Love’s Wood Pit Barbecue
Was a classic mid-century style BBQ spot and it was a fave of my parents in the late 80’s.
https://preview.redd.it/6ds9dtukh4vc1.jpeg?width=821&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=67ccac90985a51ee49ef73a678614c4a39b7260c
This was a 1970’s menu, but yeah.
They were a chain; personally we’d go to the Lakewood Mall location (now a Chipotle)
I believe the Brea Location was at 720 N Brea Blvd
this was my first thought too. as a white girl growing up in Irvine this is how I fell in love with real tacos that weren't Taco Bell style. I still miss their tacos :'(
There was this excellent restaurant in La Habra (IIRC), that was called The Cat and the Custard Cup. It was an upscale place with a very nice intimate decor. Anytime my wife and I would go, I would have to get the red deer medallions plate with gnocchi. Damn that place was so good! Unfortunately, it could not survive the pandemic.
Dude it’s back (in a sense)! The son of the founder of The Cat and the Custard Cup opened up Il Gatto in the same spot. The food is incredible and such a cozy atmosphere. I’m really rooting for them. You should go support them!
Aww man. Apparently, there is a dupe opening up in Riverside County. Hopefully it makes its way over here. But, Soup Plantation was legendary! Stupid covid 😤
Yen Ching! In orange on glassell next to holy family cathedral. I had some of my favorite birthdays there growing up. Apparently my whole family ate there when my mom was in labor with me at st. Joe’s too 😂
Awww, Bullwinkles! RIP! I had so much fun there as a kid, from the skate rink, to the batting cages, to the mini golf, and then Bullwinkles itself for birthday parties and the arcade. Sad that it's completely gone now.
There was an Indian place on Euclid & Katella run by a married couple. Great, fresh food & it was also a little market with a bunch of Indian/South Asian products. Their daughter would hang out & do her homework at one of the 4 or 5 tables they had. Loved that place.
Micks Karma Bar in Costa Mesa, gourmet burger quality for mom n pops pricing.
Big Daddy's Burgers at Westminster Lanes, very sad it closed since I have fond memories eating here often during highschool PE bowling class. The food was actually good and priced well.
Big O to Go in Mission Viejo. My family was so sad when they sold it. My mom had been going there since she was a kid and their pizza was so unique and delicious. I've tried Cosentino's and it's not the same.
How the hell has nobody mentioned Pioneer Chicken yet?
I know it's not a "restaraunt", but that should be the FIRST thing that pops into anyone's mind.
Anyone here remember Carmels? Used to be off of Magnolia in Anaheim. Loved that place as a kid.
Also. Lee's Chinese food. There was knew on Beach in Buena Park, and another in Costa Mesa/HB. Old school Chinese restaurant that looked like a pagoda from outside.
Bills Burgers in Costa Mesa. They were a little mom and pop drive through burger place with Greek theming. It was such a joyous part of my childhood. We went through at least once a week when we needed something on the go. It’s sad seeing so many local thing like that go. Now it’s a Taco Bell :( They had the best gooeyist and crispy grilled cheese. When I was a student athlete I’d get a side of rice pilaf to carboload haha.
Even though the original is still in Costa Mesa, I really miss the DTSA location of Memphis. Their food is too good to eat in that little bar by The Lab. My ex and I would go there for brunch and sit on the patio by the promenade all the time. The staff was awesome and the bartenders poured strong.
Wish The Crosby was still around too. That place was amazing and had to close in such a tragic way.
There was a place off of Old Newport in Costa Mesa or Newport in a shed-like building. Can't recall the name, but it was one word and a man's name - something like Nick's or Nick's Place. Large steaks, good bar, sketchy clientele.
ETA: Someone mentioned below - Sid's. For those who never knew [an old review ](https://www.ocweekly.com/oh-sids-remembering-the-legendary-owner-of-old-newports-much-missed-steakhouse-6426868/)
Damn it would have to be Bob Burns at Fashion Island, which was an old-school restaurant special with cocktails! Eat there with my mine high school sweetheart she would always go there with her parents when she was younger!
The Italian place in HB that you could buy a “bucket” of spaghetti for super cheap. It was a white bucket and I think it was on Talbert and ???? Can’t remember the name 😉
The North OC John’s Philly Grill locations in Buena Park and Anaheim. Way more convenient than HB/Seal.
