Cheap fun restaurant in Orange county, CA
May 9th, 2006, 07:21 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cheap fun restaurant in Orange county, CA
My family (me, my wife and 2 boys age 9 & 4) will be staying at Anaheim Orange County Doubletree at the end of June. Is there any cheap eat & fun restaurant around? I know Orange Block is very closeby to the hotel with some restaurants there? I also heard Knotts Berry Farm has famous fried chicken. Do they have any franchise that I can buy their chicken or i need to visit there? Any suggestion is welcome. Thanks
May 9th, 2006, 08:11 AM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,379
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Block of Orange is just a mall, to be perfectly honest, so the food there tends to be the Mall Food Court/Mall-Affiliated Chain Restaurant variety. Not in and of itself a bad thing when feeding small kids. If you drive around Harbor and Katella (i.e., the blocks around Disneyland), you'll find plenty of cheap places. Not far from your hotel is the Old Towne Orange district; there are some fun diner-type places around there. In Downtown Disney, there are several eateries, some low-end, some high-end (to be honest, I've only eaten at the high-end joints)-- including an ESPN Zone (and, unfortunately, a Rainforest Café-- one of a truly awful chain).
Speaking of diners-- how about heading down to the Huntington Beach Pier (it's a haul, but you'll want to get out of Anaheim eventually, believe me) and grabbing burgers at the Ruby's at the end of the pier? That could be a treat for your boys.
Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant is just outside the main gate at Knott's. It's famous-- but it doesn't mean it's transcendentally good. I've had much better fried chicken in my life (even at Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles). But-- it's cheap and filling, and won't kill ya.
What kinds of food does your family like? Just about every world cuisine is represented within a shortish drive from your hotel.
Speaking of diners-- how about heading down to the Huntington Beach Pier (it's a haul, but you'll want to get out of Anaheim eventually, believe me) and grabbing burgers at the Ruby's at the end of the pier? That could be a treat for your boys.
Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant is just outside the main gate at Knott's. It's famous-- but it doesn't mean it's transcendentally good. I've had much better fried chicken in my life (even at Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles). But-- it's cheap and filling, and won't kill ya.
What kinds of food does your family like? Just about every world cuisine is represented within a shortish drive from your hotel.
May 9th, 2006, 09:18 AM
#3
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I highly recommend Wahoo's Fish Tacos. It is considered fast casual - place your order and the counter and the waitress will then deliver to your table. The food is fresh, a different take on Mexican, with an emphasis on locally caught seafood. Plus, the dollar fifty beer of the month! My kids have grown up on the food, from the highchair! Try the kids' fish or chicken bowl with black beans. The decor is very casual - surf style. YOu can check the website for locations and detalis (wahoos.com). There is not a location really close to Anaheim, but if you are traveling around a bit, seek one out! My in-laws from out of state find it a unique and fun dining experience. And, spilled drinks and food upset NO one.
May 9th, 2006, 10:30 AM
#6
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 17,106
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I happen to be addicted to In-N-Out Burgers, a burger chain that started in the Southern California. No preservatives, etc. just good beef.
Their milkshakes are made of real ice cream.
If you want to act like you are really in the know, order off the menu, which is very simple, e.g., ask for a burger "animal style" or "protein style (wrapped in lettuce instead of a hamburger bun)".
Or order a 3x3 (three by three) which is three slices of beef and three slices of cheese. You could go higher: 4x4, 5x5, 4x2, etc. These are all off menu.
The larger milkshake is also off menu, so you have to say, "Large size milkshake".
Enjoy!
Their milkshakes are made of real ice cream.
If you want to act like you are really in the know, order off the menu, which is very simple, e.g., ask for a burger "animal style" or "protein style (wrapped in lettuce instead of a hamburger bun)".
Or order a 3x3 (three by three) which is three slices of beef and three slices of cheese. You could go higher: 4x4, 5x5, 4x2, etc. These are all off menu.
The larger milkshake is also off menu, so you have to say, "Large size milkshake".
Enjoy!
May 9th, 2006, 12:35 PM
#7
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,002
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Definitely try Mimi's Cafe! It has a French atmosphere. It's really cute inside.
They offer very tasty food, HUGE portions, and CHEAP! For instance, I like the broccoli quiche plate which comes with a large muffin (for me, honey bran) green salad, fresh fruit and the quiche. All for $7.99. I can only eat half, so I take the rest home.
It's a chain restaurant and very popular. Their menu is HUGE. They also have a second menu with "Low fat" and "Low carb" selections. You need to specifically ask for this menu though. If you go at 6 pm or noon, expect to wait.
Look at this link for locations:
http://tinyurl.com/rj4tb
Click on the green tab and enter the zip and a bunch of locations will pop up.
