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    RC's Watering Hole

    3.7 (231 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    RC's Watering Hole Photos

    RC'S WATERING HOLE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Live music
    Happy hour specials

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    Very nice live music!
    Tony J.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Live entertainment 8 PM, festive atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The first time I was here was for our 40th El Toro high school reunion! Class of 1984 ! Which was remarkably done[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. (the staff was so nice, and gave exceptional hospitality!! Additionally, Lots of delicious foods was provided, great celebrational environment provided. [[HIGHLIGHT]]For example, outside nice patio to dance, and the stage was upfront with all the lights and sound equipment needed for a concert![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Outdoor patio area and stage with band.
    Desiree P.

    Gave RC's another try. The band Soul Inspiration started on time at 7 pm. Yah! It's always nice to show up when the band is scheduled and they are on time.

    Special birthday for Wendy!!!
    Arlene F.

    First time customer, but not last time! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Most enjoyed the great dance music played by Soul Inspiration!!! We Danced all night![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Celebrating a special birthday with WENDY! Delicious drinks with a hot fresh appetizer of chicken wings (your choice of sauce -sweet chili sauce was our choice) and a hearty chicken teriyaki bowl! Everything was way better than your average bar food! Friendly server and such a welcoming hostess!

    Sliders
    Ethan H.

    We found a gem in Lake Forest/Foothill Ranch. We went last week and enjoyed a great evening sitting outside listening to live music and great food. Inside we could see the Angels game and the Savannah Bananas game! This is a great place to go for great food and some music or sports. The staff was friendly and helpful all night and the vibe was relaxed and fun. Go check it out. BTW, my son was in love with the "Loaded" options. This was unique and we'll be back for some more. See you there.

    Smashed patty beef sliders and sweet potato waffle fries.
    Cindy T.

    Quick points: HUGE step up from prior restaurants that have been in this space. Live music most nights. Dog-friendly and kid-friendly large outdoor patio available. Food, drink, service have been consistent and excellent. TVs everywhere for sports fans. Something for everyone. VERY easy parking in a huge lot right in front. Local family owned and operated. My $2 (I know I'm wordier than $0.02): I've been to this location when it was Peppino's, when it was purchased anew and turned into Center Bar & Grill (2020), and when it was purchased by another set of new owners as a rebooted Center Bar & Grill (2022ish?). I'd always wanted to like the reboots because this side of Foothill Ranch/Lake Forest really needs a local comfortable, accessible place to hang out and live music was always a plus, but each prior version just didn't quite do it. I was impressed by the vision of the first owner of Center Bar which brightened up a dark Italian restaurant interior, installed the clear garage door wall, and extended the bar, and each version strove to improve on the open concept. Enter RC, and THIS concept maintained everything good about the prior concepts, while adding a bunch of new twists of their own! The bright, open space is now accented with bold fresh paint on the bricks, new lighting and fixtures, new furniture. The food is solid (the new owners actually observed Center Bar as-is for months after taking over and kept all the old favorites, while adding their own to the new current RC's Watering Hole menu), the staff is always hustling, and the bar is run smoothly with friendly and efficient bartenders. Where Center Bar may have been a hit and miss with food and service before (I've had a few non-food items appear in my food at Center Bar, will spare the details since the prior restaurants no longer exist and RC's Watering Hole is an entirely new entity, new owners), I've had great tasting food and consistently reliable service with a smile. RC's Watering Hole wasn't done after improving food, service, drinks, and aesthetics... they've kept and added live music to more days of the week, added a digital jukebox, karaoke nights, and I hear that trivia might be coming soon, too. This place has been so creative with making sure there's something for everyone. For example, this is the only live music venue close-by I've found that rotates such a broad variety of live bands that include R&B and Soul, jazz, easy-listening, on top of the party rock and country that other live places have. I can't say enough good things about my experiences at RC's Watering Hole, and they keep me going back. Soon Monday Night Football will be coming to their many, many large TVs all around, both indoor and outdoor, so sports fans, this is for you, too! Personally, I go for the excellent bartending skills of Vanessa, Mirza, and the bartending team; I'm hopelessly addicted to their homemade beef chili for a protein and fiber kick; and they have gold- and platinum-awarded singer-songwriter Michael Hamilton performing there for the perfect mellow hump day evening vibe, whom they somehow magically snagged for every Wednesday evening going forward. RC's has become my favorite Wednesdays and I look forward to it all week long.

    Stopped in on Valentine's Day and had a great time with Vanessa & Nayali. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place was busy and had a great vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] You could tell they were hustling, but they still made sure everyone was taken care of. Drinks came out fast, the energy was great, and it just felt like one of those spots where you actually enjoy hanging out, not just watching the game and leaving. Definitely glad we chose this place that night and will for sure be back.

