Den Cafe
2930 Bristol St B102, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States
The Gypsy Den is what I envision when I think of coffee shops. The cute decor is appealing and I love coming here for a cup of coffee or tea. Its such an awesome place to soak in some atmosphere and just relax.I was here last year to celebrate Diwali with a friend. We had the sundae with some pirate chai and a hot cocoa. The pirate chai was right up my alley. Some chai can be too sweet and this was just right. They also have a banana mocha that I have yet to try but Ive been curious about it for a long time.When the weather is right, I like to chill on their outdoor patio. Its also perfect during the winter because of the heat lamps. I love that this place is now within walking distance and I can come here anytime I want.
Seabirds Kitchen
2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States
You don’t have to be a Vegan or Vegetarian to enjoy some of the best food and service you will ever have. We shared Tomato soup, stuffed shells, the Bibimbap Bowl, old town grilled cheese and the most amazing non-dairy ice cream and coffee. The food, the service (thank you Cecile), and just the right blends of herbs and spices makes this one of the best restaurants I have been to in California.
Nice Burger 100 Vegan - Costa Mesa
615 W 19th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, United States
First reason I went to Nice Guys is they allow dogs on their patio. After all, I am vegan for the animals. Second reason I come back to this location specifically is the staff; personable, kind, energetic, all-around good souls! I am writing this review because this restaurant has given me the best overall experience of any vegan or non-vegan restaurant; the staff make you welcome and comfortable. I hope the manager reads this review and gives the hard-workers a much-deserved raise. If I was the manager, they would be compensated for their dedication.Now on to the food: I just had the best breakfast burrito in my life today; every 10,000+ of my taste buds were dancing with bubbles of b-fast burrito emojis! My dog is excited to be part of the Nice Guys exclusivity club as well; I order her special v-patties for her to munch on while I am eating my delish food items such as the Nations best b-fast burrito the Big Guy(think Big Mac without the poison), chicken nuggets, tater tots, vanilla milkshake, Cali burger, and the list goes on as all of the items are tasty. I love that it is a fast-foodesque restaurant too without the drive-thru. I grew up, as many of us did, in the fast-food drive-thru window, getting burritos, burgers, shakes, etcetera, but this place wins out easily because of the aforementioned staff, food, and of course, dog-friendly patties and patio!!!! I will continue to visit multiple times per week when I visit SoCal(my original home). Thank you for the continued quintessential execution. Vegans making moves through compassion and passion. #plantsplantsplantsIn health and happiness-Ryan Iverson, CNS, CFT
Greenleaf Kitchen & Cocktails
234 E 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, United States
Maybe its just me, the GPS, or my lack of direction but Greenleaf isnt exactly easy to find. Its set further off the street on 17th and all youve got to guide you is their green and purple leaf logo. You cant park immediately up front or theyll tow but there is plenty of parking out back near their take out window.Upon entering I was immediately impressed. Its like stepping into a part of wine country. I could feel a part of northern California tugging at my heart strings. We had a reserved seat at the community table and chef was there to immediately cater to our needs and bring us a sangria mimosa topped with fresh fruit. This drink was light and refreshing and a perfect start to our cheat day brunch which isnt exactly a part of their healthy menu but its got enough guilt to keep you calorie conscious.I think Chef read my mind because our cheat day breakfast brunch was a nice mix of everything I love and the way I love to eat it. We started off with the breakfast pizza topped with turkey sausage, potatoes, goat cheese, baby arugula, and a sunny side up egg. If you know me, my favorite part of breakfast is the eggs and not just any eggs - I like them runny therefore sunny side up or poached are always my pick for breakfast. The sunny side up sits like a beautiful work of art on top of this pizza and I couldnt wait to cut in and let it ooze. Eggs can be finicky however this egg spread beautifully atop our pizza and if we didnt have to try other brunch items I probably would have devoured the whole thing.While the breakfast pizza is definitely a win, it doesnt exactly compare to what Chef brought out next. How did she know I love a good eggs benedict? Seriously? Its like my favorite breakfast dish. I told you I like eggs right? And that I like them runny? This eggs benedict is served on a soft pretzel bread. The salty sweet doughy texture is what got me. The bread is topped with turkey, spinach, onions, gruyere, cheddar, and a mustard hollandaise. Sadly, I could only get through one part of my eggs benedict while I longingly stared at the other. The poached egg on top was cooked perfectly. I soaked it up with the pretzel bread while enjoying the perfectly lovely winters day outside from my seat at the table. It truly was majestic.After a savory brunch, chef surprised up with a baked pancake. Im not much of a pancake person unless its a Swedish pancake or something my grandma makes which is similar but this baked pancake was quite a surprise. Its more like a cake vs a pancake and it was filled with fresh cinnamon caramel apples, vanilla lemon creme fraiche, and agave roasted walnuts. It was hard to believe that everything about this pancake was healthy. It tasted absolutely sinful. In fact the entire meal did however it was relatively low on calories.Im so fortunate that this dream brunch is just up the street. I think it might just be my new breakfast spot.
