The Beach House

I have been here a few times with family and it is always a great time. A breath taking view while you eat it is an amazing atmoshere. The food is also really good but not the best more

If seated appropriately, the ocean views and sound of the surf are still memorable, in spite of construction noise and obstacles. But what has happened to beautifully presented, excellent food? It was altogether missing on each of the four plates served for lunch to my party yesterday. What utter disappointment swept over each of our faces yesterday as we stared at large white plates with non-exceptional entrees, completely void of any kind of garnish or embellishment to enhance presentation; especially after waiting an awkward long hour for the food to arrive!! \r As a long time resident of Orange County, I have happily frequented The Beach House in Laguna for many, many years. But that only compound the tremendous disappointment experienced by my guests and myself at lunch there yesterday.\r I remember exquisitely inspired unique dishes served with the kind of presentation you would expect from a one-of-a-kind restaurant: small edible flowers, lush herbs, plates with colorful, swirled sauces to show off the chefs wonderful, signature creations. All of this served within a reasonable time frame of about 20 minutes by servers that didn't evaporate after taking your order. We did our best to be polite, but to pay so much for so little is as aggravating as eating sand with one's meal.\r I can't imagine what has happened to make a once renowned beachfront restaurant so passe. And since I see some favorable reviews alongside the negative, a hit-and-miss reputation is still one not worth owning. My prior experience there with guests also had a long wait, but the food was still a sensation and capable of overcoming the long wait. That is no longer true. Sadly to say, this former regular patron will not be returning to the once glorious Laguna ""Beach House"" Restaurant. Pros: The Ocean View & Surf Sounds; although not exclusive here Cons: This Restaurant Has Fallen Far From Its Former Glory more

My wife made a reservation at the Beach House in Laguna for dinner for 2 on my birthday a week and a half before hand. She called the day before the dinner to confirm the reservation, everything was fine. But when we showed up they did not have are name on the list and were looking at us like we were crazy. Pros: you can hear the waves crashing on the beach Cons: you can't hear the person next to you because everyone is packed into the same room more

On our most recent visit to this restaurant on July 8th, 2008, we arrived early enough to order from the early bird Sunset Dinner menu. The prices for the items on this menu are approximately half of their counterparts on the regular menu --- I definitely recommend giving the selections on this menu a try as all represented very good values for the high quality preparation that this restaurant offers. Our four selections this evening from this menu were the Sand Dabs, Lobster Tail, Fillet Mignon, and Chicken Marsala --- all were fresh, hot and flavorful.\r \r We sat on the far corner of the outermost desk, just above the beach & surf only 15 feet below -- the view was excellent, although some of us had to wear visors because there is no shelter from the sun in this section of the restaurant.\r \r We particularly enjoyed the service that was provided. All of the restaurant employees that we encountered, from the hostess to the waitress were very friendly. Our waitress was named Mary and we think that her bubbly personality made the dinner even more enjoyable that evening. She happily went that extra mile to assist us with some special needs related to the elderly members of our party. She was also very helpful in explaining menu items and making sure that they were prepared just the way we asked for them to be prepared. She helped us save a few dollars by recommending the ordering of a 'split' bottle of Spanish sparkling wine for only $7 instead of ordering two glasses of white wine for much more.\r \r In sum, we will return to this restaurant the next time we visit Laguna Beach for the value, food quality, the noteworthy view and the exemplary service. I'm rating it as 'highly recommended' for folks visiting Laguna Beach. Pros: The view, friendly service, great outdoor dining place during summer. Cons: Outer deck has no awning or shelter, so dress appropriately. more

My husband Jerry and I were given a gift card for Beach House by friends who used to live in Laguna and loved the restaurant but we went with some trepidation because of the mixed reviews about food and service. Apparently the restaurant has cleaned up its act, gotten rid of the ""smell"" a couple of people mentioned and hired more and more professional servers.\r \r Our experience was so pleasant it felt like our anniversary. It was Thursday between 5:30 and 7:00 when early birds get the cheaper worms. Our waitress, Jewel, couldn't have been more attentive or more personable, even though she was quite busy. She even took pictures for us. There seemed to be plenty of competent and cheerful servers and busboys around.\r \r My poached pear and goat cheese salad (on spring greens with a plethora of nuts and dried cranberries) was superb--and filling. My husband pronounced his clam chowder ""very good"" and my spoonful of it tasted buttery. He had no complaints about his prime rib (a few ounces smaller than the more expensive one served later in the evening). It was chewy but flavorful, cooked to Jerry's specifications, with no gristle. My salmon was as good as any I've had and so was the sweet sauce. (I've forgotten what it was called.) The veggies were cooked well. The potatoes au gratin we both ordered tasted great, plenty of cheese, but parts of my potatoes were dark gray, for some reason. Good iced tea.\r \r We were so full (and we'd reached the $50 limit on the gift card) we didn't try the desserts but the chocolate lava cake looked yummy.\r \r We were sitting on the deck at an intimate table for two--perfect weather--and got wonderful pictures of the sun setting into gray clouds. We both would definitely go again. \r \r And the bathrooms were clean.\r \r So there. more

