Karl Strauss Brewing Company
| Address: | 901 S Coast Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA |
| Phone: | +1 714-546-2739 |
| Site: | karlstrauss.com |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | 11:30AM–11PM 11:30AM–11PM 11:30AM–11PM 11:30AM–11PM 11:30AM–12AM 11:30AM–12AM 11:30AM–10PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 6
K
K Maitrejean
My husband and I came here for the first time last night to celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary. We had heard really good things about the food so we decided to give it a try before our movie. We ordered the pretzel appetizer and then we ordered our food. I ordered the mesquite chicken sandwich and my husband got the Chipolte pastrami sandwich. Everything was great until I tried to eat my food. The very first french fry I put in my mouth gave me a reaction and taste of a chemical burn / electric shock. immediately I took the fry out of my mouth and said wtf? My husband looked at me with a confused look on his face. I told him what I had just experienced and he said "maybe it was hot oil?" I dismissed it even though my tongue still felt weird, and I decided to try my sandwich. I cut it in half and re-positioned some of the tomato that was starting to slide out of my sandwich. My finger brushed the bacon and I went to lick my finger. Again I got that horrible chemical burn / electric shock sensation. I looked at my husband and said.... "I cant eat this. Im getting shocked and burned every time I do." I told him that I thought it was the bacon, because the first fry I had tried was touching the bacon from the burger, but that I was scared to try it. He took a small piece of bacon from my sandwich and touched it to his tongue. He jumped and said "wtf? This taste like its chemically charged or something" to which I replied "So Im not crazy?" We called over the waiter and told him what we experienced. He then got who I presumed was a manager and we told her what we experienced. She said that the only thing they put on the bacon is peppercorn, paprika, and cumin (none of which I have ever had a reaction to nor my husband). I asked her to try a tiny piece of the bacon. she then took my plate to the kitchen, came back a few min later and told me that they all tried the bacon and that it tasted good. No one seemed to experience what we had experienced. Personally I call Bull S**T. Had they actually tried it in front of me it may have been more convincing. I felt like they were completely dismissing our claim. Unfortunately I couldnt even protest cause they had already taken away my plate with the tainted bacon. They offered to remake my sandwich without the bacon, but I refused because we had a movie to catch. They took my meal off my bill, and we left. Even now my tongue still feels like it was burned. I am seriously pissed off, about my experience and the way they dismissed the problem. At least my husband liked his sandwich.
SU
Sukhraj Beasla
I frequent South Coast Plaza, Crystal Court, and Metro Pointe a lot and Im surprised I hadnt heard of this place until I got a notice from work telling me our holiday party was going to be held here. Considering its tucked behind everything, Im not really surprised. I dont notice things unless theyre right in front me and I hardly pay attention to signs not that theres much leading to this place so whatever. Now I know and Im happy that I do. Its actually a fun, cool place for some great beer and eats in a casual somewhat upscale atmosphere. Our work gathering was held on their patio and the entire time the staff was very attentive about drink and lunch orders. Our crowd got really rowdy but they kept up with us which was impressive. I tried two beers - wind and sea and the wreck alley. The wind and sea is similar to a heif but I think my taste has really changed and Im now more of a dark beer, imperial stout person so the wreck alley was a hit for me that day. Also it was very strong and I had to walk off the buzz. I split an order of the barbecue/crispy chicken salad and chicken sandwich and liked them both although I think I liked the salad a little more. It was really good. Bathrooms are posh and very clean. Also I love that there are plenty of booths inside. I love booth dining. Ill be back to dine again.
IA
Ian
Previously I thought of Karls Strauss as a hit or miss experience but as of recent, they have been positive. My friends generally come on Fridays because of the growler special $8-10 on a fill (depending on the beer). Growlers are rather cheap as well, only $5. Karls Strauss is located on S Coast & Bear. They offer valet parking for a few bucks or just opt to park in the structure where its free. The brewery restaurant is a good size, accommodating small to large groups for indoor or patio seating. The atmosphere was definitely fun and exciting since its MLB Postseason. They also have this Oktobefest, Bavarian-style beer in a commemorative glass for only $15. Most of my friends had trouble drinking it all. Its worth the money if you are big on beer. Karls also offers an extensive selection of both beer and wine. The bar food was good as well; sliders & wings. Even though my first impression wasnt up to par, Ive gone back with a open-mind & look forward to my next visit at Karls Strauss. Service was also excellent! I will be back.
YV
Yvette Tung
Great place to catch a game, or to escape from your shopaholic lady friend. The restaurant gets pretty crowded after work hours, or maybe it was just for Cask Night Thursdays, where they feature a special brew for $3.50 pints until the casks are empty. Free shot-sized samples of any beer on the menu, including the cask special, to make sure youll love what you order. For food, we figured at a brewery, we would try a couple items made with their handcrafted beer. LOVED the Black Garlic Fondue, though it was more about the cheese, less about the garlic. It came with a thick and hearty slice of Cambozola cheese, which complemented the bread and sauce (with a hint of alcohol) perfectly. The Big Beer Burger was disappointing, with the heavy bread overwhelming the rest of the burger that was cooked near medium well. TIP: you can upgrade the side of fries to cajun or garlic parmesan fries at no extra charge!
WA
Walter Macalma
Oh Karl Strauss and your hit or miss locations. Its on the north end of the South Coast Plaza shopping area, but not in the mall. Its the first turn out with private valet that is pretty much for show that sits hidden and blocked from the mall. Its a great place to come when you get off work and have a beer before you go home. Its also just like everyother KS in that its food is amazing and its a cool happening place. Its much better in that there are less suits and business meetings and more casual HH meet ups happening. There is a steady group of Orange County rock climbers that go there most nights you can tell I say hello when you see them. Its not as open and inviting as Carlsbad, but has a much bigger outdoor seating area. There is a reason the beer and the restaurants are such a huge success. Great beer, great food proven ambiance and service is enough to survive any economy.
BE
Benjamin Ramm
On a random week night, it was a comfortably pleasant yuppie brewery restaurant. The unconventional combinations of foods came out pretty well. I don’t think someone with my relative ignorance about beer could really appreciate this place, but I did receive good advice about how to pair beer with food. Two servers actively volunteered that their knowledge on certain parts of the beer menu was limited. I appreciated that they did not pretend to know more than they did. I was encouraged to try an experimental brew. It wasn’t to my taste, but you never know unless you try. Maybe next time I’ll discover something I didn’t know I would like.
