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I go here almost every Tuesdays for Taco Tuesdays and for bike night... A nice little drive down santiago canyon and $1 tacos! What more can you ask for?
I didn't like the fish or chicken tacos, the pork ones are OK, but the carne asada ones are bomb!
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Ohhhhhhhhhh goody, Cooks Corner.... I have been in and out of here since 1980, mostly out lately because of the wanna-be bad Boy's and Girls that all drive or ride up on any given weekend and pose. Being a local and remembering the 'Old Times' pre 1992.... Sticky floor, sticky bar...just plain old sticky and as close to a clean 'Joint' as the Waste Management Transfer Building in Irvine off Construction Circle...right after July 4th! Actual locals, real cowboys that worked Irvine Ranch, Mongols, Hells Angels, fights, stabbings, Cops too terrified to even respond to calls out there, cheap booze, decent food...yep the old Cooks. This place used to have real character and REAL Characters! Now.....well it doesn't. It use to have a 'Pisser' that was a small bathtub. If you needed to take a leak, you went in, pissed in the communal pisser and went back to keeping you blood alcohol level above 0.10, like all the other Drunks. Now the Men's Room has been remodeled and looks like it out of Martha Stewart, the ' Country Biker Collection'. Unfortunately the mid 90's changed Cooks and not for the better. Unless your a Weekend Warrior.
The way it is now....
The 'Wanna-be's' from all local and further away gated communities who all of a sudden had a boat load of credit, (Now in Foreclosure), along with an immediate drop in IQ that goes with the unlimited credit line...(ergo the possible or pending foreclosure), decided that they too could be a 'Bad-Ass' Biker...well during the Summer, warm days or on Weekends and Holidays, (pending weather, divorce parental visit decrees,) or when wife number 3 Chantal, (who is 23 years younger than Greg), was going to be with her buddies at Newport Fashion Island getting 'Waxed'. 'Greg' was issued a 'Hall Pass' so he and his buddies could get on their customized whateverthephuckyouwanttocallit's, that cost over $60k, ea. put on $1500.00 in new, but made to look used leather, slap on a couple of tattoos and ride their way to Cooks Corner to 'Hang out with the 'Bros'!'. That is when it changed into what it is today....Disneyland for the '30-60 something Mid-life Crisis, third or fourth marriage, I wanna-be a Bad-ass Biker Dude & have enough $$$$ left after alimony and child support to buy a bike, get a tattoo and dress just like a real biker....oh and go to Cooks to look COOL....' Same scenario for the Crotch Rocket Rice Burners riders as well, except they are 19 to 30 and still on marriage one, or just divorced.
The truth -
Most locals go Monday through Friday - Those that ARE working get a couple of Pop's before they go home. Most locals avoid the place like the Swine Flu on weekends and holidays. Some avoid it all together now.
What the New Owners have done -
Remodeled a real landmark and Southern California legend into an over priced Amusement Park for Mid-life Crisis Wanna-be Bad Boy's and Girls 'Bikers & Posers.
The Drinks are WAY over priced and they give you crappy pours to boot! The beer is WAY over priced and wait till you see what you get and pay for a Pitcher...
The food....just don't go there and definitely DON'T eat it!
It used to be a 5 Star Landmark, now it's not even worth giving it two stars..I wish it were not so...but it is. In fact it's not even a Dive Bar anymore.... When folks show up from Iowa and Ohio with the four fat kids in tow and start snapping pictures, because they did Knotts yesterday and are going to Disneyland tomorrow...well that just about sums it up!
Ive been coming here every Tuesday for over a year. If your not into motorcycles this might not be the place for you. If you have a sportbike you will most likely want to show up on Tuesday or on mornings during the weekend.
Live music on the weekends and always a party! The food is okay and they have a wide variety on the menu. Try their cheesburgers...
If you have never been here check it out. Its great for people watching and even better if you ride a motorcycle.
Cook's is pretty dope. Any reason to go for a ride and get some beers if fine by me. Food is decent, i'm fond of their breakfast.
I pretty much agree with what everyone else is saying, but i didn't see anyone mention the nutter biker broad with all the daggers and leather?! You can't miss her, she's been there everytime i've ever been. You shall know her by her cancer inducing tan, skin that is just as leathery as her assless chaps, and a fondness for D&D style fantasy weaponry. :D ...and i bet she could suck a golf ball through a garden hose. She looks 80, but she's probably in her 50's i'd guess!?
