I've been here twice. I absolutely think the place is a hidden gem and would love to stop by more…read moreoften however both times Ive stopped in I haven't felt extremely welcomed, let me explain. Once I dropped in with my nephews (3 and 7 at the time) for lunch and enjoyed it however we had an odd experience where one of them wanted a sandwich dry (meaning no condiments) and we were told by the waitress that no alterations were allowed on the menu. That was a year or so ago. Moving on I thought it was strange but didnt think too much of it other than them not liking kids. Yesterday I stopped in solo after a 30 mile canyon ride and asked for a IVL (Latte) to go (in there small defense they did ask if I wanted for there or to go). They made it quickly which was great. It was maybe 9am and there were maybe 3 tables seated in their side outdoor space with maybe 6 cars in the lot, it was not packed at all. I went to walk thru the door to the side outdoor seating just to look around and maybe sit for 5 minutes and was told I wasnt allowed back there as they're 'full service'. My assumption was that meant they wanted to keep the tables open for people who eat there which is fine. So I said no worries and explained I just wanted to look around instead of sit and then was told yet again I couldn't even go through the door nor sit indoors. I was told my only option was to take my coffee out front. It really felt as if I wasnt welcome there at all. It was a very odd experince to be honest. I've worked in customer service for over 20 years myself and all that they had to say to me was 'you can look around and sit for 5 minutes or until we start to get busy'. Instead whoever trains the staff here seems to train that of it's to go then people arent welcome to stay even for 5 minutes. As for the drink itself. Instead of making a latte with an expresso shot it was simply milk with brewed coffee sat atop (very bitter at that). Which was really odd as I could see they had a full expresso machine setup. Not sure if it was intentionally made bad but once again it felt as if I wasnt welcome there. *Updating below in response to the owner/managers response* 1. Regarding the latte with brewed pour over on top I didn't get that information from anyone. That WAS the drink I was served. Ive had maybe 5000 lattes in my life time from about 500 different cafes. Maybe someone pulled a really bad (over extracted shot) but it was 100% like a pour over on top of milk. 2. I never tried to use the emergency side exit/gate. I tried to use the adjoining door way. 3. I completely get the outside is reserved seating only now. That could have been explained friendlier on the spot. The approach of the situation could have been a sure you can take a look but cant sit. Simple. 4. When I went with my nephews it wasnt a question of not having a kids menu it was not allowing the slightest of alterations (no condiments) for kids who are typically picky at a certain age. 5. Ill agree maybe its just not a good alignment.

We came here on Valentine's Day for brunch and it wasn't all the way packed. There were still a few…read moretables left, we got seated outside and it took a while for them to take our order. When we did, they didn't allow any modifications (which I kind of get, it even said it on their menu) but if I am paying $20 for a sandwich I would hope I can modify it. So this was the upsetting part. After they took our order, it took tab out another 30-40 minutes for the food to come out. They did check up on us, but what can I say? So it's a bit confusing as to why making a few sandwiches takes over 30+ minutes. The bread was good, but not worth $20. My tuna sandwich had very minimal tomato + lettuce. The pastrami sandwich is good, meat was flavorful, bread was toasty. Just sucked that the food took long and it is overpriced for some sandwiches. Edited: While we were there, another customer asked if he could sub something, so it wasn't just myself that felt some way about not being able to sub something. I did enjoy the scenery, I thought it was a nice little getaway away from Irvine. However, I think anywhere where you have to wait 30+ minutes for food especially for a sandwich, it is upsetting. Whether it's a small business or an established one. These are just my honest opinions unfortunately.

