Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

Came in on a Saturday afternoon, decided to sit outside because it was such a nice day.
SERVICE: Our first waiter took FOREVER to even acknowledge us. However, our second waiter went above and beyond. He was very attentive, especially with the lunch rush.
FOOD: we got the Mac n cheese & calamari appetizer and a free flatbread for checking in (even though our first waiter had no clue what I was talking about. Umm. It’s on your Unilocal).
–Mac n cheese: nothing special
–calamari: came with white rice (weird?) but was more savory than crispy calamari like we expected. Nope! Pass.
–flatbread: tasted better jus Cus it was free haha, came with marinara sauce
–chicken parm: tasty, but generic
–garlic noodle: chicken was dry, broccoli was too hard, and the noodle didn’t taste like anything
I’ve always wanted to try this place but overall my thoughts are that its overhyped and underwhelming.

I visited Lazy Dog last night for the first time and I was extrememly happy with the meal. It was a Monday night and only a few people dining. Our waitress was extremely nice and cheery. Having just moved from San Francisco you don’t come across to many waitresses that seem genuinely happy to be waiting on you (not that they are unfriendly, but you can tell they are just there to do their job).
I ordered a Pom Margarita and the Margarita Pizza with Arugala looked interesting so I thought I’d give it a try. While waiting the manager came over and brought a Grilled Garlic Flatbread comped as it was my bf’s and mine first visit to Lazy Dog. Flatbread was amazing!
The margarita, delicious as expected. When the pizza arrived it had about 2 cups of fresh arugala on top of it! It was like a bonus salad! I ended up eating a good portion of the arugala before tackling the pizza itself. I’ve honestly never had a restaurant pizza that delicious! My bf tried the Pretzel Covered Pork Schnitzel (which they are about to take of the menu). I am not a pork person, no matter how it’s prepared it just doesn’t have any taste for me, with the exception of Lazy Dog’s Pork Schnitzel. I actually liked it and would consider getting it for myself when it is put back on the menu.
With the dinner items that good I can’t wait to try out their brunch menu.
I also ended up getting the white chocolate chip brownie for dessert. When it arrived at the table, it was huge! At least a 4 inches wide and the dessert did not dissapoint! Usually brownie desserts are so so, but it’s a brownie so it’s still pretty good, right? This one was big enough to share by at least 3 people, warm, covered in fudge I think, and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. AMAZING!
If every meal is this great, LD will be my new favorite.

Down a whole star due to the following:
Went there with a group of people to celebrate a birthday one evening.
At some point, I walked into the men’s room only to find:
— NO toilet paper (no reserve — no obvious stash available)
— NO soap at the sink — EMPTY.
Walked outside and over to this booth/​kiosk where a couple of employees were standing, and asked to see a manager.
Asked if there was a separate restroom for the employees — or if they used the same ones as the public.
He said their employees used the same restrooms as the public.
Asked him to follow me into the men’s room.
Pointed out there was NO toilet paper to be found (he didn’t seem to like that), and again, asked:
«If employees DO use this facility — how are they suppose to wash their HANDS (as required by law), if there is NO SOAP to do so? …and these people are scattered about in your kitchen potentially handling food, equipment, including the PLATES that go out to the public?»
He suddenly was very sorry to have been the one tasked with management duties that night, and said he’d get right on it.
Apparently, the plight of Chipotle has NOT been heard or realized by the management of other restaurants. Not sure if stupidity, or apathy… but not a good sign.

I had my birthday brunch here. Even though it does have a dog theme with pet-​friendly patio, the interior is very upscale and cute and is great for a get-​together with friends. Standard american/​fusion fare is served here. I ordered the baja shrimp tacos off the lunch special menu which was around $ 8 – 9 and it was very yummy. Who can say no to seasoned shrimp tacos with zesty sauce? Definitely worth having. Service is good and food is served promptly. I really have no complaints!
Since it was my birthday, I got a complimentary vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce and sprinkles which was super good! Overall, a good restaurant to visit!

I’ve dined here for Happy Hour & Lunch only. It’s always busy when I come (which is a great thing for the restaurant!) but wait time hasn’t been insanely bad. At most I’ve waited was ½ an hour. Whew!
: VENUE /​SERVICE :
Located fairly close to the 5 freeway in The Marketplace right between TAPS & BJs Restaurant. The establishment is fairly huge with high ceilings & open view to the kitchen. The décor & ambiance gives off a warm/​comfy feeling to dine at. There are a variety of seating — booths, tables, bar, out-​door patio.
I’ve taken my friends, family, & co-​workers to dine here. All of them enjoyed their visit & food here. Love the concept that dogs are allowed to dine at this venue — only in the outside patio area tho (a little small in space if there were a lot of dogs there) & that they have their own menu!
Services has been up to par for all my visits for the hosts & servers have been friendly. The food generally comes out in a timely manner. BUT when they do get super duper busy they aren’t as attentive — sometimes they’ll forget our minor requests, or fill our water/​beverage cups, and a lag in getting our bill. Hence I tend to try & avoid coming at major rush hour times.
: FOOD :
Extensive menu options! Plenty for everyone to enjoy something.
* Camp Fire Pot Roast [5/​5]
Chimichurri Mahi Mahi [4/​5]
* Grilled Garlic Flat bread & Marinara [5/​5]
Hawaiian Sticky Ribs, Umami Fries, Asian Slaw [3/​5]
Loaded Hush Puppies [4/​5]
Spinach & Cheese

I was a lazy dawg yesterday so when my gf told me about this place I thought it was quite fitting.
Location/​Parking: Located in the Tustin Market Place shopping plaza. Plenty parking for everyone! If you want to walk around a bit, you can park far and explore all the shops
Ambiance/​Décor: Lighting in the restaurant was very dim with modern furnishings. There was also a small candle on our table to set the mood. You sure make the eating experience very lazy… Lazy Dog! :)
Service: Loved the service. Our server, Gabriel, was a breath of fresh air. We fed off his energy and totally felt rejuvenated. Give this guy a medal. Provided fast, attentive, and very friendly service. Seemed like he loved his job very much! I salute you sir!
Food: We shared three items:
For starters: If you are a hummus fan like me… You should try their hummus trio (regular humus, walnut-​pesto, and sundried tomato), which comes with their lovely, and yummy garlic flatbread, slices of tomatoes, and cucumbers. Make sure you load up on their flatbread because it’s refillable!
Small Plate: Hatch Chile + Bacon Mac N Cheese. Lost in translation with this one. The name of this dish should highlight the bacon Mac N Cheese. When I took my first bite, the hatch chili overpowered the bacon Mac N Cheese, but it was still a great eating experience.
Favorites: Campfire Pot Roast (Tell the waiter or waitress to split this plate) which is served with mashed potatoes, sautéed baby spinach & lazy dog gravy. I really loved it. The pot roast was well seasoned, but some parts of the roast was dry, but the majority was tender. For me, the mashpotatoes, sauteed baby spinach, and their signature gravy gave this plate the «IT» Factor!
Definely re-​visiting when I’m in the mood for their campfire pot roast.