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    The Beachcomber

    4.0 (3.8k reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 9:30 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    The Beachcomber Photos

    Business Info

    THE BEACHCOMBER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Classy
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - The Beachcomber

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    Reviews With Photos

    Annie F.

    classic American food is typically not my go to preference for restaurant but after hiking in the area this was a perfect way to wrap up for lunch. With high tide the waves raise just about where you look out from the restaurants and waves are nearly right next to you. Nothing like the feeling of ocean breeze when enjoying a nice meal! The food was delicious, I really like both of the fish dishes that we got and the serving size was actually very big, so could recommend splitting a meal if when you go you are not as hungry. Overall good fantastic ambiance! It does get busy without a reservation so recommend either making one or getting there before lunch or dinner rush so you can get in sooner.

    Janet C.

    Beachcomber is always busy busy but 100% worth the wait! The drinks are strong but not stiff and the food comes out in a timely manner and is a consistent quality each time! The inside and outside areas are both nice and well kept.

    Tiny Ahi Tacos
    Kara S.

    Very satisfied all around - location, ambiance, service, food, and drinks. Especially dessert!! My godmother takes all of the cousins and family here and it was the first time I've been. We had drinks and apps next door at the bootlegger while we were waiting for our table. We ordered wagyu meatballs, ahi tuna tacos, bloody mary, and coconut mojito. I love me a good pina colada and the coconut mojito hit the spot (menu is similar to Beachcomber - sister restaurants). We then seamlessly transferred to our table after we closed out at bootlegger. We ordered mahi mahi tacos, fish and chips, and beignets. Honestly should've just ordered another round of ahi tuna tacos but eyes were bigger than stomach lol. Barely touched our entrees and went straight to dessert. Best choice coz we devoured the beignets. So fluffy and good. To die for! Can't wait to take my family back to this little gem.

    Shuttle bus $2 a ride. Kids are free.
    Lisa R.

    This place is a gem! I had a beach day with the family and started off by parking the car and then taking the shuttle bus ($2 a ride) to head down to the beach and to check out this restaurant. Ambiance was relaxed and chill. LITERALLY right on the sand... on the beach, it was perfect! You can dress up or dress down and perfect for any occasion. Family friendly restaurant and service was great. We had couple dishes from the Dinner menu. I would come back again for location and ambiance! Shrimp basil pesto pasta: I loved! Very delicious with creamy pesto sauce and the shrimp was very plumped. Kung Pao Calamari: just ok, average. Sauce tasted sweet. Pan Roasted Blue Crab Stuffed Salmon: we substituted for mash potatoes but tasted sweet and not my preference. Salmon was good! Blue crab was questionable, I didn't see it lol Strawberry sunset: average but pretty to hold for pics Cadillac margarita: average, I wish it would've been more fancier looking. Just a yellow drink in a tall glass

    Ciopinno (bottom) and Hawaiian Style "Butterfish" (top)
    Madison O.

    I knew the views would be good from this restaurant, but I didn't have super high expectations for the food when I booked the reservation. The food was delicious and they didn't skimp on the seafood portions. We had the seabass ceviche for our appetizer and then I ordered the cioppino and my husband had the butterfish. Both dishes were really good. I think my cioppino broth could have had slightly less salt but they packed in the fresh seafood and it was very yummy and came with good ciabatta bread. For drinks, we tried the blood orange margarita and skinny mule. Our waiter was attentive and it was overall a great dinner eating good food overlooking crystal cove beach.

    Tanera J.

    Tried this restaurant while on a work trip and it was literally the highlight of my trip. We sadly got there late but I was still able to catch a small glimpse before the sun set completely. It was beautiful. I am literally going to plan a trip just to come back here one day. Anyways, the food was delicious as well. We ordered a few appetizers and the salmon I ordered for entree was amazing! Good food + Ocean Views will always = A good time. Our server was really sweet and she gave us lots of good suggestions to try on the menu. I ended up leaving my brand new Lorvae sunglasses here too so whoever ended up with those, I hope you are enjoying them because I miss them so much.

    Sunset
    Jessica H.