There's also always some old Cowboy lad hanging out smoking a sweet tabaccy pipe. Talk to him if you get a chance, he's cool as shite. Ask to see his magazine articles he always has with him.
Anyways, if you're looking for a nice ride, def hit up Cook's, it's a fun ride getting there and they have nice ice cold Newie's.
'most every 'spot' has it's regulars - scary or indifferent - and this classic beaten-path, over-hit needs-to-be-wringed-out joint isn't an exception to that general idea.
This morning one of THOSE regulars wanted to tell me I couldn't park where I parked, which - oddly enough - was outside the beautifully bright orange cones set-up to make sure there's PLENTY of room for allllllll the tens of hundreds of bikes that'll be coming through before NOON. No joke. It's THAT busy here...always, unless you're there at 7 A.M.
Then again, if you're standing in front of the menu for a couple minutes w/o being asked what you want; you too may be inclined to skip the food too. Don't get me wrong. It's usually worth the coin you'll drop, but...I'd rather have someone take my order. Even if they have to stop....counting the cash or change for the drawer, or tossin' over some hash-browns gettin' their sizzle on.
I mean, I know it'll take a good 13, 14 or 15 minutes for it to get just right, but: yo, take an order. Otherwise: just split, snaggin' a calendar so you know when the Liquor Bach's'll be playing. ;) Because that's certainly one of the days you ought'a consider returning.
Stiff drinks are served up with or w/o live entertainment.
And - no joke - if the Liquor Bach's are playin', then you'll have even a better time 'cause of the shht they'll kick-out spannin' 3-4 decades of meaty-pop-classics. (Including the Van Halen 'Eruption' solo...)
Anyho' - what'cha out for the stragglers yo!
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Had some drinks here on a Thursday night and it was pretty mellow. Enjoyed some beers out on the picnic tables with a friend. I love this place...
Well guess what. Cook's Corner *is* pretty cool for day drinking on a weekday. Avoid the 100-200 bikers on the weekends, and lines and smoking and nowhere to park! We cruised on up Katella in the BMW until it turned into Villa Park and then into Santiago Cyn, made a right at Jamboree and another L onto Chapman which turns back into Santiago Cyn and you just follow this down - no toll roads, no freeways required, just surface streets from home, and yeah you could do this on your bike if you wanted to, especially to avoid freeways. We had a great drive around the area, through Santiago Canyon and Trabuco Canyon (saving Silverado for another day) and then came back on down to Cook's Corner. They had the lovely Alaskan IPA (not Amber, which I also like a whole lot) on tap and we had a few. Sat outside by the sycamores in the late afternoon sun and just chilled and relaxed. Saw some nice birds, woodpeckers, hawks, some interesting bugs on the sycamores, it was really nice. Friendly staff, very mellow during the day on a Monday. They have specials practically every night, Monday is Free Pool day! We'll be back for more of these mellow afternoons and drives.
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We came here last October and it just so happened that we came on the day when they were having the… Read more »
Sadly, I didn't see too many bikers here the night I went due to the rain, but in the hour while my friend and I were waiting for our friends to arrive, we were hit on by a guy ranting about adult diapers, and we met Louie.
Oh Louie- You wonderful (obviously stoned) biker man, with your vodka cranberry, and your promises to take one of us on a bike ride while the other one hung out with your wife named Erin!
I have to take one star away due to the fact that they ran out of Fat Tire on tap, and never opened another keg, even though the bartender promised otherwise. Shame!
But any place that doesn't have a cover charge, serves delicious tasty bar food, has an awesome cover band, and a freakin' creek outside gets my eternal devotion!
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Danny use to play her often
but nothing beats all you can eat spaghetti, bikers and music.
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Yeah I ride...a mountain bike... You'll actually have a much easier time parking your bicycle at Cook's Corner on the weekend, than a motorcycle or car.
Every few weeks my friends and I, or sometimes just the wife and I, pedal our bikes up the Aliso Creek Bikeway from Lake Forest to the end of the Live Oak trail, which puts you just a hop skip and a jump away from Cook's Corner. It's a steady incline for about 5 miles with your reward being ice cold beer, some grub, and maybe some music.