A friend recommended The Beach House for it's reasonable prices, great food, and beautiful view. Our party of four was crammed in the middle of the outdoor patio. We ordered our food at 12:45pm; some sandwiches along with salads and the shrimp bisque as starters. The starters arrived within ten minutes. The house salad was rather paltry for the price, the bisque rich and creamy. Since we were dining with old friends and enjoying the chance to catch up, none of us initially noticed the time passing until our beverages were dry. Our waiter was no where to be found and when he finally came to refill our drinks, I quizzically asked, ""Where's our food?"" He looked equally puzzled and upon inquiring, explained that a large party upstairs pre-occupied the kitchen and that our meals were beginning to be prepared. The time is now 2:00pm - over ONE HOUR had elapsed since we ordered. The hurriedly prepared food arrived around 2:15pm; a Grilled Chicken Sandwich (ciabatta bread, hardly roasted red pepper, lettuce, etc), Buffalo Burger (too unremarkable for the price), and the Lobster Club (appeared too rich, but my friends seemed satisfied). A waitress commented that they have ""a small kitchen."" I immediately requested to speak to the manager. The manager did not introduce herself, but rather asked, ""What seems to be the problem?"" I expressed disappointment about the exceptionally long wait and unacceptable excuse given by the waitress. The manager claimed that our wait was 40 minutes (not according to our watches!) and that our bill would be credited 50%. I asked her to cover our valet expense to which she refused. The apologetic waiter gave us a complimentary slice of chocolate, but that dessert was mistakenly charged to us! After getting our final bill rectified, we left exasperated and very irritated. The view excuses good-not-great food, but the POOR SERVICE was inexcusable!! Dine here if you have low-to-no standards with regard to restaurant service. Pros: Ocean view Cons: Slow, Poor, Rude Service more

My husband and I love to go to ""Slim's"" old beach house for late breakfasts during the week. We park up the road for free and enjoy the beach air and views. We prefer the outdoor seating, even though the seagulls once wrestled me for a slice of my whole wheat toast! (I won!) \r The menu is wonderful, the little things are excellent, which also are the big things, which means that any person dining at the Beach House will enjoy a superb experience centered around food and the magical beach essence of life.\r I highly recommend the omelet, and if you ask nicely, the chef will toss in fresh red and green peppers with fresh onion slices. The coffee is hot and wonderful, with the serving staff being most attentive. I rarely saw the bottom of my white china coffee cup while I was eating out there.\r The Beach House has an upstairs bathroom for the ladies as well as one being downstairs, but watch out for the creaky staircase and the mirrors up top! I think I almost ran into the ghost of old Slim last time I was there......but he is a gracious host and floated off with a smile on his face, as if he was tickled pink to have us there as his summer house guests.\r I recommend this house to everyone - it's a bit pricey but worth every penny! Pros: Beautiful, homey type of atmosphere. Like being at a friend's home. more

What a perfect beach restaurant, located on the water in Laguna Beach! The people working there and our meals were wonderful. Our party of 4 enjoyed a 5 star experience. The waiter was friendly and attentive to our needs, and our dishes tasted as great as they looked. I can't believe we haven't been here before. We'll be back! Try it for yourself.. more

My Mom, sisters, my daughter and I (7 of us) ate at the Beach House in September 07. The food was fabulous and the waiter was just wonderful. We never had to ask for extra beverages, he was just there when needed. None of us are from the area, we were vacationing and this helped to make our experience wonderful. The view was also gorgeous. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone. Pros: The food, view, atmosphere and service were excellent more