Atmosphere 100% Service 100%…read more Presentation 110% TASTE 1 ZILLION PERCENT!!!! One of the first things that I noticed was that there were absolutely no condiments on the table. Not even salt and pepper. I didn't ask for it because I knew this was intentional. What I also knew, as a home chef, is that, the food was going to be prepared and served to me exactly as it was supposed to be eaten. Which I thought was very ballsy but I respected it at the same time. Everything, every taste, every bite, every flavor was like a interactive art experience! I personally ordered their smashburger. No condiments. Prepared precisely as the chef intended it to be eaten. Hands down, including burgers I have made in my own house, this has got to be the best cheeseburger experience that I have ever had! My husband had chilaquiles that was absolutely to die for. With the green chili by the way. My mother-in-law had fish tacos that were absolutely divine according to her! My sister-in-law had tacos de camarones and she ate both of them which is a miracle in itself! She said it had to be the best shrimp taco she ever had in her life! Everyone at the table was blown away by their food! I could taste the citrus that was a part of the seasoning of my perfectly cooked wagyu cheeseburger!! Then they brought out desserts. Lol!!!!!!! I want to call them amuse-bouche but the portion was bigger than an amused bush but it lit my mouth up with extreme happiness and joy that only homemade churros and homemade dipping sauces could do! We had some kind of a moose cheesecake with it seemed like a hibiscus sweet and tart gorgeous purple sauce smeared across the dish with edible rose petals and whatever the sauce droplets were had just enough spice to make it sweet and spicy which is an absolute delight for me! PRESENTATION 100% FLAVOR LEVEL 100% It was such a pleasure! The food is worth every penny, the time that it takes to get there, and the entire experience! I strongly suggest you make a reservation and take someone you really really like with you! Oh and by the way, all of the ingredients are locally sourced. They literally have a produce garden across the street on the hillside and whatever is in season is what you are going to have on your plate. And I guarantee you it's going to be done perfectly for you!

This is a destination restaurant, hidden down a twisting road through a canyon leading to…read moreSilverado. The building looks simple from outside but the interior is tastefully decorated with artwork and flora, providing a comfortable, casual feel. This isn't your typical tortilla, beans, and rice Mexican restaurant; the dinner menu offers creative, upscale dishes. We each started with a margarita. ¡Ay caramba! They certainly know how to make a superb one here! We decided to each order a main dish and share. The two we chose were the Pollo Al Pastor and the Poc Chuc. The former was "smoked split chicken, al pastor, and yucca puree" while the latter was "16 oz smoked pork chop, achiote negro, and charred cebollitas". The half chicken was meaty, moist, and well seasoned. The yucca puree which the chicken sat atop, was excellent and I liked it even more than the chicken itself. The pork, served pre-cut into slices, had excellent flavor but was quite dry. For dessert we shared a chocolate mousse: "semi-sweet chocolate, dulce de leche, hazelnut dukkah, hibiscus gastrique, and passion fruit curd". Wow, this was an amazing dessert with some unique flavors. I quickly learned to fully appreciate it, one must combine the various components rather than taste the mousse and other ingredients on their own. Overall it was a very good meal. Our only negative was that they seemed short-staffed, and service was congenial but slow. For example, our plates sat empty in front of us for over ten minutes and then, as they were cleared, our request for a dessert menu took another ten minutes to arrive. I believe instead of "island time" they consider this "canyon time".

I don't know why it's taken me this long to come here but since I've seen it lately on my feed I…read moresaid today is the day. 10000/10- all their food was fresh, healthy ingredients and service was above par, attentive and fast for being rush hour during lunch. The spicy ahi poke bowl had tiny bits of watermelon which I've never had and let me tell you how that elevated my bowl to another degree. Salivating and great portions of ahi, avocado. The kids destroyed that turkey pesto on sourdough bread (good for their gut!) and those chips didn't look like it had any oil in it so some magical person made some crispy delish chips. My hubby snagged the chilaquiles burrito and the, not on the menu chicken ceasar salad that he still is talking about days later. Drinks: the kids shared the crush $15 filled with fruits and just the type of drink I want my kiddos to have and I loved my strawberry glow $15 (hello Hailey Bieber drink without paying those Erewhon prices.. I may say.. tasted even better Loved that the restaurant owners next door also own this one so they opened their beautiful space to sit inside their dining area. I cannot wait to come back and try more things.. or not, simply gimme my strawberry glow and spicy ahi bowl

Haute Cafe is a wonderful spot for breakfast and lunch. At its best when the temperatures dip below…read moremelting point and outdoor dining becomes an option, my partner and I frequently drop by with our pups for a bite to eat. The location has two patio areas made from decking boards over reclaimed parking spaces, but they are surrounded by 8ft high faux-plant-adorned walls so they feel like a far more bespoke dining area than they are. They've just added extra parasols too, so more tables are fully shaded even in the middle of the day. Ordering is inside the cafe, with drinks collected from a service spot and food then brought to your table. The food itself is outstanding in presentation and value, with generous portion sizes and great quality to boot. We default to the Huevos Rancheros and a California Omelet respectively, but the Lox Bagel is also superb. Drink-wise they can be a little heavy on the ice ratio in cold options, but the citrus refresher is always crisp and worthwhile anyway.

