Cover photo courtesy of Portside Fish Co.
Small businesses need your help now more than ever. All industries are taking an economic hit due do what’s happening with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the food scene is no exception. Restaurants have had to make drastic changes, where dining in is no longer an option. Take-out and delivery options are keeping most places afloat while some places have closed down indefinitely. It’s happening all over, and I can’t help but sympathize with all these great restaurants that are going through this rough patch — especially the ones in our neighborhoods of Orange County. They’re the backbone of our economy, and they won’t be able to survive without us.
With all this in mind, here are 10 OC eateries that are still open for business and need our support. Maybe the next time you decide on take-out, you’ll be in the mood for one of these spots.
THE VOX KITCHEN
Asian Fusion Restaurant
16161 Brookhurst St/ Fountain Valley, CA
(657) 231-6493
A true gem located in the heart of Fountain Valley right next to Mile Square Park. This restaurant is known for its unique take on fusion. The House Garlic Noodles and Saltado Shaken Fries are home runs every time at The Vox Kitchen. Open every day from 11am – 9pm, they’re currently taking online orders for curbside pickup or delivery through GrubHub.
PORTSIDE FISH CO.
Seafood Restaurant
2222 Michelson Drive, Irvine, CA
(949) 536-5660
Known for its fresh seafood wide selection, Portside is one of OC’s best fast-casual restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for Fish & Chips, Surf & Turf, Tacos, or even some Chowder, this Irvine fishery has you covered. Currently taking phone orders for take-out, Portside is also available for delivery via Postmates, DoorDash, GrubHub, and UberEats.
SUP NOODLE BAR
Asian Fusion Restaurant
Buena Park, Cerritos
Not only do they serve different delicious variations of Pho, but Sup Noodle Bar is also known for its Peruvian-inspired dishes as well. The food here is made with care, and you can taste it in their Pho Rib Bones. Open Sunday – Thursday 11am – 9pm, and Saturday 11am – 10pm, they are currently taking online orders for take-out and delivery via Postmates and GrubHub.
MR. KATSU
Japanese Katsu Sandwiches
3165 Yorba Linda Blvd, Fullerton, CA
(714) 986-9888
You might be familiar with Chicken Katsu, but have you ever had it as a sandwich?! Mr. Katsu is a foodie dream come true as this sandwich shop has a menu dedicated to different types of Katsu Sandwiches, making for an epic fusion you never knew you needed until now. Open 11:30am – 9pm daily in Fullerton, they’re currently available via phone order as well as delivery through GrubHub, Postmates, and DoorDash.
HUG LIFE ICE CREAM
Vegan Ice Cream
Garden Grove, Orange, & Long Beach
Vegan or not, Hug Life is some of the best tasting ice cream around. With 3 locations across Garden Grove, Orange, and Long Beach, this anti-dairy creamery offers unique flavors that change up and rotate every so often. Besides the classic cone or bowl, you can order milkshakes, cookies sandwiches, or even à la mode with a warm brownie. All locations are currently offering a BOGO pint sale to make your quarantine like a litter sweeter. Call into any one of their locations today for pick-up orders.
LA SUPER BIRRIA
Taco Shop
1041 W 1st. St, Santa Ana, CA
(657) 245-3810
Remaining open from 8am – 8pm daily, this taco shop specializes in only one kind of meat: birria de res, or beef stewed with red chilies. La Super Birria serves some of the best birria you’ll be able to find in all of OC. Located in Santa Ana, they’re currently taking phone orders for curbside pick-up.
THE SANDWICH SOCIETY
Sandwich Shop
Santa Ana Location: 2031 E 1st ST, #A3, Santa Ana, CA
(714) 835-3878
Known for their unique creations between two slices, The Sandwich Society offers sandwiches that you won’t see anywhere else. From Waffle Sandwiches, to Eggs Benedict Sandwiches, and even Breakfast Burritos; if you’re craving for something extraordinary, they’ll most likely have it on the menu. Their Santa Ana location is currently open for take-out, phone orders, and delivery via Postmates.
BUNZ BURGER CO.
Classic Burgers
7491 Center Ave, Huntington Beach, CA
(714) 766-7060
Because sometimes all you want is a burger with some fries. Voted 2017’s #1 burger in the United States by INSIDER, this burger joint never disappoints. Burgers, Shakes, Hot Dogs, Fries, Tater Tots, and Onion Rings are all things you’ll find on the menu, Bunz Burger Co. is open 9am – 8pm daily.
DOUGH & ARROW
Cookie Café
3033 Bristol St., Ste. Q, Costa Mesa, CA
(657) 247-4483
This vibrant cookie café never lacks creativity when it comes to their cookies and drinks. You can get anything from your classic Chocolate Chip to flavors you might not find anywhere else. Dough & Arrow is supplying you the cookie comfort you’re seeking during this social distancing period, and they need support from their “weirdoughs” more than ever. Along with their freshly-baked goods, they’re also currently offering fresh take & bake cookie dough options available in Ube, Chocolate Chip, White Chocolate Mac Nut, and Funfetti. Open Monday – Thursday 11am – 5pm and Friday – Sunday 11am – 8pm, phone in your orders or have your treats delivered via Postmates and UberEats.
BLUE BOWL
Açaí Bowls
Orange, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Costa Mesa
Once you’ve had Blue Bowl, you’ll understand why customers can’t get enough of their açaí bowls. Totally customizable with different bases and unlimited toppings, you’re able to create your own masterpiece to your exact liking every single time. You’ve got to order the warm chia pudding — it’s a game-changer. Under temporary hours of Monday – Saturday from 10am – 4pm, Blue Bowl is currently taking to-go orders only with their line forming outside the store. They’re also currently raising funds to stay open and keep hospital workers fueled. Every $10 donated will go directly to providing a nutrient-rich superfood bowl to healthcare staff working on the front lines at Children’s Hospital Orange County (CHOC) and St. Joseph Hospital.
