The IRV Bar — Restaurant in Irvine

Stopped in for lunch at the bar inside Whole Foods Market in Irvine and had a much better experience than I ever expected. This isn’t just a typical grocery store café—this is a legit spot for a quality meal and cold draft beer.

We ordered two bacon cheeseburgers and were impressed across the board. The burgers were cooked just right, with thick slices of bacon, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, and perfectly melted cheese stacked inside a soft, glossy bun. The presentation was great—each burger served on a metal tray lined with custom Whole Foods wrap paper, paired with a mini fryer basket of hot, crispy fries and a stainless ramekin of ketchup. The fries were golden and fresh, with just the right amount of salt and a great texture.

There’s something satisfying about sitting at a clean, well-lit bar with natural light pouring through the windows and a long row of taps behind the counter. The beer selection here is impressive, especially for being inside a market. A wide range of local and craft brews on draft gave us plenty of choices. The pours were cold, crisp, and served in proper pint glasses with just the right head.

The bartender was courteous, quick, and knowledgeable—not just about the beer but also about the menu. Service felt personal and attentive without being overbearing. You can tell they care about maintaining quality here, and it showed in both the food and the way the staff treated us.

All around, this is a great place to sit down for a relaxing lunch or early dinner. Plenty of parking right outside, and you can grab groceries afterward if you need to. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area and want something casual but done right. Would...

Gastropub inside Whole Foods at Los Olivos. Bar is ok, good tap options. A little light on the selection of whisky and spirits. LOTS of vegetarian and vegan dishes. We tried the Cauliflower Nachos, Firecracker Roll, Cucumber Avocado Roll, and the Mushroom Harvest Bowl. Everything was very tasty, but the Firecracker Roll was my favourite, followed closely by the Cauliflower Nachos. Nice selection of hot sauces, too. Unfortunately, they no longer serve dessert. Good spot for a bite and a casual hangout. I wouldn't recommend for a date night, as it is inside a...

Just a bummer. I love Whole Foods, but as a libations destination: No. Way behind the healthy curve; fermentations and just low-end swill are all you may choose. Which makes no sense at all: because just behind the cooler glass are aisles of great artistry, but not at glass or table ready? Oh weel. Re-think this guy's, I know Whole Foods has the right perspective for us and our lifestyle. You...