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Look closely because you just might drive past this little gem in a strip mall near main in Santa...
More 10 months ago
Look closely because you just might drive past this little gem in a strip mall near main in Santa Ana. Despite its unassuming exterior, this restaurant offers flavorful Mexican cuisine at a reasonable price inside.
The chile verde offers moist pork in a tangy tomatillo sauce with a delicious blend of garlic and spices. There's something a little different about the sauce that I can't quite put my finger on -- perhaps they add regular tomato to sweeten it (?). In any case, it is not to be missed.
Tacos are a little messy to eat but well worth the effort with deep fried corn tortillas filled to the brim with your choice of meat, lettuce, tomato and salsa. The restaurant does an above average job on enchiladas, tamales and chile rellenos. And rather than simply being fillers, the beans and rice serve as tasty accompaniments to complete your meal.
Of all the Mexican eateries I've tried in OC -- and I've tried quite a few -- I really enjoy the salsa that comes complimentary with chips as you're perusing the menu. It is a deep rich tomato sauce spiced with enough peppers to give it a kick and have you reaching for your drink to cool down your mouth.
The Little Onion gets very busy at lunch time during the week and is closed on Sundays. Service is fast and efficient, and the decor in this two-story hidden gem is dark and comfortable. For lunch, try arriving at 11:30 or 1:00 pm to avoid the wait. This will quickly become one of your regular haunts.
Pros: quality of food, flavor, preparation, fast and efficient service
Cons: gets very busy -- long wait for table -- if you arrive right at noon during the week
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This is by far the best Italian Restaurant in Orange County. From their bread to the assorted...
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This is by far the best Italian Restaurant in Orange County. From their bread to the assorted dishes, everytings I have eaten here has been wonderful.
Pros: Great Food
Cons: Near South Coast Plaz
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I had never had Indian food before but a co-worker took me to Royal khyber and I've been hooked...
More 11 months ago
I had never had Indian food before but a co-worker took me to Royal khyber and I've been hooked ever since. It's a great place to have a nice lunch and I've taken family and friends back for dinner. The menu is a little pricey but everything is so fresh and good that it's definitely worth the occasional splurge. My favorites are the lamb vindaloo, chicken masala, tandoori chicken and lentil soup.
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Favori Restaurant
Category:
Korean & Vietnamese Restaurants
3502 W 1ST St
Santa Ana,
California 92703
Favori has the most AMAZING catfish! I didn't know what to expect, but all of a sudden, I saw this...
More 11 months ago
Favori has the most AMAZING catfish! I didn't know what to expect, but all of a sudden, I saw this huge, almost monstrous 3 ft catfish, roasted till it was the same golden brown as a roast pig with skin that crackles and breaks as you dig your fork into it. Tomatoes lined the edge of the catfish as peanuts were sprinkled on top of white meat they cut into. And then, they served the entire spring roll set up for us- a heaping plate of aromatics including cilantro, mint and basil, a plate of spring roll wrappers, a bowl of pickled daikon and carrots, and three different kinds of dipping sauces! Forget ordering anything else- just save your appetite, bring some friends, and order the biggest catfish you can!
Pros: Perfect for big groups
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Gypsy Den
Category:
Family Restaurants
125 N Broadway
Santa Ana,
California 92701
When I walked it, it was a bit awkward to be honest. I think that was mostly because I'm a tourist...
More 7 months ago
When I walked it, it was a bit awkward to be honest. I think that was mostly because I'm a tourist and had no clue where I was, though.
I sat down and looked at the menu, which showed lots of yummy yummy options. I'm NOT a veggie hippie foodie kind of person, which this menu is honestly FULL of. It's not your all-american family restaurant by far, but then again, it doesn't claim to be. You can tell from the atmousphere.
I had the Roast Turkey sandwich with cheddar cheese** and fried potato slices. And it was GOOOOOOOOD! I had never had sprouts on a sandwich before, but it was delicious! It had this light light layer of mustard, which I don't typically like, but it gave the sandwich a great kick! And the potato slices? Better than any fricken french fries I'd ever had. The sandwiches typically come with tortilla chips, but I opted to pay the 99 cents for the potato slices upgrade. I'm a french fry lover!
