Still thinking about a dish I had about a year ago, we revisited TAPS Fish House & Brewery and ordered the miso marinated pan roasted Chilean sea bass with Japanese sticky rice, sautéed spinach with red, green and yellow pepper jam. It tasted exactly the same—delicious!
TAPS’ menu blends together the favors of France, Asia and New Orleans in a celebration of fresh seafood, U.S. Choice steaks and thick chops. TAPS Fish House & Brewery has two locations—one in Brea which debuted in 1999 and the Corona location—the one I will describe. It is a 17,500-square-foot restaurant which seats around 500 and is located at The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos. The restaurant has so many nooks and crannies which offers private dining for small and large groups—creating an intimate dining ambiance in a large facility. In addition, this restaurant has a 14-seat oyster bar, lounge, live entertainment, eight flat screen TVs, four fireplaces, and a cigar friendly heated patio. The atmosphere is very pleasing but the food is divine. Give credit to the brainchild of proprietor Joe Manzella who wanted to create dishes he loved in New Orleans, Seattle and San Francisco. The flavors at TAPS is definitely a team effort and it shows. TAPS serves generous portions, specializing in fresh fish hand cut daily, a varied selection of just harvested oysters, steaks, and even hand-thrown pizzas.
Obviously from its name, TAPS is known for its beers which are brewed on site. The brewmaster, Victor Novak, creates its brews, importing grains and hops from England and Germany. TAPS has won 30 awards ranging from the Los Angeles County and California State Fairs to the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup. If you are so inclined, you may take TAPS’ beers home in a 64-ounce growler available for sale.
However, if wine is your choice, the selection is also significant. TAPS’ wine list has received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for the last eight years. Over 165 domestic and imported wines, priced from $27 to $500 are stored in a climate-controlled, custom built wine bin visible from the entry. Wine lockers are also available for guests. TAPS thinks of everything!
Their Sunday Jazz Brunch Extravaganza is something not to be missed. It is served from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and the cost is $29.95 per person. The selection is endless. Their decadent desserts are even prepared on premise by their Executive Chef Nelson Barillas—a perfect way to conclude an enjoyable lunch, dinner or brunch.
Live music is offered on Thursday and Friday nights (playoff games, etc. take precedent, however, so check beforehand). Private dining rooms are available for wedding receptions, company luncheons and meetings. Located on 2745 Lakeshore Drive in Corona, call (951) 277-5800 for reservations or visit www.tapsfishhouse.com TAPS is opened for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.