Sometimes a new restaurant opens in town, generates quite the buzz, but ultimately requires just a bit of time to refine.
With a promising concept, super cool vibe, and an altogether scrumptious menu, the Iron Press is one of those hip happenin’ OC joints (from the creators of California Shabu-Shabu) where waffles are their claim-to-fame (think Bruxie’s) and everyone here knows your name.
The Iron Press
3321 Hyland Avenue Ste. E | Costa Mesa, CA 92626 | (714) 426-8088
The Vibe
Very “Cheers” meets “Downtown art gallery” in a super-posh SoCo setting. Located in the mecca of upscale home shopping centers, it’s only a matter of time before the hipsters flock to the Iron Press to get their fill of fizzy libations and gourmet “pressed” sandwiches. But readers be warned: This post is in NO WAY a glowing recommendation. The bland batter gets soggy after a minute-sitting, they charge $1 for ketchup (really?!), and only their tater tots could save this entire meal from total travesty.
Still New
I normally wouldn’t even venture the post, but I see GREAT potential in their product. Plus, I admit I didn’t hitch a ride on their Shabu bandwagon for years, having only succumbed in the past few months and now like the rest of OC, I’m friggin’ HOOKED. I give them a good 2 months to get their waffles worked out, but in the meantime…you be the judge.
Know Before You Go
This local joint is DEFINITELY not good for groups. More of a “meet your buddy at the bar to watch sports and drink beer” kinda place. But if you insist on group dining (like we did for a party of 20+, yes I’m your guinea pig :D) make sure to book the ENTIRE outdoor patio area for the occasion. There’s literally NO ROOM inside (except for one tight corner table) plus outdoor dining at SoCo during summer is seriously the way to go!
16 Comments
It seems promising, but charging for ketchup?? Something is not right with that!
the-creationofbeauty.blogspot.com
oh em gee… waffles as buns? that's genius!
♥ laura
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Wow, gorgeous photos! I like the vibe of this place, but I'm not sold on the idea (full disclaimer, I'm not a waffle fanatic). I would totally try it though!
It sort of reminds me of the Grilled Cheese Grill in Portland where they have two grilled cheese sandwiches working as the bun on a burger. It's really, really good but not something one should eat often!
Hmm…soggy so soon and charging for sauce? Well they do look amazingly yummy, wish the waffles looked more fluffy and cripsy, they almost seem like biscuits! 🙂
Oh God! I usually don't like hip places but i'm such a waffle addict (i'm Belgian for a reason!).
These looks amazing
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Love waffles. Food looks fantastic.
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yum! yum! yum!
That first picture looks delicious, and I don't usually like to have salad on that type of thing.
My goodness, I haven't had tater tots since like high school. Everything looks delicious!
Unless you start sending some of this to me, you have to stop tempting me. Okay, cool? Cool.
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wow, looks really good, great pictures!
bisous,
mia
HEYLILAHEY
Delicious food! 🙂 I love this kind of photography, very warm and colourful. Inspirationful!
Love,
Janneke from Jantasie.com
I like so much this blog..awesome pics!
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The food & the ambiance of the restaurant is looks amazing!
enjoyed reading yours and followed you 🙂
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