Had a great time dining in their outdoor patio! The restaurant has a lot of character in and out. The inside is dark and a bit more elegant (most patrons seemed a little older too) and the ouside is completely different and very cool. They had a DJ playing music too. The food is good but nothing to die for. I tried the Pot Pie, chili cheese fries, mac n cheese, carrot cake and hazelnut boudino. The mac n cheese had a different type of white cheese in it I wasn't crazy about. Carrot cake was a bit too sweet and very cinammony. Food presentation is great, prices are very reasonable for the area, service was good and ambiance is awesome! read more

See all

The food was great. Before the rest the food was great. Now for the rest. We went here on 11/11/17. Arrived around 5:15. We had initially planned on dining in the more formal restaurant on the other side of the wall we were compelled with the comfy chairs and couches we could eat at. We did not wait long for our drink order. We both had the berry version of a mule which was good. But then we sat. And we sat. And we sat. And we observed. And what we observed is one waitress was completely overwhelmed in a section and three women (maybe a hostess and two servers) were just standing bitching to each other. We also observed multiple times the wrong orders being delivered to the wrong tables by servers not working in the section. I finally after about 25 minutes asked the angry crew of someone could take our order. At which point they replied they'd get our server and went back to talking. Well our order went to the wrong table as we watched them it came to us. I had prime rib, she had a beet salad and nacho fries. The food was great. We did notice that another server did get added to the section. Got the feeling she was late to work. Why anyone else working there didn't pitch in to help was beyond me. read more

First review, so bear with me...*** Went here for date night on a Saturday night and it was best decision ever! Place is a little hard to find. But it's on PCH and if you look for Five Crowns, it's just on the side (side door...clever isn't it?). We parked up Poppy and just walked down the way. We walked in and were confused as to where to go or what to do. It seemed like a cool-looking English bar with some tables to the right and more of a cozy lounge area to the left, a medium-sized bar is right in the middle. There is no podium or check-in area. A very friendly hostess popped up and asked if it was just the two of us and told us we could order a drink at the bar while we waited. Not more than 10 mins later, she said she found us a cozy place right by the fireplace. It seemed to be seat yourself/let the hostess know and she'd look around for you too. Server was quick, polite, and offered great recommendations. We had the chili cheese fries, mac and cheese, a small cheese plate (but actually extremely filling!!), flight of beers and paid around $50 and were stuffed + took some extra home with us! The atmosphere was great - cozy and relaxed. We will be back again and again! read more

SideDoor - Couldn't even wait to dig in, but the cheese plate was delicious. Also ordered a flight of beer tasters, came with 4! Yum - British Near Me - Corona del Mar, California

See all

Came in a couple weeks ago, because I am a cocktail buff and I was chasing Randal from the Blind Pig who was supposed to be in charge of their bar. A long time ago, he made a drink at the Blind Pig called Steve, and a friend said he perfected it there, but the bartender knew nothing. Their 'legendary' list had five drinks on it. I had the "Feeling Berry Grey" which derived from a moscow mule with blackberries and tea flavored vodka. This drink was ok. Wife had "Incider Information" and almost had a sugar coma. Tequila and apple cider margarita, if I could tell by looking at the ingredients. Soooooo much cinnimon. Saving grace is the meat and cheese they offer. The bartender (Asian girl who never told me her name) condescended my cheese knowledge, but I persevered because I knew what we wanted. In the end, this place is pure hype. Handmade cocktail bars need more than five drinks and they should be delivered with more than a fake smile blinking that I don't know as much as the staff. read more

Great service good food comfy environment for drinks parking is only valet so you have to find street parking if u dont want to pay 6 bucks and still have walk across the street read more

