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    Anthill Pub & Grille

    4.0 (392 reviews)
    ModerateAmerican, Pubs, Tacos
    Closed Closed

    Anthill Pub & Grille Photos

    ANTHILL PUB & GRILLE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Loud
    Good for groups
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Anthill Pub & Grille

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    Jessica N.

    I graduated in 2012 so it was a blast from the past to return back to the pub. To my surprise, nothing has changed! It's much bigger than I remember actually. The rotating beers on tap have improved and they have good variety. They have a couple TVs playing all the sports. I can't believe how lucky UCI students are to have a place like this directly on campus. Let's keep this place alive and continue to support this local pub.

    Drinks Menu - December 2023
    Ashley C.

    Oh Anthill Pub, it has been around since I started my undergrad here at UC Irvine in 2013. This is a long overdue review. This place hold so many memories in my heart from turning 21 back, getting together with friends, and celebrating special moments. This pub at UCI is a staple for not only undergrads, but also grad students and professors. Okay let's get to the point from a very honest experience & review. When I first started going to the pub in my undergrad, this place was always poppin' especially during happy hour and trivia Tuesdays. At some point the pub closed down for remodeling? and/or changed ownership? (Not 100% sure the reason) but given this was around the time of COVID-19 pandemic. Since the pub had reopened, the hours had changed and some of the selections of draft beer also changed as well. Of course due to inflation price also slightly increased. Everytime I come here I always get the stoner tots, I recommend getting an extra side of the cheese sauce since pub food is always good with beer. My partner really enjoys the Cali burrito but I think that's only available on the day menu not late night menu. It is a great place to also catch some basketball games or other sports game inside since they have TV's around. It's also a nice place to come get some drinks and study as well if you do not mind the noise level. I believe they still have happy hours from 4pm-7pm on weekdays, but the pub is closed on weekends. Something I did not know as an undergrad and wished I knew was how you are welcome to go into the pub if you are under 21 and purchase food, but of course you are not allowed to purchase drinks.

    Breaded Zucchini
    Dean W.

    For a pub that's conveniently located on the UC Irvine campus, the location does not get any better than this. I've been here a few times before and after the management change and a few noticeable changes: * they now take credit card (not that it's a big issue when you have a plethora of ATMs just steps from the door) * prices have gone up on both drinks and food * food quality isn't as great as it used to be - fried zucchini (see picture) - was oily and soggy. Portobello mushroom melt (picture) was decent - but would've liked fries instead of the rock-hard potato chips that came with it. * none of the prior-change staff work here anymore One of the most noticeable changes is how empty this place gets on what should be their busier nights. Weekends used to draw a decent sized crowd, but it seems those people are finding elsewhere to go. It's good they still retain the "theme" nights such as Karaoke on Saturdays or Trivia on Tuesdays. The management change definitely took with it a bit of it's character and what made the Anthill Pub, "our" pub. Still, it's a good spot to grab something if you need to unwind, yet stay on campus.

    :) 21st birthday mug
    Van D.

    I love the Pub :) I spent every day of winter quarter 2011 here cause my friend was part of quarter club and our group of friends would come here everyday after our 11-12 class. one of my friend would get his daily beer. sometimes the guys would get a pitcher to share. we would also get their sandwiches, burgers, fries, tatter tots and other lunch things. It was pretty awesome... their bbq pulled pork was one of my favs. depending on your preference you should ask for extra bqq sauce on the side, because it can get dry on some days... and whenever i get a sandwich i would always ask for an extra pickle :) i would get an extra pickle for my friend too, so i can jack his :) teheeheeee!! so many good memories here!!!!!!!! On my 21st birthday, on the first week of spring quarter 2011, this was my second drink of the day :) the free huge bday mugg!! (pix is attached) It was hilarious cause I went to my discussion with my balloons and other stuffs all tipping over and pretty buzzed... ahaha :) I will definitely come back to visit the pub, even after graduation!!!!!!!!!!

    Chicken Wings (bbq and parmesan&garlic) and Bulgogi fries
    Claudia L.

