first that comes to mind is the Anthill Pub on UCI's campus near the student center. I work down the street and often stop by for a liquid lunch. The first time I made a visit I was pleasantly surprised by the selection. You wont find Coors or Bud in this place. A heavy selection of ever rotating micro and craft brews, including Pliny the Elder. Last I was there a 10oz glass of Elder was $4.50. Also, they are known to get Pliny the Younger and will not advertise it. By request only. Great, low cost diner food as well.
Cash only.
I know where I'm heading for lunch today.
Alcatraz Brewing Company at the Block in Orange is a decent Brewpub. Rob the brewmaster is a bit standoffish, but he's really starting to figure out some good recipes...
Check out The Bruery in Placentia. Outstanding Belgian style brews, great people who work there, and they usually have food trucks outside that serve some great food. Every Sunday the Lime Truck makes an appearance, and I'd have to say that their food is better than most restaurants.
Right now The Bruery has an outstanding porter on tap that will become a regular release for their retail store in Orange.
I will have to second The Bruery in Placentia. Excellent place for some great beer and some extravagent food from a food truck called The Lime Truck. You will love it. Very friendly place.
Bootleggers in Fullerton is also very good, they are new so the tasting times are a bit limited
The Bruery makes solid beer for an O.C. brewery. They're open until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays, have a beer sampler deal that lets you keep the glass, and normally has a gourmet food truck outside until closing (on those 2 days only).
For a price, they supply all the stuff and you can brew your favorite beer in the store. They supply everything from grain to bottles. I buy my home brew grains and such their also.
While cooking you can try one of their (normally) 4 beers made on site. Dennis has a new flavor every week. He makes bread, sandwiches, pretzels, and pizza for your dining pleasure.
IMHO Beachwood BBQ in Seal Beach is hands down the best beer bar in OC. The new Bruery provisions store is Orange is also great when you can't get to the Bruery on the weekend.
Someone mentioned Alcatraz - I agree that it's become better in recent months. Tustin Brewery is also doing much better than before.
I wish we had the level of brew culture here that you guys have. Very few brewpubs here and the ones we do have are part of chains that have there signiture beers brewed for them.
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