. read more

Buck F.

15 years ago

The hostess was a real darlin' - she took us to our table and began our culinary adventure. We started with Sauteed Mushrooms and toasted cheese bread and it was as good as mama's cookin' on the farm. The steaks were better than Uncle Charlies. We gulped down our own wine down like it was the last supper. With a nominal ($20) corkage charge we saved some money on the grub bill. The wifey had the 10 oz filet with the twice- baked potatoes and beets and love it. Ya' all doing a fine job there in yer Cave. read more

Peter J.

17 years ago

Maybe the most unique bar experience in OC. You step into an elevator and descend underground to enter this place. As you walk in you'll definitely get the underground speakeasy vibe; low ceilings and super dim lighting. The place is always packed with diners and drinkers. It really gives me the feeling that I'm back in prohibition days. If you need a good drink with great dark atmosphere or a good steak, its perfect. Also a good place for a date, the lighting makes everyone look good. read more

Taylor T.

17 years ago

Still Like The Cave, but now it's become a little too popular with the hipster crowd. But they still pour a stiff drink and it has a great old school vibe. Have tried it all, but have decided the crab legs are the call here. Youd think Steak first, but the crab legs are awesome. Like the waitresses, the bartenders have a bit of a tude on occasion. Probably because of the crowd they have to deal with. Will always be one of my favorites. Wish it was a bit cheaper. read more

Lisa S.

14 years ago

This is quite possibly one the the worst resturants I have ever tried. I came here for a fine dining expireince and literally it was so nasty and outdated. Not to mention the food was HORRIFIC. first the salade they just dumped cheap dressing all over it then proceeded to give me a flavorless steak and a baked potoatoe that tasted like it had been sitting under a heat lap for the past 24 hours. NEVER WILL GO BACK!!!!! So outdated, dirty, not a fun hip or yummy place. read more

Tessa D.

3 years ago

Owner Laura P commenting on my comment in such a defensive way shows the state of the business. The point and purpose of consumers leaving reviews is to learn from feedback and make adjusts to ensure a successful business with longevity. Your defensive comment of my review is embarrassing for you and your business instead; should've been more professional and receptive to constructive criticism that can IMPROVE the state of your restaurant. read more

Don B.

2 years ago

We've met. This happened right after Covid. It was a brief meeting. I suggested you add prices to the menu (as a number of others have) eliminating the need to ask for the current price each time we visit. I'll give you one more star because you responded to my recent post. Don't get us wrong. We enjoy going there and have for about 20 years. We think that restaurants that don't list their prices may be subject to 'surge pricing' of sorts. read more

Morelle R.

16 years ago

This is always my first stop whenever I come into town (O.C.). The food is fan-fucking-tas-tic (I'm salivating as we speak), the drinks are superb, as are the bartenders. The is THE best of Orange County. Best food, drinks, service, and live bands. GO NOW. I command you. Plus, La Cave is divey in the best way. Oh, did I mention how hot the bartenders are? Well, they are. Go Go Go And, they serve lunch, but dinner is better! read more

Jennifer K.

123

12 years ago

A local classic, la cave has been here since I was young. It's a bit rustic and outdated but the food is generally tasteful. I prefer to get the steaks and of course the lobster. I love live entertainment but it has been a bit inconsistent with bands. Last time I went there was a youth rock rasta I don't know what you call it band. I would prefer more jazz and soulful music. read more

Mike W.

7 years ago

WOW. What a Jerk. The owner is the worst. Very mean, yells and cusses at staff (you can hear him in the back). It saddens me that people like this actually exist. As a restaurant owner myself in NYC, at least try to act like a normal/decent human being. And the wait... oh god. I waited about 45 minutes for a side of FRIES! This guy just sounds like a privileged a-hole. read more

Joe M.

14 years ago

Sure the ambiance/decor is lacking, but that's not the point. The steaks (especially) and seafood are divine. They marinade and cook them to perfection. And though I have been going here several years, the staff remains friendly and helpful, always on point. A real treat. Also nice they have live jazz, which combines to be a very enjoyable, relaxing combination. read more

La Cave - steak - Updated September 2026

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We left this restaurant disappointed--not because of the food, $400 average dining experience but…read morebecause of how our dining experience ended; addressed matter with management and it was completely ignored. We enjoyed our meal, ordered dessert, and were still finishing a bottle of wine when we were asked to leave our table and move to the bar because another reservation was waiting. While we understand that restaurants need to honor reservation schedules, asking paying guests to relocate in the middle of dessert and wine felt disrespectful and rushed. Fine dining is about more than the quality of the food; it's about hospitality and making guests feel welcome throughout the entire experience. We never expected to be hurried out before we had finished our meal. Better planning between reservation management and table pacing could have avoided putting customers in such an uncomfortable position. Unfortunately, what should have been an enjoyable evening ended on a disappointing note. We hope management reviews how situations like this are handled, because the last impression is often the one guests remember most.

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