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Welcome to Chapter One: the modern local

Chapter One: the modern local in Santa Ana, CA, is a modern eatery offering tapas, small plates, and brunch options. With a diverse menu including duck fat fries, vegan fish tacos, and steak paninis, this restaurant caters to a variety of tastes. The establishment prides itself on exceptional service, evidenced by reviews praising the attentive and friendly staff. The ambiance is described as chic and uniquely charming, with quirky decor and a welcoming atmosphere. Customers rave about the delicious dishes and creative cocktails, making this a must-visit spot for those looking for a memorable dining experience.

Chapter One: the modern local: Reviews & Ratings

Ayda M.
Ayda M.

Great place Waiters were attentive , helpful and friendly. Delicious dishes Affordable Thank you

Claudia P.
Claudia P.

Food was good ! Nice severs. I do think a bit pricey. Also the minute we walked in smelled like sewer and smell did not go away.

Lisa Y.
Lisa Y.

Checked in tonight as a Hospitality Ninja Student and Chapter One was seriously a Cave filled with so many Exquisitely Chic Lessons on what makes a Restaurant Top Shelf Authentically Charming and Uniquely Special!! Right when we walked in I loved the fun Welcome Mat and sign that invited my Professor Sitter and I to seat ourselves. I chose a nice Cozy clean and comfortably Chic booth and delighted in all the fun and boldly Bouncy and Nerdy Vibrations of the Cave! I love the Statements showing the Restaurant's support for the Arsenal Football Team, a Server wearing a hilariously Fun colorfully lit WWF Christmas Sweater, and Bookshelves encouraging a thoroughly Well Read Lifestyle ;0) Natalie was our Server and she completely blew us away with the quality of her Hosting! I told her I was a Yelper and needed her to sell me on the Best Chapter One Experience and she slayed through her Hospitality Soccer Hustle like a Champion's League Superstar! Natalie gave us an endless barrage of highly specific terrific Cocktail, Appetizer, Main Course, and Dessert Suggestions and made the whole Experience feel like a Well Engineered Disneyland Ride! Natalie playfully informed us about the interesting History of Chapter One and how it was originally a Bookstore, the Family Oriented Team Culture that Hosts insanely Fun and Classy New Years Celebration Traditions, and the Executive Chef responsible for all breathtaking Recipe Designs we got to enjoy that evening. I was curious about the Owner and Natalie pointed him out as a fully engaged and present Dining Room Guardian roaming around the Restaurant that evening! Hats off to the Owner for being so incredibly humble and being the most Intriguing and Effective Restauranteur I've seen in all my years of Yelping! The Design and Charm of Chapter One is so Tastefully Electrifying and big thanks to Natalie and Ryan for playing their Server Roles with such focused and responsible Professionally Chic Enthusiasm!!! And the Server with the NWO Throwback Christmas Sweater wins my Favorite Christmas Sweater Award for the Season ;0) You must try their Espresso Martini and Beef Empanadas and White Chocolate Souffle!!! Their Housemade Ketchup is incredible too and was my Favorite part of the Royale Cheese Gourmet Burger Entree. The Kitchen Staff and Executive Chef is seriously in top of their Professional A Game!!

Lynn H.
Lynn H.

Came for Succulent workshop, and had one the BEST Sangrias! Decided to try the lumpia, and it was delicious. Service was great. Our group was assigned one person to make sure everything went well, and they were on top of it. Super attentive & friendly. The parking in the area can get a little crazy, but there's a plethora of options.

Jessica B.
Jessica B.

Me and my cousins stopped in on a Sunday afternoon and it was our first stop of Many around Santa Ana! (we are restaurant hopping). This was a great place to start! Waiter Branson was so attentive, friendly and funny! Loved the vibe here. Had the championship soccer game was airing and great beers on draft!

Maria R.
Maria R.

One of my favorite restaurants in DTSA for brunch and dinner! The food is always so fresh and on point I don't think I've ever been disappointed in a dish there. The drinks are also very tasty and you can definitely taste the liquor. Perfect for date night or a girl day/night out. Ask for Ayda she's the best server with all the vibes!

Nana K.
Nana K.

Chilaquiles. That is the main reason for our brunch celebration this morning. My daughter was in search for some good chilaquiles, and we definitely found some at Chapter One. I love that we were able to find reservations right away. Our waitress was so friendly, and took the best picture for us (score!). Other than that, they offered lots of great options for brunch. I'm a healthy bean so stuck to good old egg whites, toast and potato's (their toast was BOMB!). Hubbie really enjoyed his pork belly burritos and daughter said she would come back for their chilaquiles (she is picky with her Chilaquiles). And their duck fries were SO good. Overall a very comfortable restaurant for some good grub food and drinks. Excited to come back and try more options. Thanks, Chapter One!

Location

Chapter One: the modern local is a trendy tapas and small plates restaurant located in the heart of Santa Ana, California. With a focus on local ingredients and modern twists on classic dishes, this eatery offers a unique dining experience for patrons looking for a hip and vibrant atmosphere.

One of the standout features of Chapter One is their diverse menu, which includes options for vegans, vegetarians, and meat lovers alike. From duck fat fries to vegan fish tacos, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The salads, like the Steak & Feta and Shrimp & Avocado 2.0, showcase creative flavor combinations and fresh ingredients that will leave you wanting more.

When it comes to handhelds, the Steak Panini and Cuban Panini are sure to satisfy your taste buds, while the Pulled Pork Bnh M offers a delicious and unique twist on a classic sandwich. The attention to detail in each dish is evident, and the flavors are perfectly balanced.

The restaurant's commitment to sustainability is also commendable, with reusable tableware and a focus on supporting local farmers and producers. Whether you're looking for a casual brunch spot or a lively dinner destination, Chapter One: the modern local has something for everyone.

As a food reviewer, I was impressed by the quality of the dishes and the attentive service provided by the staff. The atmosphere was inviting and the overall experience was memorable. If you're in the Santa Ana area and looking for a modern and local dining experience, be sure to give Chapter One a try.