230 Forest Avenue - Laguna Beach, California

230 Forest Avenue: A Culinary Gem in Laguna Beach

Nestled in the heart of Laguna Beach, 230 Forest Avenue stands out as a premier dining destination, offering a delightful blend of American cuisine with a cozy and inviting ambiance. This versatile eatery, accessible via Phone: 949-494-2545, caters to a wide array of diners with its comprehensive services including outdoor seating, delivery, takeout, and dine-in options. The restaurant's website, 230forestavenue.com, provides a glimpse into the extensive menu and the warm hospitality that awaits visitors.

Location and Accessibility

Located at 230 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, 230 Forest Avenue is conveniently situated for both locals and tourists. Its wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating ensure that everyone can enjoy the dining experience comfortably. The restaurant's favorable parking options include both paid street parking and a paid parking lot, making it accessible for visitors arriving by car.

Dining Experience

The dining at 230 Forest Avenue is remarkable, boasting a menu that spans American classics with a twist, making it perfect for comfort food enthusiasts and those seeking trendy culinary adventures. The specialties include a range of dishes from crab Mac and cheese to muscle dishes, all of which have garnered rave reviews for their exceptional quality. The bar offers an impressive selection of beer, whiskey, wine, craft drinks, and spirits, catering to a variety of tastes. For dessert lovers, the great dessert options are a must-try, complemented by an excellent wine list.

The restaurant prides itself on its fast service, ensuring that guests can enjoy a happy hour or a leisurely lunch without long waits. The menu includes small plates and high-quality healthy options, making it a versatile spot for groups, solo diners, and those seeking a romantic or casual atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a group dinner, a tourist spot to relax, or a place to enjoy lunch reservations or dinner reservations, 230 Forest Avenue caters to these needs with its reservation acceptance policy.

Facilities and Amenities

For patrons looking to enjoy their meal outdoors, 230 Forest Avenue offers outdoor seating under the California sun, perfect for soaking in the scenic views of Laguna Beach. The restaurant's commitment to inclusivity is evident in its wheelchair accessible features, ensuring that all guests can dine comfortably. Additionally, the establishment serves coffee and offers Wi-Fi for those who wish to work or stay connected during their visit.

The restaurant's food and service have been consistently praised, with many reviewers highlighting the excellent comfort food and the great beer selection. However, diners note that some dishes, like the vodka pomegranate granita with oysters, can be overpowering, showcasing the restaurant's bold culinary approach. Despite this minor quirk, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, as evidenced by the average opinion of 4.6 out of 5 on Google My Business.

Customer Reviews

"The food and service here is excellent I think the only thing I didn’t care for was how much vodka pomegranate granita was actually on the oyster. It was very overpowering in flavor but otherwise it was really good." Such feedback reflects the restaurant's adventurous spirit in its menu while acknowledging areas for improvement. Another reviewer expressed, "Dog friendly, incredible food, good atmosphere. Come here if you want to enjoy yourself." This sentiment encapsulates the welcoming environment that 230 Forest Avenue strives to provide.

The restaurant's recommended reservations policy ensures that guests can secure their spot, especially during peak hours. With a variety of payment options including credit cards, cash, and offering paid parking, it's convenient for all types of diners. The establishment's menu caters to different tastes, from health-conscious choices to heartier meat dishes, making it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.

Summary and Recommendations

For those planning to dine in Laguna Beach, 230 Forest Avenue is a top recommendation. Its ability to offer a delightful dining experience across various occasions, from casual lunches to romantic dinners, sets it apart. The restaurant's acceptance of reservations, coupled with its wide range of meal options, makes it an ideal spot for groups, couples, and solo diners. With its great beer selection, delicious desserts, and excellent service, it's no wonder that 230 Forest Avenue has earned such a high rating and a loyal customer base.

