Fat of the Land, a European beer and wine bar featuring Spanish and French dishes, is getting ready to open a new location in Irvine at 2010 Main Street, Ste 170.
The company’s second location is set to move into the former home of Maldon’s Brasserie, according to a liquor license application. Owner Robert Paetz III tells What Now Orange County that he and his team hope to open the new restaurant in early Summer 2026, aiming for early July, but an exact date has not been confirmed. Paetz III also says the new location will feature a slightly larger menu than the original Santa Ana spot.
Fat of the Land began in Santa Ana at 700 North Main St., founded by Paetz III after returning to Orange County following a career as a travel and wedding photographer. Paetz III wanted to create a small, intimate bar inspired by the crowded, lively feel of bars he visited around the world. The Santa Ana location has become known for its carefully curated menu, European wine selection, and casual yet refined bar atmosphere.
Menu highlights at the original Santa Ana location include Castelvetrano olives, Apero plates with chorizo and Manchego, Galician octopus, Pollo en Bravas, and a variety of European cheeses, charcuterie, and tinned fish. The drink menu features cocktails like the Negroni, Red Sangria, and Fiero Spritz, along with carefully selected wines from Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal.
Chef Van Duong will lead the kitchen, continuing the focus on seasonal and globally inspired dishes. Paetz III says the new location will allow the team to expand the menu and experiment with new plates, while maintaining the intimate, bar-centered experience that has become the hallmark of Fat of the Land.