I second In-n-Out Burger. They are the BEST! For me, just a plain ol' cheeseburger does the trick. Or used to do the trick anyways, as I've turned vegetarian. Their fries are fried in vegetable oil and yummy. A cheesburger and fries cost I think less than 3 bucks, and they're SO much better than any fast food chain.
They offer very tasty food, HUGE portions, and CHEAP! For instance, I like the broccoli quiche plate which comes with a large muffin (for me, honey bran) green salad, fresh fruit and the quiche. All for $7.99. I can only eat half, so I take the rest home.
It's a chain restaurant and very popular. Their menu is HUGE. They also have a second menu with "Low fat" and "Low carb" selections. You need to specifically ask for this menu though. If you go at 6 pm or noon, expect to wait.
Look at this link for locations:
http://tinyurl.com/rj4tb
Click on the green tab and enter the zip and a bunch of locations will pop up.
I second In-n-Out Burger. They are the BEST! For me, just a plain ol' cheeseburger does the trick. Or used to do the trick anyways, as I've turned vegetarian. Their fries are fried in vegetable oil and yummy. A cheesburger and fries cost I think less than 3 bucks, and they're SO much better than any fast food chain.
May 9th, 2006, 01:09 PM
#8
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
How could I have forgotten In n Out? Expect to wait in line at In N Out at almost any time of day or night but it IS worth it! Dave & Busters' food is average and more expensive than some of the other places mentioned + you have the expense of games on top of that. Your kids will have a great time, though! Rain Forest Cafe would be fun for your younger son, but the food is expensive and and mediocre, at best. By the way, from where are you traveling?
May 9th, 2006, 03:12 PM
#10
Do you have Buca di Beppo in your area?
There's one on Harbor Blvd. near Disneyland.
Good Italian, huge portions and fun decor. Try for the table in the kitchen.
Dave and Buster's is a blast too and you can walk there in 5 minutes from the Doubletree.
Lucky Strike Bowling is right there too.
There's one on Harbor Blvd. near Disneyland.
Good Italian, huge portions and fun decor. Try for the table in the kitchen.
Dave and Buster's is a blast too and you can walk there in 5 minutes from the Doubletree.
Lucky Strike Bowling is right there too.
May 9th, 2006, 03:56 PM
#12
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,265
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh, but Neo for that $763.95, you can win lots of tickets with which you can buy rubber frogs, erasers in the shape of spaceships, and don't forget the whoopeee cushions! 
You also have to factor in the cost of the giant bottle of Advil you will need once you get out of the place.
We were in the D&B's in San Diego last month. I was expecting the worst, but the food was not bad. I had a pretty decent salad.
I agree with the suggestion of Wahoo's Fish tacos. Also Rubio's, La Salsa, Poquito Mas, and Baja Fresh are all good, relatively healthy, fast food chains.
You also have to factor in the cost of the giant bottle of Advil you will need once you get out of the place.We were in the D&B's in San Diego last month. I was expecting the worst, but the food was not bad. I had a pretty decent salad.
I agree with the suggestion of Wahoo's Fish tacos. Also Rubio's, La Salsa, Poquito Mas, and Baja Fresh are all good, relatively healthy, fast food chains.
May 9th, 2006, 04:00 PM
#13
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,379
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No no NO, not Buca di Beppo! That place is the worst! I thought no place could be worse than Olive Garden-- then I ate dinner at Buca di Beppo. How can a restaurant burn marinara sauce, then pour gallons of it over EVERY dish and not expect the whole table to get ill afterward (as we all did)?! I'd be happier if they ate at the Rainforest Café...!
In 'n' Out is a southern CA institution. SONIC is good too for a national chain. I'm a sucker for Rubio's fish tacos-- and a hearty second for Wahoo's!!! All fine choices. Homestyle Italian? I'll research it.....
In 'n' Out is a southern CA institution. SONIC is good too for a national chain. I'm a sucker for Rubio's fish tacos-- and a hearty second for Wahoo's!!! All fine choices. Homestyle Italian? I'll research it.....
May 10th, 2006, 06:33 AM
#14
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't think In N Out would be a "fun" place for kids. It's just a burger joint! I never even thought their burgers were all that great, but I know I'm in the minority here. Agree that Dave and Buster's would be a really fun place for them, but just be prepared to spend some money on the games! The food is OK.
Mimi's Cafe tries to make itself resemble something from New Orleans, but they have VERY few Cajun items on the menu. It's also not really that cheap as mentioned above. I'd consider it moderate.
If you want to try the Knotts Berry Farm chicken, go to the restaurant they have in the back. They have a brunch every Sun. and you can try the fried chicken as well as a number of other good items.
Mimi's Cafe tries to make itself resemble something from New Orleans, but they have VERY few Cajun items on the menu. It's also not really that cheap as mentioned above. I'd consider it moderate.
