Eureka serves up America’s Finest

I discovered Eureka! And Eureka! discovered American Craft! Representing America’s finest food by using “fresh ingredients, artisan recipes, craft beer, classic cocktails and rock n’ roll”. As General Manager, Jason, and Senior Training Manager, Todd, explained to me, everything Eureka serves is American made or grown. It feels really good knowing that I am supporting our own hard working farmers and business owners right here in our homeland!

(Photos by Allen Taylor Photography)

Understanding today’s diners demand quality food and great value, Eureka! strives to provide both in a gleeful atmosphere where people can eat, drink and be social with friends and family. The Irvine location that I visited is right next to University of California, Irvine at the University Town Center, so I also got that college town vibe seeing all the young college students hanging out with their buddies.

The indoor dining room is equipped with lots of large tables and community tables to accomodate large group of friends and families. The large glass doors open to an outdoor patio that is perfect for people who enjoy open air dining. I really love the rustic feel of the restaurant.
Don’t come here asking for Heineken or Corona. Only the finest, ultra-premium 100% American craft beer and hand-made whiskey by nation’s best artisans are served here. Same goes to the handcrafted cocktails which are made with all natural liqueurs and fresh fruits. There are about 40 specialty beers on tap that rotate regularly and a selection of 40-45 small batch American whiskeys – sourced from artisans in California, Iowa, Kentucky, New York, Oregon, Texas and Utah. We had an awesome server, Greg, who made great recommendations based on our preferences. I decided on Rosemary’s Ruby Red (gin / rosemary / grapefruit / citrus) and Allen got a flight of beer. We both loved our special drinks!

The menu offers a variety of Starters, Salads, Signature Dishes, Burgers and Desserts. We started off with Nacho Average Nachos (hand-pulled chicken / black beans / guacamole / tomatoes / cilantro / Monterey Jack / sliced jalapeños / chipotle sauce / sour cream).  The chicken was tender and well seasoned. I was glad it was not heavy like most that I’ve had.

The Osso Buco Riblets (sherry braised pork / firecracker aioli) was such a nice surprise in that it was actually meaty! I’ve had riblets elsewhere before and they were mostly bones, but not these. Be careful though because these are addicting! So good!

Jalapeño Egg Burger (fried egg / cheddar / bacon / spicy chipotle sauce / pickled jalapeños / signature handcut fries) definitely caught our eyes! A Juicy 100 % grass-fed beef patty topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon and fried egg. My oh my, I would be surprised if you are not drooling by now. The chipotle sauce and jalapeños gave it a nice heat, but not enough to burn your lips or tongue.

The Catalina Bison Burger (bacon-infused jalapeño jam / charbroiled tri-color peppers / red onion / smoked mozzarella / signature hand cut fries) was equally impressive, packed with tons of flavor! If you’ve never had one, you definitely should try it.  We had the burgers with hand cut fries which were really good. You can also substitute for sweet potato fries at no extra charge.

Can I just tell you how much I adored this Watermelon Salad (arugula / kale / lemon vinaigrette / homemade quinoa / watermelon / feta / toasted walnuts / balsamic glaze)? Light and refreshing, it’s perfect as a main course or as a side to share. 

Fried Chicken Sliders (fried chicken / tomato jam / house pickles / signature handcut fries). Each slider may be small in comparison to a whole burger but the flavor did not pale. The tomato jam’s slight sweetness and tartness paired with with the savory chicken made for a wonderful flavor. 

The Chocolate Espresso Soufflé Coffee Cup Cake (dark chocolate soufflé / whipped cream / vanilla bean ice cream) came highly recommended and it didn’t disappoint. Allen usually doesn’t care for coffee flavored desserts, but he enjoyed it a lot-as did I. The espresso flavor was very mild so you taste mostly chocolate. I would definitely order this when I visit again.

Eureka has ‘Happy’ Hour every day from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm and again from 9:00 pm – Close with many items on the Happy Hour menu. $2 off on all Draft Beer, Bottled Beer, Wine and Buffalo Trace & Fugu Vodka by Ballast Point. 50% off wine every Tuesday all day and $5 Bloody Mary on weekends all day.

Allen and I are looking forward to visiting again soon. Have you discovered your Eureka! favorites yet?

Eureka! Irvine
4143 Campus Dr
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 596-8881