Yard House
1875 Newport Blvd A-219, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, United States
Title: Exceptional Dining Experience at Yard HouseRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Review:I recently had the pleasure of dining at Yard House, and I must say it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. This restaurant truly deserves a five-star rating!One of the highlights of my visit was the incredible half-price happy hour appetizers. The variety and quality of the appetizers available during this special offer were absolutely fantastic. From crispy calamari and flavorful sliders to mouthwatering nachos and delicious chicken wings, there was something to please every palate. The fact that these delectable bites were offered at such an affordable price made the experience even more enjoyable.The ambiance of Yard House was modern, inviting, and comfortable. The spacious seating arrangement allowed for a relaxed dining atmosphere, and the stylish decor added a touch of sophistication. The staff members were friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu, making the entire dining experience even more pleasant.Speaking of the menu, Yard House offers an extensive selection of dishes to satisfy any craving. From their diverse range of appetizers and entrees to their wide selection of craft beers and cocktails, there was no shortage of options to choose from. The food was prepared with care and attention to detail, resulting in flavorful and satisfying meals.In addition to the excellent food and drink offerings, Yard House excelled in providing exceptional service. The waitstaff was attentive, prompt, and accommodating throughout the entire meal. They were happy to provide recommendations and answer any questions, ensuring that every guest felt well taken care of.Another standout feature of Yard House was their commitment to dietary preferences and restrictions. They offered a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, clearly labeled on the menu, making it easy for individuals with specific dietary needs to find suitable choices.In conclusion, my experience at Yard House was nothing short of superb. The half-price happy hour appetizers were a delightful treat, the atmosphere was welcoming, and the service was top-notch. If youre looking for a restaurant that offers a diverse menu, great deals during happy hour, and a memorable dining experience, Yard House is the place to go. I highly recommend it and cant wait to visit again soon!
Seasons 52
3333 Bristol St Suite #2802, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States
My wife and I went to this fine restaurant on December 30th to celebrate a couple of events.Our predinner cocktails were excellent. I had a Bombay Sapphire Martini ($13.40) and my wife had a Mojito ($10.50). The appetizers were very tasty. We had Avocado toast and Artichoke Hummus. I also had a house salad. For main course i had the Kona-Crusted Lamb Loin ($33.50). My wife had the 6oz. Surf & Turf ($45.50). She also had a Beet Salad ($11.00). And as always, the food was excellent.I did not like: the number of fellow diners who walked by our table with their dogs. And some people had more than one dog. I hate this. I also did not like the very unruly children at two of the tables near us, but I really do not know what the restaurant can do about this.Now, lets talk about tipping.When the check came, it arrived in two parts. There was the register receipt with everything that we had ordered listed item by item. Those items are then totaled, the tax is added and that is transferred to the credit card receipt. Then, there was the credit card receipt, where you fill in the tip and sign so that the charge can be made. Good enough. Except there was a problem.By doing just a very quick calculation in my mind, I became suspicious of the tip percentages and the amount specified for each. percentage. I no longer have the itemized receipt. but the total of everything we ordered was about $158.00. The entire check was $171.22, including the .0775% tax rate for Costa Mesa. Oddly enough, the credit card receipt with the predetermined tip amount was figured using the total that included tax. That was true for the suggested tip amounts of 18%, 20% and 22%.Honestly, I have no problem leaving a tip. The service was good and these employees work very hard.But, I draw the line at paying a tip with TAX included in the amount.Lets say the restaurant does $100,000.00 in business in one day. The tax they collect would be $7,750.00. If the tip is figured at 18% that would mean the total tips for all checks should amount to $18,000. But if you collect tips on the tax, the total amount the restaurant would collect would be $19,395. Who gets the extra $1,395.00? Does the restaurant keep it? Do they give it to the employees?I find this a little disturbing.We tipped, but only on the amount that did not include tax.I suggest you do the same.I will admit that the difference on our check between the tip with tax and the check without the tax would only be about $3.46. But its not about the money. Its about the principle involved.