(** the sandwich comes with provalone, but I really don't like that cheese, so they substituted cheddar for me)
Overall, I love this place. Even though it's not typical food I'd eat, I'd go back and try a bunch of the other menu items. I'm a picky eater, and if you like healthy food, you'll LOVE this place. And even if you don't like healthy food, you'll find something to like.
The restaurant was clean and very inviting, and my server was really a sweet guy and very very nice. They laughed at my brave touristyness in the end As far as pricing goes, it was REALLY reasonable. This place definitely won't break your wallet.
Pros: healthy food, great price
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Darya Restaurant
Category:
Middle Eastern Restaurants
1611 W Sunflower Ave Ste E59
Santa Ana,
California 92704
I recently had lunch at Darya's and was pleasantly surprised. A friend from work recommended it...
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I recently had lunch at Darya's and was pleasantly surprised. A friend from work recommended it and all four of us enjoyed our food. Of the four of us, one is Persian, two have had Persian food several times before and one had never tried it. We all tried different dishes and tasted each other's food. Our service was prompt, efficient, but not overly friendly. While the prices are higher than for many other restaurants, they are similar to other high-end restaurants.
Pros: Great food, Nice atmosphere
Cons: Expensive
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Green Parrot Cafe
Category:
Direct Selling Businesses
2035 N Main St
Santa Ana,
California 92706
We had a lunch meeting and it was a nice experience. You have the choice of sitting inside or on...
More 2 years ago
We had a lunch meeting and it was a nice experience. You have the choice of sitting inside or on the patio. Weather permitting, do the patio. The service was good and the food was excellent.
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I dont know where to start. We just loved this place. We went in a large group and were seated in...
More 1 year ago
I dont know where to start. We just loved this place. We went in a large group and were seated in the wine room. The decor is beautiful,, the food is awesome (please dont miss the shrimp scampi made table side), and the service is perfect. You cannot miss this place..
Pros: Food, Service, Wine List
Cons: closes early
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Proof
Category:
Bars, Pubs & Clubs
215 N Broadway
Santa Ana,
California 92701
Went here on a Thursday night after picking up a semi-ambiguous flyer and boy was I suprised! ...
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Went here on a Thursday night after picking up a semi-ambiguous flyer and boy was I suprised! I've been to the Proof Bar before and really liked the layout and design. Bartenders are very friendly and mix some STIFF ones....but the music is what blew me away. Thursday nights is house/funk/disco/something or other night and the dj's were throwing down some hot jams. Now, this is not your typical Top 40 scene...music for people who can get out of the radio box and dance to some real gems. THe DJ's KNOW what they are doing and obviously have a deep knowledge for new and old tracks that is not typical of the million other dj's out in the OC. All vinyl (love that) and no b.s. ...none of the wannabe/I just got my laptop dj program and am playing the top list from some so and so hipster website...Give it a chance and you won't be disappointed. I feel like a spokesperson now! I was very impressed by the cool and kick back people, good drinks and top notch music. Definately sophisticated stuff and not kiddie emo kid-turned gangster crunk garbage. I imagine beautiful people in Paris and Tokyo listening to this stuff at private penthouse parties...go!
Pros: Great Design, Good Drinks, Excellent Dj's
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This is a famous spot for anyone who is interested in good food that's not duplicated. They have...
More 1 year ago
This is a famous spot for anyone who is interested in good food that's not duplicated. They have the best chicken salad sandwiches in town, try it on squaw bread which is sweet. Their philly steak sandwiches are incredible and it so tasty and the meat is so lean every bite is delicious. I have been to most places in town that have a similar menu but this place is by far the best. I love their soup of the day, especially the chicken rice soup is to die for. You can't beat it on a cold day.
Pros: Food is incredible, people are nice and relaxed, casual and friendly
Cons: Sometimes hard to find for new comers
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