    I came here with my family to celebrate my birthday and my grandpa's birthday! The ambiance was fantastic given that it is directly on the beach; the service was fast and given that it was kind of cold, the bus boys were able to turn on the heaters. My party of 8 came without a reservation (on a July 4th wknd, I know haha!), and although they said it would take 1 hr and 45 min to wait, it only took about 45 minutes before a table opened up -- so we took that time to take photos of the sunset and talk/catch up! Of note, we tried to go to the bar behind the restaurant to see if we could order main dishes and sit at the bar; however, you're allowed to order drinks, apps, and soup/salad! Regarding the food, it was definitely not quite right. My salmon crab dish was bland & the petite salad I got was DEFINITELY petite and WAY too salty (and I love salt!!). The shrimp appetizer was okay (felt chewy) and the meatball appetizer was mediocre too. My husband got the cove cioppino which he described to be okay and not as flavorful either. My uncle got the filet mignon which he really liked! Amongst my other family members, we had two kids with us who each got spaghetti and strawberry banana smoothies (which they seemed to love!). Regarding service, again - it's great here! They gifted s'mores on the house for the kids and gave me & my grandpa a warm, soft brownie with ice cream on top as a birthday treat (which was delicious!). We were also seated away from the sunset (which makes sense in that we didn't have reservations!) so if I were to come back, I would get reservations for this place and request for a table that was directly in front of the waves! It's surely a nice place for kids and families -- but if it was just a date night with my husband, we'll kindly skip this one next time and opt for other places in this area :) Also, there are no restrooms in the restaurant but plenty of (clean!) public restrooms in the area. Parking is at this location (you'll park with a QR code! Be aware of the time limit - I think it was $70+ fine if incorrect) https://maps.app.goo.gl/3gq7GgkzvEX9HxC36?g_st=i&utm_campaign=ac-im There is also a $2/person shuttle from the parking lot to this cafe! TLDR - food is not the best overall (very $$ for the portion size) but of course come here (WITH a reservation!) if you have kids or elderly family members & want a place to sit down, enjoy the sunset/waters and catch up with the best service!

    Hannah W.

    I have come here with my now fiancé a few times throughout our relationship (including on our third date) and it's a very special place to us now as we just got engaged right outside there this past weekend!! It is the most beautiful and charming restaurant and quite literally on the beach! We always go for breakfast and get their delicious beignets. This most recent time I went I got an iced mocha and we split a side of bacon. Our wonderful waitress was kind enough to give us a complimentary brioche french toast (TO DIE FOR) as a congratulations gift. Highly recommend this beachy spot!

    Amita G.

    Absolutely stunning! I don't know where to start! This place has got it all Ambience views good food good drinks good service!! All boxes checked Parking - makes sure you park at the top hill near Los Tarcos and take the beachcomber shuttle down to the beach and restaurant. The shuttle is adults $2 one way kids ride free! Also check their instagram stores for parking highlights! Food- I ordered a kids lunch meal and fish tacos for me along with watermelon margarita! Everything was delicious and portion was great Please please make or have a reservation unless you are ready to wait an hour or so!!

    Crepe
    Christina H.

    You really can't beat the location--it's right on the beach, which creates an amazing vibe. The atmosphere is casual and very kid-friendly, and the prices are quite reasonable. The food was solid, and the service was friendly and attentive. A couple of things to keep in mind: there's no private restroom inside the restaurant, so you have to use the public beach restrooms. Also, parking is off-site, meaning you'll need to take the shuttle (or walk down). Overall, a wonderful place to enjoy a meal by the ocean!

    Grilled Steak Sandwhich
    Ryan C.

    After an overnight backpacking trip through Crystal Cove State Park, me and two friends hiked out in the morning and headed over to The Beachcomber pretty hungry. We were hoping to make the breakfast menu but just missed it, so we ended up ordering lunch instead. Even on a busy Saturday afternoon, the wait was only about 30 minutes, and they give you a buzzer so you can freely walk around while waiting. That actually worked out great since there's a lot to explore nearby. We checked out the Crystal Cove shop, the small park/history office nearby, and even a cool little film museum in one of the preserved cottages with vintage movie equipment. I ended up ordering the steak sandwich, and it was seriously filling -- I could only finish about half even after hiking earlier that morning. Everything in the sandwich complemented each other really well without overpowering the steak itself, and the steak was cooked perfectly medium like I ordered. The fries were also surprisingly amazing: super crispy and addictive. We also shared the beignets, which were honestly one of my favorite parts of the meal. They were super flaky and almost croissant-like inside instead of the usual dense beignet texture, and the chocolate syrup with whipped cream paired perfectly with them. The service was great throughout the meal. Our server was attentive and checked in often to make sure we had everything we needed. The ambiance inside was really unique too. We sat closer to the kitchen in a darker wood-filled dining area that almost felt like being inside an old wooden boat. The booths were a little small for me since I'm on the taller side, but overall it added to the cozy atmosphere. I really enjoyed the experience and would love to come back someday to try their breakfast menu. Even though it gets busy with families and beachgoers on weekends, the restaurant handles the crowds efficiently, and having the beach and nearby attractions to explore while waiting makes the whole experience even better.