    Outside patio/stage area
    Minh N.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Has a large outside,beautiful patio.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Nice sports bar area inside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Good customer service. Good variety on the food menu. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Has an outside stage for Live bands/entertainment.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Small space in front of the stage for dancing.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Outside patio is Dog friendly.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Band playing
    Beth E.

    Went a few weeks ago on a Thursday night. We had such a blast! A great band was playing outside and it was a busy night. We enjoyed the drinks, appetizers and especially the music. Small local band of 3 young men. Awesome time! We will definitely come again!

    Fried zucchini
    Laura A.

    Went for happy hour and Thursday night football. Sat at the bar and we were greeted quickly. Good drinks, $5.00 well from 3-6. Happy hour menu is very limited, mostly fried snacks. It would be nice to see actual food added like tacos and sliders. Sadly we ordered the zucchini. It was mostly breading. 2 out of the 10 served had a paper thin slice of zucchini. We showed the bartender but she didn't offer an alternative or to take it off the bill. Music was supposed to start at 6:30 but by 6:50 the bad was still setting up. We are Sammy's regulars, we love live music and since they are closing we thought we'd try RC. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We will be back and sit outside next time, inside is very loud.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Menu
    Nick H.

    New owners, new name, new menu and a bit of a needed face-lift! Looking great! Live music, karaoke Tuesdays, Touch Tunes, pool table, lots of new TVs and a solid staff, the making of a proper watering hole! If you haven't been to RC's yet give it a try!

    Happy hour menu

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    11 months ago

    Good drinks, food, and vibe. I've been twice since the new owner took over and had a good experience both times.

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    We had a server who was very attentive and gave us great service. He would always check on us if we needed anything. We give him a APLUS

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    Page 1 of 6

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    The Rush Bar and Grill

    The Rush Bar and Grill

    3.8(395 reviews)
    4.3 mi
    $$

    After work, I've took a long drive from North Orange County all the way to Lake Forest (South…read moreOrange County) for some food and drink at Jarrod Schulz's The Rush Bar and Grill. It's my first time at this bar and hopefully not the last. Now time for the fun part. I sat at the bar area to not only have a small talk with a bartender, but also have a decent drink, my usual drink at a dive bar or sports bar is the jack and coke (Jack Daniels and Coca-cola). Gotta love it. For the food.... I got me some southwest egg rolls, and California burger. Yum. First off, egg rolls was sooooo delicious, especially with that special sauce.... really nice kick to it. California burger is so good. Added bonus, I had some sauce leftover which I've tried it on the burger. Soooo good. Cost wasn't too bad. 10.95 for the egg rolls, 18.95 for the burger, and $10 for the jack and coke. Oh, and I didn't forget to tip the lady (bartender). Funny thing is, she had no idea I'm left handed. I'm just glad my parents never smacked my left hand for writing with my left hand. Before I left the parking lot, some guy saw me, and was telling me how great Jarrod is. I've heard of him long time ago. One day, I'll introduce myself to Jarrod. Hopefully soon enough. See ya around, try not to get your left hand smacked, ya?

    Not surprised .., but…read more I've been a regular at this bar since before it was bought out by the new owner Jared. I have been coming here for years and years and sometimes come by around four times a week. On Fourth of July, my man and I stopped by like usual since we always know people who are there (all the other regulars) and decided to go out to the patio to sit down for a smoke with them. We were sitting for about 10 minutes before Jared sent a worker to come kick us out because we didn't buy a drink. First off, I'm sorry I'm not an alcoholic and didn't buy a drink within the first few minutes of sitting down. Second off, how do you have the audacity to do that to a regular who has brought in so much profit and friends throughout the years for you? I literally gave you business. All I can say is that he looked like a fool. Not happy.

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    The Rush Bar and Grill
    The Rush Bar and Grill
    The Rush Bar and Grill - Tequila anjeo, Sierra beer yummy

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    Our Place - Teriyaki bowl

    Our Place

    4.3(331 reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$

    This was my second trivia night here and it keeps getting better every time. Huge shout-out to…read moreBryce the Barman, he truly stands out. Bryce is incredibly attentive, friendly, and welcoming, remembers faces, checks in at the right moments and keeps the energy upbeat without ever being overbearing. He's the kind of bartender that makes you want to come back because you feel taken care of and appreciated. Jo was also great and added to the warm, inviting atmosphere, but Bryce really anchors the experience behind the bar. The crowd during trivia is always fun and lively, which makes the night fly by. The burger was excellent juicy, flavorful, and cooked just right and the menu is moderately priced, especially considering the quality. Overall, it's a fantastic neighborhood spot with great service, good food, and a welcoming vibe. Bryce alone is worth the visit, and I'll definitely be back again.

