Bacchus Bar & Bistro…So Much More Than a Tasting Room

Tucked away in a corner in a massive shopping plaza in Irvine you’ll find Bacchus Bar & Bistro. It used to be just a tasting room, but now its opened its kitchen and its doors to hungry diners and wine aficionados alike.

I would have missed it entirely if it wasn’t what I ventured down to South Orange County for, but I’m glad I did because it was worth it. It’s inviting and unpretentious, which are not two words you would expect to hear in a wine-related capacity. Those accolades spill over into the food too. That’s not to say their menu is boring or expected, on the contrary it has some adventurous eats for the gastronomically gutsy (try the Glazed Pork Belly Tacos or the Lobster and Spanish Chorizo Fondue) and it also offers some more traditional bistro fare, such as the Cured Meats Flatbread and the Veal and Fontina Meatballs.

Do yourself a favor and try the recommended wine pairings with whatever you order. I did it with the meatballs and the Butterscotch Pot de Creme (pictured above) and it really does make a difference. I never used to buy into the whole ‘wine and food pairing’ schtick at restaurants because I thought it was a way for them to squeeze more money out of you, but I’m a total believer now.

Quick Tip: Check out their calendar ahead of time because they frequently have live music and wine tastings. Who doesn’t want a delicious meal and a show (and more wine)?

Bacchus Bar & Bistro, 6735 Quail Hill Parkway, Irvine, CA 92603, 949.502.4600

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