I count myself as an original fan of Stonefire Grill, since I lived in Valencia when they opened their first restaurant location there.
Don't be fooled by the name! Vegetarians will LOVE this place with the wide array of 18 different salads. But meat lovers are happy here, too, with selections from the grill. It's also nice to go to a restaurant where the kids mac and cheese is NOT Kraft!
And it's PERFECT for families because everything is served family style, unless you choose to order as individual meals! The ambience is very warm and welcoming.
Mr. Play Parks commutes on the train from LA every day -- so we planned to meet him at the Irvine location around 7pm on a Friday night. Hopping, right? Well it was busy and loud, but no problem finding a table. Even though the lines looked long, they moved very quickly and our food was on the table before we knew it.
HOW-TO TAKE STONEFIRE TO THE PARK
- I would study the menu before you go, because it can be overwhelming when you get there. Then call your order in ahead of time for pick-up. The pick-up entrance is to the left of the main entrance. You can just walk right up to the pick up line, get your stuff and go to one of the 3 parks below. If you have a huge group -- order from the catering menu.
- If you choose to stay and eat at the restaurant, you'll order first and they'll give you a pager. This pager is actually outfitted with a location finder, so go find a table and your food will find you! Send a runner from your group to grab plates, napkins, and silverware. You can even get sides of barbecue sauce which is good for items from the grill -- but also yummy to mix in with your Southwestern Salad or mac and cheese.
- Servers and runners will come by your table to check on you and make sure all your needs are met.
- Tips are collected in glasses up by the order counter.
- Desserts are pretty amazing! A family of four can share ONE awesome brownie or ONE piece of their incredible carrot cake.
3 PARKS FOR PICNICS NEAR STONEFIRE GRILL (All have restrooms!)
Disclosure: Review of Stonefire Grill is based on a complimentary dinner for my family. I received no other compensation besides the meals and the restaurant did not state any requirements that I express a particular point of view. Read full disclosure policy.