    Scallops with asparagus and risotto and peas so delicious

    Food was amazing. We are staying in the Crystal cove Cottages and that's amazing as well. We went to dinner there last night and had the chicken sausage and a vodka sauce delicious little spicy from my taste buds but that's OK sauce was amazing and also had a big bowl of their clam chowder which is yummy and for dessert we indulge ourselves into that really big brownie with a s'mores kind of marshmallow on top and then some vanilla ice cream. Tonight we had the Dover soul and the scallops with the most amazing risotto. I've tasted in a long time and then we had the beignets with the chocolate syrup and the vanilla ice cream delicious can't wait to come back.

    Beignets
    Katya Z.

    I would say the food is a solid 3.5 and the view is a 5. Came here after a long walk at Crystal Cove, which honestly is the perfect setup because you're already right there and ready to sit down and enjoy the view. We got there a little after 10am and the wait was about 30 minutes, which felt totally reasonable. We hung out by the bar, grabbed a drink, and ordered the beignets while we waited. The beignets aren't traditional, so just know that going in. They're more crispy and flaky than soft and pillowy. You can definitely taste the oil they're fried in, but they're still buttery, slightly sweet, and really satisfying. They come with syrup, which works well with the texture. They initially sat us inside, and I'm not going to lie, it smelled pretty bad. I asked to move outside and it completely changed the experience. Sitting right on the sand with that ocean view is what makes this place worth it. I ordered the tiny ahi tacos and those were actually really good. The ahi tasted fresh, the wonton shell added a nice crunch, and the slaw had that slightly sweet, crunchy element that tied everything together really well. We also had a cocktail that leaned more sweet and didn't really taste like alcohol, so just something to keep in mind depending on what you're looking for. Service was great. Our server was super nice and helpful the whole time. Overall, it's one of those spots where the location really carries the experience, but the food holds its own too, especially if you order right and sit outside.

    Steak Chilaquiles and Lemon Ricotta Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes

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    The Beachcomber Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Beachcomber

    While you are waiting to be seated, is there someplace to sit,for instance if you have trouble standing?

    Not at the restaurant itself, unless you take a seat at the attached bar. However, there are benches in the vicinity that you can sit while you wait that are still within reach of the reservation buzzers.

    Are small dogs allowed?

    No dogs are allowed. There are signs everywhere

    Are you allowed to stay after dinning at the beach for picnic and games?

    The State Park is open to the public from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. everyday

    Do I have to do reservations or can I just walk in for lunch?

    You can make a reservation, but there may still be a wait. If it's not a national holiday or special occasion, you can just show up, it's not a long wait. Plus, you can always sit and eat at the bar!

    How's the parking and is there a fee?

    You need to park on the East side of PCH in the designated parking lot. Then ride the shuttle bus to the restaurant. However if by chance you have a Handicap parking placard, then you can park on the West side of PCH in that designated lot. No… 

    Is breakfast served all day?

    No. There are separate breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. You can see them on their website

    If the weather is overcast and cooler are the heaters enough to stay warm? Is there any inside seating?

    You may just need to layer, there is a short walk from the parking shuttle to the restaurant. Inside you'll be warm, if you're seated on the enclosed patio they offer lap blankets.

    How long does it take to walk from public parking lot to the beachcomber?

    It's a lot faster going down to Beachcomber Cafe ,than leaving . It's downhill. Maybe 5 minutes probably less. Add a few minutes for going back up to the parking lot

    Is there handicapped parking?

    Yes, there are four spots behind the restaurant.

    Is the macadamia crusted steak cauliflower vegan or is it steak and cauliflower?

    Steak Califlower is generally a cut of califlower that looks like a steak, so it is vegan.

    Are there Vegetarian options?

    The kitchen can accommodate a vegetarian meal.

    Hi, is it possible to have a fully service not inside the restaurant but at the beach in front of it?