Cook's Corner is awesome. Go on a weekend and check out all of the bikes...errr motorcycles that show up. It's not just Harelys. It's just mostly Harleys. You'll also see plenty of other nice bikes, some pretty tricked out. They even set up a store that sells biker gear for the crowd.
If you're not into bikes, people watch. That's fun too. You'll be sure to see a few ladies wearing leather vests and nothing else on top. Some can get away with it, some think that they can. It's a totally friendly crowd just out having a good time.
There's a kitchen that serves up breakfast items until 11AM and also serves up standard bar fare like burgers, sandwiches, a little Mexican food, and heart stopping artery clogging chili cheese fries...mmmmm.
And don't forget that there is a full friggin bar to handle your beverage needs. Note that in the evenings when the band starts playing they stop serving pitchers and bump up prices a little, "since there's no cover charge."
They also have live music that starts in the afternoon. The last time I was there the band was covering songs from The Doors to The Cult. People were dancing and having a great time. Check it out.
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My husband and I actually ride. My husband is an avid rider and an all around motorcycle enthusiast, and we've been to our share of places like this. We went on a Sunday for breakfast...at noon. You would think on a weekend, breakfast would be served until around 1 or 2, but no, they werent serving breakfast anymore. Thus, I docked them 1 star. I was imagining this place would be like Alice's, if any of you have been there? It was close, but not exactly the same. They have a counter where you go up and order your food. They call your number and you go grab it and cop a squat at a table and take in the ambiance or just people watch.
I can see that it would be a great place to stop for a drink and hang out and chat with your friends, either in the bar, or outside. I think maybe I was a little let down because I had a hankering for eggs and coffee, but ended up with fries and a veggie burger. The food was good, but I'll have to go back for breakfast and see what I come back with.
They had a chili cook off going out back, so the place was really crowded outside, but inside there were plenty of tables available. Definitely do not be intimidated by this place. Inside was everyone from hardcore Harley riders to an 80 year old couple sitting behind us that were so adorable.
It's definitely worth the trip out to experience this place and check out all of the motorcycles lined up outside! The live music is worth hanging out for too!
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I love that this place doesn't have a single 'one-star' review. I've only ever been here for breakfast. Never at night or for drinking. Breakfast is great here. They have the thickest bacon I've ever had. It's a biker bar, and they have awesome breakfast. Hilarity. Anyway, the food's cheap, there's lots of bikes to look at and the foods good too. Too bad it's way the fuck out there. Check on Youtube for "Super Troopers biker." Yup.
This is actually a real biker bar where you can see hundreds of bikes on any weekend.
They have the best breakfast. Stop by to get a breakfast burrito and a beer after Sunday church!
Service is ok, which is 5-star for a biker bar!
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Wednesday night, $4 all the spaghetti you can eat.
I came to Cook's to see my friend's band play and was impressed with Cook's. $4 spaghetti! $4.99 cheeseburger and fries special. Food is pretty good. It was crowded, but the service was pretty fast considering all the people. The crowd is mainly harley bikers, but I did see some road and mountain cyclist coming in after a ride to wolf down some spaghetti.
They have a full bar, outdoor seating and a picnic area. I can see why bikers like it because Santiago Canyon is a nice road to take a ride.
The first time I came here I was having a bad day. My car broke down on the way there to meet my friend. So she had to come get me, but once I got to Cook's Corner my day went from bad to amazing. The food was greasy and delicious, the beer cold, and the pool tables were open! I had so much fun, and was excited when a band came to play. I now go here almost weekly with my husband who is a bike fanatic, and my toddler loves coming and getting attention from everyone too :)
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Great biker bar! Friend of mine took me here and now I'm a regular. The food is great - burgers, sandwiches, breakfast. Mmmmm yum. They serve alcohol too so for those that want a beer, it's available.
Everything here is like fast food - you stand in line to order and they call out your number so you pick up your food. Condiments, utensils, etc are off to the side.
On the weekends, it's abit difficult to find seating since everyone and their brother/ sister is there. Great way to check out other bikes! There are literally 100's of bikes.
They have live music and alittle biker shopping store in the front. Just a cool place to go. The ride up is scenic.
I love this place . . . it's an authentic biker bar :)
Cook's patrons are so cool and interesting to converse with! I always feel comfortable and guaranteed a good time.
I am relatively new to the bikers' culture, but I know enough to know that this place is historic in its own right.
