Located in Costa Mesa's hip shopping district, the Camp, Milk & Honey is your hipster coffeehouse that perfectly fits in with all the other cool shops and restaurants. Here, visitors will receive an excellent cup of java in addition to an equally delectable tea. Moreover, M&H also provides a small menu of light, healthy snacks and bites. Try the Açaí bowl or the Honey Tarragon Tuna sandwich, both make for a perfect lunch. Add a cup of coffee or tea and you're set.
For those times you can't decide between sweet and savory, Bruxie has you covered. Bruxie specializes in, as one might suspect, "Bruxies" which are Belgian-style waffles turned into sandwiches. Diners can choose to go the sweet route with Nutella and banana, S'Mores or Creme Brulee Bruxies. For a more savory route, Bruxies includes combinations like the Bruxie burger, green eggs and ham Bruxie or the hot pastrami Bruxie. Round out your meal with some waffle-cut fries or even go authentic and get a straight-up traditional Belgian waffle.
Chapter One: The Modern Local is part of a larger revitalization of cities around the L.A. basin, where the emphasis is on energizing downtown businesses in core areas. In Santa Ana, this particular restaurant mixes innovation, ideals, community and history. Celebrating all things local, the farm-to-table, seasonal menu adheres to sustainability which makes the simple, yet flavorful ingredients stand on their own. The craft libations, from beer to cocktails are excellent, and if you arrive late, the kitchen stays open until midnight.
Sandy's Beach Grill in Huntington Beach offers expansive views of the ocean and offers Californian cuisine without breaking the bank. The lunch and dinner menus present seafood, steak, wood-fired pizza, sandwiches and appetizers like their fabulous Dungeness Crab Cake or delectable Gilroy Garlic Fried Green Beans. Their full bar has a good selection of cocktails, draft beers and California wines by the glass. Whether it is dining inside in their beach inspired dining room or their huge outdoor patio, Sandy's is always inviting, especially during sunset.
Located in a rather charmless shack, the bustling scene and aroma are enough to draw people into La Sirena Grill. As you walk through the outdoor dining area, you'll notice this is a neighborhood hangout place; patrons talk across tables and converse with the staff as if they were neighbors. Organic is the theme, and vegetarians are also in for a treat. Though you cannot go wrong with any order, seafood is not to be missed, and the guacamole is second to none. This is an eco-friendly restaurant that uses biodegradable utensils and eco-containers. They also tirelessly support many environmental organizations and events. - Hoiyin Ip
Set along Lake Forest Drive in Laguna Hills, Coco's Bakery Restaurant opened its doors back in 1948. A part of a popular restaurant chain, this eatery is known to serve delectable dishes from the American cuisine. Along with breakfast, lunch and dinner options, they also offer a selection of baked goodies that will keep you coming back for more. The menu even features alcoholic drinks like flavorful cocktails, wines and beers. This diner-style eatery is a great place to catch up with friends in the area.
Alta Baja Market is a unique, one-of-a-kind store that specializes in products that derive from the American Southwest, Mexico and California. Some of the products include wine, beer, crafts and home goods that come from these regions. Additionally, the shop provides classes and workshops in cooking, demos, pop-up dinners and idea swaps. Its location in the 4th Street Market is also another reason why people are attracted to Alta Baja.
Since 1958 there has been some incarnation of Tony's Deli in Anaheim. This particular restaurant opened in 1972 and though it has had several owners over the years, the name and top-quality sandwiches have remained. Tony's is also a full-service deli, with sides, pickles and plenty of bottled, craft sodas and beer. Located in the historic Anaheim Colony Historic District, Tony's is the perfect spot to visit when you are looking for quality cured meats.
Located in a rather charmless shack, the bustling scene and aroma are enough to draw people into La Sirena Grill. As you walk through the outdoor dining area, you'll notice this is a neighborhood hangout place; patrons talk across tables and converse with the staff as if they were neighbors. Organic is the theme, and vegetarians are also in for a treat. Though you cannot go wrong with any order, seafood is not to be missed, and the guacamole is second to none. This is an eco-friendly restaurant that uses biodegradable utensils and eco-containers. They also tirelessly support many environmental organizations and events. - Hoiyin Ip
For those times you can't decide between sweet and savory, Bruxie has you covered. Bruxie specializes in, as one might suspect, "Bruxies" which are Belgian-style waffles turned into sandwiches. Diners can choose to go the sweet route with Nutella and banana, S'Mores or Creme Brulee Bruxies. For a more savory route, Bruxies includes combinations like the Bruxie burger, green eggs and ham Bruxie or the hot pastrami Bruxie. Round out your meal with some waffle-cut fries or even go authentic and get a straight-up traditional Belgian waffle.
This hidden brewery in Anaheim is just one of many fabulous breweries in Orange County. While many people in Anaheim may go to the Bruery or Bottle Logic for superb beer, Phantom Ales still seems to be Anaheim's best kept secret since it's usually filled with mostly locals. The brewery always has innovative beers on tap, try the Kona Coffee Lager for a kick or the Pecan Brown Recluse for chocolatey suds. Moreover, the bar serves cider, mead and the wine menu is extensive. The kitchen serves small bites as well as full entrees, and don't forget to ask the knowledgeable staff about pairings, they know their stuff.
Located at the historic Anaheim Packing House, Black Sheep GCB is one of many wonderful local restaurants in this beautifully refurbished structure. Here, GCB stands for 'Grilled Cheese Bar', and that's where the chefs create gooey masterpieces filled with Fontina, Raclette, Manchego, Cheddar, Swiss and much more. Black Sheep is simple, flavorful and perfect for those days when you want to eat something different and revert to your childhood, albeit these sandwiches are more upscale than the ones mom used to make.