Drinks and Apps in OC

[MEalcentric]

Looking for a reasonably priced place where I can grab a few drinks and small snacks. Doesnt have to be fancy, just somewhere to unwind and enjoy someone's company. Just something to break me from my usual routine of places for dinner and/or drinks (La Cave, Habanna, Kitsch, Landmark...shudder). I also tried that wine bar by Mothers Market and thought it was overpriced and not very good ($15 for a TINY and boring cheese plate)--wont be returning.If possible, I want to avoid places that come with a sticker shock. Prefer Irvine/Newport area.

[kingkong5]

Right across the street from my office is Classic Q's, at the corner of MacArthur and Birch. Lots of good beers and other drinks, pool tables, TV's for sports, and your typical bar food menu (wings, burgers, fries, nachos).

Good place to have a few buddies over and hang for a while after work, shoot a few games of pool over wings and beer, and shoot the breeze.

[rdub5]

The Black Sheep Bistro in Old Town Tustin is worth checking out. Mediteraniean style food that is great. Try the Borego Borego Borego if you like lamb.

[cdmedici]

For something a bit different you should consider Francoli in Fashion Island. We usually go for lunch, but many have told me that it is a great casual place to eat apps and try different Italian wines at the bar. I think they have live music as well.

http://www.francoligourmet.com/

[torta basilica]

Chat Noir

Bayside

[MEalcentric]

Chat Noir is one of my regulars, I should have mentioned that in my original post. Bayside is now on my radar as well. Thanks.

[torta basilica]

Try Bayside's BBQ foie gras & quail - awesome & super-rich. That's all you'll need to order! I also like their Spanish lomo plate, bartenders, great wines by the glass & music.

[stormin norman]

Prego has a nice bar and the apps are great...they also serve complimentary marinated olives,aged parmesan,and breadsticks...also might want to check out the bar at Bistango

[MEalcentric]

This sounds pretty good. Next time for sure.

[stormin norman]

the bar at Opah in the marketplace may fit your needs

[MEalcentric]

Actually ended up here for the first time. Much more of a scene than I expected at 9 PM. Packed to the gills at the bar, yet the dining area wasnt full. Had the kobe burger and thought it was ok. The fries had potential but needed to be crisper (and warmer). Wine list was severely lacking mid-priced wines. I would be willing to go back to grab a seat at the bar though.

[mikester]

Ten is good for Japanese, also try the bar at French75 (really cool bar, at least the one in the Irvine Marketplace (Jamboree at Irvine Blvd.)

[ml22]

Ten Asian Restaurant (Mcarthur and Birch, next to Panini)

and if you want mmmmm-meat, agora happy hour rocks!

[MEalcentric]

Doesnt Ten turn into a nightclub at night? I should have mentioned I wanted a late night drink...

[ml22]

There's a nightclub next to the TEN restaurant called TENTATION. IF you'll have dinner at the restaurant, your entry to the club ($20) is waived.

I always like going to Yardhouse (Spectrum or 17th in Newport) for late night drinks. Or Three Thirty Three (PCH and Bayside)

[OCBites]

Taco Mesa, NB
Oysters, CdM
Chronic Cantina, CM
Aire, CM
and if La Cave's old school ways appeal, maybe the Quiet Woman in CdM?