No Baloney Tony hit On the Rocks last week to see if it’s possible to eat good food before the dinner rush on a Saturday.
And, guess what? Steve Melillo and family got it right. A classic American grill with good ambience, service, and food that works for any group, family or couple. The low-lit restaurant is layered with rock walls, waterfalls, and an aquarium, creating a cave-like feel.
No Baloney Tony hit On the Rocks last week to see if it’s possible to eat good food before the dinner rush on a Saturday.
And, guess what? Steve Melillo and family got it right. A classic American grill with good ambience, service, and food that works for any group, family or couple. The low-lit restaurant is layered with rock walls, waterfalls, and an aquarium, creating a cave-like feel.
The intimate lounge has a fireplace and is perfect for date night, or to watch a ballgame or UTF matches on one of the 18 TVs with your pals, or maybe hang with the regulars at the bar. With its many booths and outdoor seating, On the Rocks can accommodate your family outing including the pooch.
Makenna, our waitress, started us off with the drink menu, which includes an extensive wine selection, specialty drinks and a solid beer list. I thought about getting the On the Rocks Yummy Gummy (Bacardi Dragonberry Rum, Sprite and Grenadine) but ordered a Stone Pale Ale which was a little bitter for my taste but complemented the fried zucchini appetizer, which is thin, roundly sliced with an herb crust and served with buttermilk ranch. I have to say, it’s the best fried zucchini in the area.
We followed with the Black Bean Veggie Burger and a rib meal.
The burger was served on a King’s Hawaiian bun with better leaf lettuce, tomato, and the best part: alfafa sprouts then topped with jack cheese. Not your regular veggie burger. This one will surely awaken your taste buds.
When I took the first taste of the ribs I was impressed by the rub since I couldn’t figure out the tastes. I asked to see the executive chef, Anh Do, who explained it’s a dry rub with black pepper, chipotle and smoked paprika. Anh insisted if you like ribs, you must try the Coconut Braised Short Ribs which is his mom’s recipe and hails from Vietnam. The sides were as pleasing. The red cabbage coleslaw was not soupy and you could hear the crunch – just the way it ought to be. The fries were shoestring cut and the right amount of salty goodness.
All in all On the Rocks is a hit. Service with a smile from the moment you walk into the establishment and a chef who is passionate about what’s coming out of the kitchen. I must mention that if you are interested in fun weeknights out on the town, On the Rocks has weekday specials such as Money Mondays, $5 burgers and $5 for two domestic beers, Mexican themed 2fer Tuesdays, Wine Down Wednesdays, Thursday’s Ladies Night, and offers exclusive mobile specials just for visiting their website.
On the Rocks
12752 Valley View St.
Garden Grove, CA 92845
714-896-9000
