Darian E.
Yelp
Double double, toil and... wait, a witch themed gastro pub? The Cauldron is a one-of-a-kind, immersive gastropub offering French-inspired fare with an unmistakable macabre theme. Délicieux? Oui. Gimmicky? Hell yes. Worth a visit? Certainly.
Our family came on a Sunday evening, and were immediately taken in by the atmosphere (see uploaded photos), including the framed photos and dark paintings, library, and magic mirrors. The ambiance is perhaps a little over the top, but makes a unique, one-and-done visit, especially for those fond of alternative, macabre art - you know who you are. While a little kitsch, I can appreciate this type of thing.
We shared the Beef Bourguignon, a classic, savory French stew ($16) which was small but rich, the seasonal Beef Sauerbraten ($16) a beef chunk and egg noodle dish which was fairly unremarkable, a delectable and rich Chicken & Brie crepe ($14) which would have been elevated with thin slices of pear, and the highlight, the Croque Monsieur Sliders ($15) with frites - small ham sandwiches with melted cheese topped with béchamel. None of the food was extraordinary, but none was bad. Proportions were small, but appropriate, perhaps generous, for the price.
Service was fast and kind despite how busy the place was, and we were seated quickly, with only a 20 minute wait despite how busy and small the location was.
Overall, the Cauldron is a unique experience worth a one-and-done for those in Buena Park. If this dark theme is for you or you want to take a date for a wicked, unique experience, look no further!
Food: 4/5
Ambiance: 5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Value: 4.5/5