    Great pub on UCI campus (so walking distance of anyone that attends UCI). They are open until midnight, even though google says they close at 10pm (at least on Wednesdays). They have a big variety of beers and also ciders. I believe happy hour runs until 7pm and pitchers are around $16 during that time. They allow paying by card now, so it is perfect if you aren't carrying cash. About their food: it was bad on my first order and good on the second (I went two days in a row). The first day, I got a Portabella burger (the menu was saying "burger", not sandwich). So, I was very surprised when I saw that the pads of the buger weren't burger pads but sandwich bread. Moreover, the burger itself was burned so I could just eat half of it since it was disgusting. The second day, we ordered bulgogi fries and chicken wings to share between 2 people. This was a correct choice. Both things were good, so I guess I was unlucky the previous day. I would encourage them to don't burn the food their serve anyways.

    Street Tacos and a $4 pint to go with my work. Perfect pairing.
    Rachel Ann C.

    A surprisingly solid and chill spot set on UCI's otherwise cleanly health-driven campus, but that's exactly what gives this place its charm. This place made me really appreciate beer and casual drinks. I waited until I was 21 to have my first taste of alcohol, and I really enjoyed the free birthday pint they give you on your birthday! They have a lot of different brews for cheap, which has allowed me to get a little more comfortable with my palette. Their happy hour prices are the BEST. This place made me realize how cheap their drinks are, as opposed to dining out in other restaurants where you can't get as much beer for cheap. Sharing pitchers with friends is nice, as well as single pints. My favorites are the Cotton Candy--a lighter, easier to drink yet subtly sweet beer typically made with Mission Hed and a cider--and the Snakebite--black butte beer with cider. The staff is overall really nice and personable and willing to help you out, as well as understanding your youth/"new-ness" to beer since it is on a college campus. They're willing to help you out and give any recommendations which is nice. The food is also ON POINT. Satisfies any craving with a lot of flavor and enough heartiness. The Stoner Tots are DELISH, and you can change them into anything you want--curly fries (which I recommend), chips, etc. It's basically a lovely carne-asada/nacho plate. Definitely pairs well with the vibe. The overall atmosphere of this place is comforting as well, as there are a good number of pleasant grad students here and ample working space throughout the day to be comfortable enough for you to do work. Towards the night, the place gets more packed with more students and there's a lot of social drinking in groups which makes this place an overall chill and exciting atmosphere to be in. I also love it when they have some live music going on! Thank you for bringing a little culture and edge to UCI's somewhat bland campus.

    From the Grille, Chicken Tacos
    Brizylla A.

    Beware, this place is cash only! I'm a student at UCI so I hit up this place continuously. I don't find it to be that great. I give it one star for happy hour (even though I don't drink), one star for the vibe of the pub, and another star for the place/setting. It's always hard to find a table at the pub, especially if you have a big group of people. Food here isn't amazing, it's "pub food". I find the food to be slightly overpriced and the taste isn't anything spectacular. It is very oily and greasy. Service is slow, food can take past fifteen minutes to come out. But if you get a beer, it comes out immediately. The workers here are very nice, the people serving alcohol are so friendly and sometimes if you know them they hook it up! But the people taking orders.. I often find them not as friendly. I recommend this place if you want to drink or hang out with friends, but not for a lunch or dinner.

    Janelle V.

    The pub has to be among my Top 5 places (if not THE top place) for me on campus. Beer & grub? What's not to love? There's always a plentiful amount of beers on tap & they also have different food options from sandwiches and fries to tots! If you haven't already, get yourself some stoner tots! Note, you can also sub tater tots with other potato options (i.e. curly fries). And okay, while they not be as amazing to those who don't love potatoes as much as I do but I definitely think they're worth it. &!when the food pickings are slim and you're on campus and want two things? Food and good beer. The pub is where I venture to! You can also get your food to go! Also, if they have it on tap. Yes, get the Black Beauty Cream Stout. Da best beer bae option for me f'sho without a doubt. CASH-ONLY, but I mean there's ATM's and you're on a college-campus...they're literally like thirty steps give or take some steps away...but really who's counting? Don't forget to tip your bartender bee tea dubs!

    Stoner fries (not on the menu). Fries, salsa, sour cream, beef, and cheese.

