Hook & Anchor

Dropped by for lunch before going to the beach. Friendly staff and server. Family got the cioppino, clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, lobster roll, half doz oysters and shrimp poboy. All were good. Shrimp poboy had large shrimp vs small and worth every penny. Lobster roll and cioppino was good as well. My clam chowder was delicious, but wished they took more bread out of the center to be able to have more chowder. So little chowder for the large left over bread bowl. Overall, would recommend eating here.

An interesting place. We walked in and they told us it would be a while because there were only 2 servers for the whole restaurant. One server was also the bar tender. It was a bit of a turn off but we sat anyway. Surprisingly...there was no wait. Everything came out fast. The service worked hard... Nothing bad to report on that front. The drinks were really great. 22 dollars for for devilled eggs with a sliver of seafood. Seems like a weird appetizer to have at this place but there were lots of options. One item got messed up and they were very gracious and apologetic about it. The manager came out as well. The location was a little weird. There were a lot of car alarms going off and at least 4 homeless people went by our table. Maybe eat inside where it's swanky and nice. For the food.... I really didn't like any of it the lobster in the mac was rubbery and the noodles were watery and not many breadcrumbs... But my dad loved everything he ate. So hard to say. The plant on the patio needs some love.

The establishment looks really nice it's upscale without being intimidating but it's also intimate. The decor is tasteful and classy you'll find different rods and other fishing related items... The food was amazing we ordered the calamari steak fries as an appetizer they were thick cut nice and juicy and crispy. I ordered a bowl of clam chowder and it was really good nice rich and creamy and had plenty of clams. We also ordered the lobster roll and the fish and chips... Both were amazing and perfectly cooked and seasoned.. overall would recommend as a nice date night without being too upscale but it's also nice place to go to enjoy drinks after a day at the beach or shopping.

Amazing sea food! We ordered the Clam Chowder, Lobster Roll, Fresh Caught Halibut, Fish & Chips, and Chicken Sandwich and they were all delicious! (Especially the Clam Chowder) Lots of parking and great atmosphere! Overall a memorable experience for New Port Beach. I would definitely recommend it if you’re in the area! FYI the Lobster roll was $35 for the 4oz and $50 for the 6oz.

I decided to try Hook & Anchor after hearing it had the best lobster rolls in Orange County. While the lobster roll was good, it didn’t quite live up to the hype for me—it was enjoyable but not extraordinary. What stood out more was the atmosphere, which felt overly casual for the price point of the menu. The setting had a laid-back vibe, with guests dressed in swimwear, which didn’t quite match the expectations I had going in.

We were blown away by the atmosphere and the food. Lobster roll and Rozzotto did not disappoint in fact it blew us away. Ulises our waiter was kind, funny, and accommodating. He led us to the perfect meal.

I saw this place had supposedly one of the best lobster rolls in California so I had to check it out. There was plenty of parking when I went, but it's in a pretty busy area close to the beach so I imagine it can get crowded at times. We arrived early to our reservation, and even though the restaurant was packed inside, there was no one waiting so we were seated right away. The restaurant inside is dark, moody, and cozy while also with a bar vibe and people watching sports on TV. Server was friendly, a bit curt, but maybe also tired considering it was New Year's Eve and it was a packed house. We got the 6 oz lobster roll (saucy), lobster carbonara, and the clam chowder. The lobster roll was messy to eat as it was truly packed with lobster and since we ordered it saucy, it came with a large side of butter sauce and a side of garlic aioli. The garlic aioli had a nice kick and was delicious as a sauce to dip the french fries in (which came with the lobster roll). The best part of the lobster roll for me was somehow the bread. Think of texas toast from Raisin Cane's but five times better. I read comments from others saying they still dream of the lobster roll here - I now understand why. One of the top 5 bites of 2025. The clam chowder and lobster carbonara were unremarkable, but the SO thoroughly enjoyed the lobster carbonara for its creaminess. Fairly pricey restaurant but makes sense considering it's a seafood restaurant within a few miles from the beach.

This was a disappointment. Lauded as the best lobster roll in CA which is the reason we came. But it was far from that. The meat was all claw and not a tinge of sweetness to it that normally differentiate Maine lobsters from the rest. Our server was not attentive, forgetting to follow up on the appetizer or even to refill our water. The main meal came before it and seem offended when we were talking to the guy who brought out our food. We won’t be back. Update: Thank you for the gift card offer but I think I will refuse. I appreciate your attention to this matter though.