    At certain times of year they have tables available a little further north of the restaurant. It's a great place to sit. It's worth the ask!

    Will an Uber be able to pick you up down below, or would we get dropped off in the upper lot and take the shuttle? When does the last shuttle pick up? (we have an 830p dinner res)

    The Uber drop offs are located at the Kiosk at the entrance from Los Trancos

    Do they have valet?

    No. You have to park at the public lot on the other side of PCH and either walk or take a shuttle.

    Do people really dress up here for Valentine's day?

    Yes, it will definitely be too formal and very uncomfortable since you will be climbing through some dirt road to get to this restaurant. The best way to get there is to take the trolley across the street $2.00 per person, children $1.00

    Are you open on thanksgiving day?

    Yes but check their hours. I believe they closr at 9pm.

    Are you open New Year's Day?

    Yes, but I would make reservations now. You can make reservations on line or call 949-376-6900

    Can you make reservations on the weekend? I am having difficulty finding a single reservation for the next month on a weekend.

    Try looking on the Open Table app. It is a busy place but they do take walk ins if you want to wait at least an hour for a table.

    Are they allow walk-in?

    Yes, of course they do but you may find a line. The nice part is you are right on the beach. So have a great walk in the sand, it's gorgeous there.

    When is dinner served?

    You can order dinner anytime. Just enjoy!

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    Javier's - Jalapeño Margarita

    Javier's

    3.6(4.6k reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$$

    $15 Valet Parking is 100% WORTH IT! Parking is a challenge…read morein this shopping center. Ambiance is lively and energetic! Great for a date night! Great for large groups! Many celebrating a birthday tonight Hector was our server and was simply fantastic! Stopped by our table frequently to make sure we had everything we needed without interrupting our conversation. We're so grateful! Every dish we ordered was not only made perfectly but the presentation was FIRST CLASS! We enjoyed every moment and look forward to returning again soon!

    We've been going to Javier's for more than 10 years between Spectrum, Crystal Cove, and Vegas, so…read morethis was especially disappointing. We had a 7:00 reservation for my birthday, called ahead to say we'd be about 20 minutes late, and were told there was a 15-minute grace period. We arrived around 7:20-7:25 and were turned away. I understand policies, but this was a Tuesday night, and the attitude was awful.. no warmth, no effort to help, and zero acknowledgment that we had called ahead or that it was my birthday. Simply put, nasty. My wife rebooked us for 8:00, so we waited at the bar. At dinner, we ordered margaritas and they were genuinely terrible. Not just "not our taste," but shockingly bad for a restaurant that has always been known for its margaritas. We sent them back and asked for beers instead. That's where the service really lost us. Our waitress didn't ask what was wrong, didn't apologize, didn't seem concerned, and made absolutely no effort to fix the experience. She just dropped the Modelos on the table with an attitude that basically said, "Fine, you're a nuisance, here's your beer." The food itself was great, but the service and overall hospitality were genuinely terrible. They also completely forgot the birthday despite it being noted on the reservation. I normally tip 25-30%, but tonight I left 15% and wrote, "Thanks for forgetting my birthday" on the check. That pretty much summed it up.

    Photos
    Javier's - Newport Beach Location

    Newport Beach Location

    Javier's - Filete Ladrillo

    Filete Ladrillo

    Javier's - Newport Beach Location - Tacos

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    Newport Beach Location - Tacos

    Pelican Grill - Ginger Fizz

    Pelican Grill

    4.0(1.1k reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$$

    予約していたが15分ほど待たされて 外の席に着く。…read more海が見晴らせる素晴らしい席で 静か。 ビールと軽食をオーダー。 ちょっと珍しいメニューもあり 美味しくいただきました。 サービスもよく、気持ちよく食事出来、また機会があれば是非来てみたいところでした。 Although we had a reservation, we were made to wait about 15 minutes before being seated outside. It was a wonderful seat with a great view of the sea, and very quiet. We ordered beer and some light snacks. They had some slightly unusual items on the menu, and we enjoyed our meal. The service was excellent, and we had a very pleasant dining experience. It's a place I would definitely like to visit again if I have the chance.