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    4 years ago

    Pretty decent price for the quality of the food! Def a different vibe from all other restaurants on campus.

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    Ask the Community - Anthill Pub & Grille

    Are general public, (NON STUDENTS) allowed?

    Yes

    What day and time is trivia?

    Tuesday at 8PM, or at least that's when it was a few years ago.

    View All 4 Questions

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    Muldoon's Irish Pub

    Muldoon's Irish Pub

    4.1
    (1k reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $$
    Outdoor seating
    Large group friendly

    Awesome Irish pub. It's got it all. Checks all the right boxes…read more Spacious, decor, aura, good cocktails and beer selections. And the best of all, the food is actually really good. The lemon pepper wings were amazing: Good quality chicken, grilled, not overly seasoned. Epic please to watch sports especially FUTBOL. Really solid service as well by a cool staff. It's evident why this place is so popular. Cheers you lovely blokes.

    I don't know what happened to this place. I went back after 15 years of being away from the OC and…read morewas excited for my husband to try. I have so many good memories and meals here. Unfortunately, my recent visit was such a disappointment. Let's start with food. We ordered wings, chips and whipped feta. The wings had clearly been refrigerated and thrown on the grill for a hot second. The fat on them were soft and gelatinous and when I bit into it, the center was hard and super cold. It also smelled like a fridge. We sent them back and asked for a fresh batch but they had just taken the same ones and warmed them up. Very possible they were microwaved. I knew they were the ones I sent back because the wing I had taken a bite out of and spit out was right back on the plate. Then let's get into the chips. They were stale. They advertised them as home made and I don't doubt that but it's like they made them 3 days ago and left them out. They were cold and barely crispy. We sent these back as well and we got a slightly better batch but I wasn't going to argue this with the staff. The saving grace was the whipped feta. This was actually good. Nothing wow but it was edible since the other two items were such a huge let down. Now service. The lady that served us was very very sweet. However, not a great server. She disappeared and we needed to flag down another server for a refill. She was also not the one that we could talk to about our disappointing food. Another server had to come check on us. I don't think I could convince my husband to come back here, let alone spend money on this. It's unfortunate since I was hoping to share a slice of my former Newport stomping grounds with him.

    Photos
    Pub favorites: Shepherd's Pie paired with an Irish coffee
    Pub favorites: Shepherd's Pie paired with an Irish coffee
    Muldoon's courtyard
    Muldoon's courtyard
    Crab cakes

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    Crab cakes
    Walnut Room Saloon

    Walnut Room Saloon

    4.3
    (91 reviews)
    5.8 mi
    $

    I went here to watch the Mexico - Ecuador game and it did not disappoint. The owner of the bar even…read morechanged the Chanel for us so we can all see the game, turned the music off and everyone was focused on the game. The place is very clean, the bathroom was very well maintained which is always a plus. The prices were fair. The only thing I was missing was the food, they had some crackers, which I tried and they are actually really good. But they were very nice and they said I can bring in some outside food. The servers are extremely friendly lol. Good vibes, people were good vibes. Definitely gonna revisit again with some other friends in the near future, might just found a new spot lol.

    I came here specifically to watch the Super Bowl and was looking forward to seeing the whole…read morebroadcast, including the halftime show. Halfway through, they decided to switch the main TV and all the audio over to a Kid Rock special instead. It felt unnecessarily political and completely ruined the experience for me and many others who ended up leaving because of it. I don't care what the owner's personal views are, but a sports bar should be for watching the game, not for pushing an agenda or cutting off a major event. Note on the staff: I want to make sure the staff isn't blamed for this. I've been coming here off and on for 5 years, and the bartenders have always been excellent. This review is solely about the decision to change the broadcast mid-game, which I didn't enjoy. The employees themselves do a great job and are the reason I had been a customer for so long.

    Photos
    Pool table, two dart boards
    Pool table, two dart boards
    Cold bud light in a frozen glass.
    Cold bud light in a frozen glass.
    Entrance to the Walnut Room

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    Entrance to the Walnut Room

    Anthill Pub & Grille - tradamerican - Updated August 2026

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