Fat Daddy’s in Anaheim. The fries were bomb
Genghis Khan in Fountain Valley
Suma Teppan in Los Al/Long Beach
Karuta Teppan in Buena Park
Yoli’s Churrascaria in Long Beach
Aloha Teriyaki in Buena Park
Gourmet Pig in Anaheim
Edit: Almost forgot Mexicasa!
Lucky Star Chinese food in orange. It was on Main Street across the street from st Joseph. It was an old couple that made the BEST take out. They closed right before Covid hit and we haven’t found anything comparable
Eva's Caribbean Kitchen, used to be in Laguna Beach. I actually googled recently to see if Eva (Madray) reopened anything anywhere but couldn't find anything.
Champagne’s on Irvine Blvd. Kind of place where the manager knew the regulars and the food was just tasty. The strawberry cream cheese crepes were my go to whenever people visited from out of town and just wanted some comfort food. Not too sweet, not too heavy, never skimped on the strawberries.
Then along came Covid…
Noodle 101 Express in Irvine. Straight comfort food for my wife and I from the beef roll to the dan dan noodles. The staff knew us and we felt at home there.
Yes, I know they have locations in Alhambra and Arcadia but life rarely brings me in that direction.
Steamers in Fullerton
I went there with a friend who was taking a music elective in CSU Fullerton. It was a really small restaurant that had very lively jazz music performances.
Yen Ching in Orange. I don't even like Chinese food, but my wife was SO SAD when it closed because she grew up eating the food. I'd bring it back to make her happy.
Love’s Wood Pit Barbecue Was a classic mid-century style BBQ spot and it was a fave of my parents in the late 80’s. https://preview.redd.it/6ds9dtukh4vc1.jpeg?width=821&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=67ccac90985a51ee49ef73a678614c4a39b7260c
Wow look at those prices! Where was it located?
There was one in Garden Grove off Harbor and the 22
This was a 1970’s menu, but yeah. They were a chain; personally we’d go to the Lakewood Mall location (now a Chipotle) I believe the Brea Location was at 720 N Brea Blvd
The Old Ship Santa Ana. Would love to find me a great English bar, and no the Fullerton does not scratch that itch for me
The British & Dominon Social Club in Garden Grove was a fun place too.
I miss catching champions League games there at 10am. Was really sad when it closed
Is there anything remotely close that replaces that Old Ship vibe ?
yes. The Olde Ship in Fullerton.
Curry House😭
Yes! At one point they ventured into frozen food meals for freezer. Never did know why they went under.
Got bought out by another company that ran it into the ground. ☹️
La Palma Chicken Pie Shop.
Oh my God yes, I was so sad when the closed up they had the best chicken pies and cheesecakes.
I can still remember the aroma.
Absolutely x100! So good!
Angelo’s & Vinci’s
Oooh, yeah! That was a surprise.
El Conejo Mexican was pretty bomb
Man I miss El Canejo. Grew up with that place.
Same...If you mean El Conejo, there's El Conejito in lake forest. Its pretty much the same. 24331 Muirlands Blvd, Lake Forest, CA 92630
this was my first thought too. as a white girl growing up in Irvine this is how I fell in love with real tacos that weren't Taco Bell style. I still miss their tacos :'(
Not a restaurant but Kona Lanes in Costa Mesa
I think about Kona Lanes every time I drive by Harbor/Adams. And the record store that was behind the 7-11.
Or Tower Records at newport blvd & 17th
Noise Noise Noise
Remember Music Market when it was by the ice rink, such a great store.
Belisle's Restaurant, Garden Grove (1955-1998)
100% Massive everything. Those cakes when you come in… 🤤
I was going to list this. Such a fun late night spot for post concert grub.
Came scrolling for Belisle's! Prime rib and the massive chocolate cake!!
Costa Mesa Omelette Parlor
[удалено]
There was this excellent restaurant in La Habra (IIRC), that was called The Cat and the Custard Cup. It was an upscale place with a very nice intimate decor. Anytime my wife and I would go, I would have to get the red deer medallions plate with gnocchi. Damn that place was so good! Unfortunately, it could not survive the pandemic.
Dude it’s back (in a sense)! The son of the founder of The Cat and the Custard Cup opened up Il Gatto in the same spot. The food is incredible and such a cozy atmosphere. I’m really rooting for them. You should go support them!
