DINE AROUND DOWNTOWN BREA!

Review by Sheryll Alexander

We love anything resembling what Europeans call an “urban pedestrian center” in OC, which can be a rather dull suburban waste land when you drive past mini malls and freeways all day long. So, we were excited about walking and dining around Downtown Brea.

We recently made a day trip to Downtown Brea into a girlfriend getaway with gal pals gathering in this North Orange County town from Costa Mesa, Norwalk and Brea itself. Plus, we brought the kid to see if Downtown Brea was truly a friendly place for wee folk.

To make it even more decadent, we visited three excellent restaurants within the space of three hours. (Can you say cocktails?).

What about our rambunctious child? She was made happy by getting head-to-toe wet in what looks like a colorful public art piece, but is really a “fun waterfall experience,” so she says. (Remember, to bring dry clothes for changing!)

What is Downtown Brea?

Speaking of waste lands, Downtown Brea used to be such a place. In the early 1990s, we lived in Brea. Driving down Brea Boulevard in those times was like watching what was once a bustling Main Street artery deteriorate slowly before your very eyes.

However, the people of Brea had a bright idea when they bypassed more growth at the nearby Brea Mall and threw some city dollars at a contemporary and innovative downtown district. Yes, this “new” Downtown Brea would include top notch restaurants, cool shopping (even for groceries!), entertainment from afternoon to evening and even some loft living. Sounds very European, right?

Breans (as locals call themselves) really did it. Way back in 1999, they proudly built today’s very urban Downtown Brea. And, even through the 2008 banking crash and years of slow economic recovery, this pedestrian-friendly dining, shopping, entertainment and living destination has lured huge crowds.

Dining Around Downtown Brea

As part of the dowtown’s original plan, TAPS Fish House & Brewery was thoughtfully located at the corner of Brea Boulevard and Imperial Highway. Like a shining beacon in what was once a cultural and dining desert, TAPS brings some of OC’s best microbrews along with comforting New Orleans-inspired cuisine to Downtown Brea.

The Manzella family, who owns two TAPS locations (Brea and Corona) as well as The Catch in Anaheim, bought the property to build their dream restaurant, brewery and oyster bar.

The interior of TAPS brings loads of much-needed design charm to the area’s restaurants. We enjoy the lively and casual vibe in the New Orleans-inspired bar area with its vaulted ceilings, dark wood plank floors, heavy wood furniture, long sharing tables, cozy booths and long wooden bar.

We started with the delectable calamari fritti and The World’s Best Bloody Mary. Is this drink really a contender for world’s best? Yes! The freshly-squeezed tomato juice mixture is spiced just right and topped with a succulent jumbo shrimp skewer.

We also enjoyed the tiny scallop-filled seafood ceviche cocktail, the crispy Cajun chicken egg rolls, the succulent Maine lobster dumplings and the absolutely delicious butternut squash raviolis.

Next, the girls walked down Brea Boulevard and crossed the street to Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen. Recently renamed, Cha Cha’s is focusing more on the drinks, the cuisine and the music rather than tacos and tequilas.

Did you know Cha Cha’s Chef Peter Serantoni is a nationally-known mixologist? Yep, he travels the country competing in cocktail-making contests. That’s why his drinks at Cha Cha’s are top notch. We love the mango habanero margarita most of all. This refreshing cocktail is both spicy and refreshing and goes well with the perfectly fried tortilla chips and two kinds of salsa.

Or, start with the queso fundido. This gooey appetizer is baked in a “cazuela” with three different cheeses, roasted potatoes and poblano peppers. We also enjoyed the Cha Cha’s fries, crispy calamari, fresh Manila clams and grilled hearts of Romaine salad.

Also, don’t miss Sunday brunch at Cha Cha’s and the new late night music and happy hour menu (see below).

Bruxie is a recent newcomber to Downtown Brea, but it is quite possibly the best place to come for both the casual vibe and the decadent food at reasonable prices. We fell in love with ALL the waffle concoctions at Bruxie, but especially the “Bruxie burger,” which includes Angus beef, cheddar cheese, tomato slices, pickles, mayonnaise and lettuce.

The “sweet” waffle creations are an utter indulgence. We love the lemon cream and berries and the season strawberry crème brulee. And don’t miss the made-in-house sodas such as vanilla cream, seasonal strawberry and root beer. The soft-serve frozen custard at Bruxie is also a delectable cold treat.

Get Entertained in Brea

What else can you do in Downtown Brea? Catch a blockbuster film at not one, but two different movie theaters. The Brea Improv is the place in North Orange County to catch a comedy show. There’s also lots of shopping at a variety of boutiques as well as Cost Plus Market and a huge Ralph’s grocery store.

Cha Cha’s Expands Late Night Music and Half Price Menus

Cha Cha’s is now the place in Downtown Brea to enjoy late night music. A three-piece Latin band plays energetic tunes starting at 7 p.m. on Thursdays and 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings. Plus, you can save a few dollars too. Cha Cha’s now has a late night menu and drink specials on Thursdays until 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday evenings from 10 p.m. to midnight.

Ready for some Downtown Brea action from morning to late night? Go have fun in Brea, OC!

Sheryll Alexander runs a news media agency based in Costa Mesa, California.