Karl Strauss Brewing Company

There are a number of Karl Strauss Breweries dispersed throughout the county, but this Sorrento Mesa location stands out. Nicknamed "The Brewery Gardens," the restaurant is awash with peaceful koi ponds and lush vegetation, a romantic place to bring a date in an area where that sort of thing is scarce.

Who knew there was a such thing as gourmet pub food? But Karl Strauss has carved the niche. Instead of your average french fries, the brewery’s are served spicy Cajun or garlic parmesan style. Salads range from chopped to spinach sirloin, and the grilled portobello pizza is phenomenal. Many other dishes implement some of Strauss’s signature brews into the mix, such as the honey lager chicken with wontons and peanuts, the lemon "hef" chicken, and the pilsner-battered fish and chips. And of course, it’s mandatory to sample the taps.