Love. Service. Love. Food. Love. Presentation. Love. Decor. BEEF FAT FRIES: with the aoili sauce it is amazing. PORK BELLY FAT BLT: I crave this bad boy when I'm not at side door. Just a note that the menu chances very frequently , as you may have read..So say you come in tonight and fell in love with this dish, you crave it so much youre going to come back the next night for it...it may not be on the menu. CHARCUTERIE: a Must! I always tell the servers to just surprise me damnit! Theyll help you out if youre specific about your meats and cheeses. Very helpful team. SALMON TARTARE: okay. Maybe needs a bit more seasoning. HEIRLOOM CARROTS: pretty good for being vegetables. Pretty too! Theyre lightly braised in butter and finished with a sweet butter glaze and peanuts or pecans...some kind of nut AVOCADO MASH: okay. JIDORI CHICKEN POT PIE: hello, the best chicken pot pie I've ever had in my entire life. I cant even describe how beautiful this dish is. PORK CONFIT: I dont think thats the name of the dish...but it was pulled pork braised in duck fat with a poached egg on top. This was good, but it was a bit too salty. SPICY LAMB: Again, I forgot the name of this dish but it was like a beef stroganoff. I loved this. Couldnt get enough of it. BLUBERRY CHEESECAKE. Yum! with the pistachio crisp! Yummier! ROOT BEAT FLOAT SUNDAE: I didn't understand this. Cute concept because it was in a glass tumbler with a chocolate cake drenched with root bear liquor and a scoop of ice cream. I think the root beat liquor was too much for me. APPLE BOMB: I didnt understand where the apple came into play with this bad boy because it was just a dome of chocolate goodiness...until i go to the center of it..there was two pieces of apples! Just order this if you love chocolate. Its pretty delicious BLACKBERRY TART: I think we ordered two of these because it was that good. read more

SideDoor - Pork belly fat BLT - British Near Me - Corona del Mar, California

See all

I don't know why i have not yet written a review on this place, I've been here more than 7 times. this is one of the places where regardless of when you ask me i will go. doesn't matter, there's always something i can get here and am in the mood for. here are the top things you will need to get during your experience at side door. ** FYI their wait staff is very knowledgeable in regards to beers/wines and their food, if not someone more knowledgeable tend to come out to your table. so for someone like me who likes to ask a million questions, its nice to get answers. 1. cheese/meat plate 2. beer 3. prime rib sandwich 4. chili cheese fries 1. cheese are all purchased on a weekly basis from farmers market based on their menu for the week. there's a very good variety of cheese. broken down into cow, sheep, and goat. from there they specify region and company that makes it. depending on the mood i'm in i like a range from soft, semi firm, and aged cheeses. it also depends on what they have. when i went last thur they had a nice semi firm goat cheese from Wisconsin it was from Evalon La Clare Farm. it wasnt too tangy and a bit gritty, but almost had a nice pecarino flavor to it. i'm used to creamy tangy goat cheese but this one was quite suprising. from cow's milk, probably moses sleeper was a nice vermont soft cheese. i think the big thing about their plates is also the little things they add to enhance your cheese eating experience.. such as compotes, honey, fruit, mustards, nuts, based on the types of cheeses they have and/or you pick, they will pair it with little delicious sides which is also served with sliced and toasted baguette and raisin bread. pretty legit. 2. their beer, they have a really nice selection and a lot of micro brews and breweries that one might not see so often in CA restaurants. i love that they carry deschutes. but its always an adventure to see what they have new on tap. (or even bottled) i usually check on my iphone app TAP HUNTERS to check out what they have there before we go. that way i can do my research before picking one. :D probably one of my most useful apps. 3. Prime rib sandwich its a frkn lawry's restaurant, how can you not get this deliciousness?! if you dont get it then what was the point in you coming here. its like going to a steak house and getting a garden salad. boo. u get the the steak! lol. lawrys, 5 crows, side door, u get prime rib. you can get it cooked however you like your meat, i like mine med rare, if it wasnt so dang bloody messy i'd probably get rare. lol. lots of meat on the sandwich, comes with au ju dipping sauce which is so good u want to drink it afterwords like soup and then a whipped no to horsy horseradish which seriously goes crazy good with the sandwich. if you dont like either the sandwich is good plain all by it self too. :D 4. like i said above, prime rib right? they have a chili that they use prime rib in it too! its got good chunks of meat, but doesnt make the chili chunky its a nice smooth chili that goes over their fresh crisp french fries with some cheese... dang! makes me say everytime to the plate: why are you so good!?! WHY?! its just ridiculous. its pubby enough for a man's man classy and cozy enough for a date yummy for a foodie casual enough for everyday, every week every changing for people who don't like eating the same thing week after week but adventuring off to random hole in the wall places in LA. (typical oc-er?) its a good solid restaurant to please everyone. read more

