Patrons Are the Champs at Heroes

At Heroes restaurant and bar in Fullerton, the hero is clearly the customer.

From the cozy, wood-paneled walls covered with photos of local sports stars, to the sawdust on the floor, to the extensive beer list, Heroes aims to create a fun and friendly atmosphere.

“We want everyone to feel at home here,” proprietor Jack Franklin said. “The bartenders are here to have fun, to have a good time. We never want to get too serious.”

One thing Heroes does take seriously, though, is catering to its clients. The service is prompt and friendly, and the management is always looking for another reason to offer a special.

On Monday nights, through football season, Heroes serves 32-ounce draft beers for $3 and 50-cent hot dogs during the game. All domestic beers go for $1 on Thursdays. And on Sundays, when the urge strikes them, a local band billed as Last Call drops in for a few sets.

“This is a place where all ages can come, relax, watch a game on TV, or have a quiet conversation in the corner,” Franklin said. “That’s the beauty of it. We get businessmen, college students, a couple in their 60s. Every night it’s something different.”

Heroes offers a variety of reasonably priced appetizers and light meals, including fried shrimp ($4.25), country-style ribs ($5.50) and the hefty, lip-smacking Heroburger ($3.95).

The best treat of all, though, is the beer. More than 60 selections are available, including such rarities as Rauchbier ($3.75) from Bavaria and Lindeman’s Kriek Lambic, a Belgian brew flavored with cherries that, despite it’s $6.50 price, is quite popular.

For the somewhat less adventurous, Heroes offers Coors, Coors Light and Budweiser on tap, at $1.75 a pint, or unique bottled domestics such as Wild Boar Amber, Rincon Dry, Dock Street Amber or Petes Wicked Ale for $1.95. Imports on tap include Heineken and Watneys for $2.25.

The designated driver may choose from two nonalcoholic brews--Texas Lite ($1.75) and Moussey ($2.25)--and a selection of soft drinks.

Heroes also serves wine at $3.25 a glass for the house white Zinfandel, Chardonnay or Sauvignon Cabernet, but does not serve hard liquor.

Heroes, 305 N. Harbor, Suite 124, Villa del Sol, Fullerton. Open Sunday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to midnight, Thursday through Saturday till 2 a.m. (714) 738-4356.