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Brussels Bistro Reviews List
Brussels Bistro
Brussels Bistro is located in downtown Laguna Beach and offers great Belgian food and beers with entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights.
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48 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Rating Breakdown 48 reviews
5 stars
(24)
4 stars
(13)
3 stars
(7)
2 stars
(4)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(24)
- fit for foodies(19)
- hot spot(16)
- good for groups(11)
- vibrant bar scene(11)
- great for outdoor dining(8)
Brussels Bistro Reviews List
Review 1 for Brussels Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Decent but not memorable
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I went to this place with my mom for Mother's Day. It was very disappointing. Our food was average at best. The service was okay but the server did not even recognize it was Mother's Day. I will not go back or recommend it to anyone."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 2 for Brussels Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great European Vibe
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A wonderful place to go with two or three couples to experience a European vibe and energy. The food is excellent, with the assortment of mussels being the center of the menu choices. The Belgian beer is a fantastic complement to the food, and you must do a tasting of the many varieties to complete the experience. Dip the bread in delicious sauces of the various dishes, order the duck"Tacos" or the salmon and enjoy a step away from the typical Orange County restaurant into a friendly social European atmosphere. The restaurant is located a few steps down from the sidewalk, which gives it even more of an inner-city and foreign feel, which is part of the overall experience. We are definitely going back and bringing some friends with us."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 3 for Brussels Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Waited a long time to get seated. Food was average at best and over priced. The bar was a happening place but we did not go there to drink. Definitely wont go back. Their Brussels fries are ordinary French Fries and nothing special. Service was average. Furnishings were ghetto. Lots better places in Laguna Beach."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot
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Review 4 for Brussels Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I will definitely be back
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We have been to this restaurant several times... this was not their best evening. The restaurant was very crowded and the food did not live up to our past experiences. The waiter was very sweet and apologetic. I will definitely be back ... hopefully on a quieter night when I can savor the mussels and indulge in a flight of beer..."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2006
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Review 5 for Brussels Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Authentic French-style (no
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Authentic French-style (no Flemish) Belgian food. The mussels and fries are the stars here, but I'm going to try other things the next time I come. It can get pretty crowded on weekends. They have all-you-can-eat mussels on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and they say they aren't as crowded then."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for outdoor dining
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Review 6 for Brussels Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointing
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The beer menu and Belgian draft selection was great. The food was overpriced and palatable but not much more than glorified bar food: the chicken and mushroom casserole was rotisserie chicken (of the kind from a grocery store), mixed with a sauce similar to Campbell's soup; tartine toast appetizer consisted of three slices (seemingly of the same bread provided to the table), with a thin layer of melted cheese; "Belgianfries" were regular French fries. The service was slow and drink refills took a very long time. The dining room was extremely loud from the outside tables above. The bar area was so tight there was no room to sit or stand. The overall experience was disappointing, considering the rave reviews on Yelp."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2013
Special Features: late-night find
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Review 7 for Brussels Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food and awesome atmosphere!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food and awesome atmosphere!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 8 for Brussels Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Everything was delicious!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everything was delicious! We all enjoyed the food!"
Dined on 04/08/2013
2010
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Review 9 for Brussels Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Yum.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Love to eat at the long bar outside. Great beer sampler!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for Brussels Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had another great experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had another great experience there. Our waiter was fantastic."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 11 for Brussels Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Brussel's Bistro Rocks!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I had a blast at Brussels's Bistro. From the moment we walked in we were taken care of like royalty. All of the staff were genuinely caring, attentive and funny. You feel like you've made friends by the time you leave. The food was great-the trout excellent, and the mussels and frites were yummy! Of course the beer certainly added to the festive mood. My favorite is the Belgium version of a Hefeweizen wheat beer. It's delish!! I can't remember the name but ask your server, and tell them to put a slice of orange in it. If you are having a birthday ....GO TO THIS RESTAURANT! It was my moms b-day and nothing could have topped our experience. They do a surprise for the birthday person so keep your camera's on stand -by and enjoy!!!!"
