Pop's Cafe in Santa Ana is a classic, old-school style diner specializing in breakfast and American dishes. From the red vinyl seats to the checkerboard floor, you will know you made the right choice as soon as you step in the door. Once you check out the menu, take your pick from American breakfast classics like sandwiches, eggs Benedict, French toast (grilled or fried) and of course, pancakes. For those who aren't breakfast folk, they also serve classic American lunch dishes like salad, burgers and BLTs.
Hans' Homemade Ice Cream in Santa Ana is a perfectly typical American ice cream parlor, with marble-top tables and stained-glass lamps hanging from the ceiling. Behind the counter, Hans himself makes all the ice-cream fresh daily, in a variety of sometimes 60 to 70 flavors at once. Try everything from classic favorites like vanilla and Rocky Road to more interesting flavors like licorice or pumpkin. For USD40, Hans will even custom make you your very own flavor of ice cream to take home with you. In addition to the ice cream, Hans' serves up other frozen delights like frozen bananas, chocolate covered ice cream sandwiches (on a stick) and milkshakes. Hans' also serves up some delicatessen with sandwiches and the like.
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.
Cupcakes are finally getting much-deserved attention like other cakes and sweets thanks to Sprinkles, a cupcake bakery that originated in Beverly Hills. Now it is a chain only in selected—or lucky—cities, and Newport Beach is one of them. This boutique cupcake shop has simple and contemporary décor, with the cupcakes displayed behind a floor-to-ceiling glass panel. Each of the 22 flavors is beautifully handcrafted, and each order is nicely packaged with a paper box and wooden utensils with the store logo. Don't expect to walk in and out of Sprinkles like other bakeries—the line always goes outside the door, and each order takes a little wait time; but flavor and moistness are guaranteed.
Tangaroa Terrace is a casual family restaurant located near the world-famous Disneyland Hotel. The restaurant is similar to the nearby Enchanted Tiki Room by the fact that they both follow an island theme, complete with torch lights and tikis. The menu is full of tropical dishes inspired by the South Pacific kitchen, but you will still find classic American food like burgers and fries. Tangaroa Terrace also serves breakfast with classic items like French toast, pancakes and eggs. Additionally as with most restaurants around Downtown Disney, the kids will ultimately be enthralled with the atmosphere.
Mama D’s Italian Kitchen is a quaint Italian restaurant. The place is very warm and welcoming; it has a modern decor and is quite spacious hence can accommodate larger groups with ease. Everything on their menu is cooked to perfection with the use of authentic Italian techniques which were inherited by the owner from her grandmother. From starters like Bruschetta to mains like pizzas, oven-baked dishes like pastas, lasagna and more, food is served in generous portions here with utmost attention to presentation. Food can be complemented with beer or wine and you can rely on your friendly waiters for suggestions about the same.
There is a reason why this adorable Italian restaurant has been around for over 40 years: great atmosphere, affordable family-style food, and attentive staff. Family owned since the summer of love, Spaghetti Bender still maintains that down-home feel that will make you think you are in a quaint restaurant in Italy, eating sauce handmade by somebody's grandmother. The marinara sauce has that lick-your-plate X factor to it, and try the garlic bread once and you will have dreams about it. Accompanying the cozy dining room, there is a patio and wine bar for those beautiful OC nights. A definite date spot for those with even the littlest romantic bone in their body.
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.
Lulu's Creperie Cafe has all the idyllic French countryside charm. Be it indoors or on the beautiful patio, you will be serenaded by the French experience. Delicious food, whether it is gourmet French, lovely crepes or classic American dishes, you will surely relish. And the warm hospitality and affordable prices sets the tone right for a delightful time here. At Lulu's you will feel as if you are meeting your long lost friend. Enjoy the live music nightly and on Sunday brunch, and just unwind with a great smile playing on your lips. Lulu's is known for their hearty breakfasts and brunches, so step in to have a wonderful dining experience.
TAPS Fish House & Brewery is a pleasant and casual restaurant specializing in all thing’s seafood and beer, a classic pairing. You can start out with a selection of various preparations from the oyster bar. Next move on to their internationally-inspired menu of appetizers like Maine Lobster Roll and Grilled Swordfish and entrees like Dynamite Scallops or their "Colossal" Surf and Turf. Never fear non-seafood eaters, there are a few menu options for you as well. To accompany your meal, try one of their more than 30 different kinds of beers brewed especially for TAPS, in styles ranging from a Bohemian Pilsner to Imperial Russian Stout.