SideDoor - Epic lamb sandwich! - British Near Me - Corona del Mar, California

See all

Came here for one of my gfs bday. A party of seven. This place is kind of tricky to find. Its located directly behind the five crowns entrance. There is a valet lot directly across the restaurant. But I didn't have cash so I parked in the residential. This place is very cozy and quaint. We ordered 6 plates and shared. From the chili cheese fries, the tomato salad, beet salad, nachos, steak and the avocado dip. They were all fantastic. The chili cheese fries were my favorite, I loved that kick it gives u at the end! For dessert we ordered, the cheesecake, peanut butter pie and the lemon tart? All delicious! I loved the service! Our waitress was PHENOMINAL! U my dear, are the epitome of what excellent service is! The owner or manager also was fantastic! He came out with a sundae for the birthday girl with a candle! All the workers here are super friendly and seemed they loved working here. Thanks for an amazing experience! I'm definitely coming back! read more

SideDoor - Yummy! - British Near Me - Corona del Mar, California

We loved the ambiance sitting at a cozy table next to a fireplace. The food was great as well.

This used to be one of my all-time classic favorite restaurants. Tonight, however, I had the WORST experience I have ever had in an eating establishment. To begin with, there was a bug in the salad. Then, the waiter asked if we wanted a refill on our drink and we said yes, but he never brought it. He also forgot how we had ordered our food, our side dish, and one of our desserts. Furthermore, every time we wanted something we would have to get up or yell for someone because he never came to check on us. I am so very saddened by how the service has gotten so awful because I will never go back and do not recommend anyone else to go either. It's just not worth the horrible service. read more

Best cocktails in CdM. My husband and I go here regularly for the cheese plates and cocktails and we are never disappointed!!! read more

SideDoor - Nice garden seating... - British Near Me - Corona del Mar, California

See all

My family has spent the last 15 years enjoying winter vacation in Newport Beach. We love trying new places and returning to old favorites. We decided to give this spot a try after reading the reviews. The food and drinks were good but not exceptional. Our problem was with the management's response when we used $200 in gift cards to pay for a $120 bill. We had tipped in cash but received no change or credit. The manager said she would try to resolve it and would get back to us. We did not hear anything back for a while. It finally took us repeated calls and messages to get any response from management even though the manager during our visit said she was sorry and would get back to us. After more calls initiated by us we received the response that they are so busy and it is difficult to return calls to customers. That said it all . . . read more

Always love the side door. amazing, classy service. Relaxed yet fancy. Amazing drinks. Great spot to meet up, have a cocktail, eat or wait for your table read more

SideDoor - British Near Me - Corona del Mar, California

See all

This place is beyond delicious. My bf and i came on a whim from yelp reviews and we were not disappointed. The cheese plate is FANTASTIC and the beer selection is great. Our waitress was a really big help when we were trying to decide which cheese to order. We ordered the salmon (so flavorful) and prime rib entrees. The prime rib was so tender my bf cut it with his butter knife. I would highly recommend a sheep cheese if goat cheese is too strong for you. I like that the menu changes daily because every day is a new delicious surprise. Cant wait to go back read more

SideDoor - Soft cheese, sheep cheese :) - British Near Me - Corona del Mar, California

