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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Santa Ana

Cool food spots

A meal that feels genuinely current without trying so hard that it loses its sense of substance.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
The Quill Lounge image 1
The Quill Lounge image 2
The Quill Lounge image 3
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Cocktail bar

Small, quaint cocktail bar with cozy leather booths and pennies decorating the bar top creates a nostalgic, 70's vibe. Dark interior keeps the atmosphere chill and intimate, while plenty of TVs and lively karaoke add energy without large crowds. Regulars enjoy a neighborhood feel with enthusiastic, welcoming patrons.

Food here goes beyond typical bar fare with first-class quality and great taste. The menu consistently delivers on point dishes that impress even when not expected.

Welcoming patrons spark easy conversations. The spot has a really cool vibe that stands out.

People are saying

"The tacos here are served hot and fresh."

"I enjoyed the great food here."

"It's a cool spot with a chill atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Tuesday night, hosted by KJ Bess.

2

Expect a lively atmosphere during karaoke nights with a fun host.

3

They offer a variety of food options, including popular tacos.

02
Mongiello's Pizza & Wings image 1

Food court-style setup with plenty of seating inside and outside creates a casual, comfortable space. Chill vibes and hip atmosphere attract mostly younger crowds, with music that fits the mood. An arcade upstairs adds entertainment beyond dining, making it a spot to relax and hang out.

Food arrives fast and tastes very good. The spot offers solid halal options with great flavor and a nice setup.

Small food court area with a sidewalk cafe feel creates a unique atmosphere. The salsa bar offers many toppings, adding to the cool vibe with nice decor and branding.

People are saying

"I found the pizza to be amazingly delicious."

"It's a cool little spot with a hip vibe."

"I found the food here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

They carry halal beef and chicken with a separate area for halal meat preparation.

2

They are open later than most pizza places for late-night bites.

3

There is convenient parking available in the back.

03
Hammer Burger image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant with colorful murals and a lively atmosphere filled with fun music and a self-serve sauce bar. Indoor space includes a bar area with multiple TVs and offers a variety of local beers and wines. The place draws a crowd quickly, creating a bustling vibe especially on weekends.

Food arrives quickly even when busy, with amazing sauces and innovative beer cheese. Service stays polite and the food quality remains consistently excellent.

A relaxed atmosphere sets the tone with staff who are consistently friendly and cool. The vibe feels like a hidden spot where service stays upbeat even when some items run out.

People are saying

"I found the smash burgers here to be the best I've had."

"I thought the smash burgers here were the best I'd ever had."

"The burgers here are original, delicious, and smashed perfectly."

Good to know

1

Hammer Burger has a happy hour with 20% off food from 2-5 PM.

2

Expect long wait times on weekends; arrive early to secure a table.

3

Parking is available in a nearby paid city lot.

04
Tacompadre image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with arcade games and a hidden Tiki Bar creates a lively, hipster vibe mixed with a family-friendly atmosphere. Music ranges from live jazz to upbeat tunes, enhancing the fun, casual setting. Late hours and a salsa bar with unique options like pineapple salsa add to the distinctive experience.

Food comes out hot and fresh with authentic Mexico City street flavors. Service stays solid and friendly, making it a tasty spot for Mexican food.

People are saying

"The tacos here are packed with flavor and meat."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"I thought the tacos here were the best in the OC."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer tacos for $2.50 each.

2

Karaoke runs from 6 to 10 pm on Taco Tuesdays.

3

The restaurant serves Halal tacos for those with dietary restrictions.

05
Tacos Madre Kitchen & Cantina image 1

Mexican restaurant with intricate artwork and lush plants creates a vibrant setting. Live DJ and saxophone performances bring a lively, sometimes nightclub-level energy. Spacious layout includes an outdoor patio and a well-appointed bar, attracting a crowd that enjoys music and socializing.

Food features delicious fish tacos, rich mole, and hearty molcajete dishes. Prices match the quality, and service complements the great food.

An urban vibe sets the tone here, making it a cool spot to hang out. The bar adds a nice touch to the overall atmosphere.

