Yardhouse (Newport Beach)

Danielle

Candice and I could not have picked a more perfect spot for catching game 7 of the World Series! TVs and numerous beers on tap were exactly the combo we needed to draw in a crowd of men. Finally, we can really chat about the existence of the S-factor in our posts!

The place was crowded when we arrived but we scored a table adjacent to the bar. The crowd was heavily composed of groups of guys tuned in to the game (the only bad part: really tuned in to the game). There was a good mix of ages and “types” and you could feel the heaviness of the testosterone. I’d say this is a good starting point.

I did not eat from the happy hour menu due to “an acute case of dietary restrictions” before the holidays. The waitress was happy to assist me in tailoring my order to fit my needs. So…I missed out on my all-time favorite appetizer theres—the moo shu egg rolls and sliders. You’ll have to read Candice’s part for the happy hour treats.

Service was great for the beginning of the evening. After happy hour officially ended, service waned. Once we calculated that it had been 45 minutes since our server came by to check in. by that time, I was not at all tempted to order another round as I watched the crowd beginning to change. After the game and conclusion of happy hour, the crowd dissipated leaving the majority of the patrons to be couples on “Friday night date night.”

To date, this spot has been the best for the singles scene. It seems a perfect spot to catch a game—especially a “big” one (I watched the Super Bowl last year at Yardhouse Costa Mesa with a great crowd).

Tips:

• Get a bar seat for easier chatting with other patrons and for spotting other patrons cheering on your favorite team
• Take up a little more room upon arrival between you and your girlfriends so you can allow that thirsty hunk to “squeeze in” to grab a drink when he’s stranded behind everyones’ backs

For more info on their happy hour, click here. 

Food: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★☆☆

Price: ★★★★☆

Ambience: ★★★★☆

Overall: ★★★★☆

S Factor: ★★★★☆

Candice

Holy canoli.  I was nicely overstimulated by the well-populated male gatherings at our recent Yard House event.  Of course, I have been there on plenty of occasions for dinner as well as during happy hour non-sports times, but apparently the time to visit would be to go during happy hour while important sports events are taking place!  In this case, it was the last game of the World Series (go Cardinals!) and there was a delightful handful of sports enthusiasts that caught my attention.  I was happily distracted throughout the happy hour which made my ordinary bar fare a little more appetizing.  I used to frequent the Yard House in Pasadena on a regular basis when I lived up there, so I am quite familiar with their happy hour menu.  The food this time was yet again average but a great price break during happy hour and considerably worth it given the right entertainment.  I typically have gone for their fabulous martinis (which I highly recommend during their happy hour otherwise comparably priced to any other bar) but opted for a lovely Black Velvet this time around.  I was also in the mood for their crab cakes and moo shu egg rolls appetizers which were nothing all that spectacular but complements the price and entertainment.  The happy hour menu overall has a nice variety of foods and if there is nothing that catches your eye, there are plenty of other options listed in the regular part of the menu. 

Unfortunately, service was slightly below standard this time.  Although our server was very pleasant, once the crowd fizzled out and the dinner crowd rolled in, she was nowhere in sight for at least forty minutes.  Good thing I wasn’t still hungry or in a rush to be somewhere.  The atmosphere following the conclusion of happy hour was simply ordinary but still worthy of the occasional perusal.  The Yard House in Newport has an easy setting with typically mellow patrons and a reasonable menu overall.  It is certainly a scene I would recommend for happy hour during notable sporting events. 

Food: ★★★☆☆

Service: ★☆★☆☆

Price: ★★★☆☆

Ambience:★★★★☆

Overall:★★★★☆

S Factor:★★★★☆

Slater's 50/50 (Huntington Beach)

Danielle

Because we had some foiled plans, this spot was in close proximity to where we were, and it has been on the “to do” list since I’m a burger critic, we found ourselves at Slater’s 50/50 for happy hour. When we arrived, the place was pretty busy which was perfect since we were there on MNF night (girls: that is “Monday night football” not “Marriage ‘n family” night). We found a good spot so we could observe the dynamics of the place. The place brought quite the mixed crowd which we much appreciated. There were groups of men, families, singles, and couples. We dove into the menu, and Wow! I didn’t realize this place has such a bacon-infused menu, and boy did that discovery warm a Southern girl’s heart!

