Favorite Restaurants Off Property

[ehrawn]

We're in the final stretch before our trip to the Park. We will be staying in Anaheim for 6 days but will only be at DL/DCA for 3. For those off days, as displaced Californians, we want to make sure that we get the full culinary experience. What some of your favorite restaurants off DLR? Ground rules: no chains (except In-n-Out), no DTD, and even better if away from Harbor Blvd.

 

[MillauFr]

I like the Playground in downtown Santa Ana.

 

[I❤MICKEY]

We always go to Oggi's Pizzeria and Brewery (12362 Chapman Ave, Garden Grove). On our first trip to DCL we stayed at the Homewood Suites on Harbor Blvd and this restaurant was in the same parking lot. I had never heard of it before but I guess it would be considered a chain in California. There aren't any locations outside Cali.

They have daily drink specials. Lots of beer options. A large selection of appetizers. The Vodka Penne is my favorite entree. The pizza is great. There hasn't been anything on the menu that my family didn't enjoy.

During our last visit they offered a bounce back w/ BOGO. We ate there 3-4 times that trip.

Not fine dining but good food in a sports bar atmosphere.

 

[Godzilla55]

My kids really like Fire and Ice grill, at the Gardenwalk. Its Mongolian style barbecue with many interesting options including pizza. Roy's is right nearby if you want something more fancy. Roy's has never disappointed. Roy's is Hawaiian fusion.

 

[sunflare]

We always go to Oggi's Pizzeria and Brewery (12362 Chapman Ave, Garden Grove). On our first trip to DCL we stayed at the Homewood Suites on Harbor Blvd and this restaurant was in the same parking lot. I had never heard of it before but I guess it would be considered a chain in California. There aren't any locations outside Cali.

Incorrect...we have one down the street from us in AZ. However, I have to say that this is a great recommendation. Great specials and happy hours, and really really good food to boot!

Roy's is technically a "chain" too, if you consider that it has more than one location in multiple states. However, because of the style of food, it isn't "chain-like."

 

[Fantaluminishes]

If you want a true classic, head over to Knott's Berry Farm, and try Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant. It's usually an excellent meal. In fact, I've never had a bad meal there. But several reviews may paint a different picture.

 

[ronandannette]

We're in the final stretch before our trip to the Park. We will be staying in Anaheim for 6 days but will only be at DL/DCA for 3. For those off days, as displaced Californians, we want to make sure that we get the full culinary experience. What some of your favorite restaurants off DLR? Ground rules: no chains (except In-n-Out), no DTD, and even better if away from Harbor Blvd.

Are you up for going into LA? We ate at a couple of "celebrity-chef" places in May that were OMG-good! (Pizzeria Mozza and Firenze - both in/around Hollywood).

 

[Peteybob35]

We always drive down to Balboa Island and walk around the shops and then eat at Wilma's Patio on the night we aren't at the park. The food isn't anything super, but the staff is always friendly and accommodating for kids and the price is right.

 

[ehrawn]

I'm always on the lookout for good pizza so we'll definitely check out Oggi's. We live on Oahu so we get plenty of Roy's and the whole Hawaiian fusion thing. What about Mexican- taquerias or even sit down? Anything else interesting? Anaheim has a wealth of immigrant cultures. I'd like to check out the north African/Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and even Vietnamese because I'm sure theirs taste different than what has grown here in Hawaii.

 

[teambeaman]

Best Mexican taqueria is Alerto's on Harbor and Katella. It's really inexpensive, but the food is authentic and amazing. It's where we locals go. It's more of a take out than a sit down place, but well worth it!

 

[Purrkins]

I'm always on the lookout for good pizza so we'll definitely check out Oggi's. We live on Oahu so we get plenty of Roy's and the whole Hawaiian fusion thing. What about Mexican- taquerias or even sit down? Anything else interesting? Anaheim has a wealth of immigrant cultures. I'd like to check out the north African/Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and even Vietnamese because I'm sure theirs taste different than what has grown here in Hawaii.

Good Vietnamese on the islands as I'm sure you know. Thuyen Vien is considered one of the best in Anaheim. Entire menu is vegetarian, even the "meat" section.

Mexican is what you want since nothing is that good on the islands. Best closest to Disneyland is El Farolito Jr. - excellent tacos (try the carnitas or lengue/tongue) although if you are willing to drive south to Santa Ana there is a great concentration of wonderful places including the La Chiva Torta truck.

Should also add: Al Sanabel is excellent for Lebanese/Turkish something you do not get much of on the islands if at all...

 

[ehrawn]

Good Vietnamese on the islands as I'm sure you know. Thuyen Vien is considered one of the best in Anaheim. Entire menu is vegetarian, even the "meat" section.

Mexican is what you want since nothing is that good on the islands. Best closest to Disneyland is El Farolito Jr. - excellent tacos (try the carnitas or lengue/tongue) although if you are willing to drive south to Santa Ana there is a great concentration of wonderful places including the La Chiva Torta truck.

Should also add: Al Sanabel is excellent for Lebanese/Turkish something you do not get much of on the islands if at all...

Wonderful suggestions. I can't wait to try some.

 

[Purrkins]

Wonderful suggestions. I can't wait to try some.

I should add, these are places to visit for food. Not ambiance. The Torta truck has you eating off the hood of your car for example. But so worth it...

 

[ehrawn]

I should add, these are places to visit for food. Not ambiance. The Torta truck has you eating off the hood of your car for example. But so worth it...

All the better! I'll get plenty of ambience at DLR. For these recommendations, I'm more intersted in knowing Anaheim's tastes and feel.

 

[bcla]

No chains? I would have recommended Ruth's Chris and their $7 weekday happy hour specials.

Other than that, I've been to Tommy's Sushi in Tustin. Takes about 15 minutes to get there, but good quality and good prices.

 

[notelu]

The Lazy Dog Cafe on Katella would be an excellent choice. I've been there many times and always enjoyed.

 

[I❤MICKEY]

I have never been here before but we just added it to our "try next time" list based on it being featured on Guy Fierri's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. http://sabrosomexgrill.com/

 

[BadBoyBill]

Tacos "Mi Pueblo" - Authentic Mexican Food on Katella is good too. It's a dive but cheap and good. We use Yelp to find places and sort by rating and price. I think the Fried Chicken at the Carnation Cafe in DL is amazing. I have never tried Knotts Chicken. I am with you we try to avoid chains and we are in Phoenix. Going in Oct. yeah!

 

[Purrkins]

My wife (vegetarian) suggests Healthy Junk. Yep, vegan and vegetarian junk food.

 

[rentayenta]

Taco Surf and Super Mex. Both small chains and amazing. Los Sanchez too. Can you tell I'm starved for good Mexican food in Utah?

Walt's Wharf in Seal Beach, Schooner or Later and Open Sesame both in Belmont Shore.

Johnny Rebs for amazing BBQ in Long Beach. Chen's also in Long Beach.

Katella Deli in Cypress, a straight shot down Katella Ave from Disneyland.

There are literally a bazillion amazing places to eat.