Jaqu's

There’s a new restaurant just off the 405 in Huntington Beach and it doesn’t have a drive-thru. Jaqu’s is a contemporary American restaurant in a freeway-close strip mall with chain restaurants, a supermarket and a Target. As such, it has an automatic niche as an independent, classy place for an appetizer, dinner, drinks and live entertainment before hopping on the freeway. Jaqu’s, which management describes as a “neighborhood boutique hangout,” prides itself on its quality steaks, chops, seafood and pasta at prices that are easier on the wallet than the typical fine steakhouse. The venue was previously an Italian restaurant. Jaqu’s contribution to that heritage is homemade pasta and a special meatball recipe with a little spicy kick. A popular appetizer is the New York steak bites, cubed and served with homemade steak sauce, horseradish aioli and onion strings. The steaks and chops are coated in a custom-made meat rub, flavoring them in ways that won’t remind you of your last meal at a big chain steakhouse. The décor is simple and modern, with clean lines and warm wood that set a comfortable, relaxing mood. J Tokyo sit-down restaurant is around the corner and the highly regarded Thai Princess is a few doors down. Fast, familiar and/or casual options in the shopping center include Wok on the Run, Maui Hawaiian BBQ, Sushi Gesshim, Golden Donut, Lazy Dog Café and Marie Callenders.

Tips: Know that you’re welcome to come as you are after work or shopping. The atmosphere is tasteful yet unpretentious for a reason. They want you to come in and make yourself at home with some good food and wine and maybe some mellow music to soothe your day. Drop in and unwind without a big investment of time, money or effort.