If you want to try the Knotts Berry Farm chicken, go to the restaurant they have in the back. They have a brunch every Sun. and you can try the fried chicken as well as a number of other good items.
May 10th, 2006, 07:00 AM
#16
Ah... for some people the glass is always half empty.
I was once shortchanged by a New York cabbie, should I never return?
When my kids were the age of the poster's kids they LOVED Rainforest Cafe on multiple visits.My 83 year old aunt still raves about the dinner we had with her at Buca 3 years ago.
I was once shortchanged by a New York cabbie, should I never return?
When my kids were the age of the poster's kids they LOVED Rainforest Cafe on multiple visits.My 83 year old aunt still raves about the dinner we had with her at Buca 3 years ago.
May 10th, 2006, 09:01 AM
#17
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,002
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I never knew Mimi's Cafe was supposed to be a New Orleans type of place. I thought it was just plain ol' French. Secondly, we had two adults and 3 kids (two 9 year olds and a 13 y.o.) dine for 34 bucks plus tip. That's not cheap? Two of the boys even had root beer floats. Two of us took home our extra food. You can look at the menu and decide for yourselves if it's worth it.
In-n-Out isn't "fun" but it certainly fits the "cheap" criteria, plus it's freakin' delicious....and yes MrTraveler you are indeed in the minority.
But that's what happens on forums such as this one. You get one question with varied opinions. At least you have a few suggestions to consider.
In-n-Out isn't "fun" but it certainly fits the "cheap" criteria, plus it's freakin' delicious....and yes MrTraveler you are indeed in the minority.
But that's what happens on forums such as this one. You get one question with varied opinions. At least you have a few suggestions to consider.
May 10th, 2006, 11:22 AM
#18
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
That's true. EVERYBODY is going to have a different opinion about it! I also love going to Buca and did enjoy my only visit to the Rainforest Cafe. If you want something similar to Buca but better, try Maggiano's. They have one at the South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa.
I would have to agree that In N Out isn't anything special. I've had much better burgers at numerous other places. Tommy's being one of them. But yes, it does fit the cheap criteria.
I never thought that Mimi's Cafe was supposed to be a New Orleans type place either, especially when you look at the menu. But when you look at the decor inside, it's full of New Orleans/French Qtr. stuff. Weird, because it doesn't coincide with the menu. But I agree that it's not that expensive there. Most things are in the $10-$15 range. I've always enjoyed eating there.
I would have to agree that In N Out isn't anything special. I've had much better burgers at numerous other places. Tommy's being one of them. But yes, it does fit the cheap criteria.
I never thought that Mimi's Cafe was supposed to be a New Orleans type place either, especially when you look at the menu. But when you look at the decor inside, it's full of New Orleans/French Qtr. stuff. Weird, because it doesn't coincide with the menu. But I agree that it's not that expensive there. Most things are in the $10-$15 range. I've always enjoyed eating there.
May 10th, 2006, 12:01 PM
#19
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,379
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ah but logandog, the difference is next time, you'll get a different cab driver in NYC. And for the record, I've NEVER been shortchanged by a cabbie in my world travels (I never get a gypsy cab, I firmly state what change I expect and I don't move my a$$ out of my seat until my change and receipt are in my hand).
But in a metropolitan area with thousands of restaurant choices, many world-class, will I return with my hard-earned dining money to places that have given me and many others unsatisfactory experiences? I'm guessing not. Besides, if I want Sicilian food, I have a place a block from my house that makes a braciola that will make you weep.
Actually, the OP's family might like something like Medieval Times-- at least you get a show with the mediocre food.
If they like Greek food, a drive to my hometown-- Long Beach-- will yield two good choices in the Belmont Shore area: George's Greek Café and Mykonos. The only downside to both: Loud live entertainment.
I'd say the ESPN Zone in Downtown Disney is looking mighty good. And I strongly defend the honor of In 'n' Out-- especially if you order off-menu items like French Fries "well-done" and the "3 x 3 Animal Style". YUM!!!
But in a metropolitan area with thousands of restaurant choices, many world-class, will I return with my hard-earned dining money to places that have given me and many others unsatisfactory experiences? I'm guessing not. Besides, if I want Sicilian food, I have a place a block from my house that makes a braciola that will make you weep.
Actually, the OP's family might like something like Medieval Times-- at least you get a show with the mediocre food.
If they like Greek food, a drive to my hometown-- Long Beach-- will yield two good choices in the Belmont Shore area: George's Greek Café and Mykonos. The only downside to both: Loud live entertainment.
I'd say the ESPN Zone in Downtown Disney is looking mighty good. And I strongly defend the honor of In 'n' Out-- especially if you order off-menu items like French Fries "well-done" and the "3 x 3 Animal Style". YUM!!!