I don't mess around when it comes to lobster rolls. Hook & Anchor is one of the few places to get a quality lobster roll in Orange County. I love every single item on their menu.. but I'd scream from the rooftops about their lobster bisque, lobster roll, and the lobster mac and cheese. Notice a trend here? Their lobster is tender and melts in your mouth, which is what keeps me coming back for more. The inside of this eatery is on the larger side, making it the perfect spot for group dining experiences. We visited with a group of five and were instantly seated. Can't wait to return and get my claws on this dish once again.

We came here and there were only two tables occupied..They were slow. It took long till they prepared our table. The ambiance was ok. First, we decided to go to with apprizers and drinks and then go with main course. The oyser shooter that I got it wasnt regular oyster shooter that i get in other places. So i got tequila and oyster on top of the shot. I asked why its not red while i checked ingredients before ordering...It tasted very gross eventhough they had my shot back and added tomato juice. Not my fav one and even it wasnt close! The shrimp was overly frozen and it didnt looklike fresh one... the ceviche was too little and most of it was basic fish mot shrimp and the avocado portion didnt looklike real one look like prepared one...Not my fav one again. We didnt order main food and thanks to recent Yelp reviews... this is what we ordered. 1 Shrimp Cocktail .......... $18.00 1 H&A Margarita ............ $18.00 2 House Oyster Shooter .... $16.00 1 Ceviche ................. $19.00 Total .................. $76.50

had lunch on Friday with my wife and daughter. it was a delightful experience. the decor is nautical of course and well done. the service was friendly and efficient and answered a few questions about the menu very confidently. the food was super yummy. the table shared the poke tower and we ordered fish and chips and two lobsters rolls. would definitely visit again for lunch or dinner. And so should you

I was a bit hesitant because the location looked sketchy. But I'm glad I tried it because the service and food were incredible! Our server, Jay Jay, was very kind and sweet. Shared his favorites and recommendations, he was very knowledgeable and patient. Checked in a few times with us, refilling our waters. The food -- was flavorful and delicious. Loved them all but my top favorites would be the lobster mac and cheese and lobster roll. Absolutely loved it! Would definitely recommend. One of the best seafood restaurants in Costa Mesa!

Came to Hook & Anchor for lunch on a weekend, when they also had a brunch menu. It was fairly empty when we came after 12, but got more crowded once 1pm rolled around. Having been to the one in Dana Point and been impressed by their crab cakes, my husband ordered the crab cake Benedict, which came with potatoes. The crab cakes were just as good as we remembered - full of crab and little filler. Less successful was the grilled fish burrito. It had a lot of rice, which made it kind of bland. The fish was good but overwhelmed by the rice. I would have preferred less rice and maybe some beans or slaw to balance out all that rice. Wish it came with a salsa instead of the pico de gallo and spicy crema. Our server was very attentive. I would totally return, but would order something other than that burrito.

If you're looking for a loaded lobster roll, Hook and Anchors is where it's at! They're known for their "Fan Fave" Lobster Roll filled with your choice of 4oz or 6oz of fresh Maine lobster meat in a toasted brioche bun. You also have the option to get it Chef's way "saucy" which includes a Lemon Sriracha Aioli. You can also get it on the side, and it makes a great french fry dipping sauce! We also got Newport's Finest Salad which is great for seafood lovers. It has lobster, crab grilled shrimp, tomato, cucumber, and avocado. You get a choice of dressing, but I definitely recommend the cilantro dressing! Hook & Anchors also offers brunch on weekends! I really enjoyed their Crab Cake Benedict. It's two English muffins with a crab cake on each, poached, egg, hollandaise sauce, and a side of homestyle potatoes. They also have a Lobster Benedict which our server highly recommended we try next time! Service was friendly and attentive. We arrived on a Sunday at 11am, and it wasn't too crowded, but by the time we left the restaurant was pretty full. The parking lot isn't huge, so plan to arrive a little early to look for parking if you're coming during a peak meal time.

Ordered the chincoteague and kimamoto oysters; the chincoteague are salty and great with the vinegar sauce and the kimamoto have a delicious umami flavor! Ordered the clamp chowder; has a slightly creamy gravy taste and it makes it so good! Like any chowder, anywhere, it could always use more clams. Came out piping hot so it was perfect! The lobster carbonara was so tasty! Super creamy with a subtle taste of egg. Had about 4-5 small chunks of lobster claw. Thr pork cheek was chewy, which i preferred. Ordered the scallops with cauliflower potato puree and coleslaw. The scallops melted in your mouth and were cooked to a point where they was still tender. The cauliflower was pureed very smoothly. The coleslaw had a nice citrus taste. Ordered a couple alcoholic treats, and they were made beautifully. Not overly sweet and well balanced. Our waiter was super friendly and recommended wonderful dishes. The restaurant is dim and has some really neat light fixtures. Definitely gives a nautical vibe.

