Lazy Dog has already been one of my favorite places to go, ever since the first time I ended up at their Westminster location. Once they opened up in Orange I was ecstatic that they were now so close, especially since they are in the same center that we go to watch movies in. The first thing you notice when you walk up to and enter Lazy Dog Cafe is how open and airy it is, it’s a comfortable place to relax and enjoy your meal at, be it inside in the lodge like decor, or outside in their large patio that you can even have your best friend with you (dog)!
In the last week and a half we went to Lazy Dog Cafe three times. On our first visit Mrs. DanGarion ordered the Classic Cobb Salad (Half Order $8.95) which she really enjoyed, so much so that she went on to ordered it the next two visits as well. She recommends ordering it tossed and with the dressing on the side, because if you don’t it tends to be a bit drenched with way too much dressing. The salad’s ingredients are very fresh and even the half salad is more then enough for most normal human beings. I ordered the Chicken Tortilla Soup ($2.95 with meal) and Ahi Fish Tacos ($9.95). The soup is to die for and one of the best I’ve had in Orange County, the flavors of tomato, cheese, spices, and tortilla all come together to perfection. The Ahi Fish Tacos aren’t your normal fish tacos, these aren’t your Rubio’s fried fish tacos, they are grilled Ahi covered with cabbage, island salsa, and horseradish tartar sauce. They aren’t for everyone and I was hesitant to get them, but I’m happy I did, the island salsa was a great addition to the flavor of Ahi Tuna. They are as far away from Rosarita style fish tacos as you can get, but great in their own special way. Along with the tacos I was served a side of steamed rice and some blacked beans which I mixed together and enjoyed. On our next visit I ordered the Bleu Burger ($9.75) with Cajun Fries with Chipotle Ranch ($.95). The burger was a huge 1/2 pounder. It was just a little on the well side even though I has asked it to be medium, but it was still good, loved the blue cheese flavor and one can never go wrong when there is bacon involved. The Cajun fries were great as well and I enjoyed the chipotle ranch so much I had to get more. On our last visit I ordered the Grilled Cheese ($8.25) which probably has more cheese then a person should eat in one day, cheddar, gouda, jack, and parmesan sourdough toast, just one short of the Mimi’s Cafe 5-way (oh did I mention the creator of Lazy Dog was the creator of Mimi’s Cafe?).
Service was excellent on our first two visits, our last visit left something to be desired due to our waiter being on break and when he got back didn’t realize that we had already ate and were waiting for our check. Overall our service has always been good to excellent. The restaurant is always clean and they have a nice sized bar for those nights you just want a drink and be able to watch the game.
[xrr rating=4/5]
Lazy Dog Cafe
1623 W Katella Ave
Orange, CA 92867
(714) 769-7020