I was advised to order something non-alcoholic by the friendly bikers outside who pointed out spots where they saw other riders "eat it" while attempting to ride inebriated. I had a hot chocolate and some french fries while I was here... the breakfast of champions.
Everyone is so friendly, especially to a newbie (I stood out like a sore thumb in my flimsy white Triple 5 Soul windbreaker in a majority of black-leather-clad riders, and I'm not even trying to be stereotypical here). The inside is bustling and everyone who wants to have a smoke or to just enjoy the cold air hangs out in the parking lot and checks out each others' bikes. My Kuyas had a Harley and a Ducati, so they had plenty of conversation to make.
They also sell leather chaps here, if you're so inclined.
Next time I'm in town.
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This was my stop every Sat when i had my bike this is a great spot to stop at and have some food and some cold beers this place gets crowded and they have vender's there also. Never been there at night i have seen a band play there also.
The only place with any real character in the Real-Housewives-of-Orange-County vicinity. Yeah I loved it, it got me out of Coto and around real people. Thank you thank you. This place isn't for show, this place is for reasonably priced draft beer and low-key hanging out. We didn't get to try the food as we had just come from dinner. We will definitely make our way back here on our next visit to SoCal.
One of the best biker destinations/bars in all of SoCal, hands down.
While the progress of civillization, gentrification, and sprawl have all nearly obliterated this institution & it's surrounding rural beauty, it has endured, and prospered.
Bikers of both engine and pedals have used Cook's as both a meeting rendevous and end-point for decades, and for good reason: the drinks are cheap, the staff is courtious, the food is good, and the company is generally friendly.
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Cook's get 5-stars because it is what it is. It defines its category. It's unlike any other spot you'll see in Orange County and for that reason alone it deserves a visit. Form your own opinion at that point, and be thankful you've been dealt a true original.
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This is the best biker bar that I have been to in So Cal. Being in the forest there are some nice rides getting to and from teh joint. Lots of outdoor seating (indoor too) and good grub. Full bar and frosty beer. (Be careful if you are riding). Reserved bike parking, in fact there are rarely cars there. Friendly crown and service. Often there are biker events that start or end at Cook's. This is a true biker bar.
And they even allow kids there.
OK, I am a "biker". Not some typical Harley type. I ride a Triumph. This place is great. I can't comment on the food. I have only had the beer here and all of you all ready know how Fat Tire and Newcastle tastes like. It's a cool place. Great hang out. Mostly a Harley crowd riding in wearing t-shirts and jeans. Makes me feel funny hanging out in my ballistic nylon jumpsuit.Just don't get hammered and ride your bike into a tree, OK?
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Ok, I am far from a biker but I LOVE little hole in the wall type establishments. This place looks like a small cabin on the edge of the forest and yes, it is overrun by bikers but I didn't feel out of place. The buffet style dinner they served the evening I was there included spaghetti (with your choice of marinara or meat sauce), meatballs, salad (with your choice of dressing) and garlic bread all for $3.00 (not a misprint.) The food isn't anything spectacular but it is filling and it tasted like a typical home cooked meal. I hear that their breakfast on Sundays is excellent but I have not been able to try it as of yet. If you are in the area and are looking for an interesting place to hang out and get a little grub, definitely drop by Cooks Corner!
Awe Cook's. I'm so glad it survived the fires of October '07!!! Cook's is a local spot!! Summer time is the best! Don't let the "biker" image scare you off. The first time I went to Cook's was on a Sunday late afternoon. I was alone, wearing a Roxy tank top and flip flops. I stood out like a sore thumb and had the best time! The people who frequent this spot are OC locals who are very mellow.
pretty cool hangout spot. not much room for us crotch rocket riders though. its mostly white people. sometimes they dont seem to take to kindly to asians..
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i haven't been here in years so i'll have to return soon since a) i live walking distance and b) my memory could be a little skewed and i'll need to change my rating. but from what i remember, this place RULES. i came here all the time with my dad when i was little and the biker dudes faces' would melt from stony into aww-induced smiles. (yes, i was quite the adorable child. i feel no shame in saying so!) the atmosphere was really friendly and there's tons of bikes to look at and people to watch. it's in a beautiful area so eating outside is really nice. although one time a wasp flew out of the soda machine and i was terrified. it's had a lot of close calls with getting knocked down and every time i hear about it, i get really sad. this biker bar can inspire such strong emotions in people!
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