Pour Up a Ranch Water and Put on Your Cutest Cowgirl Boots
When making the big move from Texas to California, it’s only natural to feel like a fish out of water. Whether you’re waxing nostalgic for the twang of a bluegrass guitar or missing the smell of hearty smoked meats, do not fear because there are plenty of nods to the Lone Star state around here—if you know where to look! We’ve grabbed our lucky lasso to round up the best in the west because when it comes to scoping the area for true Texas style and Southern hospitality here in Orange County, this isn’t our first rodeo!
Landers Supply House + Liquor Bar
First thing’s first. If you want to feel like you’re in Texas, you’ll have to start by looking the part. Stop by Landers Supply House in Costa Mesa and pick up some dude ranch designer duds, such as denim flares practically designed for calf roping, an array of rodeo jumpsuits and Western jackets with everything but the fringe. Then, step right up to Landers Liquor Bar for Western Wednesdays, where you can wash down six hot wings with a shot of whiskey for just $15. Tastes like Texas!
Location: Costa Mesa
Maxine Store
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Now it’s time to accessorize. It’s no secret that a true cowgirl would feel incomplete without an authentic cowboy hat in her arsenal. Start your search for the perfect topper by browsing the latest acquisitions at Maxine’s bespoke hat shop in Newport Beach for a vintage model. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Order online from Seager to scoop the perfect Longhorn style that will have you resembling a long-lost member of the Dutton family tree from “Yellowstone” in no time.
Location: Newport Beach
Cowboys and Poodles
Saddle up, buttercup! That’s the motto down at Cowboys and Poodles—the most rootin’ tootin’ speakeasy in Costa Mesa. Come for the eclectic decor—we’re talking poodle print wallpaper, horseshoe wall accents, velvet banquettes and a full-sized confessional where you can spill all of your darkest secrets—and stay for the lavish libations and craft cocktails, mixed nightly by the bar experts. Pro tip: ask for the Dirty South; you’re welcome!
Location: Costa Mesa
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The Ranch
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Didn’t think it was possible to find real country music in Southern California? Think again. The Ranch in Anaheim is the place to cure any trace of homesickness. Take a seat at the Michelin- listed steakhouse and tuck into a 50-ounce cowboy ribeye, then head next door to the saloon for an evening of line dancing to some of the best live country music this side of the Mason-Dixon line. Need to brush up on your two-step? Join a complimentary dance class on Thursday through Saturday nights to get back in rhythm.
Location: Anaheim
Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park
Pulling double duty as both a public park and home to some of the region’s top equestrian events, Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park plays host to world-class horse shows and spectacular sporting competitions—all free to the public! You can also take a turn on the riding trail at your leisure. Check out the calendar of events and make a date to experience the thrill of a true Western rodeo, or grab your pals and sway to the sounds of local country bands.
Location: San Juan Capistrano
Joyride Vintage
Suit up your favorite Southern gentleman at Joyride Vintage in Orange. Get the feel of true Americana spirit as you sift through racks of authentic haberdashery, where you’ll find everything from Victorian-era top hats and genuine leather goods to silver belt buckles as big as your head. Pick up a nappy bolo tie to complete the classic Southern vibe.
Location: Orange
Heritage BBQ
Craving the taste of true Texas barbecue? Look no further than Heritage BBQ in San Juan Capistrano. Serving up smoked brisket, tri tip and pulled pork by the pound along with spare ribs drizzled in homemade barbecue sauce, this local joint will delight your taste buds! Chow down on a bowl of serious Texas chili, chomp on pickled onions and jalapeños and snack on Southern comfort foods like cornbread with a kick. Then, top it all with a healthy heaping of slaw or Texas queso.
Location: San Juan Capistrano
Cook’s Corner
Take a deep dive into Trabuco Canyon and make a beeline for Cook’s Corner—a friendly Texas eatery and historical landmark known for its cold beer and good food since 1926. Gather up the gang for satisfying Southern fare that’s sure to hit the spot, featuring nightly entertainment—including open mic nights and live bands. With themed nights like Spaghetti Wednesdays and $5 corn dog specials, you can get your fill of Lone Star flavors, then play a friendly game of pool or try your hand at horseshoes.
Location: Trabuco Canyon
Zach Bryan Concert
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This August, get ready to welcome your boy Zach Bryan to the California coast! Kicking off his North America tour in February, the beloved country crooner will be making his way across the nation, spreading all of the good vibes and classic hits that will make you want to crack open a cold one, shimmy into a pair of cut-offs and tailgate with your besties just like the good old days. Book your tickets now for his LA show at Crypto.com Arena and start memorizing your favorite songs so you can sing along.
Hit Up the Rodeo
If there’s a rodeo in town, you’re going to want to cancel all of your plans—especially true if it’s the RMV Rodeo. Pull on your finest steel-toed cowboy boots and kick up some dust for an action-packed day full of bull riding, team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing and more.
Based in Los Angeles, Kandace has spent the past ten years in the fashion and lifestyle space, and recently in entertainment at Sony Pictures Studios. She has a Masters in Journalism from Emerson College and has studied in Paris, Firenze, and Washington DC, beginning her career as a style editor and tastemaker for NBC. She is an internationally award-winning filmmaker, having studied screenwriting for film and television at UCLA, and her work has been celebrated around the world, in cities like London, Nice, New York, and Montréal. Paying homage to her French heritage, she is also the creator of The Chic American--a style and culture editorial destination for Francophiles, dedicated to the art of living an elevated, French-inspired lifestyle.