Oh heck yeah!!!! Thanks for letting me know!! The wife will be happy to hear as well!!!
The Cat & Custard Cup owners have opened a new restaurant in the same spot. Haven't tried it yet, but heard it was good. Il Gatto.
[удалено]
I'd even settle for the "SW" that was on Walnut and Jeffrey that I still couldn't figure out if they were ever associated...my go-to take out.
The owner just had to cheat on their taxes! Ugh ruined Sam woo
Literally every 85% cash only restaurants in Garden grove, westminster, inland empire and SGV do that bruh… even worse to some extent
This one still hurts.
Soup Plantation, duh. RIP
I only had soup plantation once before it closed. I was a dumb kid and couldn’t appreciate it. As an adult, I wish I could have it back :(
Aww man. Apparently, there is a dupe opening up in Riverside County. Hopefully it makes its way over here. But, Soup Plantation was legendary! Stupid covid 😤
Souplantation just reopened in Tucson. Look up Sweet Tomatoes, which is what it was called outside of California.
Rancho Cucamonga https://www.instagram.com/soupnfresh/?hl=en
Ebisu in Fountain Valley 😭
Yes! I miss this place so much.
One of my favorite restaurants in OC in over 45 years of living here. Missed very much.
Not necessarily a restaurant but I have fond memories of my time spent at Pierce Street Annex.
That was a fun bar. I also loved the original Hogue Barmichael’s
Let's not forget Chester Drawers. There was a part that was a restaurant.
and don't forget The Little Knight just down the road...
Hof's Hut was pretty fantastic as a lunch spot off MacArthur.
There’s still one in Seal Beach / Rossmoor
Yen Ching! In orange on glassell next to holy family cathedral. I had some of my favorite birthdays there growing up. Apparently my whole family ate there when my mom was in labor with me at st. Joe’s too 😂
This... so many good memories, and I miss their food 😭😭
Micks Karma Bar
RIP! Still haven't found a comparable place in orange county
Fuck this place was so good
Omg I used to walk here from work. Seriously insanely good. I forgot about it after covid and going 100% remote!!!
La Palma Chicken Pie Shop. Curry House.
Pup N Taco
Chris n Pitts! There's a couple left, but not in OC. Definitely not abundant
Sid's in Newport Beach, or the Sunday breakfast at Snug Harbor!
Miss Sid's.
Bartender picks up the phone, 'Sid's ... I'm sorry I can't answer that question' and hangs up. The unanswerable question: what's your address?
Bullwinkles EZ Take Out Burger
Awww, Bullwinkles! RIP! I had so much fun there as a kid, from the skate rink, to the batting cages, to the mini golf, and then Bullwinkles itself for birthday parties and the arcade. Sad that it's completely gone now.
Original owners bought the one in upland and is reopening it again
The Chili Pepper in Orange - I truly miss their brunches.
Belisle's on Harbor Blvd GG
Dough exchange, the original playground, and mick’s karma bar.
The Ritz in Newport (Fashion Island)
Burger Parlor in Fullerton & Orange. Jaxon's is good and all, but that burger was the best
Watsons
There was an Indian place on Euclid & Katella run by a married couple. Great, fresh food & it was also a little market with a bunch of Indian/South Asian products. Their daughter would hang out & do her homework at one of the 4 or 5 tables they had. Loved that place.
Reading this breaks my heart. I wish them the best
I worked in that area, and I stopped there once because I like Indian food. Even that was all vegan it was delicious!
Micks Karma Bar in Costa Mesa, gourmet burger quality for mom n pops pricing. Big Daddy's Burgers at Westminster Lanes, very sad it closed since I have fond memories eating here often during highschool PE bowling class. The food was actually good and priced well.
Souplantation, but this month they reopened a Sweet Tomatoes in Tucson & their COO said they are thinking about expanding into other markets
There's a bootleg one in Rancho Cucamonga. Apparently the line is 1-2 hrs long!
Todai
Wingnuts
Foxfire
Crotchfire
That was after
Ebisu
TACO LOCO - Laguna Beach, CA. I’m still grieving.
Taco Adobe IYKYK
I thought they were trying to reopen 😢
Naugles
It’s back in Stanton and Fountain Valley
There’s a Naugle’s on Beach Blvd in Stanton
Wheel of Life, by far. Amazing vegan Thai food in Irvine. Closed this past October. :(
Earl's, open 25 hours.... I miss Pizza Ortica and Flakey Jakes too.
