Cedar Creek - Where the Locals Go

This originally was called the Ivy House. It's where many locals go. It has great ambiance. It is cozy and has the feeling of a "Cheers". It sits across the street from City Hall; the Fire and Police Depts, on the corner of Forest and Third street.

Here are some things you need to know if you want to seem like you have been there before. When you first enter through the doors you will see the Hostess station.... just smile and turn right. If you stop, you will see a dining room behind the hostess station. I always felt that was where the visitors from Leisure World went to dine.... or families. The lighting is bright enough you can actually see your food. Not much character.

When you turn right at the Hostess station you will see the bar to your left and many round tables to your right and then a Piano. Depending on the day of the week, there might actually be a live person behind the piano and sometimes they will be pretty good. Now pay attention. These round tables represent the 'bar area' which means you can sit at any open table without the hostess placing you. Even though you are handed a bar menu, you can generally order off the 'other' menu. I generally like to eat at the bar or at one of these round tables.

Beyond the round tables are the...... you got it..... the square tables. This area is also flanked by the bar to your right as the aisle takes a jog to the left. The area of square tables has pretty good 'soul' and a neat fireplace. The bar in this area tends to be filled by the 'regulars', but it's okay to sit there if you can find an open stool.

Beyond the square tables, without jogging to the left is the outside patio. It's okay out there, but no regulars. You do get to watch the fire and police go jamming by when there is an emergency.

Now here is the next big tip. There are actually two kitchens. Well, I should say two cooking areas. One of them is behind the bar (that is also where you will find Howard the ex great hamburger king and surfer dude). If you want a really great hamburger.. and juicy... you definitely want it from behind the bar. This means you need to be sitting at the bar or one of the round tables. The same goes for what I call the Steak Sandwhich. Of course, they will tell you it is a New York Steak and that the real steak sandwhich is made in the 'kitchen'. BS! Tell them you want it from the grille behind the bar.

They have some pretty good dishes inclusing an Ahi sandwhich and Shrimp Wrap. Best of all it is just a great place to hang on a cold night.

They pour big drinks..... but remember. Laguna is renowned for lots of DUI arrests, so call a cab or get someone under a .08 to drive.

The buzz on the street is that they are not going to renew their lease. So if you have not tried it out.... better go soon.