I chose the 50/50 which is the burger that is 50% beef and 50% bacon topped with an over-medium fried egg, avocado mash, pepperjack cheese and chipotle mayo. Patrons also have the option of designing their own burger if nothing on the menu suits you. I loved my burger and rank it #3 of all I’ve tried in OC/LA. We also got the appetizers of bacon mac & cheese and papas quesadilla. The papas quesadilla was a fave—a quesadilla with mashed potatoes!?! Yes, please! The service was good and the food arrived quickly. I’m going easy on the server who may have been a little on the socially awkward side moreso than lacking in skill.

This seems a perfect spot for watching the game or having a quick bite after work.

Food: ★★★☆

Service: ★★★☆☆☆

Price: ★★★☆☆

Ambience: ★★★☆☆

Overall: ★★★☆☆

S Factor: ★★★☆☆(for potential)

Candice 

Slater’s 50/50 did a decent job on livening up the atmosphere as compared to the previous establishment.  Granted, it is now likely to be considered more of a sports bar but it certainly appears to have potential.  The room appeared spacious with its concrete floors and there were plenty of patrons dining and drinking during Monday Night Football.  There were a considerable number of televisions dispersed throughout the restaurant which unfortunately occasionally made it difficult to have a conversation without sharing the latest news with the neighbors at an adjacent table.  I am sure it swayed my opinion to have testosterone seeping throughout the bar, but there was a noticeably decent diverse crowd that included a mix of all ages as well as singles, couples, and families.  There was also a nice variety of seating options including sitting at the bar, at a dining table, at bar stool height tables, as well as cozy seating in the “lounge” area which was well lit and speckled with flat screens on the walls.  The menu selection was (surprisingly) quite appealing given that for the most part, burgers are burgers.  I was already aware that this restaurant offered design-your-own burgers, but who knew that there are people out there who would eat such unusual combinations such as ground beef topped with peanut butter and jelly and bacon?!?  I am not the type who can design a burger to make the tastiest combination on such limited time and on an empty stomach, so I went with what sounded like the perfect post-weekend dining comfort food.  I opted for the “Grown-up Grilled Cheese,” which happened to be an irresistible combination of melted cheddar, havarti, and pepper jack cheeses, with bits of arugula scattered within the thick, buttered slices of lightly toasted texas toast style brioche bread. Oooh la-la---delicious! I will admit the portion sizes of their food seemed a bit out of control given that purely the ingredients in and of themselves have the potential to contribute to some premature arterial clotting; but for those who are more health conscious, there were also plenty of ingredients to choose from to make a less lethal but tasty meal.

Since the grilled cheese sandwich I ordered and the burger Danielle ordered were not considered happy hour items, we of course also ordered the bacon macaroni and cheese appetizer as well as the Papas quesadilla appetizer.  Unfortunately, the mac-n-cheese did little to stimulate the senses and I would have been sorely disappointed had I paid the non-happy hour price.  It was quite bland and deficient of any inspiration.  On the other hand, the pizza-sized quesadilla concoction that oozed with creamy mashed potatoes was filling and quite addictive and made up for the lackluster mac-n-cheese.  I wouldn’t mind having a taste of that again.  And although desserts typically are a must in my meals, I sadly had to pass on the design-your-own milkshake because there was simply no more room left in my stomach. Perhaps another time!

As far as service was concerned, our waiter appeared less than enthusiastic to be serving us (his affect was flat as a dry wall) but I do not think it was because he didn’t want to be at work but merely the fact that his social skills were a bit peculiar.  Overall, the restaurant’s value for happy hour was decent.  There were specials on appetizers and drinks.  The atmosphere was pleasant and reminiscent of a typical sports bar.  I’d say not too shabby for a location that is already recognized for being ill-fated.  If it weren’t for the fact that rumor has it the menu has already changed since our visit and the Grown-up Grilled Cheese sandwich is no longer visible on the menu, then I might have given greater consideration that this scene has potential to stick around for a little longer. 

Food: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★☆☆☆

Price: ★★★☆☆

Ambience: ★★★★☆

Overall: ★★★☆☆

S-factor: ★★★☆☆

J.T. Schmid's (Tustin)

Danielle

I met up with Candice here at J.T. Schmid’s after having happy hour at the Winery with another friend. I had eaten some very delish food prior to arriving so I didn’t eat much off the menu. We took a seat outside on the patio after making a sweep through the bar area and being unsatisfied. At least outside, we can people watch if the crowd in house is minimal, right?

There were men there so I’ll give the S-factor a 2. The crowd seemed to be heavily in the 20s-30s age range. Several groups were seated outside so any clusters of men there were not so approachable. A good patio always “ups” the atmosphere and ambience.