I stumbled upon this place after becoming curious when I saw a long line to be seated. I didn't wait too long considering the line of people. I wasn't too hungry so I ordered a clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. I had high hopes after the amazing reviews online. Sadly, I wasn't too impressed by the chowder. It was a tad sweet...very subtle, but I could taste it. It was almost like a corn chowder sweet. The portion was good though because I left very stuffed.

Went for Christmas Eve dinner and it was a beautiful dinner! Lobster Roll, Halibut, Clam Chowder, Newport Finest Salad, Oysters, Caprese Salad was all beautiful! This place was 20 out of 10! We had my two young daughters too and they had great options for kids too with very generous portions. Drinks we strong and good! We cant wait to go back!!! Kicking ourselves for not trying it sooner! It will be our regular spot!

I recently had FEH fish somewhere else, so I started fishing around town for good seafood. I didn't wanna be be a schnook with rancor. I went to H & A with an open mind and empty stomach. This is a culinary safe harbor that harbors very good food, more than fairly priced and an inviting atmosphere. It's as comfortable as a seafarer's boarding house. Parking offers plenty of slips to dock your dinghy. Go in and be greeted by a monumental Dolphin Sculpture tail walking on a wave plus a genuine warm smile from the hostess. Schools of fish adorn the walls. There is a a long bar, a raw bar, and a no holds barred menu. Black tuck and roll booths are roomy and comfy. There are ample 2 to 6 tops which offer lot's of room to over order. While it is a kind of a fast food casual concept, feel free to linger. Order and the kitchen snaps to and delivers something tasty in a blink. There is a full Bar, a Happy Hour with happy diners. The Staff: Abbey was great. Pleasant, helpful, charming and patient. She was tableside when needed and kept a watchful eye from her station just in case. If H & A was one City over she would be Westminster Abbey. Either way, she enhanced the dining experience. The Food: If H & A is fishing for a compliment I would be happy to offer one. I decided a Bar Nibble was required. Who can say no to Calamari Fritti? The menu described Panko Encrusted Calamari Steak Strips. Panko? My heart sank, oh, it was Bread Crumbs. No matter, it held it's mini crunch even though the strips weren't crack your fillings crisp. Someone in the kitchen knew how to smack the crap out of the Steaks and make them nice and tender. Did I finish everyone? Fast as I could. The House made Tartare Sauce was a plus and added to the Squid Game. Next out of the net on the deck were the Crab Cakes. These were two generous third trimester Hockey Pucks of prime fresh Crab. They were absolutely delicious and filling without any filler. I'm definitely on board to re-order these. Now, I want to return and catch the Crabs again soon. The Newport Finest Salad. It was lovely to look at. Sorta like the Mona Lisa from 20 feet a way. It was artistically composed with small rows of razor thin Radish Coins, Persian Cucumber Coins, a tangle of fresh Greens, a pile of Halved Cherry Tomatoes all topped with a fan of ripe Avocado. Hey, I'm a fan of that. Plus, there were mounds of Poached Lobster, Cooked Shredded Crab, and 3 just pink Shrimp all arranged at the compass points. Pick a dressing which comes in a cup on the side. A mini loaf of bread with Butter Pats sounded right as a pusher/sopper/mopper too. The Salad was Louie-esque. Was it the equal of the Louie at the Sea Lion (long sunk) in Malibu? No, nothing will ever be. The Creamy Cilantro Dressing was green which is about the best thing I can say about it. The Bread was just bread. I picked at it and wished I had ordered something deep fried. The Fresh Caught Pacific Halibut was singing to me. Abbey described it as "cooked medium". I had a vision of a salty beach sandal on a plate. Did the Chef tell staff to push the Halibut before it goes all furry and Creamy Cilantro Green in the fridge? I'm a culinary risk taker. "I'll try the Halibut please". "I'm sure you'll like it," said Abbey with confidence. Boy, was that the right move. The Halibut was as good as Halibut ever gets. In fact it was as good as you'll find offered anywhere. The Halibut was flakey, translucent, and treated with care, skill and the reverence this fish deserved. Halibut isn't easy to grill. Blink and it's over cooked and dry. Not here. The Crab Cakes and the Halibut are enough of a draw to draw me back soon. Hook and Anchor is a not a prank or worse. It is capable of fulfilling your every fish wish.

