Say you end up at Irvine Spectrum, hungry on an off night. You decide to check out that place that was formerly a parking lot. No, the other one, the one called Del Frisco's. It's the approachable sibling to the white-linen, fine-dining steakhouse.
Look inside, and the most notable detail isn't the 401-maximum headroom or the excessive use of dangling light bulbs as décor. No, you'll realize it's bro night. The late-30-to-40-something answer to Yard House, minus the smoking patio. Guys seated in large groups after work, swigging wine and commiserating. Like a gender-neutral man cave, but with the option to valet.
]
When it comes to grubbing, Del Frisco's serves an updated mix of Americana. There's both a beef and lamb burger listing; flatbreads are served on rectangular planks. Your salad options even include a trendy kale/Brussels sprouts mix. And the bro-dead giveaway is found among the appetizers: cheesesteak eggrolls. Seriously. Tasting way better than it sounds, wrapped and deep-fried meat dipped in sweet oddly works.
Beginning July 17 through July 26, diners ordering any entrée will have the option to order one of Del Frisco's adult milkshakes for $7 (regularly $11). A creamy blend of Creme de Cacao, Nocello walnut liqueur and real vanilla ice cream, it's the stuff cheat days are made of. The mega-sized black straw popped in will get you craving boba. Hey, if this milky deal is in honor of National Ice Cream month, you shouldn't argue; simply enjoy.
Del Frisco's Grille is located at 772 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, (949) 341-0376; www.delfriscosgrille.com.
Follow Stick a Fork In It on Twitter @ocweeklyfood or on Facebook! And don't forget to download our free Best Of App here!
A contributing writer for OC Weekly, Anne Marie freelances for multiple online and print publications, and guest judges for culinary competitions. A Bay Area transplant, she graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. Find her on Instagram as brekkiefan.