People are saying

"I ate all the enchiladas before I could post a picture."

"I thought the food here was amazing and great."

"The food here is pretty good, especially the carne asada and shrimp."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers great deals on tacos and margaritas.

2

Live DJ plays during Taco Tuesday on Fridays and Saturdays.

3

Expect a $5 charge for extra toppings like lettuce and sour cream.

06
I Can Barbecue- Korean Grill image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Robot servers deliver food and drinks, adding a unique tech touch to the experience. Korean cultural décor creates a cozy, vibrant atmosphere with music and laughter filling the space. Spacious seating and cool air keep the environment comfortable without feeling crowded or stuffy.

Food tastes consistently tasty and delicious with a Korean grill style. A robot delivery system brings the food, adding a fun tech touch to the meal.

Robots delivering meats add a very cool touch that kids enjoy. Spacious seating and a cool atmosphere make the place stand out.

People are saying

"This Korean BBQ is fresh, flavorful, and worth the money."

"The food here is amazing and flavorful."

"The meat here is so good, even picky kids ordered seconds."

Good to know

1

Dinner pricing applies all day on weekends.

2

The all-you-can-eat option is available for $50.99 per person.

3

A service fee of $80 is automatically added to the bill.

07
Bari Pasta & Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small dining space with limited seating creates a cozy, crowded atmosphere. Busy and lively energy fills the room, attracting families, couples, and singles alike. Unique skull-shaped pizza dough and Christmas-themed gingerbread bread add a distinctive, fun touch to the experience.

Food comes out hot and delicious every time. Consistently yummy and worth the drive.

Pizza skulls stand out with their cool look and solid taste. The overall vibe feels very cool.

People are saying

"You have to try their unique Italian food, the pizza skulls are worth the trip."

"The food here is delicious and served hot."

"The skull pizzas looked really cool and were delicious."

Good to know

1

It's best to order ahead, especially during peak times or holidays.

2

Expect long wait times during busy hours, especially at night.

3

There is plenty of parking available in the lot.

08
Mission Control Bar Arcade image 1

Bar combines classic pinball and arcade cabinets with a retro-themed decor that evokes vintage gaming. Atmosphere stays fun and lively without feeling crowded, featuring a small dance floor and balcony space. Cocktails and beer complement the gaming experience, with a focus on cleverly crafted, gaming-themed drinks.

Downstairs hosts a food court with multiple small businesses offering amazing food. Mission Control Bar Arcade features a variety of food options including spiced burgers and Bhangra smash, with discounts during Wednesday night events.

Lots of cool games fill the space, including pinball. The staff is friendly and adds to the vibe.

People are saying

"This arcade bar is super cool with fun pinball and retro games."

"The DJ was playing great music and the vibe felt cool."

"I thought the food here was delicious."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Thursday at 7 pm with fun prizes.

2

Happy hour runs before 7 pm with great drink specials.

3

Bring cash for tokens as some machines may not accept cards.

09
Rafael's Pizza (Rafael Kitchen + Pizza) image 1

Small, quaint pizza spot with a no-frills atmosphere and a cute coffee bar inside. The vibe is cool and satisfying, attracting those who appreciate fresh homemade sauce and specialty half-and-half pizzas. Pricing is on the higher side, but portions remain generous.

Food arrives hot and fresh, with accurate timing confirmed by text. The menu includes street food-inspired dishes like carnitas pizza, and service is consistently friendly and efficient.

A cool vibe fills the place, making it feel fun and welcoming. Rafael and his cousin add to the atmosphere with their cool personalities.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was pretty good."

"The pasta here is so flavorful, it explodes in your mouth."

"I found the food here to be amazing and perfect."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, and you may need to walk five minutes from a structure.

2

Online orders receive a text confirmation when ready for pickup.

3

Prices for personal pizzas start at $15, with large pizzas nearly $40.

10
Cafe Cito image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop with a calavera-themed decor and a cozy upstairs lounge for studying or hanging out. Atmosphere feels super chill with fire playlists that vary from indie bands to game soundtracks. Busy spot known for great quality coffee and a welcoming vibe.