    This is one of my favorite restaurant, and for so many reasons. The service is always top-notch,…read morethe food is delicious, and the atmosphere is unlike anywhere else. One of the things I love most is that you can choose the experience you're looking for. If you want a quiet, romantic dinner, it's perfect. If you prefer dining outside, the ocean views with Catalina Island in the background are absolutely spectacular. If you're in a more casual mood, you can sit at the bar after a round of golf, watch a game, and enjoy a great meal. This restaurant truly offers every kind of ambiance. We've celebrated so many special moments here-- Christmas dinner with partners, casual dinners with friends, watching FIFA World cup and golf, and evenings outside enjoying the sunset. My absolute favorite time to visit is Easter. The brunch is incredible! It's more than just a meal--it's an experience. The food displays and entertainment are completely over the top. Yes, it's extravagant and may not be for everyone, but to us, it's one of Orange County's true gems. The food is consistently outstanding. One time, everyone at our table ordered the Chilean sea bass--every single person. That's how good it is. If you haven't tried it yet, you'll understand why after your first bite. This restaurant has been part of so many of our celebrations over the years, and it's still one of our favorite places to dine. We always look forward to coming back.

    Photos
    Pelican Grill - Bar Area

    Bar Area

    Pelican Grill - Birthday dessert

    Birthday dessert

    Pelican Grill - Pan seared Chilean sea bass

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    Pan seared Chilean sea bass

    Pioneer - Transfusion...sooo good!

    Pioneer

    4.6(212 reviews)
    7.0 mi
    $$

    We made a reservation at Pioneer and really enjoyed this little spot! It's tucked inside a diner,…read moreso it can be a little hard to find at first, but it's just inside the back patio area with a cute wooden saloon-door entrance. The space is small, cozy, and intimate with just a few tables. Our waitress was super friendly and took the time to explain the menu and different options to us. - Guava Y Queso (4.5/5): I loved this! It was really unique with the cream cheese topping, but the combination worked so well. Definitely a fun spot for cocktails and something a little different!

    Lets try this again since my original review was removed…read more The night was going great. We just had dinner near by and decided get drinks here. We've been here a few times before and always thought it was decent. So, we made the last minute reservation online and got here 15 minutes early. When we arrived, there was a short line, but per the reservation instructions, one of my friends went in to check in while we waited outside. Friend: Hi, I'm checking in for a reservation. Bartender: What time is your reservation. Friend: 10 Bartender: What time is it now? Friend: 9:45 Bartender: Then I'll see you at 10pm. Friend came back annoyed and explained what happened. The bartender didn't say it in a joking way, but with attitude and annoyance. Most staff would respond "Thank you for checking in, we will let you know when your table is available." We weren't going to let this ruin our night, so we waited and were seated by the hostess. The bar itself is dimly lit and very tight. The music was loud enough that we had to almost yell to hear each other. The waiter came by soon after and was extremely friendly. We said we'd been here a few times before, but it's been a while. He refreshes our memory by saying they specialize making variations of classics. They want customers to focus on the flavors and that's why the menu doesn't list the spirit in their drinks. Also, they only make drinks on the menu because their drinks are prebatched/premade. We ask for recommendations which he was happy to give. We each order a drink and a snack for the table. As we're talking (very loudly so we can hear each other), we lose track of time before we realize that it's been 20 minutes and we haven't gotten our drinks yet. For something that's prebatched, it shouldn't take long. Before we can flag down the waiter, he comes by and apologizes that they lost our order and had to put it back in. We appreciate the honesty and say it's no problem. 5 minutes later, our drinks and food arrives. He again apologizes for the wait and has a second order of our food that he's including for free. Honestly we were ok with just the apology, but extra food too? Hell yea. Sounds like it was turning around. The drinks were okay. Not amazing, but definitely above average 3.8 / 5. The snack, bread and butter, were surprisingly good. 4.5 / 5 When we asked for the check, the waiter brought the credit card reader and told us we can swipe our card any time and left it on our table. We look at the bill and realize the waiter not only gave us the 2nd snack for free, but comp'd 2 of the drinks also. We all agree this waiter is GREAT. So why the 2 stars? Well first let me say, I would leave it at 1 star, but the waiter definitely earned them another. We wanted to pay cash, so we waited for him to come back. Instead, the original rude bartender comes by and realizes we haven't paid yet. We ask if we can pay with cash. He explains that they don't accept cash. Friend: Are you sure? *Proceeds to try to insert cash into the chip reader slot* Bartender: You're pretty stupid, aren't you? Friend: Maybe if I swipe it instead *Doubles down and proceeds to swipe the cash through the magnetic strip reader* Bartender: Wow, you really are stupid. My friend is a 100% a goofball and having fun with the bartender. It was OBVIOUS that he was joking. Was it funny? A little. Was it stupid? 100%. But for the bartender or ANY customer service staff to call a paying customer "stupid", that's simply unacceptable. We're all pretty pissed at this point and simply swipe the card and the bartender leaves. As I said earlier, we've come here a few times. We don't live especially close, but when we're in the area, we would always consider coming here. Now, there's no chance. For any business, even if your drinks and food are great, customer service can easily DESTROY your experience and that's exactly what the bartender did. Note to the male bartender with no hair: You really shouldn't be interacting with customers. You were rude from the start and have no sense of humor. Could you be having a bad day? Sure, but that's not an excuse to be rude to customers. I know management saw my original post because it was removed, probably because I referred to the bartender by his hairstyle (or lack thereof) multiple times. If they rather remove my post than deal with their bartender, that's another sign to avoid this place.

