Marks Restuarant

You go girl! Marks is a fabulous fine-dining treat. Located in the Heart of Laguna Beach, this little restaurant remains one of the best kept secrets in O.C. and it's clientel are often the best-dressed as well. The dishes are classy examples of California cuisine with such delectable dishes as salmon tournedo, a mean medallions of filet mignon, and appetizers of chicken quesadillas (a personal fave). Often packing them in early, expect a wait during weekends. The usual crowd is cocktail savvy and you'll probably be sitting next to some get-together (ie. birthday parties, holiday gatherings, et al.) so the volume levels can get pretty loud, but all the more reason to chime in and gab w/the other tables. I ordinarily get the gang together for a Monday night excursion. I don't believe reservations are available after six-thirty that night because of price breaks to lure in business. They give great discounts on the entrees (1/2 price in some cases!). Our ... more

You go girl! Marks is a fabulous fine-dining treat. Located in the Heart of Laguna Beach, this little restaurant remains one of the best kept secrets in O.C. and it's clientel are often the best-dressed as well. The dishes are classy examples of California cuisine with such delectable dishes as salmon tournedo, a mean medallions of filet mignon, and appetizers of chicken quesadillas (a personal fave). Often packing them in early, expect a wait during weekends. The usual crowd is cocktail savvy and you'll probably be sitting next to some get-together (ie. birthday parties, holiday gatherings, et al.) so the volume levels can get pretty loud, but all the more reason to chime in and gab w/the other tables. I ordinarily get the gang together for a Monday night excursion. I don't believe reservations are available after six-thirty that night because of price breaks to lure in business. They give great discounts on the entrees (1/2 price in some cases!). Our little soiree will descend upon the modest bar for Cosmo martinis, and gin-tonics, because as Michael Chabon wrote, "gin and tonic under a canopy of lime elevates the conversation." Don't be surprised to see the the bar bill significantly out-distance the food. At the table you'll find the waitstaff attentive, attractive, and knowledgable; and as a rule, they seamlessly work with the bussers to make sure every whim is taken care of. It must be mentioned that dinners are being pumped out as quickly as possible, but you may experience a lapse in your order. All the more reason to sit back and soak up the ambiance of the candle-lit, art-hung walls.
All in all, a fun place for a romantic dinner date, or a luanch pad for a night out on the town. less