These Tried-and-True OC Classics Never Go out of Style

Listen, we love a trendy, new restaurant as much as the next person, but sometimes you just need a meal with a little history. Orange County has been dishing out iconic eats long before Instagram made food look like an art form, and these legendary restaurants prove that some things just get better with time. Whether you’re craving a no-frills steakhouse, a Disneyland classic or a fried chicken dinner with a side of nostalgia, these historic Orange County restaurants have been serving up the goods for decades. Here’s where to go and what to order when you want a meal with a side of serious street cred.

 

Sariñana’s Restaurant (1939)

Must Order: Rajas Tamale

A true neighborhood treasure, Sariñana’s Restaurant has been a beloved part of Santa Ana’s food scene for over 80 years. Founded by Juan and Felipa Sariñana, who brought their culinary roots from Durango, Mexico, this spot continues to serve the same flavorful dishes that have drawn loyal regulars for generations. The aroma of simmering soups and sizzling tortillas greets you the moment you step inside, accompanied by the hum of conversation and the colorful swirl of aguas frescas. Popular picks include the rich pozole, crispy taquitos and the Rajas Tamale with green chile and cheese.

Location: Santa Ana

 

Sugar ‘n Spice (1945)

Must Order: Frozen Banana

A beloved part of Balboa Island since 1945, Sugar ‘n Spice is the original frozen banana stand that generations of locals and visitors have come to adore. Now operated by husband-and-wife duo Will and Courtney Alovis, the shop remains a cherished family business. After long careers in the film industry, the pair swapped Hollywood for coastal charm and stepped in to carry on this sweet tradition. The menu here is packed with crave-worthy classics like chocolate-dipped Balboa Bars, frozen cheesecake, tiramisu and ice cream cookie sandwiches.

Location: Balboa Island

 

Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop (1960)

Must Order: Balboa Bar

A true Balboa Island icon, Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop has been serving up old-school sweets and seaside charm for 65 years. Best known for its signature frozen bananas and Balboa Bars (chocolate-dipped frozen treats), Dad’s is a must-stop when in Newport Beach. Since Vann Yam took over in 1990, generations have continued lining up for donuts, cookies, ice cream and island vibes. Whether you’re popping in for a post-beach treat or reliving a childhood favorite, Dad’s delivers a blend of history, flavor and fun.

Location: Balboa Island

 

The Hobbit Restaurant (1972)

Must Order: Crepe a la Duck Confit

A six-course pre-fixe experience that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a secret supper club? Say less. The Hobbit is an event lovingly orchestrated inside a 1930s French provincial home that’s been enchanting diners since 1972. You start in the wine cellar for a pre-dinner toast, then move into the candlelit dining room for a gourmet feast. The menu changes but previous highlights include duck confit, lobster glazed black cod and chocolate semifreddo. Just remember: The Hobbit has a strict dress code, so break out your best cocktail attire.

Location: Orange

 

Blue Bayou Restaurant (1967)

Must Order: Monte Cristo

If you’ve never eaten under the perpetual twilight sky at Blue Bayou, did you even go to Disneyland? This New Orleans-style eatery inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride is peak Disney nostalgia. Expect lantern-lit “patios,” fireflies flickering in the distance and boats drifting silently by as you dine. The atmosphere feels like a Louisiana evening that never ends: equal parts romantic, theatrical and unmistakably Disney magic. While the menu features Cajun-Creole staples, the Monte Cristo (a deep-fried, powdered-sugar-dusted ham and cheese sandwich) is the stuff of foodie dreams.

Location: Anaheim

 

Five Crowns (1965)

Must Order: Prime Rib

If a cozy English pub and a fancy steakhouse had a baby, it would be Five Crowns in Corona del Mar. It’s a charming, Tudor-style landmark that has welcomed diners with roaring fireplaces, intimate booths and the kind of old-world hospitality that never goes out of style. This Lawry’s-owned institution is a go-to for a classic (and famous) slice of Prime Rib, served with Yorkshire pudding and creamy horseradish. Add a stiff martini and a C.C. Brown’s Hot Fudge Sundae (originally created in 1906!) for the ultimate throwback dining experience.

Location: Corona del Mar

 

Trabuco Oaks Steakhouse (1968)

Must Order: BBQ Beef Ribs

Welcome to Trabuco Oaks Steakhouse, a true canyon classic that first opened as a tiny snack stand in 1968 before growing into the rustic roadhouse locals adore today. Except peanut shells on the floor, a “no ties allowed” rule (they will literally cut it off) and the best BBQ beef ribs this side of the Mississippi. Over the years, it’s hosted everyone from hikers to presidents (Ronald Reagan famously had his tie snipped here) and the tradition stuck. Portions are huge, the wood-paneled dining room feels frozen in time and the house BBQ sauce has earned its own fan club.

Location: Trabuco Canyon

 

El Adobe de Capistrano (1948)

Must Order: El Adobe Molcajete

What do you get when you combine a 1797 adobe building with classic Mexican cuisine? El Adobe de Capistrano, a landmark that blends California history with comforting, flavor-packed dishes. The space itself has lived many lives as a courtroom, a jail and even a private residence before becoming the beloved restaurant known to locals. It’s also famous for being Richard Nixon’s taco spot during his San Clemente years, a stamp of approval that adds to its charm. The El Adobe Molcajete (a bubbling mix of steak, chicken, shrimp and cheesy goodness) is an absolute must-try at this historic Orange County restaurant.

Location: San Juan Capistrano

 

Galley Cafe (1957)

Must Order: Biscuits and Gravy + Mint Chocolate Milkshake

Locals love the Galley Cafe for its diner vibes, no-frills breakfast and the kind of coffee that gets you through anything. Originally purchased by Myrtle and Edward “Eddie” Flach, a globe-trotting cook and short-order legend, the Galley carries on serving great food and strong coffee. It’s where fishermen, surfers, early risers and everyone in between slide into the same vinyl booths before the sun’s fully up. The menu is pure comfort: simple, hearty and made the way it’s always been. Their mint chocolate milkshake is a cult favorite, and if you’re going savory, the old-school biscuits and gravy will not disappoint.

Location: Newport Beach

 

The Crab Cooker (1951)

Must Order: Clam Chowder

Red-and-white checkerboard everything, no reservations and some of the freshest seafood around? That’s The Crab Cooker. Founded by fisherman-turned-restaurateur Bob Roubian, the spot quickly became a Newport institution thanks to its no-nonsense charm and commitment to top-quality seafood. Roubian ran the restaurant for decades before passing it along to longtime employees who protect its old-school spirit. Their tomato-based clam chowder has been the talk of the town since 1951. Order a bowl, grab a sourdough roll and call it a day.

Location: Newport Beach

 

Dick Church’s Restaurant (1972)

Must Order: Patty Melt

This retro diner has been a Costa Mesa staple for as long as anyone can remember. It’s roots go back as a burger joint in 1947 before evolving into a classic coffee shop and, eventually, the beloved diner it is today. Tuck yourself into one of the restaurant’s vintage orange booths, and know that almost everything on the menu is housemade, including their chili and roasted turkeys. Our favorite? The patty melt, which features perfectly grilled rye bread, gooey cheese and caramelized onions.

Location: Costa Mesa

 

The Cellar (1969)

Must Order: Cellar Escargot + French Onion Soup

Designed by the same crew behind Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean, The Cellar is a romantic French hideaway in the middle of Fullerton. Built beneath the historic Villa del Sol, the restaurant still showcases its original Imagineer-designed details. You’ll find hand-carved wood, vaulted brick ceilings and the kind of candlelit glow that makes every table feel like a secret. It’s the spot for lingering conversations, celebratory toasts and anyone who loves a little Old World drama with their dinner. Order the Escargot (yes, really) and the French onion soup, and soak in the moody, candlelit ambiance.