The service was good for the most part but I was annoyed by our server at the end. We ordered Brew house nachos from the happy hour menu and were asked if we wanted to add chicken or beef on them. We chose beef. When the bill came, we noticed they were more expensive than advertised. Upon inquiring, we found out that the beef was additional. Typically, when I’ve eaten out, servers notify me of the difference in price (especially after seeing me holding the reduced price happy hour menu) and then confirm that the difference is okay. The food is just okay. Maybe I could blame it on the Winery since the food paled in comparison to what I had just eaten there.

Food: ★★☆☆☆

Service: ★★☆☆☆

Price: ★★☆☆☆

Ambience: ★★★☆☆

Overall: ★★☆☆☆

S Factor: ★★☆☆☆

Candice

Well I must admit I have been seriously procrastinating writing a review of this happy hour outing.  Aside from the standard selection of beers at your typical brew house, the food was dismal, the service equally inadequate, and the entertainment/S factor value paltry at best.  To be honest, I cannot even recall the specific food items I ordered—simply that the experience left no positive lasting impression.  I should add that it was not a horrible experience but simply uninteresting. You might be one of those readers who then question why we tortured ourselves and remained at this establishment throughout the happy hour evening.  First and most importantly, we like to try and stay true to our “research.” Secondly, I had to finish my beer. Hello. However, as I like to try and be an optimistic, I will highlight a perk, which is the spacious patio seating and ability to casually observe any passer byes that might be of interest and enhance the overall entertainment value.  Sadly, there were none that evening.  Other than that, I will admit that this was a not one of the most entertaining Friday evening happy hours we have experienced.  I would definitely suggest alternative establishments to scope out in the immediate surroundings.  Check please!

Food: ★★☆☆☆

Service: ★★☆☆☆

Price: ★★☆☆☆

Ambience: ★★☆☆☆

Overall: ★★☆☆☆

S-factor: ★★☆☆☆

"A" Restaurant, Newport Beach (9.9.2011)

Danielle

To be honest, I’ve passed by “A” Restaurant many times and had marked it off my “must go” list assuming it was the type of place I didn’t like. Based on a friend’s recommendation, we decided to give it a shot. I got there early and took a seat at the bar, which was already almost full by 4:45. I love being in a bar where you can go alone and wait without feeling stupid or stared at by those who aren’t brave enough to do said activity. This was my kind of “waiting” spot. Bar patrons were friendly and the bartenders were very attentive and chatty. I was pleasantly surprised in oh so many ways by A.

While all the bartenders were friendly and knowledgeable, Derrick took care of us the rest of the night and by night…I mean I stayed here until 10:45! Now THAT is a long happy hour. He started us off with some recommended appetizers: meat & cheese plate, spicy yellow fin tuna, and hush puppies. The food was a-ma-zing, especially this cheese that was creamy like butter and just as luscious. I still have fond memories of that cheese.  We also got meatballs and flatbread as well, both of which were unbelievably good. Most opinions of what we ate started with “Oh my gah…” We ended with the butterscotch pudding, which he paired with assorted ports for us to try. Perfect ending! I had the violet ray mojito for my drink of the night which consists of Bacardi Limón, blackberries and mint. We also had samples of several “creations” Derrick made on the spot based on our preferences. This is the perfect bar if you get bored with the traditional bar menu but aren’t too sure what to ask for—just give them flavors you like and they concoct something wonderful on the spot.

Derrick was awesome—think “gentleman” meets “effortlessly hip.” He must have eyes in the back of his head. He was very attentive to us and chatty all the while mindful of the rest of his patrons. Before I could even see anyone appear to be ready for another round, he would politely excuse himself and attend to their needs (somehow knowing they were ready without visible signs) before returning back to us to continue the conversation. Many others know this as well because he had plenty of “regulars” standing aside waiting for him, all of which he greeted personally. We really appreciated his attentiveness—as much as his tasty bar creations!

The S factor? You’ve been waiting to hear the most important part? I loved how there is a constant flow of thirsty people in and out of the bar area. From what staff said, it was an “off” night. It was the weekend after a holiday so maybe people were drying out? There was always a crowd though. The age seemed to be mid-30s upward. So far, it has offered the best variety and potential of most of the places we’ve been. The night we were there, cougars did roll in after the moon came out but it wasn’t too bad (except the one who groped me at the bar) or too “cougar heavy.”

A side note for guys: lots of cute girls in their 30s were around. If you come out, bring your friends and let US know when you are going. ;) It may be Part II of the “S factor critique.”  

Thanks Derrick and A! We’ll be back—please have the cheese and mojito and save 2 barstools.