Great food and amazing service!! Also the decor was chefs kiss and adds perfectly to the hype…read morebrunch ambiance. They have a pretty extensive menu of various chilaquiles, drinks (including a beautiful mimosa flight), and sweet breakfast items. I ordered so many things: On fire waffle 5/5 The journey pancakes 5/5 Breakfast burrito 3/5 Birria omelette 3/5 Lomo saltado chilaquiles 5/5 Dulce de leche latte 4/5 Vanilla cold brew 3/5 Pistachio latte 3/5 Overall was a great experience and would come back!

This place has the worst service. We walked in and were seated. Others were seated after us. And…read morethey were served 1st. No one even offered us drinks! If I could give this place a zero, I would!! We have never been treated like this in a restaurant! Will never return to this place! Just my experience!

Please tell me, OC: why isn't Rose Cafe on the #BeastEats list?…read more This was, by far, the freshest burger I've ever had. The lettuce was perfect, the avocado was perfect, and there were plenty of pickles for all the pickle lovers out there. Even the tomato was unbelievably fresh--and the bun? #PERFECTION This was my first visit, but Rose Cafe is already on my #GoToList. This hidden gem in Lake Forest deserves a spot on yours, too!

Scrumptious food and great coffee. I'm Colombian and know coffee…read more The service was outstanding--welcoming, courteous and attentive. The bathroom is beautiful and spotless. Our pup was comfortable outside, in the shade and with water.

Saw this spot on tiktok and didn't realize it was even there! So glad we tried this spot out. It is…read morelocated inside the Chevron in foothill ranch off Alton (the corner after Taco Bell). Great prices, service, and even better portion sizes! We ordered online and picked up in store. We ordered the steak sunny up breakfast burrito and the strawberry & cream pancakes. They do not skimp out here! I wish I remembered to take a photo of the burrito size before we cut it in half. I think it was the length of my forearm? We forgot to ask for a side of salsa but it wasn't really needed, the burrito was not dry because of all the cheese, guac, sour cream, and pico de gallo. My husband can typically finish his own burrito but this thing was huge and we ended up halving it! I also like how there was not an upcharge for steak like some places have. The strawberries and cream pancakes were thick and fluffy! It came in a stack of 3. Aside from the fruit slices on top of the pancakes, they also fill each layer with fruit before placing the next pancake on top. I may just use excessive amounts of syrup so I'll need to ask for extra next time but they give a generous portion of the purple white blueberry cream. For ~$27, we got full off our burrito halves and still have more than half the pancake order left for later. Seriously such a great find and can't wait to try out more items from Sunny Up! Definitely worth a visit.

We arrived and we almost left right away.... Eating in a gas station store felt strange... But we…read morethought we should try it anyway... and we even ate there to try the full experience. Well let me tell you it was amazing!! The presentation was amazing, the quantities were so generous we had to take left overs to go, and the service was fantastic. Yes it felt weird to be in a gas station store but there is not much traffic so it's fine. We got the burrito and the chilaquiles and both were amazing (totally recommend it) and while we waited for our food we got beans and hot chips! On top of that service was fast and there was no line!! I'll go back for sure!

We love this place and usually come for coffee and breakfast. Today the young man at the coffee bar…read moremade my cappuccino perfectly, with the ideal foam. Thank you so much! One small note from a former restaurant manager: the pesto sandwich tasted delicious, but the bottom bread was soggy and fell apart. They kindly remade it, but the second one was the same. Crispier toast would make it perfect. Hope you can look into it. We'll be back!

The Lafayette sandwich is INSANE. I got it Togo once and it was so delicious at home. I usually…read morehate take out bc the textures and temp of food usually turns it into a completely different experience but it was literally perfect even sitting in a box for 30 min. So I came here today to try it in store and It wasn't soggy or messy but still super packed and juicy. It's filled with Gruyère cheese and the eggs are fluffy inside. The croissant is crispy but airy/moist and it doesn't explode all over the place when you eat it. I hate when a croissant or baguette explodes crumbs every where after each bite. They perfected this. Also the chips included are home made potato chips. I got the herb potato's on the side and really like the texture of the potato. It wasn't dry it was juicy inside idk how they do it!!