I really liked this place. I went with my girlfriends. Get there early! Line gets long after 10p! Theres good food, reasonably priced drinks, and dancing with good music. The inside is kinda cool and theres an outdoor area too. I had such a good time here and I recommend stopping by if you're in downtown Fullerton. read more

We had Sunday brunch in the back yard with the music band (only a lady host it) Meals is good and they let us ordered the prime rib which only available at 5pm (5 crowns) Coffee is good and pita chips with avocado mesh is perfect read more

SideDoor - 3/29/15 brunch - British Near Me - Corona del Mar, California

Loved this place. The seating we got was different, what would be more of a coffee table. The menu changes so it's great to go check out for different things. I had fish while my friend had Philly steak sandwich with fries. We loved the food. Definitely would recommend anyone to try it. read more

SideDoor - Side Door!! Look out, hard to spot. - British Near Me - Corona del Mar, California

This is a type of restaurant where the staff makes you feel like family. For the 90 minutes that you join them, you'll have experienced the most genuine staff, pairing with an incredible dish. Whether you stop by for a drink and cheese, or sit down on those comfy couches by the fire for a meal, you'll leave happy. In my experience, the staff has always gone above and beyond. You can tell how well the staff communicates with one another and it makes all the difference in your dinning. More likely than not, whomever you're sitting next to, you'll have a brief discussion by the end of the night. It's a homely place, full of friendly people. I'd recommend the prime rib sandwich, or chili. Everything is absolutely fantastic and I can say in all honesty that I've had everything on the menu. My boyfriend and I come in quit consistently. It's always nice to have a charming local spot, on the same day of the week, with the same server and same flawless experience. We've highly considered moving down the street just to walk here for dinner, crazy I know! Stop on bye and have a fantastic experience. You won't be disappointed. read more

We love going to the SideDoor! We can walk from our house, so that makes it even better too. The cheese selections are fabulous, they have creative cocktails, the decor is old school but upscale and fun. We are a big fan and love going there! Wish they would take reservations though...but it's ok, it's worth the wait read more

Came for the first time a few Fridays ago and loved it! Blueberry Sangria was amazing - had to get a second glass! Went with two girlfriends and split the Mac and cheese, avocado mash, charcuterie and truffle fries. Would recommend EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. Can't wait to go back and try to the rest of the menu! read more

The spinach pudding was the best i've ever had. The stilcheddar mac & cheese was incredibly creamy with the right amount of crunch on top. Very cool vibes. The cocktails are not to be missed. read more

SideDoor - British Near Me - Corona del Mar, California

All is can say is............cheese plate! Wait there is more. Love the local crowd, we moved here just a short time ago and folks make us feel like we have been regulars for years. Every single thing I have ordered has been delicious. Their wine list and cocktail offerings are on point. Really one of my neighborhood favorites. read more

So wanted to love this place as much as I love the one in Chicago, but alas, it doesn't even come close. The $14.00 lobster bisque was luke warm and meh. Wedge salad was good, but swimming in dressing. I wanted the sweet potato but they were out. My husband ordered a beer flight, and waitress got one of them wrong. He asked if the Reuben came on sour dough. Waitress asked someone and came back and said yes. When the sandwich came, it was on rye. He told the waitress, and she reads the menu and says, "oh yeah. It comes on rye now." No offer to change it, no offer to give him something else. She never gave us enough silverware, and was not attentive from the minute we sat down. So disappointing. Sadly, we left a 50 cent tip. Went to Billy's and ordered a Cesar salad with ahi and mai tais. That hit the spot. Anyway, will never be back to Side Door here in California. I will have to hit up the one in Chicago next time I'm there. read more

Went to side door two weeks ago! One of the best Old Fashion's hands down! The chicken pot pie was amazing.. Staff is the best. I will be going back.. read more

Everything, from appetizers to entre to dessert to beer - all were phenomenal. I loved- loved their watermelon soup. Everything was so fresh. Great ambiance. Order their cheese/meat plate. So good! read more