Key Highlights

- Location: Easily accessible and wheelchair accessible
- Dining Options: Outdoor seating, delivery, takeout, dine-in
- Menu: American with a twist, featuring specialties like crab Mac and cheese
- Atmosphere: Cozy, romantic, trendy, upscale
- Services: Fast service, happy hour, Wi-Fi, credit card acceptance
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restroom, seating
- Special Amenities: Dog-friendly, great drinks selection

Conclusion

230 Forest Avenue is more than just a restaurant; it's an experience. With its stellar reputation, diverse menu, and thoughtful amenities, it stands as a beacon of culinary excellence in Laguna Beach. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this venue promises a memorable dining experience that caters to a wide range of preferences and occasions.

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👍 Reviews of 230 Forest Avenue

Mark N.

5/5

The food and service here is excellent! I think the only thing I didn't care for was how much vodka pomegranate granita was actually on the oyster. It was very over powering in flavor but otherwise it was really good. I loved sitting outside and the location was nice. If I'm ever on the West Coast again I'll be sure to add this place into my trip.

Sleiman

5/5

The food was so good it made me angry! Dog friendly, incredible food, good atmosphere. Come here if you want to enjoy yourself. The crab Mac and cheese and the muscles were top notch. I hope you don’t get as angry as I did by how good everything was.

Brad A.

5/5

Came in for lunch while we were in the area after reading the reviews. Totally get it now. I can't deny at first glance I thought, this will be OK. Upon sitting down and seeing the Anthony Bourdain artwork, I thought, that's either aspirational or I'm in for a pleasant surprise. And it was totally the latter. To start I had the fish chowder, which was a perfectly light tomato broth infused with just the right amount of saffron to enjoy it, not just to list it on the menu to justify some silly upcharge. Also had the steak sandwich, which was served with a combination of perfectly sauteed onion and melty cheese. The au jus gravy as well as the horseradish sauce were perfection. The cocktails were both inventive and perfectly flavored as well as appropriately strong. The exceptional service rounded the cozy vibe of this quiet luxury experience.

Andrew D.

4/5

Flipping amazing! Get the Spice Tuna on the grazing plates menu. We are outside and the atmosphere is very calm and soothing. I really enjoyed the service and experience. Food is presented well and tastes great. Very Impressed 😁

Liz M.

5/5

Delicious food. Lots of options for people who enjoy seafood or American food. The Maui onion soup was amazing. Sea bass, lamb chops and wine was very good. We would come back again.

Alan F.

3/5

After reading all the positive reviews, my wife and I had high expectations for an enjoyable dinner at 230 Forest Ave. Restaurant. Unfortunately, the Parker House rolls were the highlight of our meal.

It seemed dark and noisy inside the restaurant (which was dominated by a large bar in front) so we decided to sit on the makeshift patio. I started with the fresh mixed greens which were lightly tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. I wanted fresh fish so I ordered the day’s special, a nut-crusted halibut with pineapple salsa. It was a thick cut, and flash fried, so I expected it to be moist and flaky on the inside. Even though this is the peak season for fresh halibut, my fish was dry, tasteless, and obviously frozen. However, the shoestring fries it came with were very good. My wife’s scallops from the regular menu tasted a bit off, as if they had been sitting around for a while. They were served over risotto which was very rich and creamy.

Service was good but nothing special. Overall, we felt that we spent way too much for an average dinner.

FERNANDO L.

5/5

After staying in San Diego for four days, we stopped by Laguna Beach to get some dinner. We randomly selected this restaurant, and we were happy with our choices. My wife had fish and chips, my daughter had a salad, and I had fish chowder. The food was very good, and our waiter was awesome. We will definitely be coming back to this nice restaurant.

Jessica M.

5/5

I ventured into this establishment for happy hour, but ended up staying for dinner due to the incredible food options. For me, the highlight of the meal was the lamb - it was absolutely delicious. I also sampled the scallops and risotto, both of which were amazing. They had great drink options. Despite the elegant interior of the restaurant, I decided to sit outside and enjoyed some fresh air while I ate.

Overall, I would recommend a visit to this restaurant!