Dined on 03/21/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 12 for Brussels Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was the perfect place
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"This was the perfect place for lunch for a group of eight prior to attending the Sunday matinee at the Laguna Playhouse. The menu was expansive and everyone enjoyed their lunch selection. I had the salad with scampi skewer and it was delicious. The service was excellent and we didn't have to worry about time. The restaurant is located in a picturesque part of Laguna Beach and within walking distance of the Playhouse. We will return."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 13 for Brussels Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
For a place known for their
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"For a place known for their mussels and fries, I thought both were sub-par. Overall, I was pretty disappointed but the service was good."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 14 for Brussels Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
5 of our 6 person party enjoyed
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"5 of our 6 person party enjoyed mussels. We were the only diners there at noon-2:00 PM; seemed that other nearby restaurants were all busy."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2007
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 15 for Brussels Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food, great service, great atmosphere!"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 16 for Brussels Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Service awesome, food so so...
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Sometimes when there is just too much on offer it gives me a forebearing that the food will be palatable. Service was very attentive....food was fine, but nothing memorable."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2008
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for Brussels Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The dining area of Brussels
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The dining area of Brussels Bistro is below street level and the interior is flanked by exposed brick walls with French/Belgian inspired artwork. A couple of notable dishes we tried - roast half-chicken with Belgian fries and an adult version of macaroni & cheese. The chicken is roasted and served in a Belgian beer based jus, very tender and moist and the flavors worked beautifully. The mac & cheese uses gruyere and has small pieces of ham throughout - very nice rendition of comfort food, but best to share as it is quite rich. The restaurant has a good selection of Belgian beers, both in the bottle and on draft. The service was terrific - our belgian waiter was timely and attentive, and we enjoyed his dry wit."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 18 for Brussels Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Unbelievably great food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent food. Must try the muscle. Home made and wonderful. Little place very comfortable, will be one of our regular hang outs for sure!"
Dined on 03/05/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 19 for Brussels Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
overall great experience.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"overall great experience. food was fantastic but service was even better! they went above and beyond...something so unexpected these days!"
Dined on 03/05/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 20 for Brussels Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always love the fresh oysters.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Always love the fresh oysters. The bucket of mussels is another fav! Love this place one of our local faves for sure."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
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Review 21 for Brussels Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent food - authentic Bistro
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Started with the escargo..good though the shells seemed re-used.
The mussels were excellent especially when you go towards the bottom of the pot because of the juice. The first ones on top were a little fishy
Creamy chicken and mushrooms in puff pastry would bathe in...sauce was creamy yet not too heavy..licked my plate. Pasty was a nice touch"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 22 for Brussels Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Outstanding food. Short wine
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Outstanding food. Short wine list but very good and reasonably priced."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 23 for Brussels Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I cannot express how pleasantly
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I cannot express how pleasantly surprised I was by Brussles Bistro. As soon as I walked down the steps to dine in the basement of a building, I felt like I was back in Europe (for a couple of hours at least). The food was amazing! I agree they have the best french fries by far! I also really enjoyed their Cherry beer and Rasberry beer. Sweet but still a nice treat. This place turns into a night club at 10:30 so plan on eating at 8:30 and stay for the party."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 24 for Brussels Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Brussels is great for those
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Brussels is great for those who love rich, good food. Cool and mellow atmosphere, this is a place you can visit on a weeknight just because or weekend for a fun, energetic evening out. We keep going back."
Dined on 01/24/2013
2010
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Review 25 for Brussels Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always one of my favorites
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Always one of my favorites in Laguna Beach. I love the Mussels and the Tartar."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 26 for Brussels Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great beer fun atmosphere good food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Fun, happy festive.........very "Belgian feeling".
We return again and agin when we hanker for mussels and Belgian beer and cheerful chipper service."
We return again and agin when we hanker for mussels and Belgian beer and cheerful chipper service."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 27 for Brussels Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is a gem in Laguna Beach.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is a gem in Laguna Beach. They have the best French Fries EVER!!!!!! Be careful when ordering steak here, they cook it on the rare side. Other than that everything was excellent."
Dined on 01/22/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Brussels Bistro
Based on the average of (21) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
2 out of 2 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic