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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 641 Opinions
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01
The Quill Lounge image 1
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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

"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
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Bright colors, neon signs, and hip-hop music create a fast-paced, energetic vibe with a street-food atmosphere. Spacious interior features unique ceiling decor and vibrant wall art that adds a fun, welcoming feel. The place fills quickly but moves efficiently, attracting those who enjoy bold, spicy chicken dishes.

Food features hot, flavorful chicken with great taste and friendly service that stands out in fast food.

A cool vibe fills the space with a very cool interior that stands out. The atmosphere feels relaxed and super cool.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good and tasty."

"I thought the vibe inside was really cool."

Good to know

1

The food comes out quickly, making it great for a fast meal.

2

They don't accept cash; only cards and mobile payments are allowed.

3

The spice levels range from mild to 'cluckin' hot,' catering to all tastes.

03
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Donut shop with no dine-in space offers a quiet atmosphere and kind staff. Variety includes fillable donuts with syringes of Bavarian cream, strawberry, and Dulce de leche, plus vegan options and unique Filipino pastries. Presentation is instagrammable, highlighting visually appealing treats.

Food here is consistently delicious and fresh with standout items like the Staxx Spanish rolls that work well as finger food. Staff offer good food suggestions enhancing the overall dining experience.

People are saying

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

Good to know

1

Vegan options are available for those with dietary restrictions.

2

The price for a dozen donuts is $7, which some may find high.

3

The bakery offers a variety of donuts and pastries.

04
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Medium-sized space offers a cozy and modern aesthetic with stylish woven pendant lights and clean white tables. Atmosphere feels homely and welcoming, creating a comfortable dining environment. Seating accommodates both large and small groups, enhancing its versatile appeal.

Offers a unique and flavorful journey through Yunnan cuisine with consistently high-quality ingredients. The food tastes amazing and fresh, showcasing excellent flavors among Chinese dishes outside China.

A cool and cute way to eat and mix the noodles stands out here. The Xishang Roodle adds a unique twist that feels fresh and interesting.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and satisfying."

"It's a cool way to eat and mix your noodles with toppings separated."

Good to know

1

Expect longer wait times on weekends during peak hours.

2

The restaurant offers a customizable noodle bowl experience with fresh ingredients.

3

Parking is convenient as it's located in a large shopping plaza.

05
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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 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.

06
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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

"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.

07
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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 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.

08
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Small, clean space with an open-concept design and eclectic decor blends East and West styles. Atmosphere feels laid-back and trendy with old school R&B music setting a relaxed vibe. Staff contribute to an off-beat cool energy, making it a spot where people gather to enjoy unique food presentations.

Cuisine features fresh, creative dishes prepared by a 5-star Michelin Chef. Food consistently comes out made to perfection and offers a gourmet experience.

An off-beat cool atmosphere comes from the staff and the trendy vibe. The spot sits in an industrial area that adds to its cool look.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"It's got a super cool atmosphere and a trendy vibe."

Good to know

1

There is a small parking lot behind the building.

2

Seating is limited, and you might have to wait before being seated.

3

Dinner is only available on weekends.

09
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Huge three-story building with spacious outdoor patio and industrial interior offers a laid-back vibe. Music plays throughout, often with a DJ, creating a lively but relaxed atmosphere. Food trucks and games add to the family-friendly and dog-welcoming environment.

A food truck called SaborCito serves octopus tacos and other dishes on site. The food pairs well with the brewery's IPAs and offers a solid variety from the truck.

Space for big groups creates a relaxed, open vibe. The crowd and merchandise add to the cool atmosphere.

People are saying

"I loved the food from the food truck."

"The beer selection here is really solid and diverse."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Thursday with karaoke starting at 10pm.

2

A taco truck is usually available outside around 6 pm for food options.

3

Street parking is available, but meters are expected to be installed soon.

10
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Small space with an open kitchen and bar seating facing the skewer grill creates an authentic Japanese izakaya vibe. Atmosphere is cozy and lively, often featuring DJs and groups enjoying themselves. Sake selection is notable, complementing the well-crafted yakitori and ramen offerings.

Food arrives super quick and stays very fresh. The menu offers a wide variety with consistently amazing and delicious dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always tastes fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

Parking is limited, so arrive early or consider alternative transport.

3

Expect to spend over $100 for two people on average.

11
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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 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.

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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

"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.

13
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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 found the food here to be amazing and perfect."

"It's a cool, fun little place with a cute coffee bar."

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.

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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 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.

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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

"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.

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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

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

"The vibe and the attached store felt really cool."

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.

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Santa Ana, California

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