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Knolls is phenomenal. Lauren the manager is so personable. The blue light was so soothing and not overstimulating. I also adored the creative seating. Perfect tables to stack for your larger groups. If you want to stick to your group of four go to the tables with the large glass dividers. The lounge to the right with a dancefloor and awesome seating/lighting is a space just asking for celebratory events and live music. Knolls is cozy upscale comforting and classy. Upscale, in quality no arrogance at all about the place which is extremely refreshing in South OC. Palm Springs charm and classiness while being stone throw to the ocean?! If you don't like it you're simply allergic to chocolate and joy. This is the place to be. Full heart, full stomach. ❤️💯 Ps: I recommend the lobster Mac n Cheese and the Asian Potstickers 🎉👌
The new owners have done wonders for this place and Lauren is awesome! The food, entertainment, service and atmosphere are greatly improved. First Wednesdays for Jazz is wonderful with Leo Vigil and the band. Bottles of wine are half price, and the happy hour Menu has some excellent choices, too.
It's a friendly place with good food, but a little pricey for my taste—especially the appetizers and drinks. It's in a large Strip Center timer and has wheelchair access. It has a Bandstand and good service the people are friendly. The place is DOG FRIENDLY. Two of us split a large meat lovers Pizza pizza.
7/25/2026 Had reservations this evening for Knolls in Laguna Niguel after stopping by a garden party in our community. The night was still young and the music at Knolls was calling our names. Lauren the owner greeted us at the door as did Alex R. one of our favorite servers. The place was packed and so many folks were enjoying themselves with great food, music, ambiance and people. We started with drinks and then Alex took our entree order. Lauren even stopped by our table to say hello and I complimented her on the joy and flavor she brought to Knolls as we have been patrons prior to her ownership. She is amazing as are the staff she has helping everyone with smiles and excellent customer service. My wife had a bite prior to coming to Knolls so only had a Caesar Salad and I had the Orange Sesame Salmon with fresh veggies. Oh so good! Lauren always brings in top notch entertainment and offers it 7 days a week plus a killer happy hour from 3pm to 6pm. A great place and highly recommended! 3/21/2025 Great time tonight at Knolls. We had drinks and boom boom shrimp to start. Rocky was our amazing server. We had two BBQ chicken salads and the. Danced while having a few cocktails. Yes Don Julio is a friend for about 4 rounds. The owner Lauren was amazing as well. Great band good times. Highly recommended. 2/15/25 What an amazing evening at Knolls. The ambiance was positive and the place was hopping. Alexander was our amazing server and was not only professional but kind and personable. We met Lauren the new owner and what an amazing person with a smile that lights up a room and the personality to match. We started with drinks and the boom boom shrimp. We had Don Julio Blanco with pelligrino and three limes muddled with mint and they were fantastic. For dinner my wife had the Ceasar salad with chicken and I had the short rib pasta. The food was amazing. We ordered a pizza and sliders and took most of it home. The coffee and cheesecake were awesome as well. The band was crossroads and played some awesome tunes including steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac, the double brothers etc. Great place, great people and food. Thank you. Highly recommended. 9/28/2024 Great spot. We stopped by this evening and sat at the bar as the class of 84 was having a party. Enrique was our bartender and server. We stated with chicken wings which were very good. The band was fantastic with an awesome sax player. My wife had the boom boom shrimp and I had the chicken linguine. Both dishes were excellent. We heard the news that Vee sold the restaurant and I am sure this place will continue to flourish. Good peeps, good service and good food. Highly recommended 1/12/24 Had a great time at Knolls tonight. The ambiance was perfect and the band fantastic. Garrett is our favorite server and bartender and was amazing. The lovely owner, Beata, stopped by a was very welcoming and kind as well. Such an amazing ace and the drinks, food, and service are top shelf. The dance floot.has been expanded and the band area as well. We both had the orange salmon and several drinks and joined our friends their as well for a wonderful evening. Garrett is a true professional and made the evening that much better. Highly recommended. 5/6/2023 Had a terrific time this evening at Knolls celebrating my wife's birthday with friends. The staff is always amazing and the food is very good as well. Luis was our server as we requested him as he is very attentive, remembers his guests' drinks, likes and dislikes, and makes the evening special every time. The band was quite good and played a variety of quality tunes. A great hidden gem. The bartenders are also seasoned and experienced and mix a mean cocktail. The calamari, salmon, and shrimp special and other food items were perfect. Luis planned a special dessert birthday dish for the entire party and made the evening that much better! Highly recommended and ask for Luis as he will truly take care of you!
This place is legit. Awesome food. Great drinks too. Our band performs here and we absolutely love this venue. Staff and new ownership are great and its just an all around good time. Highly recommend folks give it a shot. You won’t be disappointed.