Steve M.
Yelp
Prepare your taste buds for a wild ride, folks, because 25 Degrees in Huntington Beach is serving up burgers and cocktails that might make you see stars - all twenty-five of them!
Stepping into the recently revamped restaurant is like walking into the cool Californian cousin of an old-world Chicago speakeasy. The ambiance is a delicious blend of laid-back beach vibes and sophisticated city chic, with a dash of rock 'n' roll thrown in for good measure.
The decor? Think Audrey Hepburn meets Jimmy Buffet, with a hint of Elvis Presley. It's a playful mix of classy portraits, vibrant colors, and a deer head on the wall, all coming together to create an atmosphere that's as eclectic as the menu itself. This is not really a touristy place. Many of the bars on main street feel like a stereotypical beer, burger and party vibe. This place feels a little more sophisticated and relaxed.
Speaking of the menu, let's talk about the real stars of this show: the burgers. These aren't just any burgers. They're like the Rolls-Royce of the burger world - luxurious, finely crafted, and oh-so-satisfying. The Number One burger, with its caramelized onions, crescenza, prelibato gorgonzola, bacon, arugula, and thousand island, is a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds doing the tango. Did I mention the ahi tuna appetizer.
Imagine this: a generous portion of succulent Ahi Tuna served poke style, its subtle sweetness playing a tantalizing tango with your tongue. It's accompanied by delicately sliced eggplant, its earthy flavor adding a delightful depth to the dish. But the pièce de résistance? The tempura. Light as a feather yet crispy as a fall leaf, it adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tenderness of the tuna and eggplant.
If you are pescatarian there are a few items for you Such as the fish and chips or the salmon dinner. There is one vegetarian burger also.
And the cocktails? They're like liquid sunshine in a glass. Whether you opt for a classic margarita or venture out with one of their craft concoctions, you're in for a treat. I tried the Drunky Monkey cocktail. It's a playful concoction of banana-infused Jameson, walnut bitters, and banana liqueur, served in a chilled glass. It's like a tropical vacation in liquid form, with a kick that will make your taste buds sing.
The service is top-notch too, with staff that's as warm and welcoming as a California sunset. And if you're lucky, you may catch some live music that will have you tapping your toes as you tuck into your meal. On Sunday,
I found myself listening to a great piano player, singing all types of tunes. He brought his dog who would come on and off stage at his whim and created an interesting spectacle to wonder if the dog would show up for the next song on not. I suspect the dog was the manager of the artist. The musician was encouraging audience requests and added significantly to the quirky but fun environment.
In short, 25 Degrees isn't just a restaurant; it's a culinary adventure. So, if you're in Huntington Beach and your stomach is growling for a gourmet burger, make a beeline for 25 Degrees.
