Our culinary columnist ‘pairs’ food and beverage options with a trio of popular destinations.
Baseball season, concerts and all things Snoopy are reasons why you’d find visitors driving around Anaheim and Buena Park as soon as the rain eventually subsides. Dining elsewhere before an Angels or Ducks home game often saves time (plus a reasonable chunk of money) normally spent standing in an arena line for overpriced food. Yet if you’re not familiar with this area of OC, a little bit of research prior to leaving for your destination will help you select better meal stops before getting super “hangry.”
Note: By now you may be wondering why I’m not referencing the Disneyland Resort. The reasoning behind this is threefold.
First, I wrote about eateries within walking distance to Disney/DCA in-depth a few years ago via Voice of OC.
Second, there’s been such an overhaul of Downtown Disney and the on-property, resort hotels when it comes to dining that it will get a dedicated column when more of the new spots begin service. Din Tai Fung, for example, announced earlier this month that it will open its doors in Downtown Disney this summer – but I digress.
Finally, Anaheim restaurants by the entertainment venues aren’t always walkable, but that doesn’t make them any less appealing to dine at. A rental car or rideshare request is often a minimal cost to explore the city (plus the surrounding cities) you’re staying in and discover where locals go.
Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park
Knott's Berry Farm turned 100 in 2020. When I stopped by earlier this year, I not only tried a fresh batch of Mrs. Knott’s fried chicken, but was able to wander the theme park during its annual Boysenberry Festival; I purchased a honey bear infused with boysenberries as my souvenir.
Dining on burgers and fries plus corporate names such as Johnny Rocket’s and TGI Friday’s aren’t my ideal meal, yet I still go back to the Farm to people watch and for the occasional thrill ride. Bonus: The best use of boysenberry is in a latte at the Starbucks masquerading as Charleston Circle Coffee; it’s the only place inside Knott’s that makes it year-round.
For breakfast, the best location is across the street along Beach Boulevard for Broken Yolk Cafe. Super chill and serving breakfast through the afternoon, this San Diego-based restaurant group created a concept offering a Cheesecake Factory-style menu when it comes to dining options. I typically don’t bother with the lunch menu because of my fondness for morning meals. The Yolk was the first daytime-only place with a comprehensive selection of bites to choose from. For something besides bacon and eggs, be sure to view the South of the Border selections.
For somewhere very Orange County, head up Beach Boulevard to Rodeo 39 Public Market in Stanton. Think food court, but modernized - a few miles away in Stanton. Diners will have their pick of 20 or so stalls and storefronts ranging from Detroit-style pizza to Hawaiian eats. Newer tenants include sushi and handrolls by Karai inside the former ramen joint, but it’s also tough to turn down some Laotian sausage from Kra-Z-Kai’s.
One Southern California chain by the name of Naugles Tacos & Burgers came back from nonexistence with a second permanent location in Stanton (the first reboot opened in Fountain Valley). A straightforward menu serving up tacos, burritos and burgers, this particular spot has extensive seating plus a drive-thru for a quick getaway.
PHOTO 1: The exterior of Naugles in Stanton. PHOTO 2: The bean cup with chips from Naugles. Photos courtesy of Christian Ziebarth
Angel Stadium and Honda Center, Anaheim
Two venues in Orange County house the county’s professional teams: the Ducks rule Honda Center while Angels play their home games across the way in Angel Stadium. I had the pleasure of attending games at both sports complexes in the last month (Thanks Tim and Andy!).
Parking-wise, the Angels have a much better layout. I also enjoyed the food there more and inhaled a very portable s’mores waffle sandwich on the way out. With a Brewery X bar and dining room at both locations, the real winner is the brewery; you can’t beat the prime views and hoppy brews.
In lieu of a coffee shop, make your way to the Anaheim branch of Glee Donuts and Burgers. It closes relatively early, yet covers my savory, sweet and breakfast burrito needs with countless variations. With a pretty spacious seating area for a doughnut spot, grab a leisurely bite at this quick service gem to start your day or break for lunch.
The Anaheim Packing District contains the food hall of choice in this area: The Packing House. Adya crafts mindful Indian fare, Georgia’s for Southern cooking and a speakeasy known as The Blind Rabbit are three of the original tenants still residing there, but we also noticed a bit of construction taking place downstairs. Right outside is one of my favorite spots, 18 Folds – good for groups (or one really hungry couple) with dumplings, rice and noodle entrees.
Old Towne Orange is one city over and a supremely walkable neighborhood once you’re parked – I always use the well-lit (and only) parking structure located a few blocks from Chapman University at 130 N. Lemon St. If I’m seeking caffeine, I’ll hit Blk Dot Coffee for the LVTM (a lighter version of Vietnamese coffee); across the street is a branch of Bosscat Kitchen and Libations for a whiskey cocktail with my salad. O Sea is also nearby for wine and seafood aficionados.
I could ramble on about more places to dine, but you don’t have to take my word for it. Go out and explore with no regrets.