Location: Fullerton

 

Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant (1934)

Must Order: Mrs. Knott’s Classic Fried Chicken Dinner

This is OG comfort food at its finest. Mrs. Knott’s has been serving up its Classic Fried Chicken Dinner (complete with biscuits and boysenberry jam) since the Great Depression. What started as a tea room grew into a restaurant that helped launch the Knott family’s berry farm into a theme-park empire. The dining room still feels charmingly old-fashioned, with servers carrying on traditions that haven’t changed in nearly a century. And let’s be real, nothing beats fried chicken from the people who basically invented the West Coast version of it.

Location: Buena Park

 

The Original Pancake House (1958)

Must Order: Apple Pancake

The Apple Pancake at The Original Pancake House is the reason people wait in long lines for breakfast. Think of it as a cinnamon roll and a pancake having a love child: sweet, fluffy and straight-up addictive. This family-owned Anaheim location has been flipping flapjacks since the early ‘50s, carrying the Original Pancake House legacy built on authentic sourdough starters and time-honored techniques. While pancakes get all the fame, the menu also offers omelettes, delicate crepes and made-from-scratch classics that keep regulars coming back decade after decade.

Location: Anaheim

 

A Restaurant (1926)

Must Order: Hanger Steak

Once a roadside diner on Pacific Coast Hwy, A Restaurant has reinvented itself several times since opening in the ‘20s. It’s evolved from a humble burger stop into the moody, clubby steakhouse locals now treat like their secret haunt. Step inside and it feels cinematic: low lighting, red leather booths and a midcentury swagger that makes an old-fashioned taste even better. Order the Hanger Steak, linger over a cocktail and pretend you’re a main character in Mad Men. And if you work in the restaurant world, Sundays are for you. Industry Night means 50% off all food, so treat yourself to that pumpkin cheesecake.

Location: Newport Beach

 

Harbor House Café (1939)

Must Order: Harbor House Omelet

With locations in Sunset Beach and Dana Point, this 24-hour diner is a favorite for surfers, night owls and anyone craving a Harbor House Omelet at 3 a.m. What started in 1939 has grown into a beloved pit stop, known for its glowing neon signs, classic counter seating and walls covered in decades of memorabilia that make every booth feel like its own time capsule. Harbor House offers comfort food perfection, endless coffee and a come-as-you-are vibe that keeps people walking in at every hour.

Location: Sunset Beach and Dana Point

 

The Cannery (1921)

Must Order: Bob’s Famous Dungeness Crab Cakes

What started as a seafood cannery in 1921 is now one of Newport’s most iconic waterfront restaurants. It first cranked out fish by the thousands until closing in 1966, only to score a second life as a restaurant in 1973. When it faced demolition years later, a local stepped in and handed the space to restaurateur Ron Salisbury so this Newport legend could keep shining. While the first floor is a bit fancier, the upstairs Jellyfish Lounge is a hotspot for a casual post-work drink. Don’t leave without trying Bob’s Famous Dungeness Crab Cakes. They’re crispy and buttery and have been a menu staple for over 70 years.

Location: Newport Beach

 

Stag Bar + Kitchen (1908)

Must Order: Buffalo Soldier Pizza

Stag Bar has been slinging drinks since before Prohibition, making it the oldest bar in Orange County. Their Buffalo Soldier Pizza (buffalo chicken, blue cheese and ranch) is the perfect pairing for an ice-cold beer. And if you’re looking for that “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere” energy, you cannot miss their generous Happy hour running Monday-Friday from 11 to 6 p.m. Enjoy deals like $5 wines and $8 personal pizzas that make lingering almost mandatory. Stick around and play a game of pool, or come on a weekend night for a rowdy nightlife scene.

