I usually don't expect much from these chain style microbrewpubs (i.e. B.J.'s Rock Bottom, J.T. Schmid's...) but Steelhead's beers failed to live up to my lowered expectations. I haven't had their... More

I usually don't expect much from these chain style microbrewpubs (i.e. B.J.'s Rock Bottom, J.T. Schmid's...) but Steelhead's beers failed to live up to my lowered expectations. I haven't had their food so I can't comment on it. I homebrew and drink craft beer and know my beers. I had time to waste during an intermission at a concert at UCI so my wife and I went to Steelhead for a beer. We got samplers and none of them were good. We couldn't even finish two of the beers because they were just gross. If you enjoy Natural Light, or Keystone Ice, you might think their beers are good. I would give 1 star, but I feel that might be unfair as I haven't had the food there. If you're a beer connoisseur, STAY AWAY! Pros: Location to UCI Cons: BEER
Less

Steelhead is always our pub of choice when we are near UCI. Great microbrews and excellent food. I especially like having large groups there and ordering from their catering menu on the patio. ... More

Steelhead is always our pub of choice when we are near UCI. Great microbrews and excellent food. I especially like having large groups there and ordering from their catering menu on the patio. you will have a good time there.
Less

If you're from the Bay Area or Northwest, you maybe familiar with Steelhead. It's a nice change from the usual OC chain restaurants. If you want great fish n' chips, you've come to to the right... More

If you're from the Bay Area or Northwest, you maybe familiar with Steelhead. It's a nice change from the usual OC chain restaurants. If you want great fish n' chips, you've come to to the right place. They brew their own beer and it's fantastic! Take the short drive to the UCI area . . . you won't be disappointed.
Less

I went with co-workers to this restaurant for lunch and the menu was very extensive. They ahd a good mix of offerings, from salads to sandwiches to larger main course meals. I had a BBQ Chicken... More

I went with co-workers to this restaurant for lunch and the menu was very extensive. They ahd a good mix of offerings, from salads to sandwiches to larger main course meals. I had a BBQ Chicken salad and it was very good and large and I took some home with me. So the servings are very generous. My friend had a burger and he said it was very good as well. Prices are a bit on the higher side but you do get a lot of food and it is of high quality. The atmosphere is spacious and staff friendly.
Less

For a brewpub near UCI's college campus, you'd think they'd stay open to feed and "water" the locals past 9pm. After multiple 9:30pm disappointments finding they were closed, I've come to realize... More

For a brewpub near UCI's college campus, you'd think they'd stay open to feed and "water" the locals past 9pm. After multiple 9:30pm disappointments finding they were closed, I've come to realize differently! That being said, when they are open they have a great happy hour (love the barracude blonde brew and the nachos or burger). Pros: Happy Hour Cons: CLOSE TOO EARLY
Less

Good beer, a cheap happy hour and in walking distance to campus...perfect for UCI grad students. I spent many an afternoon in the last few years there drinking $2.50 pints. It's an older crowd, grad... More

Good beer, a cheap happy hour and in walking distance to campus...perfect for UCI grad students. I spent many an afternoon in the last few years there drinking $2.50 pints. It's an older crowd, grad students and faculty, and its not open that late, but its a great place to relax with one of their good brews. The food is decent...I believe I only ever had the appetizers and pizza (both better at Gina's, right down the street).
Less

it's like another BJs. I stopped here with a few friends by accident and was quite happy. The burgers were good, drinks were good, and so was the service. Good place to go with a few pals and... More

it's like another BJs. I stopped here with a few friends by accident and was quite happy. The burgers were good, drinks were good, and so was the service. Good place to go with a few pals and have some food and a few drinks. Pros: food, drinks, environment
Less

Steelhead, to me, is like a toned down BJ's - fun, relaxed atmosphere with Chicago-style pub food. I went there recently and got a salad, but I've had their ahi burger there and liked it a lot. I... More

Steelhead, to me, is like a toned down BJ's - fun, relaxed atmosphere with Chicago-style pub food. I went there recently and got a salad, but I've had their ahi burger there and liked it a lot. I just noticed they have a wide selection of signature cocktails as well. I like it, service wasn't bad either, and I've never seen it crowded, which is good. Pros: Food, Atmosphere, Service
Less

Specials galore usually during the week and their burgers are some of the best I have ever tasted. Big restaurant lots of things going on and close to the UCI campus are all plusses. Pros: ... More

Specials galore usually during the week and their burgers are some of the best I have ever tasted. Big restaurant lots of things going on and close to the UCI campus are all plusses. Pros: SERVICE, food is always GREAT, burgers Cons: close to UCI so the parking can be really tough
Less

I've been to Steelhead before and enjoyed it. Good burgers - good brews; however, lunch proved otherwise - the smoked salmon appetizer wasn't salmon at all (possibly halibut or albacore) and the... More

I've been to Steelhead before and enjoyed it. Good burgers - good brews; however, lunch proved otherwise - the smoked salmon appetizer wasn't salmon at all (possibly halibut or albacore) and the waitress insisted it was salmon. Dealbreaker - don't argue with the customer. Also, the beer (Raging Rhino Red) tasted like metal. I didn't say anything... until now. On the other hand, my burger was better than average. Good burger. Metallic Beer. Bad service.
Less