We tried the lobster deviled eggs and they were delicious. They were actually filling and had the right amount of creamy and tart in the egg filling. We also had the lobster bisque and clam chowder. The lobster bisque was definitely the winner. My kids don't eat seafood so they both had the crispy chicken sandwich. It was two big crispy tenders on the bun and tasted pretty good. If we had been more hungry...we would have tried more food. Service was attentive and effective from both host and waiter.

Service is great. Although they were not open yet, they still asked the chef if he was ready and willing to make my order, so they did! I love the service, very nice and attentive! I love the food, very fresh and amazing. I always get my fish and chips here, it's just the best, all the time! They have awesome indoor and outdoor seating, but I took my order to-go. Parking is easy here too. Definitely try the fish and chips, that Mahi Mahi is so good!!!!

While exploring Costa Mesa, California after some personal business, I stumbled upon Hook & Anchor on Newport Blvd--a hidden gem that exceeded all expectations. Known for its fresh oyster bar and relaxed atmosphere, the restaurant offers cozy indoor seating and shaded outdoor tables perfect for soaking up the warm California sun. To my surprise, Hook & Anchor is widely acclaimed for having the best Lobster Roll around--and the crowd confirmed it. Nearly every diner was enjoying one! They offer both 4-oz and 6-oz portions, and I went for the larger. It was hands down the best I've ever had: a mountain of hot, buttery lobster nestled in a perfectly toasted roll, served with crispy regular fries instead of the usual seasoned ones. Every bite was bursting with flavor. I also sampled the Grilled Mahi-Mahi Poorboy and the Fried Shrimp Poorboy, both of which were outstanding. The fish was grilled to perfection, and the shrimp had a golden, crunchy exterior with rich flavor in every bite. To complement the meal, I enjoyed a IPA served by Abbey, a friendly and attentive server who elevated the entire dining experience. As a final touch, the restaurant offers a complimentary dessert: buttery bread pudding topped with vanilla ice cream and fresh berries. Hook & Anchor delivers great food, reasonable prices, and an extensive beverage menu. Highly recommended--especially for the Lobster Roll!

Lobster roll was a 'fan fave' and was as promised on a fresh baked roll with butter and sauce. The cup of clam chowder was fresh and had nice pieces of clam. The Sushi however, was clearly an experiment (someone actually came to our table without being prompted and called it a "work-in-progress" and something they do "not have a handle on yet.") It was definitely NOT done by a professionally trained sushi chef. It reminded me of the little plastic boxes of seaweed wrapped rice and veggies available in the college commons cafeteria. The pieces were very small and not tasty. Even the ginger and eel sauce did little to improve it. The chopsticks were the cheapest square cut ever too lol. Also considering the entire meal was over $100+ we were expecting more. I'd take sushi off the menu if I were the owners of this place. Our server was pleasant but our table was still wet from the hostess wiping it after we waited to be seated. One would think the tables would be already freshly cleaned and set for service upon opening from the night before. We left hungry and went to get dessert elsewhere. We probably won't return.

Food service ambiance was perfect. Love it here. Mee Location is much better. We love this spot we always come back.

Quality AND quantity.. That's music to my ears. My 1st and definitely won't be my last time here. Pros: - Service was top notch. I mean I made a resy for 1PM and my parents somehow got lost on the way to the restaurant and didn't arrive until 1:30PM. From the host to the server, everyone was so attentive! - Quality was excellent. This place did not skimp out on any of the seafood. - The restaurant is not too hard to find IMO...unless you're my parents. It is located on a pretty busy street so expect traffic, but that's normal for this part of the area. Decent amount of parking with additional parking in the back of the center. - Place is a bit cramped due to close seating, but they do have large booths. Cons: - Although it's a franchise, locations are only in OC which is a bummer for me. Tip: Make a reservation in Open Table. Get the crab cake!

The host and server were both amazing. Wonderful service beginning to end. Food: 10/10 Lobster roll (6oz) $49 10/10 kids macaroni and cheese The shrimp po boy had no flavor in the dressing Clam chowder was flavorful not much clams too thick and floury texture Calamari pieces had a weird texture Fries no flavor wish they were made fresh Oysters $22 were melt in your mouth but extremely tiny Poke had a slimy texture wasn't fresh

LOVE their NEW location! Such a great restaurant to visit for my seafood cravings. On a whim, decided to stop by before getting on the 55 Freeway to head home. I can only rave about their takeout service thus far. Excellent. HostessHosts/ are always so helpful and welcoming. I don't wait too long for my to-go order despite how busy they are most nights. I get to enjoy a delicious lobster roll on my drives home.