See all

Not sure why everyone raves about this place. Have been coming here for a while and just watching the service and quality go down hill. Ordered drinks and waited. Ordered wine and waited. Had to go find a water pitcher to refill our glasses. The meat & cheese platter for $27 was embarrassing. Save your $$ on that one and go to Von's and make a better one for a fraction of the cost. The icing on the cake was the main courses. We ordered 2 short ribs and 2 pan seared cod (at the waitress's recommendation) The short ribs were cold and fatty. The cod tasteless. The "salsa" they poured all over the fish was loaded with olives. One in my party said she can't eat olives. The waitress response "you know we can't list every ingredient on the menu!!" We returned all 4 entrees and left. No apologies from the staff. No management to find out why we couldn't eat our food. Needless to say when we are looking for a place to eat, or entertain our out of town guests, we will not be frequenting the Side Door. read more

I enjoyed a lovely evening here and was pleased I came with a friend. The entrance is to the right of Five Crowns which is connected to the restaurant. It is filled with wood, warmth and smells of a pub. Connected to Five Crowns, SideDoor is a bar area that is casual with a warm inviting fireplace. The service was just ok as the server seemed to be a bit non chalant and hurried but food came out in a timely manner. We ordered some appetizers, fried artichokes, brussels sprouts (very good), mushroom soup that was thick and just ok but not to rave about and some delicious bread. The rye bread with the orange flavor was quite good. The atmosphere was perfect for a winter evening. The service and food was just ok but a second visit may make for a better impression. read more

See all

It's the best place you can go in Newport the environment is European designed and the food is very good. read more

See all

The good: The food is good from SideDoor and Five Crowns. There's always something on the menu that will appeal to everyone in your group. The ambiance is great and the servers are great. The not so good: Very generally speaking, most of the menu items are a bit overpriced. Moreover, based on my experience ordering take-out, I must downgrade what would otherwise be a 4-star place. I have ordered take-out on a number of occasions here, and invariably, something goes wrong every time. Their online menu is almost never up-to-date. For example, nine times out of ten, when I call to place my order after reviewing their online menu, they tell me that they no longer offer the item that I am trying to order. At pick-up, often the order is not ready, the host/ess isn't around, or something is missing when I leave, forcing me to return. In sum, don't avoid this place; it's the best you're going to do in CDM. But if you're ordering take-out, decide on multiple back-up options before you call to order, and double check everything before you leave. read more

Excited more gastropubs are opening up in SoCal. The ambiance is reminiscent of Ireland or parts of Britain. Two fireplaces, large/comfy chairs and plenty of seating. The second bar next to the restrooms allow for food from both the bar side and the restaurant side. Good dishes, nice selection of beers and super friendly staff. read more

See all

Attached to the Five Crown a more casual meal service. I almost always have the prim rib sandwich with homemade chips. Cannot go wrong with the food and service. Draw back difficult to find street parking but ample valet parking is available. read more

Side Door was a hidden treasure, a cool'ish British-inspired gastro pub that quietly hid in the shadow of its suburban commercial prime rib big brother, 5 Crowns. While 5 Crowns hosted rehearsal dinners, prom nights, family reunions, and special occasions, the Side Door almost secretly, attracted an eclectic crowd of Orange County diners that had heard about its subtly tweaked classic feel good pub food, outstanding cheese & charcuterie plates featuring selections from small craft suppliers, and a bar that had some of the most wonderfully conceived mixed drinks, alongside a curated selection of wine, and a beer menu that highlighted smaller craft breweries. This entire experience was glued together by an approachable hipster team from the host, wait staff, and bar tenders that looked more at home in the cooler parts of LA or Brooklyn. If you arrived after 630p that meant kicking back in an overcrowded narrow space between the bar and high top tables while waiting 45m-60m to be seated. Well....all that is long gone. It's almost like the original Side Door was a fever dream, a mirage or illusion that never existed. Todays Side Door pales in comparison. What was one the great secret eateries between Laguna and HB is now a diluted version of its former self. The formerly unique Side Door menu has been relegated to a 1.5" wide list of items on the far right side of the 5 Crowns menu. The staff is pleasant, eager, helpful, attentive but they are also pushy up-sellers that relentlessly try to get you into more appetizers and cannot hide the disappointment on their faces when you go for the Side Door burger or fried chicken sandwich instead of the prime rib. You can tell that the wait staff is under pressure from management to get more steak and lobster on their order tickets. The hipster hideaway vibe evaporated, replaced by counterfeit version of its former self but you cannot fake cool. We miss the real Side Door and it's quirky passionate foodie staff. read more