Location: Newport Beach

 

Mama Cozza’s (1965)

Must Order: Cannelloni

Family-owned since forever, Mama Cozza’s is your classic Italian-American joint with checkered tablecloths, hearty pastas and big portions. It’s the kind of Italian spot where the walls feature everything from family photos to newspaper clippings to snapshots of the Anaheim Ducks players who famously celebrated their 2007 Stanley Cup win here. The Cozza legacy still shines through today in hearty classics like handmade pastas, rich sauces, and comforting veal, lamb, seafood and steak dishes alongside their now-famous cannelloni. The atmosphere is also cozy, welcoming and authentically Italian. You’ll feel more like a guest than a customer after your first meal. 

Location: Anaheim

 

Cook’s Corner (1884)

Must Order: Spaghetti Night Wednesday

Cook’s Corner is one of Southern California’s most iconic hangouts for motorcyclists, locals, and visitors looking for good food, cold drinks and a lively atmosphere since 1884. More than just a bar, Cook’s Corner is a community hub offering live music, special events and unbeatable Happy hour specials. Weekly highlights include Open Mic Mondays, Taco Tuesday with $3 tacos and margarita specials, Spaghetti Night Wednesdays and Thirsty Thursdays. Having survived earthquakes, fires, floods and more, Cook’s Corner remains a resilient symbol of Southern California’s biker culture.

Location: Trabuco Canyon

 

Roma D’Italia (1961)

Must Order: Roma Special Pizza

As Tustin’s first family-owned Italian restaurant, Roma D’Italia has been serving authentic cuisine since 1961. Founded by the Dominic Corea family, the restaurant continues to offer Italian classics crafted from family recipes. Specialties include the Roma Special pizza, topped with meatball, green peppers, sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms and onions, as well as the fresh tomato calabrese. The warm, family-friendly atmosphere has made it a cherished part of the Tustin community for over six decades.

Location: Tustin

 

The Tartan Room (1959)

Must Order: Prime Rib

Established in 1959, The Tartan Room is a classic dinner house located in the City of Orange. With plush leather seating and subtle Scottish décor, this dimly lit dining den offers a cozy setting for hearty meals and engaging conversation. The menu features premium cuts like New York steak, filet mignon and the chef’s special steak. For the best deals, stop by Monday-Friday from 4-5:30 p.m. for $10 short rib tacos. Order a drink and stay a while. Weekly performances from rotating local music acts provide the perfect dinner soundtrack, so check their events calendar to see who’s taking the stage next. It’s this commitment to quality and community that has made it a beloved dining spot for over six decades.

Location: Orange

 

Captain Jack’s (1965)

Must Order: Red King Crab Legs

Founded by Jack and Jeanette Haley, Captain Jack’s has been a go-to destination for seafood lovers for 60 years. Now run by their son Tim, this waterfront restaurant is renowned for its prime rib and seafood offerings. The menu features appetizers like steamed clams and deep-fried calamari, while entrees boast generous portions of red king crab legs and lobster tail. Each meal includes unlimited house salad, rice and freshly steamed bread, ensuring a satisfying dining experience. The ambiance is enhanced by live music every Thursday-Saturday, making it a staple in the community for decades.

Location: Sunset Beach

 

The Quiet Woman (1965)

Must Order: Rack of Lamb

Since the ‘60s, The Quiet Woman has been a cherished dining destination. Its warm, cozy atmosphere welcomes both regulars and newcomers, offering sophisticated comfort food and an award-winning wine list. The restaurant’s signature rack of lamb has remained a top seller over the years, delighting patrons with its rich flavors. Beyond its culinary offerings, The Quiet Woman entertains guests with live music, fostering a vibrant late-night scene. The distinctive logo (a caricature of St. Judith) adds to its unique charm. Under the stewardship of Lynne Anthony Campbell since 1989, The Quiet Woman continues to be a beloved spot where memories are made.