    Our Place is definitely my kind of place! I can never say no to a good dive. My husband and I…read morestopped in mid day on the 4th of July. It was pretty busy for being a holiday. We each had a coors light. The guys next to us had a special patriotic looking drink. I wish I could have stayed and had one. I will definitely come back and try the food. The ambiance is a good ol fashioned neighborhood dive bar.

    Photos
    Our Place - Juanita! Killing it.

    Juanita! Killing it.

    Our Place - Cheeseburger loaded with extra toppings. Burger Thursday deal

    Cheeseburger loaded with extra toppings. Burger Thursday deal

    Our Place - Mardi Gras was so fun!!

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    Mardi Gras was so fun!!

    Old Camp Bar and Grill - Chicken Wings and side salad

    Old Camp Bar and Grill

    4.5(152 reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$

    All around not good experience. Arrived and no staff present, about to leave and the cook offered…read moreto help - gave us beers after some coaxing. We saw 2 people - total - working waiting tables, bartending, cooking. No way should this place be allowed to call itself a scratch kitchen. All the food we ordered we didn't enjoy and almost all of it was deep fried, including the "home made" bacon and the pastrami (chunks). If you are making bacon "from scratch" you don't dump it in the deep fryer. The french fries were inedibly greasy and we sent back the whole basket. The only things we "enjoyed" were the overcooked burger and the chicken strips. Both merely average. Not sure where all these rave reviews are coming from. And, BTW, the separate exterior entrance is locked. Need to enter through the lobby. Response to owner's response - Wrong. Didn't record anybody or anything. Took still pictures of the food.

    This place is okay. Maybe it was my timing, maybe it was what I ordered, but I didn't enjoy my…read morefood. I got the 5 piece buffalo chicken wings ($11 ), a side salad, and tiramisu. Service was great but the food wasn't up to par. My chicken wings were tough and I could only eat one. I ate the tiramisu just fine. It just wasn't the greatest meal for $30. It was a bit dark in there but not too dark, the ambiance was good. I didn't have to park as I was staying right next door at the sister hotel but it didn't look like there was any difficulty parking if needed.

    Photos
    Old Camp Bar and Grill - Outside courtyard

    Outside courtyard

    Old Camp Bar and Grill - Tiramisu

    Tiramisu

    Old Camp Bar and Grill

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    Islands Restaurant - Maui Burger on Gluten Free Bun

    Islands Restaurant

    3.4(359 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    I want to give a big shout to the incredible friendly staff at Islands. I live nearby and their…read morehappy hour is very nice! I look for healthy options and they always accommodate me. Today I asked if could substitute celery for chips on the islands nachos and they did!!! No guilt at all and delicious. Diego was our server and he gets 5 plus stars!!!!

    My group and I recently came upon Island's at the Foothill Town Centre. It wasn't where we had…read morereally wanted to dine, but being that a lot of places were understandably closed, we decided to go with what was available. The space was airy and cool from the AC, a very welcomed temperature after being outside under heat and humidity. Walking in we were greeted and seated immediately by the host. Our server, Christopher, was amazing. He was prompt, checked in on us frequently, topped off beverages without even being asked. He was wonderful. The service we received from him was really good. Absolutely no issues there. What we ordered: 1) Kahlua pork tacos 3/5 - I personally didn't like the corn taco. It was heavy and flavorless. I ended up just eating the meat and veggies which was decent. Thank goodness there were three of them. 2) Malibu burger served with fries 2/5 - I didn't get a photo of this. The lighting was really bad, so pictures didn't come out right. The patty was cooked medium well instead of pink as requested. The burger was ok. It was actually a bit dry. 3) Maui burger ordered with a side of bacon. This also came with fries 2/5 - No photo due to lighting. The patty was cooked to medium well but they asked for pink. The patty and the bread were dry. The guacamole in the burger didn't taste fresh. 4) Fries that came with the burgers 1/5 - dry, tasteless, thick, kind of stale. A ton of ketchup barely helped. We were all really hungry so we chowed down fast. Didn't even realize the patties were cooked more than we preferred until we left. The service was great, but the food, was less than mediocre. I've been to Island's a handful of times in my life. Each time I have not been impressed, therefore it has never been in rotation of my places to go. This most recent visit just reminded me of that. Would I return? Likely not. The service is good, but the food needs work.

    Photos
    Islands Restaurant - Bar area

    Bar area

    Islands Restaurant - Malibu Burger

    Malibu Burger

    Islands Restaurant - Front Entrance

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    Front Entrance

    RC's Watering Hole - sportsbars - Updated July 2026

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