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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Costa Mesa

Unique spots

The mundane routine is broken only by something that defies expectation.

Based on 518 Opinions
+515
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Updated May 2026
01
UNLOCKED: Escape Room - Orange County image 1
UNLOCKED: Escape Room - Orange County image 2
UNLOCKED: Escape Room - Orange County image 3
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Escape room center offers immersive themed rooms with creative puzzles and authentic props that create a challenging and engaging atmosphere. Rooms vary from an interactive magician theme to a cleverly designed arcade setup, appealing to families and groups alike. Lighting is dim to enhance mood, and unique rewards like Polaroid photos add a personal touch.

The escape room features an interesting storyline and cleverly designed puzzles that stand out from typical experiences. The puzzles in the Saving Christmas room are especially unique and engaging.

Escape rooms feature unique setups and puzzles with distinct twists. Each room offers a different experience that stands out from typical escape games.

People are saying

"The escape rooms have amazing, friendly game masters who help you out."

"I had a blast; it was so much fun!"

"Our game master was really good and helpful with hints."

Good to know

1

The facility has three different escape rooms to choose from.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

3

The escape rooms are suitable for families and children.

02
The LAB Anti-Mall image 1
Shopping mall

Open-air mall blends alternative retro vibe with artsy decor and creative installations. Atmosphere stays relaxed and eclectic, inviting diverse crowds to enjoy live music, unique shops, and various eateries. Space encourages lingering with many seating areas and a non-corporate feel.

A mix of interesting stores and eclectic decor creates a unique shopping vibe. Food options and vendors add to the fun and varied atmosphere.

Outdoor space hosts distinctive shops and eateries with their own flare. Food and drinks offer a unique, fun experience. Small businesses create a magical hub not found in regular malls.

People are saying

"I found the shops here to be really cool and unique."

"I found the shops and eateries here to be unique and cool."

"It's an interesting and eclectic place with hip stores."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging during peak hours and weekends.

2

The LAB Anti-Mall features a variety of unique shops and eateries.

3

The LAB Anti-Mall has a vegan restaurant option.

03
Yu Cake image 1
Dessert restaurant

Elegant interior features black and gold decor with comfortable velvet seating creating a cozy yet classy atmosphere. The space maintains a lively but quiet vibe, suitable for socializing or relaxing. Automated ordering and some outdoor seating add convenience to the experience.

Mango and Grape Fruit cake comes in a clear plastic container and stands out. Drinks and pastries offer a variety of interesting flavors that catch attention.

Desserts feature unique flavors and a distinct matcha aroma that stands out. Presentation is beautiful and adds to the overall appeal.

People are saying

"I found the cakes here to be delicious and not too sweet."

"I was shocked by the unbelievably tasty and intensely flavorful mango and grape fruit cake."

"The mango and grapefruit cake flavors are intensely interesting."

Good to know

1

Yu Cake is located on the first floor next to Saks Fifth Avenue.

2

Most items sell out quickly; arrive early to avoid disappointment.

3

Prices are high, with slices costing over $10 each.

04
Elixir Wizard Academy - Boba Tea Bar & Ice Cream image 1

Fantasy-themed tea bar resembles a medieval tavern with wizard costumes and magical decor. Atmosphere feels cozy and immersive, with secret rooms offering games and interactive experiences. Visitors engage in themed activities like wizard tests while enjoying unique boba and ice cream offerings.

A nerd culture-themed atmosphere shapes the space, filled with interesting collector items that add a unique touch. The menu includes additional drinks that stand out from typical offerings.

A magical vibe fills the space with unique recipes and storytelling atmosphere. The drinks offer great flavors that stand out from typical boba spots.

People are saying

"The ice cream here is magical and enchanting!"

"The decor here is unique, totally immersing you in a magical world."

"The atmosphere here is so interesting with all the fantasy decor."

Good to know

1

Parking is available but fills up quickly, so plan ahead.

