Bruxie Gourmet Waffle Sandwiches HB

BRUXIE
150 5th St.
Huntington Beach California 96248
Call: (657) 215-3559
bruxie.com

By Chris MacDonald
 

You notice the buzz of excitement as you near HB's newest eatery, Bruxie Gourmet Waffle Sandwiches, in The Strand at 5th and Walnut. It definitely has a "fun feel" to it, from its sight, sounds and sips. There's a real openness in design that brings the outside in and the inside out. People sit on both sides of the outer wall, some looking in, some looking out. If you want to eat outside early in the morning, there are heaters to make you more comfortable.

Customers walk inside to order, then have their meals brought to their tables by very attentive and cheerful servers. "No meal takes longer than 6 minutes," said Manager Robert Bustamente. Perfect for the always on-the-go, in-and-out, hustle-and-bustle world we live in.

Located only a block from the ocean, Bruxie not only has a friendly and fun personality but delicious food and drink to go with it. The Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Waffles, with Chili Honey and Cider Slaw, is light, tasty and absolutely delicious. You also can order several other things like Smoked Salmon Lox and Dill Cream Cheese, Turkey Club, Hot Pastrami and Albacore Tuna Melt. There also are Irish Nachos (crispy waffle fries with homemade cheese sauce, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Sour Cheese & Chives) and Waffle Cut Fries (Try dipping them in your Wisconsin Frozen Yogurt. Yum! Co-owner Kelly Mullarney tipped me off to that trick.)

Sip their Old Fashioned Pure Cane Sugar Sodas (with flavors like cola, vanilla creme, root beer and more) and you'll see why Bruxie offers spectacular bites and sips, yummy dishes by Chefs, Partners and Concept Creators Mullarney and Dean Simon, whose unique recipes make the place sizzle with satisfied munchers. It's no wonder this is their fifth eatery (HB, Old Towne Orange, Brea Downtown, Rancho Santa Margarita, The Shoppes at Chino Hills) and soon-to-be Irvine.

"We just opened our first location in Orange two years ago but we've developed a great following in OC beach communities," Simon said. "When we looked for a beach location, we thought HB's Strand was it."

It has 90 seats and even a streetside walkup window for serving floats, shakes and desserts. In case you wondered what a real "Bruxie" is--"It's a new take on the authentic Belgian Waffle," Simon said. "But unlike any other--street food perfect anytime."

Once you eat there, you'll probably be hooked and be back time and time again. It's just what The Strand needed to help fill out the popular Downtown Fun Zone.

See photos and buzz at facebook.com/bruxiewaffles ; twitter.com/bruxiewaffles

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