Food here stands out for being consistently delicious and really good. Beverages complement the meals well, making the overall dining experience satisfying.

Laid-back atmosphere with super cool staff creates a chill and inviting vibe. The air conditioning keeps the space comfortably cool throughout.

People are saying

"The cafe's coffee and latte options are delicious and plentiful."

"The food here is delicious, especially the croissants and muffins."

"It's a cool, chill, and inviting spot."

Good to know

1

There is public parking adjacent to the store.

2

Cafe Cito offers great vegan options.

3

On the first Saturday of each month, they extend their hours until 9 PM.

11
Summerfield Tea Bar image 1

Spacious tea house with floor seating and a cozy vibe offers a relaxing atmosphere with good music. It attracts people looking to chill, study, or hang out late into the night. Seating options include high tables, low tables, and areas where shoes are removed for comfort.

Food arrives at a regular to fast pace with crispy tofu offering a good portion and taste. Baristas work quickly and prepare teas and food items well.

Free wifi and a cool hangout setup create a relaxed vibe. The tea served is notably cool.

People are saying

"It's a great work-friendly spot with free wifi."

"The popcorn chicken and teas here are delicious."

"The tea here is really cool and tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking can be hard to find due to limited spaces in the plaza.

2

They are open from 1 PM to 1 AM, catering to late-night visitors.

3

Expect crowded seating during busy late-night hours, especially on weekends.

12
Café Cultura image 1
Mexican restaurant

Old theatre setting creates a cozy, welcoming vibe with Day of the Dead decor featuring sugar skulls and lotería card accents. Small space includes indoor and covered outdoor seating with a patio for dining. Modern Mexican music enhances the warm, artsy atmosphere reflecting strong Mexican heritage.

Food here stands out for its great quality and delicious flavors. The menu offers consistently amazing dishes that impress even those coming from out of state.

Cool vibe and decorations set the tone here. Drinks come with a cinnamon kick, and they sell unique shirts and cups.

People are saying

"The chilaquiles here are amazing Mexican food."

"The food here is delicious, especially the chilaquiles."

"The vibe here is really cool, especially with the artsy decorations."

Good to know

1

Café Cultura closes at 2 AM, and they start cleaning as early as 12:30 AM.

2

Parking is scarce, so plan ahead for your visit.

3

Café Cultura has a separate line at the bar for drink orders.

13
Club 616 image 1
Cocktail bar

Cocktail bar offers live music every night and a spacious outdoor patio with a fire pit and taco vendors. Seating includes booths, bar stools, and lounges inside and outside, creating a relaxed yet chic atmosphere. The place stands out for its unique vibe and well-crafted cocktails.

Mexican food appears most nights with an outdoor area featuring seating and high top tables. A food vendor operates there alongside occasional DJs.

A cool, hip, retro vibe fills the bar with a romantic and slightly edgy atmosphere. Framed paintings decorate the walls and the music sets a cool tone before the DJ starts.

People are saying

"I thought the cocktails were crafted to perfection."

"The cocktails here are amazing, unique, and delicious."

"The food vendor here has a cool, hip vibe."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tough to find, so arrive early.

2

Happy hour runs daily with great drink specials.

3

Live jazz performances happen every Wednesday from 8-11pm.

14
The Observatory image 1
Live music venue

Multi-level layout with stadium seating offers clear views from every angle. Venue has a cool underground vibe and feels intimate despite its size. Powerful, clear sound system supports live music performances across indoor and outdoor areas.

Food comes out quickly and tastes pretty good here.

Multiple stages create a cool, underground vibe that feels like discovering something new. Staff stay super cool from entrance to inside, adding to the intimate atmosphere.

People are saying

"The tiered levels make it cool with no bad views."

"The views here are amazing, especially at night for stargazing."

"The food here is a perfect 10 out of 10."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $15 per car, and finding a spot can be challenging.

2

The venue has a disabled section for accessibility.

3

The sound quality is consistently impressive during performances.