Best food... Best service. We had a great time! Our server was kind and knowledgable (Zane, from Kentucky). Drinks were strong... Food was tasty. You walk in and forget you are in 'Newport', ambiance is casual, intimate, music is on point, fireplace going... The list goes on. Just go! read more

Early dinner before going to a play. Had a salad with razor blade slices of apple, specialty greens and lite vinegar dressing. My friend had a panini sandwich. The smashed avocado was the hit of the meal, very fresh with lime wash. Delicious. Basically a "no frills" presentation. No garnishes and a bit pricey. Must be the location. read more

Been going since it opened several years ago. The roast beef sandwich is the best ever!!!

SideDoor has an interesting design concept as it shares its bar and kitchen with Five Crowns, or to be more accurately, it used to be part of Five Crowns. SideDoor is aptly name because the entrance is actually on the side ( http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sidedoor-corona-del-mar?select=on2wYJZ1zPkjgxEJlHrUZQ#k_SINNLYeikiqofo05CS ) of the building. Because the kitchen is shared, the menu at SideDoor mostly contains of small plates which are meant to be shared, because items will rarely come out together. The orders are prepared by the kitchen and are expedited immediately. The dining area is very cozy ( http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sidedoor-corona-del-mar?select=on2wYJZ1zPkjgxEJlHrUZQ#oiS4t1nenrTs3jffNeUFBg ) with a nice fireplace ( http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sidedoor-corona-del-mar?select=on2wYJZ1zPkjgxEJlHrUZQ#zlf5B8wy5ISqJgv1hweyyg ) in the back of the restaurant. SideDoor doesn't accept reservations, it seems to get lively around 7:30pm and seating is limited. I would arrive before 7:00 pm or expect to be standing around waiting for a table. Rohlinism: Two restaurants in the same building with same bar and same kitchen is taking "Sharing is Caring" to the extreme! The menu consists of Bites, Soups & Salads, Sandwiches, Plates, Sides, Desserts and Cheese & Charcuteries cut directly ( http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sidedoor-corona-del-mar?select=on2wYJZ1zPkjgxEJlHrUZQ#lP99Qg9ZW_T_iSbOKUYNVQ ) from their station. The menu changes daily based on what is delivered with everything on the menu farm to table from local growers. Sans the prime rib dishes and StilCheddar Mac'n Cheese (mainstays), it is quite possible to find vastly different menus from one day to the next. My wife was disappointed to find the Beef Fat Poutine was no longer on the menu and had been replaced by Truffle Fries (sigh). SideDoor as has a decent selection of Wines and Beers and a full service bar. Our server (name escapes me) took our drink orders and answered some menu questions. When our server returned with the drinks, we were ready to order. Starting off, we selected the Prime Rib Chili Cheese Fries ( http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sidedoor-corona-del-mar?select=on2wYJZ1zPkjgxEJlHrUZQ#HSfQBW7pF8vN-urYBVxmZQ ), Sautéed Artichokes ( http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sidedoor-corona-del-mar?select=k_SINNLYeikiqofo05CS8g#sC9p6dFnE38nopOdqn8sMg ), StilCheddar Mac'n Cheese ( http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sidedoor-corona-del-mar?select=k_SINNLYeikiqofo05CS8g#7IUgcibgiDVTwSmof6bzQg ) and the Prime Rib Chili ( http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sidedoor-corona-del-mar?select=k_SINNLYeikiqofo05CS8g#Sucj4YCRJNIUwPnN7oV_sQ ). For our entrees, we ordered three of the Prime Rib Sandwiches ( http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sidedoor-corona-del-mar?select=k_SINNLYeikiqofo05CS8g#cP_MsLgQz2oZ8edzRMLjxg ) and a SideDoor Burger ( http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sidedoor-corona-del-mar?select=k_SINNLYeikiqofo05CS8g#g-V6MDY7w6a_z7vfyXxW0g ). The first items to be delivered to our table were the Prime Rib Chili Cheese Fries, the Sautéed Artichokes and the Prime Rib Chili. The fries and chili were solid, but neither had everyone raving. I think everyone liked the White Cheddar in the fries, which I haven't seen before, but worked nicely. There was a decent of amount of Prime Rib and Cheese on the fries as well. The Prime Rib Chili had a good flavor, some nice heat, a good amount of meat and no beans (which Jessica appreciated) which is a more traditional Texas chili. Laina said the Sautéed Artichokes were alright, but wouldn't consider ordering them in the future. The next items out were the Prime Rib Sandwiches and the StilCheddar Mac'n Cheese. I think everyone really enjoyed the sandwiches, the Prime Rib with cut nice and thick and piled high. Jessica remarked it was the best Prime Rib Sandwich she had eaten and I really liked the Prime Rib were carved instead of put into a deli slicer. The creamy and raw horseradish were excellent together and added a nice punch to the sandwich. Erica really liked the au jus and it really complimented her sandwich. The meat in all three sandwiches were cooked to the requested temperature. Unfortunately, the StilCheddar Mac'n Cheese was a huge miss. The side gets its name from the use of the historical British Stilton Cheese, which is a mild bleu cheese, but apparently not mild enough for my group of Mac'n Cheese freaks. I think each of them took one disappointing bite, before sending the dish back to the kitchen. The last item out of the kitchen was the SideDoor Burger. The burger consists of Snake River Farms Kobe Beef, Manchego Cheese, Red Onions, Bacon and Russian Dressing. The beef was cooked to the right temperature and the Manchego really went the rest of the toppings. Laina really liked the bun and the burger was a huge hit with my better half. Service was friendly and very knowledgeable, but a little slow at times. Overall, a really good Gastropub! read more

