Karl Strauss Costa Mesa is located steps away from the Westin South Coast Plaza Mall, and offers award-winning craft beer, alongside a full menu of gourmet burgers, fresh salads, and shareable appetizers. Whether you’re grabbing lunch or dinner after a shopping trip, or meeting friends for a round of locally brewed beer, our brewpub delivers a one-of-a-kind experience for everyone.
We’re the perfect spot for a laid-back meal, happy hour, or weekend gathering. With a rotating selection of handcrafted IPAs, lagers, and seasonal releases, we’re a must-visit for those searching for breweries or craft beer in Orange County.
Join us for fresh beer, great food, and an unbeatable location near South Coast Plaza’s dining and entertainment scene!
While many customers praised the food as delicious and well-prepared, some expressed disappointment with the decline in quality and portion sizes.
Service Issues
There are mixed reviews regarding service; some customers appreciated the friendly staff, while others reported long wait times and issues with the new QR code ordering system.
Beer Selection
The brewery's beer selection received high marks, with many customers enjoying the variety and quality of the brews.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere is generally described as pleasant and casual, though some noted issues with cleanliness and noise levels.
Ordering Experience
The shift to QR code ordering has been met with mixed reactions, with some finding it convenient while others felt it detracted from the dining experience.
RW
Rose Willard
Jan 2, 2026
5.0
I used to live in San Diego and visited the locations there all the time. I moved away from SoCal for almost a decade and was pleased when I found out there was a location near me. Service was top notch and the food and beer was just as good as I remembered it.
Got the $20 pub burger and beer combo they have that runs till 5pm. Highly recommended. Also got the Tallow Fries as an starter and these where fantastic. My wife got the black bean burger and was very happy with it.
Bought a growler and got it filled with my favorite beer and grabbed a 4 pack of the seasonal golden stout to take home. Will be back for sure and I would highly recommend coming here. They were one of my favorite brew pubs in San Diego and this location did not disappoint.
JH
Julia H
Jan 2, 2026
5.0
Good food good service
SD
Scott Denissen
Dec 22, 2025
4.0
Good beer, food was good too. Parking was far.
BH
Bruce Holmes
Dec 14, 2025
5.0
I love this place but they should really open at 11am on Sunday especially during football season
TT
Tam G (Tam)
Oct 16, 2025
5.0
We went here yesterday with our team, and everything was fantastic! The restaurant has its own brewery with big tanks where they brew their beers, and the IPAs were excellent.
Our server, Gil, was super nice and helpful. He arranged a long table for our whole group so we could sit comfortably and hang out. He also gave us great recommendations , I tried the Ginger Salmon with rice and quinoa, and it was very tasty, healthy, and perfectly cooked. For appetizers, I ordered the Ahi Tuna with tortillas, which I really enjoyed since I’m trying to eat healthy. We also tried a few other appetizers that everyone liked.
My co-workers had a mix of burgers and sandwiches, and everyone said their food was delicious. They don’t serve vodka (only beer and wine), but they were kind enough to bring me hot water with lemon since I asked for tea.
After dinner, we sat outside on the patio by the fireplace, enjoying the sunset and the beautiful sky , such a relaxing way to end the evening. Parking was easy too, with spots in front of the restaurant and plenty more in the nearby shopping center.
Overall, a great experience with amazing food, drinks, and service. Highly recommend it! 🍽🍻
Frequently Asked Questions About Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Does Karl Strauss Brewing Company accept reservations?
Yes, Karl Strauss Brewing Company accepts reservations, and you can book a table through their online reservation system.
What are the happy hour timings at Karl Strauss Brewing Company?
Happy hour is available every day from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
What meals are served at Karl Strauss Brewing Company?
Karl Strauss Brewing Company serves lunch, dinner, and offers a happy hour menu.
Where is Karl Strauss Brewing Company located?
Karl Strauss Brewing Company is located at 901 S. Coast Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States.
What type of food and drink can I expect at Karl Strauss Brewing Company?
Karl Strauss Brewing Company offers award-winning craft beer alongside a full menu including gourmet burgers, fresh salads, and shareable appetizers.
Are there outdoor seating options available?
Yes, Karl Strauss Brewing Company offers outdoor seating for guests.
Is Karl Strauss Brewing Company wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the brewpub has wheelchair accessible entrances, parking, seating, and restrooms.
What payment methods are accepted at Karl Strauss Brewing Company?
They accept debit cards, credit cards, and mobile NFC payments; cash is not required.
What are some nearby shopping centers where I can shop before or after visiting Karl Strauss Brewing Company?
Nearby shopping centers include South Coast Plaza, Metro Pointe At South Coast, and Nordstrom Rack Metro Pointe at South Coast — perfect for combining shopping with a meal or drink at Karl Strauss.
Are there any nearby spots for grabbing a quick bite or coffee before visiting Karl Strauss Brewing Company?
Yes, Flame Broiler offers fast food nearby and Starbucks is close by for coffee or smoothies, ideal for a casual snack before your visit.
What nearby stores offer electronics shopping close to Karl Strauss Brewing Company?
Best Buy, Magnolia, Geek Squad, and HyperX are nearby electronics stores where you can shop before or after enjoying your time at Karl Strauss.