The old adage “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover” couldn’t be more true of the Glen Bar and Grill in Garden Grove. Located in the shadows of the 22 freeway, in a tiny strip mall, this gem of a sports bar has great burgers, some very tasty lemon pepper chicken wings, a couple of pool tables, a jamming jukebox, plenty of hard alcohol for true boozehounds, and a great list of craft beers both bottles and on draft. It’s fast becoming a favorite local hang out: A recent night hosted three birthday parties of young hipster Asians, a group of millennial Chicana hotties, and a Band of Brothers Old Fart Lucky to be Alive Santaneros. Please leave your cane at the door.
On draft: Coronado Brewing Co.’s Mermaid Red Ale 5.7% ABV: rich,dark and malty., it’s easy to drink with no aftertaste and a good beer to start your evening. Also on draft is Ballast Point’s famous Grapefruit Sculpin IPA 7% ABV. But the bottle game is strong, too: try Brother Thelonious Belgian Style Abbey Ale, with a 9.4% ABV but smooth and featuring plenty of dark fruit flavors like currant, raisins, and plums. But the best Ninkasi Hop Cooler Citrus IPA. You’ll enjoy its hoppiness combined with oranges, mangoes, tangerines and grapefruit, giving this beer cooler status. Swing by the Glen and get all these drinks, but don’t go to the Ju Jitsu Academy next door and challenge the students afterwards. They’re 44-0!
The Glen Bar and Grill, 13132 Garden Grove Blvd., Garden Grove, (714) 663-1775; www.theglenbar.com.
