A modern local is a new concept that is in a sense, the evolution of a gastropub. A culinary-centric, Public House that celebrates it's "local." Whether it's the seasonal, local, farm-to-table sourcing of our ingredients, the history of the local area, or the local resident that feels their sense of ownership here; Chapter One: the modern local is a product of its ideals and creative style as well as its community and local history. We are humble servants to our guests. Our commitment is to treat every guest like family and ensure that you feel the heart of the pub every time you walk in the door. No pretension, just good food and drink and great company.
"My associate and I went for lunch and it was great! Very hip place with very nice staff, great food and friendly management. They made you feel at home and even put up my friend and all of his "out-of-the-ordinary" requests during our meal."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"The food is excellent with exception of the donuts. I have tried them twice and they are dry. I guess it is because they are baked. The music was loud, but fun. it made me feel like I was in a classy 1940s bar on a Tuesday night."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, notable wine list, hot spot
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"The drinks, the food, the service, all very creative and loaded with the personality of the people who created it. Come here only if you want to have fun and eat and drink well."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"I've been to Chapter One several times and the most difficult decision is which culinary delight to surprise myself with from the menu. I have never been disappointed, either in the food (which is most often an adventure) or in the service (ever attentive and prompt). I love bringing people here who have never been...."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Have been to Chapter One a few times and enjoyed it. Went here again to introduce some friends to it. Overall food was pretty good. But as an appetizer, the "The Kraken" (calamari, scallop, etc) appetizer was woefully small and missing components. Was a bit embarrassed in front of the friends with that appetizer. Definitely not worth the price or the embarrassment since it was the first dish out...
Otherwise, food was decent. Service a bit off that night."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"We have dined at Chapter One many times. It is worth the 40 minute drive from Newport Beach. However on this occasion we were seated in a booth where I could observe the food being placed on the shelf ready for pick up by the waiters..... and saw our orders sitting for a full 5 minutes before pick up by our waiter. I didn't want to comment on this at time because we were introducing the restaurant to our guests and it would have broken the 'spell' of the moment! All during this long 5 minutes there were other wait staff that could have delivered our food. Would it make sense to have someone else do this if a waiter gets tied up? Our waiter was great other than the 5 minute issue!"
Dined on 03/07/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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"Good gastropub. Didn't realize was a pub when I made reservations so it was louder than we had wanted. We had to almost shout once the live music got started. If you want ot visit it is probably best to go there for lunch. The food was eccletic with classic pub fare and there was vegan selections as well. Everyone in my party enjoyed their meal. I had the Jamacian pork tenderloin which was excellent. The duck fat fries were very good as well. The beverage selection was excellent. The best part was the service. Our server let us take our time; we never felt rushed. She was very knowledgable about the menu and helpful with food selections. Would definitely go again for lunch."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch, hot spot
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"My friends and I ate here during OC Restaurant Week. They had a prefixed menu for the event. We each ordered an appetizer, entree, and dessert. They even included one Moscow Mule drink with this. Most of the night the service was on point. Only minor delays when the bar area started to get busy and the DJ was playing. Other than that, it was a good experience. The food, drinks, and vibe were great. They have an awesome Sunday brunch here so we plan to come back soon."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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"Great food, but don't ask for anything special because they only serve their dishes how they are on the menu, not leaving anything off, etc. Good thing they have a great menu so I found something that I was able to eat as prepared."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"The Kracken was a nice take on fried calamari (and appropriately named,) with the squid ink adding a nice visual touch. The scallops were delicious. The Escargot was also very nice with the creamy tomato sauce. The Game hen was amazingly fried, with the meat still tender and juicy. The jalapeno grits were amazing. I'd going back just for that. The Seafood etouffee was also good and the bowl it came it was a nice presentation. The problem I had was with the dessert. The red velvet was lacking in richness and the icing was basic and tasted processed and a little crude. If the Dude was chocolate flavored, then it was also lacking in depth and tasted like baking chocolate. Our Moscow Mules had too much ginger and I couldn't taste anything else"
Dined on 02/28/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
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"The food was good, but it was so noisy from all of the people at the bar, that conversation was impossible. Also, the timing from the kitchen was bad - a few minutes after receiving our appetizers, the server brought out our entrees. We told him we weren't ready for our entree yet, so he took it back to keep warm. We were still trying to finish our appetizers when the entrees were brought out again and we were asked if we were ready yet. We again said we'd like an opportunity to finish our first course. By the time we were ready for our main course, the dishes had been sitting around awhile and was not exactly fresh. It was not an enjoyable dining experience and we are not likely to go back."
