Last Updated on March 30, 2024 by Lauren Belzer
Instagram decided to get rid of Instagram Guides, so I decided to translate my OC food guides back to the blog. I thought we’d start by doing an updated guide for my college town of Orange, California since not only did I spend 4 years in this town for college, but also have worked in Orange, too!
Bluestone Lane Old Towne Orange
Bluestone Lane is one of my favorite spots for brunch and lunch and even to grab a quick cup of coffee. It is an Australian-inspired café with 55+ locations (both cafés and coffee shops) around the country, and they happen to have a full-service café in the little city of Orange.
The Avocado Smash is a popular menu item, but I also like the Athletes Burrito if going more during the breakfast or brunch time of day. The Classic Chicken & Bacon Club Roll is my personal favorite, too! Don’t forget to order a coffee or tea from their barista as well – they’re delicious!
Note: Bluestone Lane’s potato wedges are incredible, so be sure to ask to substitute one of your sides or even just get a side order of them!
Bosscat Kitchen & Libations
Bosscat has been a favorite ever since I went to their location by John Wayne Airport. I love the Southern comfort influence and their cocktail menu is so fun! So glad they opened up an Orange location so I can grab lunch with coworkers or drinks after work. I recommend ordering the Pulled Pork Hush Puppies as a shared appetizer and for mains, either the Gulf Shrimp and Grits or the Coastal White Fish. Don’t forget to follow it up with Fried Apple Pie or Beignets for dessert!
Byblo’s Cafe
I’m a sucker for Mediterranean food and Byblo’s Cafe is easily one of my favorite places in all of Orange County to get it. I love their simple menu and they have the best lunch specials, too! Not to mention, they also have meal prep options for all those busy people out there interested in having Mediterranean lunches or dinners on hand. A Hummus Plate is always a classic starter to get at Byblos, and beyond that, I alternate between ordering Byblo’s Famous Lentil Soup or a Beef Shawarma for my main.
Gabi’s Mexican Kitchen
A favorite in college and still a favorite today, Gabi’s Mexican Kitchen is one of those places that you just keep coming back to! Their food is delicious, and their margaritas are wonderful…it’s just an all-around great spot when you want some high-quality Mexican cuisine. Their seasonal guacamole + chips or queso fundido con chorizo are always a must-order for the table. My favorite main dishes at Gabi’s include: taquitos con salsa verde, puebla tacos, or enchiladas suizas! Their jalapeño pepino margarita is also a must!
O SEA
O SEA was not around when I was in college but that’s a good thing because I love seafood and this would have been dangerous on a college budget! They focus on ocean-to-table seafood and are incredibly into their wines, too. Max & I are probably on a fast track to becoming regulars because we’re always in the mood for O SEA!
Some of their entree and finger food options work in a way that you pick what your preparation will be, and then you choose your market protein (the fish!). So if you’re a fan of a specific preparation, but want to try a different protein the next time, you absolutely can! I always tend to order the Super Tuscan Plate with Wild Local Halibut, but also think it’s delicious with Wild British Columbian Salmon. The O SEA Burrito is also a tasty dish, as is the Wild Fijian Albacore Tuna Poke. You must save room for dessert and get the Thai Milk Tea Blondie Sunday – it’s delicious!
Note: Their menus do change seasonally a bit!
The Living Room Bar & Lounge – The Richland
The Richland is a newer boutique hotel in Old Towne Orange and it is so cute! They have a bar and hangout spot inside called The Living Room Bar & Lounge with some of the most delicious cocktails and appetizers on the planet. It truly feels like someone’s living room or home bar – it’s so inviting and cozy!
The cocktails I love from The Living Room are the No Vacancy, Wish You Were Here, Pardon My French, and Putting on the Spritz. Putting on the Spritz might just be the best twist on a traditional Aperol Spritz that I’ve ever tried! For bites, order the House Cheese & Charcuterie Board and the Crispy French Fries, truffle version!
There are so many good places to eat or grab a drink in and around Orange, these are just some of my more current favorites in a condensed list in case you only have a short time in the city of Orange or just want to know some tried & true favorites! Happy eating (and drinking)!