230 Forest Avenue is one of Laguna Beach’s most popular restaurants. The restaurant was founded in 1995 by head chef Marc Cohen. Previously, he had worked at some of the best restaurants on the East Coast and is the proud owner of Opah Seafood Grill in Aliso Viejo. Cohen moved to Laguna Beach to open his restaurant in 1995. Customers that come to 230 vary from people who want to go somewhere nice for a special occasion to people who just want a good place to eat. The classy and warm atmosphere makes it perfect for formal occasions, and the restaurant’s intimacy makes it ideal for a date or quick dinner. The restaurant on the weekends can be pretty crowded; however, on a weekday, you could luck out and get the place almost to yourself. They have beautiful paintings on the wall that add to the ambiance. Its location is on a street that doesn’t allow cars on the road, so it’s perfect if you want to walk around the street and shop after or before dinner, from personal experience. Another plus of the restaurant is that it offers outside dining, especially in Laguna Beach. Outdoor dining is lovely because of the beautiful weather. It makes it perfect for the customer to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of Laguna Beach.
The menu offers a lot of unique dishes that are all 10/10. Since you can’t try them all unfortunately these are the some that you have to get when you go. The first menu item that is a must-get is the House cheeseburger. When you bite into this decadent cheeseburger, you will immediately know why this is a favorite, from the soft and warm bun to the juicy and flavorful patty. The flavors will just explode in your mouth. This cheeseburger has the most delicious caramelized onions, warm white cheddar cheese, and 1000 Island sauce. All these elements go together perfectly, as stated. The burger comes with a side of warm, crunchy fries. These fries are not like standard fries; they are flavorful and fried to perfection. They are crispy, warm, and have a great balance of seasonings and oil. They will leave you wanting to come back for more. The following menu item is the Parker House Rolls, a town favorite. Before biting the Parker House Rolls, you immediately smell the perfectly buttered and warm bread. When you eat these rolls, you will taste the warm, buttery goodness. From the crunchy outside to the warm and fluffy inside. They practically melt in your mouth.
When you go to 230, you must ask if they have their famous popcorn shrimp. This is by far the best item they have to offer. It’s not on the menu, so you must ask, but you won’t be sorry. They have the best sweet and spicy sauce coated on crunchy shrimp, served on rice and vegetables. One bite of this shrimp will leave you speechless. It’s my all-time favorite food and a must-try. Suppose you haven’t been to 230 Forest Avenue before; you now know all the reasons why you just have to give it a try. From their diverse atmosphere to their out-of-this-world food, 230 is a no-brainer when choosing where to go for your next meal.