3.8 stars for me. Food was great here, although service needs improvement. It's located in a strip mall with plenty of parking, and we had to try the famous lobster roll and clam chowder. FOOD: - Calamari fries: made to order, crispy, and hot. Paired with a tartar sauce, although a cocktail sauce would have been better, in my opinion. The serving size for this dish is very small for the price. Not worth getting again. - Oysters: they have a wide selection of oysters here, and this was delicious. It took a long wait to get this order out though. The plate was cold, and a dozen was over 40 dollars. The cocktail sauce pairing was delicious and refreshing. Highlight of the night. - Lobster Roll : filled with perfectly cooked lobster, with a rich butter sauce. Fries were perfectly seasoned and the brioche bun was everything one could ask for. It took over an hour to wait for this dish though. - Clam Chowder: super creamy, lots of clams, deep flavor. I can see why every table had an order of this. SERVICE: The waiters were attentive and took our order quickly, but I'm not sure what happened after that. We spent nearly 2 hours here, and most of that was waiting for food. By the time the lobster roll came out, we nearly already left due to the long wait time (an hour in). Everything was made to order and hot, but it wasn't even a full house - so not sure if there was an issue in the kitchen. Even the oysters, which were raw, took over 40 minutes of waiting , and that was the first thing we ordered. The waiters were kind and friendly, but the wait time negatively affected the overall experience. Although the food was tasty, I do think it was overpriced for what you get. The ambiance is more of a casual seafood spot in a strip mall, not a fine dining establishment but the prices do not reflect that.

This place is busy on weekends so reservations are recommended. The servers are friendly and they have a live band to complete the ambiance. We ordered ceviche, crusty crab, and grilled fish sandwich. Ceviche- The citrus marinated fish was fresh and it came with avocado crema. Served with crisp tortilla chips. Crusty Crab- The crab cake patty was juicy and flavorful. Served with aioli tartar sauce that was nice and tangy. It came with fresh mixed greens and tomato. Served with crispy fries. Pretty tasty! Grilled Fish Sandwich- I really appreciate how fresh the fish is here. It's nicely seasoned with aioli, mixed greens, and tomato to give an extra layer of texture of freshness.

No one would believe me that I was in and out of this restaurant within one hour! I'm not saying I felt rushed. In fact, this experience is just the opposite! The pace was so on point from the moment we were seated until the end of the meal. The server is spot on and checked on us at the perfect time each time. We were seated at one of the booths away from the bar side with a tv near us, so we were able to watch a baseball game while we eat. About the food, O.M.G! I was in my lobster mac n cheese heaven for 20 minutes. The photo only showed one of the three large pieces of lobster meat! The mac was cooked in the right texture (I like mine al dente), each little mac is covered with the right amount of cheese. Words can't describe well enough, so all I'm gonna say is go try it by yourself!! My husband ordered the lobster roll and was given a generous amount of lobster!! Special mention- the roasted veggies! Even as a side dish, they don't shy away from seasoning them! Lastly, parking- I thought I had to drive around and parked on the street. However, when we arrived, there were plenty of parking left, which was a surprise!

Love this place! Been coming here for years! Always fresh and tasty. Good service, never had any issues. A little on the pricy side but it's fresh. Try out their happy hour or lunch specials. Just wish they were closer. lol

If I could give zero stars I would. Not only did my halibut dish (which I spent $50 on) arrive cold it was RAW!!! This is the second time that I have had a horrible experience with their food. I will NEVER eat at Hook and Anchor ever again!

It is my birthday today so I got to choose the venue to meet for lunch . I picked a winner !!!! This location is tucked back on a frontage road with parking in the front. Bright red awning , so if you go look for the red awning !! We had the choice to either sit outside or inside . I looked inside , and that was it . Cute decor , very welcoming. We had a party of 6 so they accommodated us within minutes and were patient as we waited for the rest of our party to arrive. As appetizer we ordered the calamari fries (it's the only food item I didn't get a picture of) . The food (everything we ordered) was all delicious!!! I did order the Newport Finest Salad - delicious!!!! They even brought out a birthday surprise dessert and sang !! Very special afternoon !!!!

Now that I've visited twice for dinner, I'm ready to give my review. I've had the clam chowder, lobster roll, calamari steak fries, raw oysters, and cioppino. All are excellent. Seriously everything is perfectly seasoned for me. The chowder comes out piping hot. The lobster meat is in large pieces, not the tiny stingy bits (you get what you pay for because it's not cheap). The seared scallop in my cioppino was a nice touch. There was one mussel that didn't open but I'll let that go. All of the staff are great. Everyone is friendly to customers and one another. I've sat at both a booth and at the communal tables and they are comfy with similar ambiance. Big screens galore around the bar/communal tables.