    Photos
    Pioneer - Sourdough bread

    Sourdough bread

    Pioneer - EL CAPITAN Grape Leaf * Soft Herbs * Pomegranate Summer 2026

    EL CAPITAN Grape Leaf * Soft Herbs * Pomegranate Summer 2026

    Pioneer - New york sour, in the fall menu

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    New york sour, in the fall menu

    Cozy Pine - Ruby's First Expedition

    Cozy Pine

    4.0(317 reviews)
    6.6 mi

    This place is located inside a gorgeous shopping center in Irvine…read more It's located inside, Bacchus Bar and Bistro. Which, was extremely crowded. They have tons of parking in this shopping center. They share it with TONS of other places. One of my BFFs saw this on an Instagram video and wanted to check it out. *They do take reservations When we came in we checked in with one of the waitresses. She said she would seat us in a minute. To be honest, she did forget about us. A waiter walked up to us and asked us what was going on (we were standing there for around 7 - 10 minutes) and we told him we had a reservation for the speakeasy. He immediately apologized and sat us. This camp themed speakeasy has a couple booths. It's on the smaller sides. Which, speakeasy's are usually small to begin with. I did not get the waitresses name, my friend and I were busy catching up. The waitress was nice, but not attentive. I will say service was a 2/5. However, the actual restaurant, cozy pine is located in, was packed because of the World Cup being on TV. So I definitely was not going to complain The food Our food order did come out extremely FAST. Faster than our drink orders. -the campfire guacamole -BBQ shoestring fries (had bbq seasoning all over them so it tasted like a BBQ potato chip) -Glamping plate (charcuterie board) -steak tacos (one without onion and cilantro -churro affogato Again, the food was VERY fast!! And to be honest it wasn't that bad. I'll say, speakeasy's usually shine in the drink department vs food. Drinks -Lycheed and Loaded Ketel One, lychee liqueur, lemon, elderflower. This was extremely delicious! If you don't like to taste your alcohol? Go with this. It was really refreshing. Hand this to me at a spa and I'd be the happiest gal in the world -Camp Anawanna $17 Graham cracker-infused bourbon, licor 43, chocolate, torched marshmallow (the waitress catches the marshmallow on fire at the table) This one was stronger and I didn't think it was overly sweet despite the ingredients I think they had a good selection, especially for a small speakeasy. I have been to better, so I don't think I'd return. Especially since the service was not that great. We still had a good time and recommend for every speakeasy lovers list.

    Ambiance is great. Feels like you're in a cabin in the woods. Service is prompt and friendly. Food…read moreis solid. Shrimp tacos hit and were absolutely packed with shrimp. Cocktails were tasty and followed the theme well. Will be bringing friends next time for sure!

    Photos
    Cozy Pine - Inside speakeasy

    Inside speakeasy

    Cozy Pine - Speakeasy interior

    Speakeasy interior

    Cozy Pine - S'mores Desert

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    S'mores Desert

    Bear Flag Fish - Poke bowl

    Bear Flag Fish

    3.9(1.7k reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    First time at BF, here are some thoughts:…read more -I'm not a big seafood guy, so my goal was to order something with fish, instead of a burger, etc. -We got pico de gallo as an appetizer. The chips were ok, and the pico was delightful, very tasty! -I got the BF burrito with panko crusted white fish. It was quite good, and very filling. I could easily have shared it for my meal. Not a big fan of the Tommy sauce. Overall cool experience and recommended.

