Eat Chow — Restaurant in Costa Mesa

The chilaquiles are WILDLY good - I don’t know what magic they do to keep the chips crispy and still saucy but it’s insane. I love that it comes with beans too. They’ve seriously ruined all other restaurants’ chilaquiles for me because they just don’t stack up to Eat Chow. My boyfriend always gets the spicy chorizo hash and loves it. The crispy cauliflower is bomb. Service is great, and the outdoor dining area is so nice.

That being said, anytime we’ve deviated away from our usual favorite dishes, we’ve been disappointed. (The avo toast and arugula salad - ostensibly a really easy dish to not mess up - was one of the worst meals I’ve ever had in my life.) I would also advise against going towards the end of the brunch service when they’re about to switch over to dinner because the quality of the food is noticeably worse then. And the menu is constantly changing - I used to love the potato tacos on the dinner menu, but it looks like they took those away, so that sucks.

The main downside of this place is that the drinks are hella expensive. I know it’s tough out there for restaurants, but $10 for a 12 oz can (not even draft) of basic lager feels pretty outrageous. The cocktails are also very expensive and aren’t even made with real liquor. They don’t have a hard liquor license, so they use those weird wine-based fake “liquors” in cocktails (and don’t exactly make this clear on the menu, which is a tad shady). They’re very tasty - especially the espresso martini - but just not worth the cost for us, so we only come here when we’re feeling a non-boozy brunch.

TL/DR: get the chilaquiles or spicy chorizo hash - SO GOOD - the rest of the menu can be a bit of a wildcard. Drinks are pricey...

Okay this place on 18th street off the 55 freeway. Something you wouldn't really notice off the street but should definitely try. When first walking in I was kind of skeptical cause of how small the restaurant was. When first seated or looking at the table arrangements, you would assume to be cramped and really close to your neighboring table, but after being seated and after being brought our waters we were surprisingly comfortable. We were celebrating a bday and wanted to start off our brunch with the sampler mimosas and we all voted that the strawberry mimosa was the best! Service was friendly and prompt, did not feel rushed even tho it was a Saturday brunch and busy. So I went with family and we don't mind sharing food so that we all get an idea of each plate. I got the egg white burrito with mole on top and I would definitely say the mole made the plate, if not I would probably not have enjoyed it. Idk if I'd order this again cause the description sold me, but maybe something else with the mole. Now.. We were recommended to try the tostadas and yes!!!!! You must try them, so delicious :) I would come back and just order this plate, its the sauces and omg those black beans yumm! lol But we also had the chiliquiles plate and it so freaking good.. the nachos were not too crunchy and not too soggy, just perfectly put together and also tasted amazing! My mouth is watery just thinking about the food, I'm coming back...

Let me get right to the point of what is getting me to write this review ... the service was horrible. I wish I said something but since I did not I'm leaving this info here. Food was good...great choices ...almost hard to decide what to order. I asked my server one question about the specials....she acted bothered and did not even try to suggest anything or ask me what things I like to help guide me. Waited and waited for our food to come. NEVER was asked how our food was. I had to ask for more coffee not once not twice but seceral times. I'm fact every time my cup was empty (which shouldn't happen) I had to ask at least twice. The people next to us I'm guessing were regulars...everyone made sure their meal was good and were super friendly to them so I knew the server wasn't just having a bad day ....then after they left a single guy sat there...another regular I'm guessing since he was getting great service....maybe it was the "females don't tip" thing which is sad because I over tip ftom years of restaurant work...not this time. Just sad the service was so bsd...I probably won't come back. I guess I will try the other...