Greer's OC

From the same folks who own the popular Tortilla Republic restaurants in West Hollywood and Kauai, as well as Taste restaurants in West Hollywood and Pacific Palisades, comes Tortilla Republic Laguna Beach. Scheduled to open in June, Tortilla Republic will take over the Asada Laguna spot on South Coast Highway.

Co-owner Morten Kaag says the location is the perfect mix of blend the first two Tortilla Republic restaurants, “with the beachy, vacation vibe in Hawaii and the lively atmosphere in West Hollywood.”

Tortilla Republic’s contemporary Mexican recipes feature farm-fresh ingredients and organic products when available, free of lard and processed additives. The menu offerings—a mixture of small plates and larger entrees—will include original items exclusive to the new Laguna Beach location, as well as many of Chef Cathy Shyne’s signature dishes, including spicy and tropical vegan Hibiscus Flower Enchiladas made with hibiscus flowers, roasted tomato chipotle sauce, jicama, carrots, and onion. 

Other menu highlights include Tacos de Jicama, featuring thinly sliced jicama “tortillas,” shrimp, chipotle mayo, cilantro, red onion, and avocado; Ancho-Seared Salmon with roasted poblano, onions, herb infused rice, cilantro citrus sauce, and habanero carrot sauce; and the Short Rib “chile verde,” a modern take on a Mexican classic. Menu pricing ranges from $5-13 for appetizers and salads, and $15-28 for entrées.

Tortilla Republic Laguna Beach will offer handcrafted margaritas, cocktails, and tequila flights, all using 100% blue agave, and more than 100 agave tequilas to choose from.

The “Margarita Bar,” will highlight organic agave nectar and house made “lime sweet,” as well as inventive twists on Mexican cocktails, including the Beetarita with El Jimador Reposado, Fresh Red Beet Purée, Ginger Purée, Fresh Agave Lime Sweet; and the Jalapeño Margarita with Dos Armadillos Reposado, Fresh Agave Lime Sweet, Stirrings Triple Sec, Fresh Jalapeño; as well as classic margaritas.

It will be open for dinner Sunday-Thursday 5 to 10 p.m., and Friday-Saturday 5 to 11 p.m. Lunch and brunch will be available soon.  

Tortilla Republic Laguna Beach is at 480 S. Coast Highway, in Laguna Beach. 949.393.4888.