See all

I love English pubs. I have spent some time in Northern England in the past. The pub vibe is much different that a bar. More like a "Cheers" type of place to hang out with friends. SideDoor reminds me of an old school English pub. Comfy places like sofas and large and small tables and booths scattered about to sit at with friendly staff attending to you. A fireplace in the front is nice to be by, also. SideDoor's entrance is literally a side door on Poppy at PCH in Corona Del Mar. It occupies the space in Five Crowns that used to be the old bar area of the restaurant. This place shares a kitchen with Five Crowns, so you know that some cool prime rib items can be had here. Speaking of prime rib, one of the most awesome things here is the Prime Rib Chili Cheese Fries. Sounds like a mouthful, and yes, they are, but they are fantastic. The Prime Rib sandwich is, of course, amazing, also. The Shishito Peppers here are simply roasted with garlic and salt but wonderfully prepared. There are many small plates you can get besides salads and entrees. The menu changes from time to time as do featured cocktails here. I most recently tried the Casa Negroni cocktail as my friend who was dining with me encouraged me to try it as I was a Campari virgin. This was strawberry-infused Campari goodness with Ford's gin and Carpano Antica. I have tried various delicious salads, the customizable yummy cheese and meat plates and LOVED the desserts to include the Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding made out of croissant and with Espresso Creme Fraiche and Lemon Steam Cake which is tarty and sweet with berries and fresh whipped cream on top. What's not to like about either of those things, right?! Staff here have always been terrific with us . They have always made us feel at home and been helpful in regards to menu selections. Be aware they do not take reservations here and this place is small. I would advise arriving close to opening which is 4:30 p.m. for dinner 7 days a week and 11:00 a.m. for Sunday brunch as this place can fill up fast. Valet is a side lot on Poppy, across from the entrance, which I recommend because street parking is not always readily available. Thanks to Yelp bud, Aaron E., for pressing me to get me into his favorite gastropub. It is now one of my favorite places in Orange County to enjoy delicious food, ambiance and drink. read more