15
Constellation Room image 1
Live music venue

Medium-sized live music venue offers an intimate atmosphere with two levels of standing room and VIP table seating. Fantastic sound system delivers clear, immersive audio, while a full bar and outdoor patio provide added comfort between acts.

Three bars serve drinks alongside finger foods. The food is generally good and complements the venue's offerings.

A cool venue with a distinct vibe that stands out. The space feels fresh and inviting for events.

People are saying

"It's an intimate venue with a fantastic sound system."

"I had a great time and it was so much fun."

"I loved the great bands that performed here."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $10 and is available a couple of blocks away.

2

The venue is small, often leading to standing room only.

3

Expect good sound quality during live performances.

16
Native Son OC image 1
Gastropub

Rooftop venue offers outdoor patio seating with fire pits and views overlooking downtown. Atmosphere shifts from friendly and chill during weekdays to lively with live DJs on weekends. Crowd includes a diverse, dog-friendly mix, creating a casual yet engaging vibe.

Monthly specials include pasta, burgers, and crab cakes. The menu also features cheese plates, BLTs, and burritos with pig sauce. Food consistently tastes good and pairs well with drinks.

A rooftop sets a cool vibe for hanging out and having drinks with friends.

People are saying

"They had an amazing selection of local and regional beers."

"The food here was really good."

"The bartender here is awesome and makes great drink suggestions."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6 PM with a lively atmosphere.

2

Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 10 AM.

3

Expect a crowded space on Friday and Saturday nights.

17
Coffee Muse image 1
Coffee shop

Cozy coffee shop blends warm artistic vibe with a clean industrial feel and plenty of natural light. Atmosphere suits relaxing, chatting, and studying, though loud metal music can disrupt calm. Offers fresh baked goods and roasts its own coffee beans, with some seating inside and outside near street art.

Great food items come with drinks served in to-go containers, which creates unnecessary waste. The menu offers a solid mix of drinks and food worth trying.

The vibe feels laid-back and the attached store adds a unique flair. The other half of the space offers a fresh spot to explore.

People are saying

"I loved their delicious and fresh coffee, especially the cold brew."

"You have to try their cookies; the praline pecan is amazing."

"This food is a big, filling toast with creamy avocado."

Good to know

1

Street parking can be challenging on busy weekends, but there is a nearby parking structure.

2

The café roasts its own coffee beans on-site for fresh flavor.

3

Outdoor seating is available next to a mural for a unique experience.

18
Hidden House Coffee image 1

Coffee shop features a coffee roasting machine at the front and a tree-covered patio with large tables for groups. Atmosphere stays calm and cozy with a mix of warm and hospital blue lighting. Space suits both chilling and working, with Wi-Fi available and a peaceful vibe.

In-house pastries and desserts stand out with fresh quality. The menu offers a variety of baked goods like cookies, granola, muffins, and cake breads alongside a great drink selection.

Lots of cool places to sit create a relaxed vibe. The spot feels like a hidden gem with a local coffee roastery atmosphere.

People are saying

"The coffee here is so smooth and flavorful."

"It's a cool little spot with a great vibe."

"You have to try the pistachio latte; it's amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is free if parked in the HHC lane right by the coffee shop.

2

Expect to pay for parking if the reserved lot is full.

3

They only serve avocado toast from Friday to Sunday.

19
Round1 Amusement Center image 1
Amusement center

Amusement center combines arcade games, bowling lanes, and karaoke in one space with modern technology at the lanes. The atmosphere is loud and hot, often crowded and energetic, with a family-friendly vibe. Seating areas show wear, but entertainment options suit all ages.

Quick and efficient younger staff prepare the food. The menu features bar food items suitable for snacking while enjoying games like bowling, billiards, and arcade activities.

Many games offer cool prizes with a wide variety of options. The amusement center feels cool and average as a teen hangout spot with several fun games to try.

People are saying

"I had a fun time playing all the arcade and prize games."

"The food selection here was pretty decent."

"I thought the games here were pretty cool."

Good to know

1

The mall is currently undergoing construction, which limits parking.

2

Karaoke rooms are available for private bookings.

3

Expect some games to be out of service during your visit.

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