At STORY Bar and Kitchen, dining is about much more than a meal–it’s an unforgettable experience.
Blending culinary creativity with a striking sense of visual flair, this Southern California eatery captivates the palate and the eye with a bold sense of style–with every brunch, lunch, dinner, and cocktail served.
“Restaurants, to us, are about more than food; they’re where memories are made,” says Chief Visionary Officer Cythnia Vigil, who runs STORY along with Chad Reinhardt.
“As a kid, I don’t remember every trip to Olive Garden, but I do remember the magic of dining at places like The Cat and The Custard Cup or Characters in La Habra.”
“Those meals stuck with me because there was something special about the space–something to look at, to wonder about, to feel. That’s what inspired STORY: a restaurant that felt like a little escape from the everyday, especially for kids. We wanted to build a space that sparked curiosity and helped families create their own ‘remember when…’ kind of moments.”
Choosing the perfect name for their space unfolded naturally as part of the creative process.
“It was honestly one of those organic, messy brainstorm sessions where names were flying. We kept asking each other, ‘What’s our story’” over and over. And then it clicked: that is the story. It’s STORY. A place where everything from the food to the décor tells a piece of who we are and invites guests to write their own chapter every time they visit.”
From that moment on, it was clear that STORY Bar and Kitchen was the perfect name for their vision.
“The name felt right because it’s personal. Every restaurant has a backstory, but we wanted ours to also give stories to our guests. STORY is about storytelling through design, food, and atmosphere. It’s a reminder that even in the routine, there’s space to create something memorable.”
A key component of their recipe for success is striking a balance between sophistication and comfort.
“At the heart of STORY is a chef-driven menu that’s eclectic and elevated, but still totally approachable. We didn’t want to create a place that only made sense for anniversaries or birthdays–we wanted a spot you’d feel just as good dropping into on a random Tuesday. It's about delivering high-quality food with personality and variety, while keeping the experience accessible.”
A transformative experience that’s simultaneously warm and refined is at the core of STORY.
“We want guests to walk in and immediately feel like they’ve been transported–like they’ve stepped out of the routine and into a little pocket of wonder. The design is immersive and playful on purpose; it's meant to spark curiosity and emotion. And when they leave? We hope they feel like they just created a memory–whether it was a quiet brunch with a book, a family dinner, or a spontaneous night out. Our goal is to have them thinking, ‘I can’t wait to come back.’”
Finding that “sweet spot” is where the magic happens for their patrons.
“STORY has the design and ambiance of a fine dining restaurant, but we’re not trying to be precious about it. Our pricing is thoughtful–we want people to come back often, not just for a big celebration. The food feels elevated because it’s crafted with intention, but the menu’s built to be flexible. It’s the kind of place that fits your life, not just your calendar.”
At the heart of every great restaurant is a visionary chef–and STORY is no exception.
“Our Executive Chef, Christy Gray, is Filipino by heritage and classically trained in Italy. Her culinary point of view is all about bold layers, rich textures, and an unapologetic love of spice. Her ability to balance heat and finesse is what makes the food so craveable.”
When it comes to choosing favorite menu items, some of Cynthia’s personal picks include the Blistered Green Beans with red pepper flakes–simple, spicy, and addictive, as well as the Chicken Piccata–a classic standout dish. Another of her favorites is the Milanesa.
“The way that crisp cutlet plays off the fresh arugula and creamy goat cheese? Perfection. And when I’m feeling indulgent, the Short Rib dishes are next level.”
If Cynthia had her way, the entire menu would be shareable.
“I love the idea of people gathering around a table and trying a little of everything–that dinner party energy where the meal becomes the moment. While we kept some traditional plating, we leaned into the shareable vibe where it made sense, because great meals are meant to be passed around, talked about, and devoured together.”
While the core menu has remained largely consistent since day one, Chef Christy is constantly innovating behind the scenes.
The STORY team is incredibly hands-on with developing menu items.
“Everything on the menu–food and drink–has either come from or passed through Chef Christy or me.”
“It’s a true collaboration. Chef Christy brings a refined, worldly approach to flavor and execution, while I obsess over the guest experience–how it tastes, how it looks, how it feels. We also love tapping into the creativity of our bar team and the rest of the house. When you build a space filled with talented people, it’s only natural to let their passion show up on the plate or in the glass.”
STORY’s ambiance is the result of a carefully curated plan to give guests a remarkable experience.
“Dining out should feel special, even if it’s just a weeknight dinner. The little details like textures, lighting, and quirky curiosities tucked into corners– all of it is intentional. We didn’t want to be sterile or overly trendy. We wanted warmth, layers, and a sense of magic. A place where adults could enjoy beautiful design and great food, and kids could be wide-eyed, wondering, ‘What’s that over there?’ The goal was to create an experience that lingers–not just on your tastebuds, but in your memory,” says Cynthia.
In addition to the Anaheim Hills location–a local treasure–the STORY team has plans to expand.
“We’re just getting started. Right now, we’re exploring opportunities to bring the STORY concept to new locations–Whittier and Brea are on our radar,” she says.
“The goal is to stay true to what makes STORY special, while adapting each location to its own unique vibe and community.”
However, don’t expect the STORY to stop there.
“We’re also pushing deeper into immersive dining–something that engages all the senses. Chef Christy and our bar team are collaborating on curated tasting menus that pair food and drink in intentional, playful ways. We’re aiming to launch those experiences this summer. It’s all about continuing to surprise our guests, elevate the everyday, and create memorable moments that feel personal–no matter how many locations we grow into.”
Visit https://www.storyanaheim.com/ to book a table or plan a special event at STORY Bar and Kitchen.