Great brunch place. Definitely busy on the weekend. Order first. Be seated. Then served at…read moretable. Service from hostess to table was great; courteous and quick. Seating inside and outdoors under a shaded cover. Good amount of menu items, for veg and non-veg. Well marked on the menu. Best chilaquiles Rojas I have had in awhile. My friend enjoyed her chilaquiles verde. Best part was the white patch over tea.

Poached Kitchen came up on Yelp, and because so, we go!…read more Lovely outside patio, but we chose to sit inside at a table. My party of 4 ordered a smattering of things (coffees and breaky), and we loved each and every item. It doesn't have a casual feel, it's a restaurant setting. A little odd is that you have to order at the cashier and pay, then sit. If you have 6 or more, they'll take your order by a wait staff. Whatev. They have a great menu, and also, seasonal items that each sound delish. Yes. Go. Next.

Aloha Stacks never fails to impress us for breakfast. I keep wanting to come back for lunch and…read morekeep forgetting how amazing their lunch menu looks (cheeseburgers, Asian style chicken salads, club sandwiches etc etc). Anyway, back to breakfast! Great coffees, drip pot coffee or lattes etc in all the flavors. There is just something about their pancakes here. I don't know what it is but they are the perfect balance of airy and light, but still very substantial. My husband and I often share the California omelette and split it along with the pancakes on the side and it is perfectly portioned for the two of us. My kids love the waffles, French toast and we just recently tried some tater tots on the side which were amazing! Also, what cute presentation! The staff here are always so friendly. It's a casual kind of vibe with plenty of outside seating which is a huge plus for us when compared to some of their other locations. We will keep coming back!

I would not feel safe returning with anyone who is gluten free. We came here on Labor Day and I…read morewill admit they were busy, with a line out the door since not many breakfast spots were open. With that said, my partner was so excited to order the gluten free belgian waffles! The individual taking our order even repeated it back to us to confirm. When her waffle arrived and so did my pancakes, we began eating as normal. After she ate about a quarter the waffle, the individual who took our order came out asking if she ordered pancakes or a waffle. He stated that the pancakes he was bringing out were gluten free but the waffle she had already eaten had gluten. He did offer to make a gluten free waffle since that is what she originally ordered but since the gluten free pancakes were already there, she took those. There was not much of an apology from the server which makes me think they quite didn't understand the impact of what had just happened. The Impact: We couldn't leave the restaurant for another 30 minutes because my partner proceeded to throw up twice in the bathroom due to the gluten exposure. When we were able to leave the restaurant and parking lot, we had to cancel the rest of our plans for the day due to the GI distress she experience. What was supposed to be breakfast to start our day, had quickly ruined the rest of our day. I am sharing this to explain the impacts of serving gluten to someone who is gluten free or even worse if celiac. One recommendation I could provide would be adding labels to the plates in the kitchen. I know this occurred on a busy day but when you have gluten free menu options listed, you are making a commitment to safely serving them regardless of how busy you are. I wish I was writing a different review right now because the rest of the food was pretty good but I will never risk my partners wellbeing eating here again.

I've been to this absolutely lovely brunch place twice this year, and I have to say it's become one…read moreof my favorite places to recommend to people looking for brunch places in Irvine. Typically you order at the cashier, but my high school friend and I were picked out of the line and seated at the bar, where we were able to get water and menus. The food also came out fairly quickly as well. Upon recommendation from the bar workers, we shared the blueberry pancakes and the breakfast burrito and there was plenty of food to go around (had to take some home). The flavors were simple, lovely, and robust, especially paired with the lovely blueberry matchas (they come already with oat milk, great for my lactose intolerance). I would actually recommend coming here just for the matcha itself if that's your thing! It's a bit strong but not too sweet, and I loved how the blueberry flavor really stood out. The downside is that there is limited seating inside the restaurant, which is tough as outside can be pretty hot/sunny. So try to snag a seat inside if possible! Plenty of parking as this is part of a plaza. Looking forward to my next visit - I especially can't wait to have their blueberry matcha once more!

Huge portions, but the flavors could use a little more depth…read more The portions are generous and more than enough to share among three people, though I found the dishes to be a bit on the bland side. The interior is nice, with plenty of outdoor seating as well. Just keep in mind that the doors are kept open, so it can get pretty hot if you're sitting inside. The restaurant tends to be busy during brunch time, which may contribute to the service being a little less attentive. The initial service was friendly, but the staff didn't check back on our table much throughout the meal.