Sunday Funday at Taps Fish House! - CLOSED

Taps Fish House and Brewery 

101 E. Imperial Highway

Brea, CA 92821

I know what you probably think: "Didn't they just review Taps?" You would, of course, be right. Taps was the first restaurant that we reviewed in Brea early this month. Since that time, we have done two other reviews in Brea. The reason for our quick return to Downtown Brea? We were invited to try Taps Brunch.

After my first trip to try Taps lunch was a great success, I was very excited to see what they had in store for us, especially since brunch is one of my favorite meals. We got to Taps right at noon, and the place was packed. We were ushered to the back of the restaurant, where our party of some of the best food writers and bloggers our county offers were assembled. Most of the blogs listed to the right, under "my favorite blogs," had a representative in attendance. I always like meeting up with this great group of foodies. Trading stories, getting some tips on where we should eat, and just catching up.

Our hosts for the brunch were Proprietor/Founder of Taps, Joe Manzella, and Taps award-winning Brewmaster Victor Novak. Both men were very hospitable to us. We even tried to persuade Joe to open up in South OC. He told us that they are working on it. Victor learned his craft in Philadelphia and continued his brewing education on European trips. As an added bonus, we were given a bottle of their award-winning Imperial Russian Stout, Remy. Have not tried it yet, but with the beers that we did try, I am sure it will be great.

When we entered the room, we were handed this very well-garnished Bloody Mary. At Taps, they feature a Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar for an additional charge. With all of these fixings and the delicious Bloody Mary mix that they use as a base, each concoction is sure to be a winner.

Since Taps is first and foremost a fish restaurant, let's start with the seafood portion of the brunch buffet. Oysters on the half-shell, Shrimp Cocktail, and Salmon are just some of the many offerings from the sea. All were fresh and tasted great.

Here is a quick look at some of the salads at Taps. When I am at brunch, I tend to avoid this section because I like to focus on hot foods. I did, however, try the Crab Macaroni Salad, Baked Potato Salad, and Garlic Crostini. I am not a big macaroni salad fan, but the added crab was a real flavor booster. All the salads were refilled many times throughout our visit.

This is where I kill at a buffet brunch with the hot items. Numerous items were offered at Taps. Sliced Turkey with gravy was a must-eat. I also was a fan of the Cheesy Potatoes, and no brunch buffet would be complete without a carving station featuring Prime Rib. This prime rib was cooked a perfect medium rare. Also featured were the usual breakfast items, Bacon Sausage, Waffles, and the Bread Pudding and Cinnamon Rolls deserve special mention. Both merited return visits to the buffet line.

Desserts are not to be missed at Taps for sure. They have slices of Cakes, Creme Brulee, and Flan, but the Chocolate Fountain is the big draw.  Dipping items included, pretzels, fruit, rice crispy treats, marshmallows, and graham crackers. We spent a lot of time here. The beignets are ordered off of a menu, along with all egg dishes, and are included in the price of the brunch. Having the kitchen prepare omelets and egg dishes helps keep the flow of the restaurant moving.

Here is a quick shot of two of my full plates at the brunch. I really did some damage at Taps. Brunch is served from 9:30 to 2:30 every Sunday at Taps. Reservations are strongly advised, and this place definitely fills up. They offer over 100 items, so there will be something for everyone at Taps.

We would like to thank everyone at Taps for the wonderful hospitality. Service was first class on our visit here. Special thanks to Joe Manzella, who knows his stuff and was a real pleasure to talk with. Thanks also to Victor Novak for the beer samples, which all tasted great. Tom Hope is also worth spotlighting for the wonderful brunch buffet that is done under his tutelage. One last thanks goes to our hostess for the brunch, the amazing Lee Heally. Thanks so much for the invite to another wonderful event.

To find information about the brunch or any other meals at Taps, click here: http://www.tapsfishhouse.com/brea/