See all

Other than a beautiful beach, I thought I'd always be hard-pressed to find something I really, really love in Corona del Mar. Sure, it's a nice little area - but a bit too nice for my schlubby self. Luckly I've found SideDoor. And I've fallen in love. Out of the small handful of OC gastropubs, I'm pretty sure the menu and vibe at SideDoor takes the cake. ...and I haven't even tried 10% of the menu yet. Still, if you can knock my socks off with stuffed prunes (yes! STUFFED PRUNES) then you've won a special place in my heart. And the avocado mash?! Forget all of the junk that goes into your guacamole, the avocado mash is a pure, citrusy, avocado-ey, green delight. And yes, the vibe in here is homey and friendly - say whaaaa? Friendly and not horribly snooty in CdM? It's true. Cross my heart, stick a needle in my eye and all that jazz. The service is outstanding, and our server knew the menu up and down, backwards and forwards. I was quite impressed. I've yet to truly dig in and have the mac n' cheese or prime rib sliders, but with their amazing beer tasting flights and fab wine list - I know I'll be back to try them sooner than later. read more

What is it with me and gastropubs?! I believe SideDoor is my third and I've not really liked-loved any of them. SideDoor is an off shoot of Five Crowns & the entrance is on the side of the small street as opposed to PCH. The menu changes weekly/monthly, the waitress seemed unclear so I'm unclear. The seating, décor and ambience are very nice, with a mix of tables/chairs, deep booths/tables and 1/2 and 1/2 comfy 2-seater couch with large cocktail table and 2 chairs on other side, and a bar area with typical seating, along with a roaring fireplace thrown in. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sidedoor-corona-del-mar?select=on2wYJZ1zPkjgxEJlHrUZQ#zlf5B8wy5ISqJgv1hweyyg (thanks for the pic share hubby!) My first foodie thoughts were 4 star, but after digesting, I come up with that it wasn't that great. Prime rib chili cheese fries, not enough cheese, not enough chili and I felt it was fine-good. The sautéed artichokes was small, pricey and not pleasing to me in the flavor department. The mac n cheese was so disliked by everybody, that after 1 small bite, it was sent back, as we felt the stilton cheddar was stinky and overpowering. My burger was good, but nothing great. The rest of my group ordered the prime rib sandwiches and wow, could you possibly cut the fat off! The sandwich was served just like the normal prime rib, thick and with all the fat on. If it's not great steak fat cooked till crispy, then I don't want a slab (or slabs) of rubbery fat. Desserts were not ordered as they seemed boring and uninspired. I informed our server that it was my daughter's birthday celebration and .... ta da ... nothing was done! I also disliked being overcharged $11 for a standard well drink, Amaretto sour. That type of pricing is reserved for specialty drinks, thanks for gouging my wallet. I will not be back, I don't recommend, but hell, they were so busy, they don't need me. read more

My boyfriend and I enjoy the atmosphere of Side Door but have been disappointed by the service and food the past few times. The prime rib dip is wonderful, but they can't seem to make a burger per request. My boyfriend has ordered a burger medium rare 3 times- each time they've come out gray (aka well done). Our server Justin came by and said "let me switch that out," with no apology whatsoever. I work in customer service and was quite surprised by his complete lack of caring. The bus boys though were so sweet and attentive! They deserve the tips and money just as much as servers! We will not be back unless our friends want to go for some reason, but until then we hope Side Door can improve! read more