The Crow Bar and Kitchen
“The Grandma Jane,” a burger passed down through the Chef’s mother-in-law, exudes the Crow Bar aesthetic of high-quality soul food. Slapped on an English muffin alongside herb cream cheese, sliced red onion, vine ripe organic tomatoes, and onion sprouts, this homemade creation makes you wish you grew up in his kitchen. If you make it to brunch, the Hangover Burger will kill the headache and get you your protein fix. If you need a little help to kick that long night, try the Nearly Perfect Burger special: Burger of your choice with a bottle of 2006 Schrader Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Crow Bar and Kitchen is located at 2325 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, CA., (949) 675-0070.
Salt Creek Grille
Burgers no longer need to be associated with checkered tablecloths and drive-thru menus. Instead, go high class with Salt Creek Grille’s Kobe Burger, featured as “Best Gourmet Burger” in Orange Coast Magazine. This delicious sandwich has foodies salivating over the garlic butter, Humboldt fog cheese, arugula, red onion, tomato, and mayo on a King’s sweet Hawaiian bun. Nothing beats a burger after a long day at the beach.
Salt Greek Grille is located at 32802 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, CA., (949) 661-7799.
Restaurant 162
Situated inside one of Orange County’s premier hotels, The Ritz Carlton of Laguna Niguel, Restaurant 162 offers breathtaking oceanfront views and creative California cuisine. Be the boss of your burger! The Grilled Sirloin Burger has plenty of options, from pineapple to Pico de Gallo, so you can make your burger exactly the way you want it.
Restaurant 162 is located at One Ritz Carlton Dr., Dana Point, CA., (949) 240-2000.
Hanna’s Prime Steak
You might run into the “Real Housewives of Orange County” while chomping down on their award-winning red meat. Just a few blocks from Coto, the ladies are frequently seen at Hanna’s burger bar with the camera crew in tow. All their burgers are creative culinary masterpieces, but my favorite has got to be the Napa Burger, complete with goat cheese, romaine lettuce, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke, red onion, olive tapenade, and Dijon aioli. The steakhouse also waves corkage fees, so bring along your favorite red to compliment the meal. Who knew I could go down the street for a taste of wine country cuisine?
Hanna’s Prime Steak is located at 22195 El Paseo, Suite 110, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA., (949) 709-2300.
A Restaurant
Once a spot for John Wayne sightings, The Arches has been “the place” for fine dining in Orange County since the 1930s. Known for their steak and seafood, the A Burger is a sandwich to be reckoned with. Piled high with caramelized onions, smokey blue cheese, bacon, and 1000 Island, this treat will make you sit back in your red leather booth and take in one of Newport’s best beach-side dinners.
A Restaurant is located at 3334 West Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, CA., (949) 650-6505.
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