Food: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★★★  

Price: ★★★★☆

Ambience: ★★★★☆

Overall: ★★★★☆

S Factor: ★★★☆☆

For a link to the restaurant, click here. 

 the hush puppies

 meatballs

 meat & cheese plate

 I had a surprise birthday dessert too!

   the perfect ending: butterscotch pudding and port

Candice

Finally. A happy hour worthy of my attention to the details…  I have always been curious about the red barn-looking restaurant that sits just off of Pacific Coast Highway in Newport with the peculiar name as well as the matching market that lays adjacent, but somehow the intimidating line of exotic cars typically valet parked in front of the “A” Restaurant frequently deterred me from actually entering the establishment.  However, recently the restaurant came highly recommended by one of Danielle’s friends so we thought what better reason to check it out than during one of our weekly happy hour outings.  The interior of the restaurant was surprisingly spacious, comfortable, and in fact cozy.  The U-shaped bar was busy with patrons when I arrived and became bustling toward the later hours of dinner.  We sampled a variety of delicious treats including a plate of charcuterie, meatballs, flatbread, hush puppies, petite filet, and last but not least dessert (which included the butterscotch pudding and black and white sundae.)  And not to mention of course one of my favorite parts of happy hour-- the liquors-- which happened to be paired well with the multi-appetizer feast that evening.  Prepare yourself.  Hello. YUM. Great, flavorful food overall.  I will admit I am not the first to ever choose charcuterie off a menu (unfortunately, it’s the Asian lactose-sensitive part of me particularly with the cheeses), but will have to comment that I could have probably devoured the entire wedge of brillat savarin cheese that was part of the lovely spread. If you are a fan of creamy, smooth, soft butter and also enjoy the flavor of cheese, here it is in one package. What a delightful, scrumptious, and tasty cheese. I crave it just thinking about it.  The meatballs, hushpuppies, and flatbread were all also appetizing.  Nothing too spectacular to comment on the meatballs except they were well sized, but the hushpuppies were perfectly prepared to my liking with a crisp outside and tender interior.  I’ve always been a fan of hushpuppies and this time was no exception.  The flatbread was also undeniably good, but perhaps it was from the layer of melted butter atop a delicious crust.  During our eventful evening, we interacted with other patrons which led to a sampling of the petite filet (it was not planned, I promise!) as well.  Fantastic and yet another palatable bite. There was a burst of flavor as I bit in the tender meat and chewed and swallowed the piece effortlessly. Wow. Not too shabby.  Okay, let’s move on to my favorite course of the meal--dessert.  As full as I can be from a meal, somehow I always manage to have room for dessert.  Oh-my-butterscotch.  Imagine a bunch of melted butterscotch candies (you know the ones in the yellow wrapper) mixed with butter, cream, milk, and probably some caramel of some sort, and you may come close to this heavenly experience.  It was very rich and sweet and I savored every creamy spoonful. If you like butterscotch, I seriously suggest not missing out on this tasting. And of course, for those of my friends who are following this blog, you all know full well I cannot stop at just one dessert…I had to taste  a second!  I have no complaints regarding the black and white sundae…another successful dish from this establishment.  And now, drum roll please…moving on to the highlight of the happy hour --- the drinks!  First off, a very special cheers and thank you to Derrick (the lead bartender) and his staff for concocting some of the most delectable mixed drinks that have wet my plate.  Unfortunately, my choices were off the menu so I cannot tell you what I had to drink, but all I needed to do was share with the bartenders what flavors I typically preferred in my martinis and voila! After two martinis, a couple specially prepared shots, and the Dolce dessert wine to finish off with my sweet treats, I was so happy as a clam.  Oh, no need to furrow those brows for those of you who thought I might have forgotten my mission as a single girl surviving the OC happy hours…I always kept my eyes scanning the crowd on the lookout for the evening entertainment.  I will admit it was not that bad. It was a varied group of singles and couples, young(er) and older folks, and attractive as well as not-so-attractive (sorry, I meant not my type) kind of people enjoying their evening at this restaurant.  I mingled with several of those standing next to me and overall, had some pleasant conversations.  I enjoyed the bustling vibe and flow of traffic in and out, but likely overstayed my welcome come closer to 10:00 when I saw more of the cougars out on the prowl.  Regardless, it was a noteworthy outing and I pass along the high recommendations of this place.  Thanks again to Danielle’s friend (Jenn) for the recommendation, and a definite thanks to Derrick for the exceptional service and attention. 

Food: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★★

Price: ★★★☆☆

Ambience: ★★★★☆

Overall: ★★★★☆

S Factor: ★★★☆☆