Checked in at Hook & Anchor looking for a quick meal and my favorite beverage. It's Sunday afternoon and just arrived from DFW so making it a quick visit. Bartenders were friendly and efficient, ordered the calamari steaks but they were more like strips and could not tell if they were freshly made or processed. They were tasty served with cocktail sauce and tartar sauce. Ordered the fish and chips and I would say they were over cooked and fried twice, greasy and the fries were soggy. I happened upon a few kindred souls while I was at the bar and we bonded over resent events...surprised for Newport Beach. Hook & Anchor is a fast casual dining restaurant and good.

青春太過美好， 所以總令人無盡的懷念，時光依舊蒼翠，只是我們已不再年輕，雖與青春別離，但陽光依在，願時光不變，且我們仍在～ Hook & Anchor, OC 的名店，應該可以算是我吃過龍蝦堡的前三名了， yelp 上兩千多個review, 還有4.6 顆星，就知道這家餐廳不可能太差，龍蝦堡真的非常的好吃是遠近馳名，朋友點的炸魚，可能他肚子太餓了，只分給我一小口，然後在一分鐘內就狼吞虎嚥完了炸魚，行動已經勝過千言萬語，我還點了clam chowder, 也有90 分以上的水準，食物真的是很道地的海鮮，可是我去的時候對他們的服務沒有非常的滿意，想坐在Booth的位置，說位子太大，都有人訂位一直到我離開了，那些位子還是沒人坐。安排的位置冷氣實在太強， 直接吹我的頭， 最後只好移到Bar 那裏，可能生意太好，沒有那麼重視服務，但是食物真的是好吃，會給三顆星純粹是因爲服務！

My wife and I went to the Hook & Anchor for dinner as our previous times there were a pleasant experience. This time, however, the food was well below acceptable. Both entrees were much too salty and bland. We ordered the lobster deviled eggs which was a deviled egg with a piece of lobster laid on top of the egg. ( Not exactly the way Ocean 48 prepares their dish). I had rockfish in lemon caper sauce which was tasteless and not worthy of consumption. My wife ordered lobster bisque which was lukewarm and uninspiring. Our server was pleasant and attentive.

Like so many others, we were led here by social media. The viral lobster roll content was just too enticing to not try--but that's about all I would recommend from here. The calamari fries were not seasoned and because it's a thicker piece of squid (hence the "fry" shape) it was lacking the crunch that you typically see in smaller rings of calamari. The service also left something to be desired. Although our waiter did tell us at the end of the meal that they were down 1 cook because he was at their other location, that doesn't excuse the fact that I couldn't get a glass of ice water after asking twice. But the standout was definitely the lobster roll. It was packed to the brim with huge chunks of lobster that were not too buttery and perfectly cooked. The brioche roll was well toasted and served as the perfect vessel for nearly $50 of lobster. No soggy bottoms here! The restaurant is located in a strip mall off Newport Blvd. It was by far the busiest establishment of the surrounding smoke stores, jeweler, tattoo parlor, and sex shop. There is some parking right in front but it was already full during peak dinner hours. The inside felt like a cross between a sports bars (lots of flat screens) and a casual sit down restaurant. Personally, probably won't be coming back unless I'm craving lobster.

Mostly good bar food. The lobster roll was good for the price. Service was friendly. Definitely a relaxing casual vibe.

