After many months of mystery and anticipation, you finally have the chance to experience top cocktails and food at Pie Society. The speakeasy—located in the back of the 17th Street Pitfire Artisan Pizza restaurant—serves innovative, handcrafted cocktails by Steve Garcia, who headed up the cocktail programs at Mesa and Broadway by Amar Santana. Leading the list of must-have cocktails is the refreshing Pool Side (Ford’s gin, watermelon, lemon juice, Plymouth Sloe gin and a cucumber slice) which just may be the perfect summer drink. Other signature selections include the Piesobar House Martini (Ford’s gin, Wodka vodka, Cocchi Americano, Dolin Blanc vermouth, bergamot oil, and lemon peel) and the Hemingway Daiquiri (Caña Brava, Cuban-style rum, fresh lime juice, house-made grapefruit cordial, maraschino cherry, and frappé), among others.
The menu from chef Jason Neroni (of Venice Beach’s beloved Superba Snack Bar) offers favorites such as Superba fried chicken with red vin glaze, parmesan and chilies; cheeseburger hot pocket served with smoked cheddar and a dill pickle; and crispy dim sum shrimp with black sesame sweet mayo. Don’t miss the star of the small plates menu: sweet and sour crispy pork belly, served with pineapple and opal basi. 5 p.m.-close, Th-Su. 353 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, 949.313.6333. piesocietybar.com