2

They prefer card payments over cash and do not provide change.

3

The menu features fewer than 10 items, all cold drinks and no food.

05
Mercado Gonzรกlez Northgate Market image 1

Mexican grocery store combines vibrant decor with live mariachi music and a full bar inside. Atmosphere feels lively and festive, often with a DJ and food stations creating a chaotic yet welcoming vibe. Outdoor seating adds a quaint touch, making it a unique blend of shopping and entertainment.

Several food stalls offer a variety of Mexican items. The Mexican section stands out as different from other stores. The store feels like a cute little grocery with many interesting options.

Unique space offers produce items rarely seen north of the border. The overall experience stands out from typical supermarkets.

People are saying

"This grocery store has amazing prepared Mexican food and fresh items."

"I found the shopping environment unique, like a culinary tour."

"I found the assortment of Mexican foods here really interesting."

Good to know

1

Live music happens every weekend, enhancing the shopping experience.

2

Menudo is served only on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 AM to noon.

3

Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends.

06
Sugo Costa Mesa image 1
Pizza restaurant

Compact space blends New York feel with Cali vibe featuring creative decor and neon signs. Atmosphere stays cozy and casual with excellent music enhancing the relaxed mood. Small bar seating and limited outdoor tables create an intimate setting for enjoying artisan pizza with unique flavors.

Pizza options feature interesting new combinations with a variety of flavors. Sugo stands out as an interesting find among the choices.

Slices feature unique flavor profiles like bonito flakes with miso kewpie sauce and a taco-inspired chorizo pastor. The crust stands out as thicker yet airy and chewy, blending deep dish and focaccia qualities.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was the best I had ever tried."

"The pizzas here have unique flavor combinations, like the Japanese one."

"I loved sampling the interesting variety of pizza flavors."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging, especially during busy holidays like July 4th.

2

Seating is very limited, with only high stools available.

3

Pizzas are sold by the square slice, priced at $8 each.

07
Tokyo Central Costa Mesa image 1
Japanese grocery store

Spacious Japanese grocery store recreates the feel of Tokyo's bustling markets with authentic products and hand-drawn signs. Bright, clean seating areas with microwaves invite shoppers to enjoy fresh sushi and hot food from a self-serve bar. A large sake selection and fresh fish counters add to the genuine cultural shopping experience.

Shelves hold a wide range of interesting items that catch the eye. The overall setup creates an interesting experience for exploring new products.

Fresh produce pairs with unique snacks and beverages that satisfy cravings for Japanese cuisine. Discover distinct flavors of candies, chips, and quick bites not found in local stores.

People are saying

"This grocery store has a huge variety of Japanese foods and prepared meals."

"I found so many unique Japanese snacks and groceries here."

"I found so many interesting items and tasty things here."

Good to know

1

Prepared bento is marked down 20% after 7 PM daily.

2

Tokyo Central Costa Mesa closes at 10 PM every day.

3

Parking can be limited, especially during peak hours.

08
CHAILO - Coffee Club in Costa Mesa image 1

Cozy cafe with stylish interior and ample outdoor patio seating offers a warm, inviting atmosphere ideal for studying or relaxing. Quiet energy and free wifi with plentiful outlets support work and casual hangouts. The vibe blends modern cafรฉ elements with classic chai culture in a peaceful setting.

Coffee drinks feature interesting flavors that stand out. The menu offers a variety of unique and delicious options.

Fusion drinks stand out with in-house syrups offering a range from unique to traditional flavors. The coffee shop features several distinctive lattes and drinks worth trying.

People are saying

"I found the chai here to be the best I've had in a long time."

"Their unique lattes and fusion drinks are delicious."

"The drinks here are interesting and delicious."

Good to know

1

They host movie nights every Friday at 7pm.

2

The cafe is open late, until 10pm on weekdays.

3

Parking is available in the back of the establishment.

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Costa Mesa, California

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