Location: Corona del Mar

 

301 Cafe (1940)

Must Order: Carne Asada Wet Buritto

301 Café feels like stepping into a time capsule. You’ll find vintage décor, old jukeboxes, metal cash registers and the kind of well-loved booths that transport you back to childhood. This longtime family-run spot serves Mexican favorites like tostadas, sopes and tortas made from recipes that taste like they’ve been passed down with love. If you want a local favorite, order the carne asada wet burrito. It’s smothered in enchilada sauce, blanketed with gooey cheese and served with rice and beans. Just like the food, the dining room has a warmth you don’t find often. Here, regulars linger over sodas or cold beers while visitors return to soak in the homey ambiance. The food isn’t fancy, but it’s flavorful, heartfelt and clearly cooked with care. It’s a restaurant, sure, but it feels like part of OC’s heartbeat.

Location: Placentia

 

Woody’s Wharf (1965)

Must Order: Woody’s Famous Fish Tacos

If you’ve ever spent a night out in Newport, odds are it ended (or began) at Woody’s Wharf. Since 1965, Woody’s has been pouring strong drinks, grilling fresh seafood and hosting some of the liveliest nights on the peninsula. You’ll feel that classic Newport vibe: boats bobbing in the marina and patio heaters glowing into the night. The crowd is a mix of locals, industry folks and anyone ready for a waterfront party. Order Woody’s Famous Fish Tacos, sip something cold and keep an eye on their Instagram. There’s always a themed night, DJ set or weekend celebration waiting to pull you in.

Location: Newport Beach

 

Benjie’s Deli (1967)

Must Order: The Reuben

Every city dreams of an old-school Jewish deli like Benjie’s Deli. There are generous portions, warm service and a dining room that’s barely changed since the ‘60s. Step inside and you’re greeted by tufted booths, amber lighting and the comforting smell of matzo ball soup. The menu is stacked with classics, including latkes, blintzes, brisket and towering sandwiches. But the Reuben, layered with tender corned beef, Swiss and kraut on grilled rye, is the undisputed fan favorite. Add a strawberry milkshake or a slice of cheesecake and you’ve officially time-traveled.

Location: Santa Ana

 

La Cave (1962)

Must Order: The Filet Mignon Dinner

If you love a little mystery with your meal, La Cave is your place. This underground Costa Mesa institution has been serving dinner in the dark (literally!) since Valentine’s Day in 1962. The candlelit, wine-cellar setting feels like a retro rendezvous spot made for secret dates and long conversations. The menu features Australian cold-water lobster, giant king crab legs and shrimp cocktails. Here, steaks are the star, especially the filet mignon dinner, complete with sides that feel delightfully old-school. A favorite of Newport-Mesa locals (including John Wayne), La Cave has earned accolades for its service, steaks and martinis. The charm continues with dinner shows and comedy nights every Friday and Saturday.

Location: Costa Mesa

 

Village Inn (1933)

Must Order: Village Burger

Village Inn is a lovable neighborhood hangout where locals have their own bar stools and visitors wish they did. In the past 90 hours, VI has lived many lives, from a prohibition-era watering hole to today’s easygoing bar and grill with weekly entertainment. There’s Trivia Tuesday’s, family-friendly Bingo Wednesdays and crowds that are always in the mood for fun. To keep your stomach happy, we recommend the Village Burger. This angus beef patty topped with aged cheddar, apple-wood smoked bacon, arugula and house spread is best paired with a cold beer. And once you’re full and satisfied, a stroll down Marine Ave. is practically part of the tradition.

Location: Newport Beach

 

La Chiquita (1950)

Must Order: Cheese Enchiladas

A Santa Ana classic since 1950, La Chiquita is the definition of old-school Mexican comfort food. The bright, cozy and wonderfully unfancy dining room feels like stepping into a family gathering, while the menu delivers exactly what you want. There are crispy tacos, rice and beans just like abuela makes and some of the chunkiest guacamole in OC. Generations have kept this place buzzing, from longtime locals to families who won’t celebrate a birthday anywhere else. ​​The cheese enchiladas are non-negotiable, delivering a melty, nostalgic bite every time.

