Laguna Beach is getting closer to having three new “fast-casual” restaurants that won’t cost a car payment to eat there.
Laguna Fish Company, The Taco Stand and Finney’s Crafthouse and Kitchen are all nearing completion. The fish place is further along, then the tacos and finally Finney’s.
Ivan Spears, owner of the Laguna Fish Co. at 400 S. Coast Hwy., wanted to be open weeks ago, but he ran into delays with paperwork approvals. Specifically, it took about three months for various Orange County agencies to give him the green light.
Once it opens, expect fairly reasonable prices (for Laguna). An early menu highlights its fish-only focus with raw offerings (oysters, sashimi, etc.), ceviche, bowls, sandwiches and burritos. All fish.
There’s also the full bar alcohol license, so that will help pay the rent at this marquee location.
Meanwhile, The Taco Stand at 699 S. Coast Hwy., is not quite ready to start rolling its handmade corn tortillas, but it won’t be too much longer. A company spokesperson said it should be by early next year.
The old Taco Bell location has undergone a significant remodel, and if the company’s other locations are any indication, it should be a fun spot to eat and hang out.
Our guess is there will be lines out the door. Why? Because of the tacos, of course.
There are nine different types of tacos, including a “Nopal Taco,” whose protein is cactus. They range in price from $3 to $5 for the fully loaded fancy steak. Check out the full menu here.
Oh, and there will be five different breakfast burritos starting at 9 a.m. with beer – you know, just in case.
And then there’s Finney’s, 340 S. Coast Hwy. This remodel is the most extensive so it might be several more months before it opens.
Like the other new fast-casual chains, Finney’s won’t be terribly expensive, thankfully. Sizable appetizers (nachos, sliders, coconut shrimp, etc.) range from $10 to $14. The entrees include gourmet pizzas, hot wings, tacos and sandwiches. Their house burger is $12, which is a bargain for Laguna Beach.
The most expensive thing on the menu is an ahi salad for $16.
All of these restaurants will fill a nice gap in Laguna’s increasingly expensive restaurant scene. The Taco Stand and Finney’s are small chains, sure, but we don’t care. The food should be good with reasonable prices.
