Urban Grill and Wine Bar
| Address: | 27412 Portola Pkwy, Lake Forest, CA 92610, USA |
| Phone: | +1 949-340-2055 |
| Site: | urbangrillandwinebar.com |
| Rating: | 4.6 |
| Working: | 11AM–9:30PM 11AM–9:30PM 11AM–9:30PM 11AM–9:30PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 10AM–9:30PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 7
MA
Mark Jordan
As young, impressionable boys, the owners of Urban Grill and Wine Bar must surely have been the sort of lads that were mindful of their parents admonitions. "Never judge a book by its cover," comes to mind. Dont get me wrong, its not that the Urban Grill facade is unsightly - nothing of the sort. Its just that nothing about it drew me in or said "unforgettable dining experience for all who enter." Regardless of the grills frontage being somewhat a boilerplate, sterile strip-center, all it took was a simple crack of the door to discover that behind that pedestrian veneer a very unique, upscale eatery had been waiting ever so patiently to enchant our tastebuds. First impressions were encouraging - inviting aromas, friendly faces, both from staff and wall to wall to patrons, contemporary but cozy atmosphere with tasteful art adoring the walls, and an invigorating buzz...all coalesced to plainly whisper that Urban Grill would offer more than it promised. It did. Urban Grill succeeded in spellbinding us on our first visit. Since then, now just a few short months ago, weve returned time and time again, each time anxiously looking forward to our next visit as we slowly drift from the parking lot. Urban Grill is synonymous with gourmet. More than that, and as my wife is fond of saying, they redefine the genre of "comfort" food. Yes, they also offer an extraordinary selection of boutique wines, but the combination of both epicurean fare and exquisite wines...well, it makes for evenings with friends you wish would never end and are long remembered. Suffice it to say, the service is superior in every degree. Our servers are warm, genuine, love what they do and they know their stuff. This, of course, points to a management that loves to dine and understands what its like to anxiously wait, hungry, and desire nothing more than to be indulged. So then, what about the menu? They offer an ample assortment of dishes ranging from savory sandwiches and salads to the most mouthwatering steaks, pork chops and seafood youll find in Orange County. Bar none. URBAN BURGER: ground chuck blend / aged cheddar / crispy onion strings / lettuce / dill pickles / tomatoes / special sauce / caramelized onion bun [13] (Side note: OMG!!! You have no idea how good it is until you try it. It rates right up there with the handmade meats of Sides Restaurant in Los Olivos). GRILLED TRI-TIP: (served hot) caramelized onions / aged provolone / horseradish cream / caramelized onion bun [12] PORK CHOP: candied ginger apples / asian bbq sauce / herbed matchstick fries [25] (Side note: everyone who has taken my recommendation and ordered this delight has said that even my high praise fell wildly short to describe how delicious...). FISH & CHIPS: beer battered white cod / chipotle ranch / herbed matchstick fries. HOUSE CHOP lettuce / cabbage / red onion / cucumbers / feta cheese / kalamata olives / tomatoes / house vinaigrette Half [5] Full [9] WARM CAPRESE: roasted tomatoes / fresh mozzarella / sun-dried tomato pistachio pesto / olive oil / crostinis [10] PRIME STEAK SANDWICH: prime ribeye / aged provolone / onion strings / mushroom skillet sauce / french baguette [19] As you can see, Urban Grill has not only ensured that youll never suffer from menu malaise, but they have guaranteed that your wallet will never get in the way of you returning week after week. The only downside is minor, but a pet peeve of mine...the headshots of the owners, posted on their website no less, are abysmal. Dont look - itll it scare you away. You just have to wonder how it is that two grown, highly successful men, who have the mastered the culinary arts and aesthetic nuance can be so comprehensively clueless when it comes the image of themselves they portray to the world. Just because I own pots and knives I dont pretend to be a chef - too bad the owners of Urban Grill have yet to attain similar knowledge about owing a camera... Oh well, I was going to give them six stars, but theyll just have to settle for five!
JO
Jonathan Zabala
I wanted to have a nice lunch and Urban Grill offers a casual feel with an upscale menu. My friend and I ordered the Urban Burger and the Grilled Tri-Tip sandwich. The Urban Burger is made with asirloin/brisket blend with chedder, onion rings, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, and their own special sauce. It is surrounded by a caramelized onion bun. This burger was cooked well and had plenty of flavor and the extras tied the burger into a complete package. Eat the Urban burger with the herbed matchstick fries. The Grilled Tri-Tip Sandwich is served simply with caramelized onions, horseradish cream sauce, provolone and that same caramelized onion bun. It looked as if the tri-tip was overcooked, but it tasted excellent. Well done Urban Grill. This is a winner in my book. Prices are fair compared to other upscale restaurants. Food and service were damn good.
SC
Scott Quick
Great food, wide variety, fresh and delicious. And its even outdone by an excellent wine list. I live this place. I travel to this area regularly and deliberately stay in Foothill Ranch so I can come here. It has a chill low-key atmosphere, great staff, and even has a couple TVs to catch a Monday Night Football game after a long day of travel. Burger is fresh ground meat and is delicious with nice mound of fried onion strings. Filet Mignon is delicious. Ahi tuna is delicious (and spicy). Did I mention the wine? Great list, lots of options for by the glass of above average wines at decent price points. Theyre not outrageous prices, but not cheap. Its the price of good quality food. Entrées are in the $25 range, with a couple burgers/sandwiches for about $15.
MI
Michael Phillips
Friendly waitress remembered us from last visit, which was a while back. The food is okay to better than okay in general. Miniature patio/outside seating is enjoyable after the crowds have receded. Good beers on tap, chili, excellent au gratin potatoes. Dont get lettuce wraps if youve ever had lettuce wraps that you enjoyed. Heavy odor of mildew mop water ruins the inside dining area. Like a small town diner dreamt of growing up and did so, but didnt go to college. I like it alright. Not for the foodies, hungry fat guys, young girls, fussy eaters. Good for middle-aged lady wine drinking parties. Ill probably return for the potatoes, to the dismay of my company.
KA
kathleen keala
Food was GREAT, but the service was okay felt very rushed picked my wine glass just as I finished it and we said we would like another round and all he brought was one drink! I told them it was my moms birthday and after dinner the waitress just said I guess you are too full for dessert, we said yes, she okay. I have never had them ask they just bring something for some ones birthday or anniversary! She did bring a cookie in a bag to my mom.
AN
Andy Chen
I went for the "brunch" but they did not really have an offering for brunch, with only 5 items on the brunch menu. I got the lettuce wrap and the California Omelette and a house chopped salad. The salad and lettuce wrap was not my taste. Salad was too sour while the lettuce wrap was too spicy. I prefer lettuce wrap with a bit of sweetness to it to fit the taste of lettuce. The California Omelette was decent, but other places make better ones.
VA
Valerie C.
Its a small restaurant and it doesnt look like much from the outside, because of the business offices around it, but this place is amazing. Its hands down the best steak place and best appetizer place. So delicious! The service is incredible. Theyre very quick. Just the ambiance is wonderful. I took my dad there for his 64th birthday and New Years Eve. Its guaranteed very good food no matter what you order. I am willing to take that drive.
