The Catch is an Anaheim favorite that was forced to relocate after 32 years so they could steer clear of redevelopment. Today marks the return of the sports-friendly American chophouse on the ground floor of AvalonBay’s Anaheim Stadium, a mixed-use development within walking distance of Angel Stadium, Honda Center and The Grove of Anaheim. “I loved the old free-standing Catch site, but our new location could not be closer to the incredible sports and entertainment nucleus that makes Anaheim a mecca to all of Orange County,” said proprietor Joe Manzella, whose family also owns TAPS Fish House & Brewery in Brea and Corona.

The Catch 2.0 encompasses 10,300 square feet, seats 350 and features hockey stick door handles and a 20-seat bar shaped like home plate on a baseball diamond. Other design elements include high ceilings with exposed wood beams, a dining room with sumptuous black booths, and an exhibition kitchen. Since sports are so pervasive in the hood, look for 14 flat screens, mostly in the bar. A private “Legends Room” seats 80 and hosts the mahogany bar from the original location.

Executive chef Chris Hutton (Blue Coral, Fleming’s) worked with TAPS Culinary Director Tom Hope on a menu that features Catch classics like Maine lobster bisque with brandy and crème fraîche; miso marinated Chilean sea bass; and Victor’s fish & chips. New offerings include sizzling Kona Kampachi sashimi; a 32 ounce Tomahawk rib-eye from Creekstone Farms; and The Sun Devil, a 12-ounce chuck burger with cheddar, bacon, fried dill pickles, jalapeños, sweet onions and pepperoncini on a toasted brioche bun.

The Catch offers cocktails and 20 wines by the glass, but the emphasis is on beer. TAPS brewmaster Victor Novak oversees The Catch’s 20 taps, including four of his own: Cream Ale, Hefeweizen, Irish Red and Barleywine. The rest of his taps are devoted to craft brews, most American, and many local. Think Craftsman, The Lost Abbey, Stone and The Bruery. “Of course, I’ll also include some special stuff from Firestone Walker, Russian River, Avery, etc, and some beautiful Belgian, German, and other European beers,” says Novak. The opening list features beers like The Bruery Oude Tart, Craftsman Poppyfields Pale Ale and The Lost Abbey Angel’s Share. There are also four-beer flights, for variety’s sake.

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This entry is filed under LA Culinary Compass, Openings.