Eureka! has been selected as the Aliso Viejo Chamber’s September Member of the Month! To learn more about the restaurant and its roots, we sat down with Eureka!’s Sr. Digital Marketing Manager Taylor Bulen.
Good food and fair service can be found anywhere, but a truly memorable dining experience is few and far between. Along with mouthwatering dishes and exceptional hospitality, people love a sense of community and ongoing connection, which is exactly what Eureka! is accomplishing with its unique craft beverage program.
Eureka!, a 100% scratch kitchen that recently set up shop in Aliso Viejo, has risen in local popularity thanks to its one-of-a-kind dining experience. The restaurant features a top-shelf collection of local craft beers, small-batch whiskeys, and classic cocktails, as well as a unique Whiskey Club that sends out monthly “discovery boxes” featuring one of the country’s top small-batch whiskeys. This is all alongside Eureka!’s modern Americana menu, full of twists on classics as well as original recipes.
Learn more about Eureka! in Taylor’s words, who’s offered some background on the restaurant’s beginnings, most popular menu items, Whiskey Club, and more.
When and where did Eureka! plant its first location, and what drove the decision to expand to Aliso Viejo?
The very first Eureka! opened in 2009 in Redlands, California. While this is not our first restaurant in Orange County, this is our first in a community like Aliso Viejo. We felt as though we would be an exciting complement to the growth that has happened and continues to happen in Aliso Viejo through our scratch-kitchen and craft bar program. We’re the new go-to spot for business lunches, happy hour, date night dinners, or a light night night-cap.
How would you describe Eureka’s type of cuisine?
Eureka! specializes in American classics with a modern twist accompanied by a beverage program that revolves around innovative cocktails, local craft beer, and serving premium products that are highly sought after.
What differentiates the Eureka! menu and atmosphere from the rest?
We build our restaurants while always keeping our core values in mind; Energy, Discovery, and Community. Our team strives to create an energetic environment where guests can discover their new favorite burger or unique small-batch whiskey, while supporting the local community through our beverage program.
In the words of our Founder Paul Frederick: “Eureka! is the perfect destination for all. From the beer geeks and local professionals to families and friends looking for an all-encompassing dining experience, guests should look no further than Eureka!”
What are some of your customers’ favorite menu items?
Menu highlights include the Mac N’ Cheese Balls made with a scratch made beer cheese sauce and Fresno chiles; Bone Marrow Burger featuring bone marrow shiitake butter, grilled onion, horseradish mustard aioli, and roasted Roma tomato; Fresno Fig Burger topped with fig marmalade, melted goat cheese, bacon, tomato, red onion, arugula, and spicy porter mustard; and Braised Short Rib with Charred Fresno chile, potato puree, wilted spinach, red wine short rib au jus, Bourbon Barrel Cake finished with pecans, caramel, and paired with vanilla bean ice cream.
What should Aliso locals know about Eureka!’s Whiskey Club?
Each month, Eureka!’s expert beverage team selects a featured small-batch, artisanal whiskey to share exclusively with club members. The monthly whiskey selection reflects Eureka!’s commitment to sourcing all-American, premium spirits and encourages guests to widen their spirit library and tasting acumen from home.
What do you enjoy about working within the Aliso Viejo community?
We enjoy the community we are surrounded by, the guests who have become regulars, and the genuine excitement and support we received from Aliso Viejo throughout our opening.
How has being an Aliso Viejo Chamber member helped your business?
The Chamber has allowed us to create incredible connections with local like-minded people. We were embraced with open arms prior to our opening, and continue to feel the amazing support from the Chamber community and all of its members.
Congratulations once more to Eureka! on their September Member of the Month nomination! Visit the company website to learn more about their history, food and drink menu, or to sign up for their monthly Whiskey Club.
Join the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce!
If you represent a business or would like to get involved with our business and community leaders, we welcome you to join the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is dedicated to growing our local economy and connecting like-minded Aliso Viejo residents through professional relationships.
We hope that you will join us as we work together to promote and serve our community. There are so many benefits for members!