Greenleaf Kitchen & Cocktails
3321 Hyland Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States
We walked in to try something new instead of our usual go to lunch spot. The person (I'm assuming the manager, by the way they were talking and acting) greeted us by saying: “We close in 15 minutes everything's gotta be to-go!” Which was fine- we didn't know they were closing soon and would've been good walking away. We even said: “Oh if the kitchen's closed, we're okay.” To which they responded: “No it's alright, it just has to be to-go, we'll pack everything up for you.”So we ordered, I got the salmon plate, my partner got a burrito. I asked if I could switch out the cauliflower rice for a different side; they said yes. I proceeded to say: “Okay, yeah I'll get the broccolini-“ to which they cut me off saying; “It already comes with that.” I laughed and reiterated that it was the cauliflower I wanted swapped. I got a salad, thinking cold ingredients would be easier. I wasn't asked if I wanted dressing or told if it came with it. I asked for some slices of lemon with the salmon and was told; “It doesn't come with it, but we can put it in for you.”While we were waiting, the manager was talking down to an employee who was mopping, saying things like: “See isn't it better when you use the right solution.” “That's why you gotta read the bottle. Very important.” And the way they were talking to the employee was… condescending.Our food took 12 minutes to be ready. When I got the bag, there were no utensils or napkins, I had to ask. The manager was visibly annoyed. I also asked for some ranch for the salad. Again, upset. They audibly went “Ugh. I don't know if we still have any I have to check. Just so you know it comes with a lemon vinaigrette.” I said: “I didn't know it came with anything.”After all that, we sit outside to try and shake off that experience and enjoy our food. My partner's burrito was cold- how does that even happen? And my salmon was burnt and dry, the broccolini was cold and the salmon was placed on top of my salad so the leaves were all wilted. My partner summed up the food as: “It's like airline food. It isn't bad, but it isn't good.” We went to The Cheese Shop to eat instead.If a store is closing, that's all good. Just say it and we won't eat there. But don't say it's okay and then proceed to give sup-par food and grouchy, passive aggressive service. If all that wasn't bad enough, the way they spoke to the employees was appalling.We might've been willing to give this place another try but the (lack of) service sealed the deal.
Atomic Cafe & Catering
3100 Airway Ave suite #113, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States
This place was great! I feel sad for the reviewer who had a bad breakfast experience here. I needed breakfast before flying back to Texas this morning and I didnt know where to go so I just typed in breakfast and followed my google maps. At first I was a little nervous when it lead me to what looked like an office complex but holy smokes. This place is good! Its very cozy. I ordered the breakfast burrito and coffee. I had to wait a couple of minutes for my coffee, but thats because it was freshly made in a French press (which takes 4 minutes to brew) so it was well worth it! The breakfast burrito was H U G E. I almost ordered a side of potatoes with it but Im glad I didnt because I sadly couldnt even finish my burrito. The ingredients were fresh and flavorful--the food isnt overly dressed up but because of the quality of ingredients it doesnt have to be. I will definitely be saving this location to my favorites for the next time Im in the area.
Burger Lounge
279 E 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, United States
I saw this place online and have always wanted to try it. I ordered the Husky with no tomatoes or onions, and also got the half onion rings and fries. Its a little expensive, but it tasted absolutely amazing. In n Out was my favorite hamburger, but I have to say I think this beats In n Out. I rarely order from In n Out because of the long lines and wait. The fries and onion rings were great also. I ordered them online from Doordash and added in a tip for their service and it reached my place quicker than their estimate. I was worried if Id like their BL 1000 Island dressing or not, because they do sell a hamburger with ketchup and mustard, but after that first bite I knew the dressing was great. I cant order from here too often because of the price, but while Im in the middle of my day working and simply dont have time to make something to eat and want to make my day better, then this is something I can get used to. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about my experience. Simply delicious. If you are tempting to try it and dont mind the prices, then I absolutely recommend you give it a try. There are so many negative reviews online in general, but since I enjoyed my food so much, I thought it was deserving of a great review. Enjoy!
Great Mex Mesa Verde
1525 Mesa Verde Dr E #117, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States
Service was lax at best. Food was cold, inedibly so, after 2-3 minutes to get home.... The place was empty (it was a Monday but that shouldnt matter at a good resuraunt) and I ordered my al pastor burrito wet. I recieved a carnitas burrito...beforehand I asked if the enchilada sauce is canned, supposedly its not (according to the guy watching the game at the bar that seemed to be the only server) but for 69 cents I could have the same stuff out of the yellow and red can everyone knows about from the local mart or grocery store (and had extra to boot) to drench my food in, but thankfully they only put about 1/2 cup on top (I never thought Id be happy a resuraunt was stingy) None of the salsa is catigorized at the salsa bar. God forbid the employees get off their ass and put salsa in a cup. Thank God I know what different general salsas look like avoid the black salsa, (its horrible). Over all, poor service, high prices, garbage food. Im unimpressed, and the salsa sucks. Skip the bagged chips and the half assed salsa, you are better off going to taco bell. Im just waiting to be sick from the little bit I ate. I guess ill just have a pizza delivered. I wouldnt damn anyone to eat here. I regret it immensely.