Location: Santa Ana

 

Charlie’s Chili (1967)

Must Order: Chili Cheese Omelette

Charlie’s Chili is Newport’s unofficial morning-after headquarters. It’s the place where surfers, locals and late-night revelers all end up sooner or later. ​​The first Charlie’s Chili opened on Balboa Island in 1967 and was such a hit that it moved to the Newport Pier in 1972. This diner keeps things classic with friendly service and portions meant to cure whatever ails you. Trust us: the famous Chili Cheese Omelette is the move, no matter what time you roll in. It’s smothered, messy and exactly what you want with a side of hash browns. Sit outside, watch the beach wake up and embrace the glorious chaos that is Charlie’s Chili.

Location: Newport Beach

 

El Patio Drive In #2 (1978)

Must Order: Carnitas Nachos

For a no-frills Mexican counter spot serving locals since 1978, head over to El Patio Drive In #2. Opened by the Reyes family, the restaurant became a neighborhood favorite thanks to its crispy hard-shell tacos, saucy enchiladas and burritos wrapped tight enough to survive a drive down Lincoln Ave. The carnitas nachos (piled high with tender pork, melty cheese, guacamole and plenty of salsa) are another crowd pleaser. When the original El Patio closed in 2015, the family revived the beloved menu at the current location, keeping every nostalgic flavor intact. The vibe is simple, friendly and delightfully retro. Orders land on foam plates, salsa is poured with heart and regulars know what they want before they walk through the door.

Location: Anaheim

 

Royal Hawaiian (1947)

Must Order: Huli Huli Chicken

Looking for a tropical escape without leaving Orange County? Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach has been delivering island vibes since 1947. The space has reinvented itself a few times over the decades, but the energy remains pure tiki. You’ll be surrounded by bamboo accents, glowing lanterns and cocktails served strong enough to make you forget your inbox exists. The Hawaiian-inspired menu has modern flair with classics like ahi tuna poke bowls and coconut shrimp. But the Huli Huli Chicken is the crowd favorite: sweet, smoky and plated with serious aloha spirit. It’s a Laguna legend for a reason.

Location: Laguna Beach

 

The Blue Beet (1912)

Must Order: Prime Rib Dip

One of the oldest bars in Newport Beach, The Blue Beet has been fueling locals with live music and stiff drinks since 1912. The historic, brick-lined building has seen everything from Prohibition whispers to rock bands shaking the floorboards, and today it remains the peninsula’s go-to spot for nightly entertainment. Now owned by Steve Lewis, and his son, Scott, the Blue Beet thrives as a community hub for history, music and good whiskey. The menu is hearty, but the Prime Rib Dip steals the show. It’s juicy, warm and made for late nights. Order a martini, head upstairs for the view and catch a live band that’ll keep you out longer than planned.

Location: Newport Beach

 

Pasty Kitchen (1963)

Must Order: Beef Pasty

Pasty Kitchen is one of those neighborhood spots that feels frozen in time in the best way. Open since the ‘60s, this tiny Huntington Beach walk-up is famous for one thing: its Cornish-style pasties, handmade daily and served piping hot. The beef pasty is the classic. There’s tender meat, potatoes and onions tucked inside a flaky golden crust that tastes like comfort wrapped to-go. There are no frills, no seating and no guesses about what to order. Just grab a bag, peek inside for that glorious puff of steam and try not to finish it in the parking lot.

Location: Huntington Beach

 

El Cholo (1923)

Must Order: Green Corn Tamales (Seasonal)

If you’re talking Los Angeles dining history, El Cholo is basically royalty. Since 1923, this Mexican restaurant has helped define SoCal comfort food with its old-world recipes, colorful tilework and margaritas that have fueled celebrations. Walk inside and you’re stepping into living culinary history: warm, lively and filled with the kind of memories only a century-old restaurant can hold. The menu is packed with classics, but the Green Corn Tamales (handmade from sweet corn and whole chiles) are legendary. Be ready because they appear seasonally and sell out fast!

Locations: Anaheim Hills and Corona del Mar