This is a unique restaurant. Based on the strip mall it resides in, you might expect the place to be very average, or even dumpy. It definitely is not average nor is it dumpy. Not at all. Service? Excellent. Seafood? Outstanding. Drinks? Really good. Decor? Very cool, actually. And for goodness sakes, make a reservation. Again, you wouldn't think you need one here but you do. It's easy. Just do it. Nearly everything we tried was very, very good. The clam chowder was perfect and not gummy at all. The calamari strips were lightly battered and fried so you weren't just eating batter, like at most places. Same for the fish and chips. The batter was very thin and the fish was delicious. But the star of the show, the lobster roll, was truly outstanding. And yes, it is very expensive. I probably have lobster rolls once every two years. They are hard to find in So Cal and if you do find one, they are generally crazy expensive everywhere. So it is a special treat and one that I will pay for once every blue moon. I think a lobster roll with 4 ounces of lobster is $33 and one with 6 ounces of lobster is $47. I failed math repeatedly so don't ask me how the numbers shake out. The lobster is fantastic. The roll is perfectly crisp and wonderful. Melted butter and some kind of sauce comes on the side. 4 ounces is sufficient. 6 ounces is decadent. I was decadent. You do you. The lobster rolls come with one side. The French fries have some kind of Cajun seasoning and they are perfectly crisp and excellent. Sadly, the one fail of the evening was the "mushroom medley" side dish. Apparently, they use four kinds of mushrooms for this dish. Sounds good so far. But they had no seasoning whatsoever and were flavorless. As a mushroom fanatic, this was a disappointment. I ended up dousing them with the lobster butter. Full bar menu, fancy shmancy drinks, strong draft beer menu, and very impressive wine list. Someone did their work here. I had at least one mai tai and it was, as our server warned, "alcohol forward." Music to my ears and it did the job. Kids are welcome and there is a kids menu. Come as you are. No need to dress up. Shorts, t-shirts, whatever, are just fine. Please stop wearing your baseball hat indoors. You lose points for heaven that way. There's free parking in the lot but it was full during our visit so we had to park on the street a healthy walk away. The wall was worth it.

This place popped up on my Instagram a long time ago, and I told myself if I ever had to come to Costa Mesa. I would give it a shot. Majority of places that sell. The lobster roll are kind of hit or miss so I was hesitant to try this spot. This lobster roll was literally everything and more. It was absolutely delicious. The little oil that comes with just gives it this depth of flavor. The fried were not soggy. The bread tasted fresh. 10/10. I'm only sad. I didn't order anything else from the menu. I wish I would've tried more stuff. Full disclosure, I did not actually eat at the restaurant because I had a long day at work, and I had my dog with me, so I just ordered a pick up. Service was fast. I was able to get my food within like 10 minutes. The server was also friendly, and immediately gave me my food. In addition, she also added ketchup to go, which I appreciated. Now the actual place was really cute inside. It was upscale. The bar area was very nice, and there were a lot of families here eating. If you have the ability to do, so, you should definitely eat here. I will also add that for a place that sells seafood. The prices were not crazy, and it's affordable.

Made a reservation, was timely seating . the service was great . The food was amazing ! Very cute light fixtures and shark statue . Tables are a little to close and the spicy tuna was missing some spice.

We came here for lunch on a Saturday. They have a patio outside and it is dog friendly! We ordered the 6oz lobster roll, lobster Mac and cheese and the grilled fish burrito. The lobster roll is poached in butter and not drenched in sauce/mayo. They give a generous amount and it taste pretty decent. The fries were absolutely amazing though! I love the seasoning. This dish is MP and we paid $48. The lobster max and cheese is good too. It's a smaller portion but it does have a decent amount of lobster. The grilled fish burrito was meh, I wouldn't recommend it. The fish was incredibly dry and half the burrito was filled with rice.

April 18, 2025. Lunch. 5 of us. Kids menu. 6 choices incl drink Worth the drive from Newport coast villas. Free parking. Delicious fresh food. Great wait staff. Beautiful more upscale decor. They did a great job with the new location. Moved April 2024. Great clam chowder. Modelo beer and corona with lime. Fish tacos . Fish burrito was huge and yummy. Kids salmon plate outstanding. Kids Mac and cheese was real cheese and best I've ever had. I tasted it. Highly recommend you come and try it !

Yum yum yum! We were craving lobster rolls so thought to try this place. We ordered 3 to go and the lobster Mac n cheese to go! They are so proud that they packed the lobster rolls deconstructed so that everything stayed fresh until we got home. Once we got home, we made our rolls, and wowwww-- tasted so amazing!! The Mac n cheese was so good and full of lobster. As for the rolls-- one of the best and sweetest lobster rolls we've had. Price is very similar to other places but the taste is by far more superior!!! We ate them so fast -didn't take pics. Good job guys!!

Went out to Costa Mesa for some fish and chips and a tall glass of Guinness which I must say was poured perfectly. My party of 5 (me included) were not disappointed, with the food and service. The sitting (booth) was comfortable and spacious. I will definitely be returning.

What an exceptional experience. Here for a quick lunch before popping over to Newport to celebrate our 26 year anniversary. Our server, Abbey, was so welcoming and sweet. She made sure we were well taken care of throughout our entire meal. The food could not be fresher. Tasty, well seasoned, and perfectly cooked. Hope to be back soon.

