Karl Strauss Brewing Company

We went here yesterday with our team, and everything was fantastic! The restaurant has its own brewery with big tanks where they brew their beers, and the IPAs were excellent.

Our server, Gil, was super nice and helpful. He arranged a long table for our whole group so we could sit comfortably and hang out. He also gave us great recommendations , I tried the Ginger Salmon with rice and quinoa, and it was very tasty, healthy, and perfectly cooked. For appetizers, I ordered the Ahi Tuna with tortillas, which I really enjoyed since I’m trying to eat healthy. We also tried a few other appetizers that everyone liked.

My co-workers had a mix of burgers and sandwiches, and everyone said their food was delicious. They don’t serve vodka (only beer and wine), but they were kind enough to bring me hot water with lemon since I asked for tea.

After dinner, we sat outside on the patio by the fireplace, enjoying the sunset and the beautiful sky , such a relaxing way to end the evening. Parking was easy too, with spots in front of the restaurant and plenty more in the nearby shopping center.

Overall, a great experience with amazing food, drinks, and service. Highly recommend it! 🍽🍻

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Beer Pretzels, Ahi Poke Nachos

Has one of the best hefes IMO! The burger is pretty decent too!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My husband and I wanted lunch after the mall and stopped here. Got sat in the bar and had a great server. Food was excellent (food truck burger and shrimp tacos), and we got everything pretty quick.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Love this place!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We want to like this place but everytime we come back it’s never that great.

This time we were sat and no one came back to help us for about 20 min, they brought our drinks and food, but never came back again.

We would have stayed longer and watched football and had more drinks but there was no one helping us and we couldn’t even flag anyone down so we left disappointed.

We probably wont be back considering everytime we have gone back since covid, it’s been awful service.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 2

Good place with kids

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I really enjoy this place. Large selection of beer & some of the best ive had from a brewery of their size. Service is always spot on, especially Steve-o. For food, ive only tried two apps, but both were good. The duck fat pretzel bites were a bit harder than id prefer but the garlic aioli was amazing. I had to refrain from eating it straight up with a spoon. The brussel sprouts were some of the best ive had. My only complaint about the atmosphere is how dark they keep it.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Mixed up my order, but the manager apologized and gave me a free beer.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

New to the area so wanted to explore the local beer options and this will definitely remain on our rotation. They have a solid amount of rotating and guest beers, which we appreciate. Bar seating was easy to get and pleasant. Parking can be a bit meh but there is a mall garage almost immediately outside to resort to instead. Staff super friendly.

The beers were pretty mid but will be back just because of easy of convenience and the vibe.

Atmosphere: 4

Service: 4

I got the grilled chicken tacos, and the food quality was amazing — it totally surprised me. I normally don’t eat out because I hate greasy food and am sensitive to the smell of cheap ingredients and low-quality meat. But this meal was so fresh, light, and felt homemade.

I love going to Karl Strauss. Great atmosphere, great food, great service. Thank you Caroline. I have been going here when I find myself in Costa Mesa since about 2009. Stevo and Pedro are also great bartenders that know the beer and how to introduce you to something you will love.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Have loved them for years. Food prices are up and they are cutting so many corners on food quality. Stick to the appetizers. Pastrami sandwich whose was always great is now served on a grocery store hamburger bun rather than ciabatta. Medium burger was hockey puck.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 5

Great pace for a burger and beer! Also like that it's next to the mall.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Good food, Good Beer (I just found out they don't do other alcohol drinks) I wanted a cran and vodka or margarita. The service was great and fast overall a fun experience

Great beer selection with great food!