Side Door (CDM)

Danielle

I went to Side Door a long time ago when I was waiting for my reservation at Five Crowns. I instantly fell in love with the ambiance and just the fact that there was a charcuturie station! I was reminded of the place recently by a co-worker who had gone on a Saturday night and said that the crowd was young and the bar was bustling. I knew we had to investigate. For purposes of time and scheduling, we wound up going on a Friday to see what it looks like for after work/early evening as dinner approached since the crowd usually changes around that transition. 

I got there first to get the best seat in the house…the booth along the wall across from the bar. I was immediately greeted by the server who was very friendly and attentive. I love the menu here as it spans from typical bar food to healthier options. It also offers heavier food to lighter options like cheese/meat options. Oh, and with that charcuterie station nearby, one must try a meat and cheese plate right?!?! There are several beers to choose from and one cool option is to build your own flight. With this flight, you can get them all at once (as Candice and our friend Heather did) or separately when you are ready, which  I did. The server knew what type of beer I liked so I had her surprise me with different kinds that she thought I may like. I love trying new things and being surprised with suggestions. The food was delicious. I had the meat/cheese tray which was fabulous.

I love the ambiance here. The bar is small with limited seating but there are booths in the open, booths that are tucked away to provide utmost privacy, and a dimly-lit backroom with a variety of seating. 

I would not say that we saw the best sample of single men. Many were accompanied by women but I’d like to stick around longer next time and see who comes in as the couples head off to their dinner dates. As the night evening progressed, the dresses got shorter and boobs larger in true Cougar style, which for me, provided the best entertainment and chuckles. The sad part (and what seems to be the norm)? They got picked up by men. What is it with you, Orange County? Why is this? I’ll always shake my head and will never understand. 

I also think this spot would be good for a quick drink/dinner after work, solo or with friends, on a week night. It may provide better opportunity for chatting with other patrons at the bar who are also passing through. Because it’s a gastropub with a constant flow of Old Speckled Hen, maybe you’ll even find yourself chatting with a Brit. Aah, the thought of that accent makes my mind drift elsewhere….

Food: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★☆

Price: ★★★☆☆

Ambience: ★★★★★

SFactor: ★★☆☆☆

Overall: ★★★★☆

Candice

Side Door in Corona Del Mar is a cozy, English style gastropub that was surprisingly quite distinct from the Five Crowns Restaurant that shares its entryway. Although there is no happy hour at this pub, Danielle and I nevertheless thought we would pay a visit to this place and be witness to what kind of evening might typically unfold.  We arrived early enough for a great viewing spot (those of you readers who do follow us – are we not yet predictable in finding the best seats in the house to do our research?!?), and settled in when there was hardly a crowd gathered.  We had an additional friend as our guest (welcome Heather!) and started the evening with some drinks and small plates.  The place is nicely lit in the pub sort of way and there were multiple high tables and chairs behind the counter of the bar area.  There was also additional room for seating in the more private section of the pub restaurant, but I was not compelled to explore the area beyond simply looking.  Laura our sever, was very attentive especially in the beginning but understandably as the evening wore on and the crowd grew we saw her less and less.  On the menu, there was a nice option for a beer flight sampler and it was enjoyable to try a variety of four ounce flavors.  If anyone enjoys light beer but with an unusually powerful “grapey” flavor (peculiar, I am aware), then I highly recommend the Anchor California Lager, which is now on my list of favorites of beers I have tried.  The food was also quite appetizing and I ordered one of their signature bites, The Side Door Avocado Mash and was not the least bit disappointed.  I also partook in consuming some Sugar Snap Peas which, although I am not a particular fan of snap peas, I would say was also gently, but well flavored, and perfectly cooked to enhance the crisp of the vegetable.  

As for the crowd, it certainly picked up within a matter of time.  By 8pm it was standing room only and a rush to claim seats as people departed and more people arrived.  Overall, I always seem to enjoy the patrons of Corona Del Mar because there is always a nice mixture of age ranges with most guests in likely their 30’s.  There were of course some interesting individuals that I am certain raised a few eyebrows, but we were still mingling amongst the early crowd so it remained drama free.  We left shortly thereafter to walk around the area and check out other places, but I would certainly return to Side Door based on this experience, and maybe next time linger just awhile longer to see what kind of late entertainment would fetch in at this kind of establishment. 

Food: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★☆

Price: ★★★☆☆

Ambience: ★★★★☆

SFactor: ★★☆☆☆

Overall: ★★★★☆