My wife and I have been to the Beach House 4 times now....only because we had our first date there many years ago and we keep hoping the service / food will improve. It hasn't, in fact it's gotten worse. This time I made a reservation for 7pm, asked for an ocean table. Got there, was told they had one for us, walked us upstairs - no available tables. Were asked to wait for a minute. After 10 minutes of standing, waiting upstairs, we went downstairs and were told there was a miscommunication. Said we'd wait in the bar. 15 minutes later, went to check on our table - ""Hi, Welcome to the Beach House"" - totally forgoten by the same person! Tried to seat us at a table for 6 next to the entrance inside - asked for an available outdoor table - was told they were holding that for another couple that have been waiting for it. You can imagine my response. Got the table, but the service the rest of the night was lackluster at best. Food is not bad, but not memorable either. Great location and view and valet is a plus considering that it's hard to park in Laguna, but that also makes it very touristy. Pros: View, Valet Parking Cons: Service and almost everything else more

Have been visiting the Beach House at Laguna for several years now, but each year things seem to decline a bit. View over the beach is fantastic, but the service and clenliness has become poor. Pigeons in the balcony dining area are a bit iritating... but this year we sat down to not one, but three incredibly dirty, never washed forks on the table! We left in minutes. Not sure if we will return.\r This now is an ""eat at your own risk"" establishment in my opinion. From a view standpoint, its one of the best in Laguna.. too bad the management doesn't try a little harder. Pros: View Cons: price, clenliness more

The person who wrote that the food is just okay is nuts. I have been going here for years upon years and have always enjoyed every meal I have had. I went on the 4th and sat at a beautiful table on the patio overlooking the water. Our waiter was someone we had had before (looks like Val Kilmer) and he is always very personable and attentive. That evening I ate the pistachio-crusted halibut, blue cheese/apple salad, steamed shellfish appetizer, my friend had the lobster, and we both had mango mojitos. Everything was soooo tasty and delicious. I have been here for brunch many times and I love their eggs benedict and brie and avocado omlette. Definitely make it a point to experience this restaurant... it is one of the best meals in the OC. Pros: Everything! Cons: I guess it is somewhat expensive, but for a cheaper meal go early and have a sunset special. more

The best evening I've had in a long time! The food was awesome for us--maybe the other reviewers need to try again. Great lobster, a nice bottle of wine and amazing view. A perfect date! Pros: Everything was great! more

Maybe I'm too easy to please but the view is worth it. I've been going to the Beach House for years and while the food is never out of this world terrific, it's never been poor enough for me to consider not coming back. Breakfast is also ""just okay"" but sitting on their patio on a Sunday morning with a mimosa is a really enjoyable way to start your day. Pros: Go for breakfast on a clear weekend morning! A beautiful way to start your day. Cons: Food is just average. more

Our Valentine's dinner was very disappointing. The view did not make up for the poor service and the horrible food. The only thing in the menu that I sampled that I enjoyed were the crab cakes, but perhaps they stood out because the other food was subpar in comparison. The lobster bisque had a general fishy taste but didn't have a hint of lobster. The prime rib was tough and chewy I could have had a better steak at Sizzler. The Lobster which was advertised as Australian seemed to have come from the freezer section of Ralphs, and it was overcooked to boot. After the very disappointing 1st and second course we opted to skip dessert. Especially since the busboys very conveniently rushing to take down the tables. Don't go there, you'll be disappointed. Only good thing I can say is that the corkage fee is only 12.50. Pros: view, corkage fee Cons: bad food, bad service, over priced more

Six of us ate dinner there recently, crammed into a tight wing of space on the left side of the restaurant. Had a fine view of the water, but things went downhill from there. We were eating early in order to see the art performance that evening, but there was no lobster bisque by 6:30! Margaritas were really not good, and yet they were pricey. Then I had a chicken marsala easily big enough for two people but it was rubber chicken in a heavy brown sauce rather than a lighter buttery-lemon combination. Others at the table were not entirely pleased, either. Pros: on the water Cons: food, drinks more

Now I can't complain too much, my wife likes this place. Its got a great view and sits right on the water. Of course if you want good food you can go to Claes Seafood in downtown Laguna and its twice as much money (at least) with at least as good of a view and remarkable service. Its worth the difference believe me. Of course you do get what you pay for. Here, you are paying for the view. Pros: Incredible view., Valet Parking Cons: food, service, food more

The beach house sits right on the water over looking the ocean in Laguna. They offer a great earlybird dinner from 5:00-6:00 of seafood and steak at about half the price of the regular menu. If your looking for a romantic place right on the water this is one to consider. Pros: early specials, atmosphere Cons: crowded more