This is a must when visiting Dana Point! The seafood was so fresh and flavorful. Oysters fresh and delicious, the added salt water was great. Clam chowder was amazing, it's a must!!! Creamy and full of clams. Kama wings was flavorful! We also ordered the lobster roll, 10 out of 10!!! Full of lobster and cooked to perfection. The bun was crispy and held together perfectly. Service was fun a lively. We will be coming back.

The food looked really good and the location seemed inviting. So I finally made it over to H&A to find out! The wait was a bit long but it was a Saturday evening. The review: the service was very friendly and accommodating. The venue was comfortable and nice. The food was decent but not as good as I had expected. It was also a bit pricey for the amount of seafood given but the seafood provided was quality. I would give it a solid 4 out 5. I would have liked to see more lobster in the Lobster Mac & Cheese for the price. I would also have liked the same for the Lobster Roll. However, the quality was seafood was good. Overall taste was decent as well. The best tasting items were the Lobster Mac & Cheese, and the French fries that came with the Lobster roll. Check it out & see for yourself.

IMPRESSIVE. I saw the raving reviews. I've been meaning to make my way out to Costa Mesa sooner. Glad I was finally able to! Hook & Anchor exceeded my expectations! My mind was blown. I ordered two menu items that are both highly rated by yelpers: the lobster mac and cheese, and the clam chowder. Both were extraordinary in their own right. The lobster mac and cheese had huge chunks of lobster! I don't know of any lobster mac that has that! The cheese sauce was different than your average rue, but it paired perfectly with the lobster. The clam chowder was hearty and so satisfying! Both bowls were licked clean. Service was great. Lobster Mac & Cheese 10/10 Clam Chowder 10/10

First time trying hook & anchor and it definitely did not disappoint. Them Baja bois were so balanced and delicious..the Kumiai's were such a killer deal. They were fresh tasting and would've ordered another half dozen if they hadn't run out. And of Course the star of the show was the lobster roll. Bread is definitely a highlight. The lobster roll is for sure an A in my book. Shout out to Brian Coleman and my server Samantha for the excellent service and the exceptional superb hospitality. Will definitely be going back.

WOW! They do not mess around here. Love the booth seating and vibe in here- perfect for casual dining. The clam chowder was so perfect no complaints. The Lobster Roll was the best i've had in California, perfectly buttery, toasty, flavorful. everything. Quick and familial service! The hype here is deserved!!

When you first walk in, you greeted by the very nice staff. The decor side is pretty normal so I can't say much about it. However the waiters make the vibe extremely fun and so does the music. They have some TVs playing and had the UFC fights going on, so it was really fun to be in there. I got the clam chowder bread bowl and it was fantastic. It had really good flavor and it was extremely creamy. I would highly recommend it for anybody.

Been here twice now! The Mai tais are on point! So are the old fashioneds! The food-- delicious! We ordered lobster rolls, calamari strips, oysters (2 dozen) and I was as happy as a clam! The service is good- just be patient and when the get to you, they are a lovely crew. Thanks for a great bday dinner here!! See you all soon!!

I recently visited the newer and bigger location of Hook & Anchor. The food was just as good as I remembered. Our server was attentive and was helpful when we had some questions and needed help in deciding what to order. I was there during the lunchour on a weekday and it was not crowded and I was able to find parking right out front.

Wonderful first visit! The restaurant is very cozy, clean and has a relaxed but upscale vibe. Not too loud or bright. The service was excellent and I felt very well taken care of. The food was so good and it let us have a fun memory and was a great start to our holiday. The lobster roll was outstanding and the best I've had! Hands down. We also got the ceviche, cioppino, and Mac n cheese. The seafood was fresh and really well flavored, the Mac and cheese was just the right amount of cheesy comfort. The ceviche was bright, fresh and we loved the creamy avocado cream! Plus house made fresh chips. This restaurant was a wonderful experience and we can't wait to return! If you haven't tried it, you won't be let down.

Ordered a variety appetizer's and entrees. You can't go wrong with anything! The lobster bisque was so rich in flavor. I'm already dreaming about my order of fish and chips Service was the best as well. Everyone is very welcoming.

I think this is my favorite spot for lobster rolls in the Orange County area! The lobster was so juicy and flavorful. I enjoyed getting the sauces on the side to give it that extra flavor punch. The fries were also seasoned well and deliciously crunchy. We also got the clam chowder to share which was nice and creamy. I enjoyed that almost as much as the roll! And we also ate the lobster deviled eggs as we r huge eggy fans: The place was super popular on a Saturday night but we were able to be seated fairly quickly! A sweet date spot for couple and also for a couple of friends. There is a bar so it also looked like ppl had a good time on that side as well. Overall, we are def gonna come back!