Are those birdcages of whiskey? Yes, those are birdcages of whiskey. What caught my eye first at Bosscat Kitchen & Libations was its eclectic and loud decor. Boastful of its wide collection of whiskey and its contemporary twist on American comfort food, Bosscat has two locations in Orange County, one in Orange and the other in Irvine, both with its own unique decor. (Apparently the Bosscat brand also has two restaurants in Texas as well!) Right when you enter are a set of grand tufted accent chairs next to… yes more cages of whiskey. While it was quite loud the night I went as it was full of small and large groups of friends, I can see it being a fun and sexy venue when it’s a little less crowded.

Full disclaimer: I am not the biggest whiskey drinker. I have little to no appreciation for whiskey or bourbon. However, the Bosslady drink I had was bomb. As in, this was probably my favorite drink with bourbon in it of all time. It was a delicious concoction of Wild Turkey bourbon with citrus, berries, and apparently some floral notes too. Again, since I am not the biggest fan of bourbon (although I am trying to acquire the taste for it!) the fact that I could barely taste the bourbon was a huge plus for me. Yes I am aware bourbon fans are likely shaking their heads. But hey, if you’ve never been a bourbon lover, I highly recommend the Bosslady! It’s fruity with a little tang and ultimately very refreshing. My partner had the Gentle Reminder which is a whiskey cocktail with cointreau and orange and walnut bitters. He is a much more experienced whiskey drinker than I am, and more appreciative as well. He gave this his drink a thumbs up so I would trust that!

While the pork belly poutine looks a lot less appetizing in a photo than it did in person, I assure you that the flavor did not disappoint. It was savory and homey, and definitely rounded out our drinks. I also had the sugar barrel steak and I got it medium rare. And wow! It really surprised me. I wasn’t expecting much to be honest from a restaurant that doesn’t specialize in steaks, but the cut was incredibly juicy and flavorful without too much sauce. It was delicious! I’ll have to be back to try their burgers as I know they’re also popular items.

Overall, this place is a great place for a casual date. The restaurant in Orange is located near many other bars and restaurants and is a great neighborhood for a nice little stroll after dinner.

Bosscat Kitchen and Libations
118 W Chapman Avenue
Orange, CA 92866
https://bosscatkitchen.com/orange
@bosscatkitchen

*good for single diners at the bar, couples, friends, small groups and large groups (with reservations)