    I like everything here EXCEPT the salmon poke - Salmon Poke is normally my favorite but here it…read morejust tastes murky. I've even tried putting some lemon or ponzu on it and even that can't brighten it up - it just tastes like sludge sauce. Every time I forget how awful it is, I always regret ordering it since I spend like $27 on it and then I don't even eat it all, I just throw it away. So: Note to self: NEVER get the salmon poke!! The Tuna poke is ok it's like 3.5 stars maybe 4....it's just hard since the poke in Hawaii is so amazing and even places like Poke Wave and Tiger Plate have really good poke but here it's ok. For like $22 for a super basic bowl with only 4 toppings it's really overpriced. I mean this is Crystal Cove...but still.... What Bear Flag does do outstanding here is the rest of the seafood! Their fish tacos are delicious! They also serve really nice varieties of cooked fish (blackened, cajun, butter, lemon butter, etc.) with a variety of sides. Their tacos are actually good value - you can even get a basic $3 fish taco that I'll often get my kids (who like substituting the flour tortillas) - the $3 taco comes with fish, tortilla, cabbage and sauce. For $7.50 you can get the amped up version which I recommend. Their Tommy sauce is really good and you can get it with most dishes. Also be warned if you come here Summer of 2026 they have like half of the parking lot blocked off (dumb to do during tourist season) so parking is a complete nightmare! It took me like 8 minutes circling just to find parking around 5:30pm on a Tuesday and even then I gave up and drove to the far end of the shopping center where I got lucky and saw someone leaving and then just walked a super far way to get to Bear Flag.

    Photos
    Bear Flag Fish - Order counter

    Order counter

    Bear Flag Fish - Poke bowl

    Poke bowl

    Bear Flag Fish - Clam chowder

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    Clam chowder

    CdM Restaurant - Peach Please Mule & Sandia Sipper

    CdM Restaurant

    4.4(542 reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $$$
    Locally owned & operated
    Outdoor seating

    This place is the best kept secret in Corona Del Mar. I took my wife here to enjoy a night of fine…read moredining. We arrived on our first dining experience here to find an ambience that is elegant and lively. The bar is the centerpiece and the booths and tables are very comfortable for a long dinner. Our waitress was very friendly and polite. She went out of her way to make us feel welcomed. Now for the food: outstanding Caesar salad to start the meal and the lamb shanks were prepared to perfection. My Jewel had a lemon pasta dish that she loved and will order again. Dessert was a warm rhubarb-strawberry cake served with a divine vanilla ice cream. I quickly realized that we should have tried this place sooner. Truly a spectacular dining adventure. Note: this place is owned by the same group that owns A Restaurant in NB and Crystal Cove.

    We visited CdM for dinner this past Saturday, and I want to start by recognizing the positives. We…read morereceived a very warm welcome from Andrea, who was courteous, professional, and accommodating when we requested a different table. The staff who assisted with seating and bringing silverware were also friendly and attentive. Unfortunately, our dining experience declined once our order was taken. We ordered the Beets Salad as our starter, followed by the Chicken Piccata and Salmon as our entrées. The salad arrived within about five minutes, but we then waited nearly 40 minutes for our main courses without any acknowledgment or update. When I asked our waitress about the delay, her only response was, "Your order was fired 15 minutes ago." When I asked why it had taken so long, she simply repeated the same statement. At no point did she offer a sincere apology or show any empathy for the extended wait. As someone who has owned and managed businesses, I know that delays can happen. However, a simple apology and proactive communication can make all the difference in how guests perceive the experience. The food itself was excellent, and both entrées were well prepared. Unfortunately, the service continued to disappoint. After we finished our meals, our waitress immediately cleared our plates and brought the check without asking whether we would like dessert, coffee, or anything else to finish our evening. That was surprising and made us feel rushed. I rarely leave negative reviews because I understand that every business can have an off night. In this case, however, the issue was not the kitchen delay--it was the lack of communication, empathy, and basic hospitality. Had our waitress simply apologized, kept us informed, or involved a manager, this review likely would not have been necessary. I hope management views this as constructive feedback. Andrea and several other staff members represented the restaurant exceptionally well, but I believe additional customer service training would help ensure that situations like this are handled with greater professionalism and care in the future.

    Photos
    CdM Restaurant
    CdM Restaurant
    CdM Restaurant - Charcuterie Board

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    Charcuterie Board

    The Beachcomber - seafood - Updated September 2026

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