(Clockwise from top left): There’s something for everyone at The Fourth Bore, from the French dip sandwich to the Baja fish tacos to Wisconsin cheese curds to spaghetti Bolognese. And don’t forget the 28 beers on tap.
With its tenth anniversary coming up in November, the Fourth Bore’s Taproom & Grill success has shown that owner Michael Karp’s quest for “elevated comfort food” has been a successful one.
The Fourth Bore not only serves as a pre- and post-movie hot spot, but also as a destination in its own right. Families can find plenty for the kids, and long-time residents seem to always run into familiar faces on the patio.
The restaurant is in the center of the action at Theatre Square, with its outdoor seating, full bar and classic bistro menu, but it wouldn’t have lasted this long if it weren’t for the quality of what’s served.
“Everything’s made from scratch,” said Karp, starting with one of the Fourth Bore favorites, Wisconsin cheese curds. The cheddar cheese is carefully selected and the tempura batter is applied by hand to each serving.
“It’s airy, light and crispy,” said Karp. “If I took it off the menu, there’d be outrage.”
Another popular pre-entrée item is the Field of Berries salad, which adds whatever berries are in season to a base of pecans, feta, mixed greens and a honey-balsamic dressing.
One of the most popular items is the French dip sandwich, made from prime rib and featuring bread from Nisi’s Craft Bakery. (And sometimes that prime rib is one of the weekly specials, which debut every Wednesday.)
Baja fish tacos, with cilantro cole slaw and chipotle aioli, can be ordered fried or pan-seared, and seafood lovers can also opt for a salmon entrée.
Spaghetti Bolognese is a comfort food go-to, but when it comes to Italian influences, Karp is especially proud of the Fourth Bore’s pizzas. The crust comes from a 13-year-old sourdough starter from Forge Pizza, which has just relocated from Jack London Square and reopened as Forge Rockridge a couple blocks north of the BART station.
Back in Orinda, the Fourth Bore’s comfort food classics can be complemented with a choice from the 28 Fourth Bore Taps. The rotating roster of beers includes many local favorites, from Drake’s to Morgan Territory, as well as imports like Guinness Draught.
The solid wine list leans heavily on California but there are Italian choices as well. The cocktail menu is also extensive, running from the familiar (martinis and margaritas) to the more experimental (When Pigs Fly, which combines bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino and lemon juice).
An easy way to sample drinks and food is the Monday through Friday Happy Hour from 3 to 5 p.m., which offers the typical bargains on beer, wine, cocktails and small plates.
Located at 2 Orinda Theatre Square, Suite 134, call 925.254.1183 or visit them at thefourthbore.com.