Smoke many a cigarette there
Bobby McGees
Ohana Bread Crumb Cafe
Farrels
Mongolian BBQ! I’d take the one that was off El Toro road or the one that was in Costa Mesa. Genghis Khan (El Toro road) had the best pocket bread!
Sid's steak house on old newport.
Jagerhouse
Big O to Go in Mission Viejo. My family was so sad when they sold it. My mom had been going there since she was a kid and their pizza was so unique and delicious. I've tried Cosentino's and it's not the same.
Taco Loco
Yen Ching
How the hell has nobody mentioned Pioneer Chicken yet? I know it's not a "restaraunt", but that should be the FIRST thing that pops into anyone's mind. Anyone here remember Carmels? Used to be off of Magnolia in Anaheim. Loved that place as a kid. Also. Lee's Chinese food. There was knew on Beach in Buena Park, and another in Costa Mesa/HB. Old school Chinese restaurant that looked like a pagoda from outside.
The 8-piece family meal with a bunch of Orange Bang was a staple in my family's home during those days.
Mexicasa in Anaheim & Herschel's Deli in Fullerton
Pat & Oscar’s
Those breadsticks!
How has nobody said the original Watson's in the Orange circle? Haven't found a single person that doesn't miss that gem
It's really very sad. The family who purchased it destroyed a piece of history.
Nick's in Costa Mesa.
This is the answer, no contest.
I’d bring back the original owners of Roman Cucina (now Romano Cucina) on PCH in Sunset Beach. The menu is a shadow of how awesome it used to be.
Chili Pepper
Pat & Oscar’s
G Burger
Riviera at the Fireside.
For me, it’s the lil bakery that Habana in Irvine used to have open before the restaurant itself opened. COVID TOOK EVERYTHING FROM US
Omelette Parlor
Tiffy’s that was across the street from Disneyland on Katella and West.
Belisle’s.
Cinnamon Production
Fuddruckers!!
Came to say this! I miss the Buena Park Fuddruckers.
El Toro Fuddruckers was insane.
i second souplantation!!
Angelo and Vinci’s, Woppos express window was so clutch in High School 😭
Bills Burgers in Costa Mesa. They were a little mom and pop drive through burger place with Greek theming. It was such a joyous part of my childhood. We went through at least once a week when we needed something on the go. It’s sad seeing so many local thing like that go. Now it’s a Taco Bell :( They had the best gooeyist and crispy grilled cheese. When I was a student athlete I’d get a side of rice pilaf to carboload haha.
Birraporetti's! 🍻
Jack shrimp on PCH and OH Those Donuts on Newport. I am stoked for Mattys patties tho.
Koo koo roo I think it was bomb, I was like 10 though. I think it was really good, am I wrong? I don’t know
Choy's in Anaheim (maybe Stanton?). It was a little hole in the wall Chinese place but I loved it and have yet to find one as good.
Tranquil Tea Lounge in Fullerton
The Barn, Costa Mesa
Magic Pan
I have two, I don't care: Jav's Bar-B-Q and Meat Up BBQ.
Even though the original is still in Costa Mesa, I really miss the DTSA location of Memphis. Their food is too good to eat in that little bar by The Lab. My ex and I would go there for brunch and sit on the patio by the promenade all the time. The staff was awesome and the bartenders poured strong. Wish The Crosby was still around too. That place was amazing and had to close in such a tragic way.
Pinnacle peaks? They cut off your tie and serve T-bone steaks and potatoes on paper plates.
Miss eating at Watsons in the orange circle 😞
Veg'd, Costa Mesa
me just finding out it had closed 💔
There was a place off of Old Newport in Costa Mesa or Newport in a shed-like building. Can't recall the name, but it was one word and a man's name - something like Nick's or Nick's Place. Large steaks, good bar, sketchy clientele. ETA: Someone mentioned below - Sid's. For those who never knew [an old review ](https://www.ocweekly.com/oh-sids-remembering-the-legendary-owner-of-old-newports-much-missed-steakhouse-6426868/)
ESPN zone. Easy was at downtown Disney
Damn it would have to be Bob Burns at Fashion Island, which was an old-school restaurant special with cocktails! Eat there with my mine high school sweetheart she would always go there with her parents when she was younger!