Dined on 02/24/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot
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"First of all, if you like cocktails and Vodka then you must, must order their Moscow Mule! Awesome drink and I cannot get it our of my head! The food was inventive and very good! The one item we expected the least from was the table favorite which was the Pasta Carbonara...rich and delicious! The environment is very lively and quite loud so if you are looking for a quiet table for two this is not the spot! Looking forward to going back and looking forward to more Mules!!!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"Went here for restaurant week because I've been wanting to try it. Sadly I was disappointed with the food, all of it was very under seasoned. I had the hanger steak and I had to ask for salt and pepper. The only saving grace was that most of the meat was cooked well, the end piece was over cooked, but the rest was a great medium well. Sadly, if this is a reflection of the rest of the food, I will most not likely return on my own accord."
Dined on 02/24/2013
2010
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"Delicious items during restaurant week. It was around 7pm when I arrived and there was a lively atmosphere and music. I liked the roasted pepper and escargot as the appetizer. However, I tasted the raw garlic and it left quite bitter aftertaste. I really enjoyed the Mule cocktail as the ginger left my throat and mouth warm. The seafood etouffee was adequate. On the other hand, I really liked my date's steak chimmichuri because it was well marinated and because of the quality of the cut. I didn't care so much for the do-nut dessert, but I really appreciate that it was unique. I would come here for happy hour next time."
Dined on 02/24/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"The dinner was a special prix fixe Valentines Day meal. It was at least six courses, perfectly portioned, creative, and great. We were on a time crunch due to another commitment and the courses were served within our time needs without making us feel rushed. We have been to this restaurant numerous times since it opened. It never disappoints!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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"We left after being seated and then ignored for well over 10 minutes. Then someone asked us if we had a server. He then walked away instead of just helping us. We had arrived on time for a reservation and there were only a couple other parties in the restaurant. We left and walked down to another place nearby and had a wonderful evening without a reservation even on V day. Yes it was V day but it was early in the evening...5pm. We love the artist district and we were excited to try this new to us establishment. Our review is strictly for the service, not the food."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2007
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"I've been a regular here about a week since they opened. I'm thrilled they're about to celebrate their two year anniversary. I'm never disappointed by the food and drinks. Every time I introduce a friend to Chapter One they become instant fans and end up returning again and again. You must check out this place."
Dined on 02/03/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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"We had made reservations and were seated immediately. We had a tough time reading the menu and wine list as the print was small and the lighting dim.Beer was a little pricey for what you got (draft) but it was excellent beer so worth it. French fries fried in duck fat were wonderful. wish the serving had been a little larger. We ordered two of the flat breads which were very good. Air conditioning kept the restaurant a little too cool but all in all it was a very nice evening. We will definitely come back."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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"Food was amazing!! This was second time here and the food is what brought me back. The service was horrible this time. The server didn't know his specials, was rude when trying to order and ask about cocktails and did not check on table enough. The first time I was there the serves was good."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"first time visitors, couldn't get into the Playground, food awesome waitress great, very attentive and knowedgable, friendly etc. Typical noise level for gastropub all in all a great experience."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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"The restaurant becomes a club scene on Friday nights after about 9:30. If you're coming for a nice meal and to be able to hear the person next to you, I don't recommend it. Otherwise, the service and food are excellent."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"Our group of four got a warm welcome and was seated immediately. We had a table by their fireplace which was cozy on a cold night. The food was great, everybody liked their drink order, but our server seemed a little preoccupied and it showed in the level of service."
Dined on 01/23/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Chapter One: the modern local