French's Pastry Bakery
It is unbelievable that you can get truly great bread for the exact same price as a loaf of crummy Oroweat at Albertsons. but what makes French's special is the cakes and cookies. Simply phenomenal/
Lou's Brews & BBQ
Good barbecue is hard to find, but Lou's delivers the goods. Buried in a Huntington Beach strip mall, this affordable restaurant delivers the goods, particularly the tri-tip. The sides are good, and the chocolate chip cookies are excellent.
Hi Time Liquors
Hi Time Wine Cellars is beyond compare. It is THE place to go for exquisite bottles of wine, the finest cigars, craft brewed beer, and incredible liquors. Whatever you want, you'll find it here.
Taco Mesa
It's not really fair to describe this as Mexican food, because it is not like anything else out there; these creations are amazing. The perfect cross between gourmet and fast food. Maybe the best meal for 2 under $20 in Orange County
T K Fast Grill
TK Burger is phenomenal! There are several in OC, including the original in Newport, but I like this one in Huntington, with the view of the pier. The burgers are perfection, especially after a day at the beach
Giorgio La Trattoria
Having lived in Italy, I have pretty high standards when it comes to Italian food, and Giorgio's has excellent fare. Especially good are there seafood specials; if you are hungry, try the cioppino.
Buddha's Favorite
Worth seeking out, Buddha's favorite is a great little sushi bar next to the Blue Water Grill in Lido, with excellent chefs and very good fish. Their roll creations are excellent too.
Shamrock Bar & Grill
Better than the Harp Inn, this is a great pub. The beer is a little pricey, and the live music is hit or miss, but it's always ful of friendly people, and the owner, Frank, is a kick,
Catalina Fish Kitchen
Drive right past Santa Monica sea food to this little gem in a strip mall past Trader Joes. The fish kitchen is an informal resaurant with great fish specials, a super deli, and pichers of beer. Forget the hype; this is the real deal.
Brewbakers
Brewbakers is more like a clubhouse than a restaurant, as if your older brother open up his kitchen every night, brewed beer, made pizza, played CDs, and made life a little more enjoyable. Take your kids, bottle root beer, and eat the pretzels...aah, the pretzels.