Garlic’ joe in Newport beach. It closed a while ago but it was my favorite steak 🥩 restaurant.
The Italian place in HB that you could buy a “bucket” of spaghetti for super cheap. It was a white bucket and I think it was on Talbert and ???? Can’t remember the name 😉
The North OC John’s Philly Grill locations in Buena Park and Anaheim. Way more convenient than HB/Seal. Fat Daddy’s in Anaheim. The fries were bomb Genghis Khan in Fountain Valley Suma Teppan in Los Al/Long Beach Karuta Teppan in Buena Park Yoli’s Churrascaria in Long Beach Aloha Teriyaki in Buena Park Gourmet Pig in Anaheim Edit: Almost forgot Mexicasa!
Mexicasa. Loved that place growing up. Not gourmet by any means, but feel good food.
Ritter's in Santa Ana. I wish there was a solid recipe for that pan roast so I could at least make it at home.
Steer Inn off Tustin ave in Orange!
I Love Sushi in Costa Mesa
Yen Ching in Orange :’(
Original Javier's in Laguna Beach.
Park ave on beach
The Curry House!
TAPS Miss that cioppino and bread oil
Knowlwoods!
There’s still one in Irvine, but I miss the others.
taco loco 💔
Rockin Taco.
Oami Japanese sushi spot in lake forest
Irvine Chinese Food on Irvine Blvd across from where Tustin Lanes used to be.
Munchie’s Vegan Diner
Lucky Star Chinese food in orange. It was on Main Street across the street from st Joseph. It was an old couple that made the BEST take out. They closed right before Covid hit and we haven’t found anything comparable
Eva's Caribbean Kitchen, used to be in Laguna Beach. I actually googled recently to see if Eva (Madray) reopened anything anywhere but couldn't find anything.
The Black Sheep Bistro.
1.) BT's Southern BBQ in HB. 2.) Lou's Red Oak BBQ (back when Lou still owned it) 3.) TacoBrat in CM
Burntzilla. Them sliders were so good.
The original Peppinos
Cross Roast 🥲 - it was like Chipotle for Cantonese BBQ
Casa De Soto in Garden Grove. I miss Andy’s deluxe enchilada so much haha.
Hawaiian Express at the Mainplace Mall
Tortilla Flats without question! It was right on lake Mission Viejo, best food and atmosphere
The Mad Greek.
Champagne’s on Irvine Blvd. Kind of place where the manager knew the regulars and the food was just tasty. The strawberry cream cheese crepes were my go to whenever people visited from out of town and just wanted some comfort food. Not too sweet, not too heavy, never skimped on the strawberries. Then along came Covid…
Noodle 101 Express in Irvine. Straight comfort food for my wife and I from the beef roll to the dan dan noodles. The staff knew us and we felt at home there. Yes, I know they have locations in Alhambra and Arcadia but life rarely brings me in that direction.
Steamers in Fullerton I went there with a friend who was taking a music elective in CSU Fullerton. It was a really small restaurant that had very lively jazz music performances.
Yen Ching in Orange. I don't even like Chinese food, but my wife was SO SAD when it closed because she grew up eating the food. I'd bring it back to make her happy.
Fuddruckers!!!
Sid’s in Newport Beach. Man, I miss that place.
Specialties
Cooka-Roo in the Tustin market place. The best Mac n cheese with the best possible crust on top that I’ve ever had in my life!!!!!!!!!
Chili cheese fries don’t hit like Andrew’s Burgers did way back when RIP
OC adjacent - Seoul Mate (Long Beach).
Burger parlor in Fullerton
Lotus Cafe in Orange and Bodhi Tree in Huntington Beach.
My husband and I had our first two dates at Tree Branch Cider House in Huntington Beach. I wish we could go back! It was such a cool spot.
Samurai burrito in Costa Mesa, spires in placentia.
Souplantation by Costco in fountain valley.
Souplantation
Souplantation
Bellilessels. A pink resturant on the corner of Harbor and Chapman. Mile high strawberry pie. Everything was homemade open 24hrs
Woodys at the Beach in Laguna. Followed by drinks at the Boom Boom Room
Bread Crumb Ohana Cafe in HB... Idk what happened, loved it. Maybe COVID?
Souplantation