My husband and I love going out for breakfast. We even call it our weekly date. Orange County, California has a plethora of different types of fun places to try. There are a few that I honestly would have loved to try and include, but didn’t get the chance. I hope I get another chance to write another article about one of my favorite foods and include them. For now, here are some of our favorite restaurants to start your day:
Plum Coffee: Costa Mesa. Located in a strip mall, this place is so popular that even on weekdays you have to allow for a long wait. But is it worth it! The owner is an Oregon transplant who brings wonderful produce, coffee, and art to his establishment. The menu has some very interesting items – my husband loves the coconut French toast, served with tropical fruits. I love the Greek omelette. We both have trouble resisting Oregon blueberry muffins! My mom says the lamb and feta burgers served with vegetable salad are the best. For my father, the Dutch baby reigns supreme.
The Omelet Bar: Just a block from Plum’s in another strip mall is this quirky little place. The bartenders dress like Cyndi Lauper, but they are very good. Lots of very good egg dishes, but a good lunch menu abounds as well. Many vintage Orange County memorabilia abound on the wood walls. Homemade apple butter is really great on English muffins.
Las Brisas: Lagoon Beach. Honestly for us food is highly overrated but the view of the Pacific is what makes this place a destination spot. Plus, you can walk the beach trails and shop all over town, as long as you can find a parking spot!
The Cabin: Laguna Beach. Another classic local place. Literally a cabin. Sometimes this place has an uncertain reputation, but somehow it still remains a must-see for vacationers anyway.
Zinc Coffee: Laguna Beach. For the most part vegetarian, but the food is hearty enough that even a meat lover like my husband wouldn’t mind starting the day here. It also has a cute little market attached, so you can try some of their goodies at home.
All Ruby’s Diners: It’s a chain, but popular with families. What can I say? Even my little grandson loves the noise and the trains, planes, bikes (depending on the unit) and cars sliding on rails along the roof.
Alice’s in the Park: Central Park in Huntington Beach. If you love small family run places and out of this world huge cinnamon rolls you have to go to Alice’s. Trust me, you’ll have to walk through the park a few times to work off the calories, but the place is great and worth every bite.
Café Neff: Laguna Niguel Design Center. It’s only open during the hours of operation of the To The Trade areas, but its staff and food are a favorite, not just among designers and their clients, but also anyone who wants to do a more laid-back version of “ladies having lunch.” “, plus I have never had anything but absolutely delicious food. They have daily specials and morning scones. The maple bacon scent is too die for! The coffee is pretty good.
Ted’s Burgers: Right across the street from Cafe Neff in a strip mall, Ted’s is a local hangout. Everyone from families to bikers to seniors to police officers love Ted’s breakfasts. There’s nothing to see, but it’s all based on comfort food. The portions are so big that even my husband doesn’t mind sharing a meal with me!
Pacific Whey Baking Company: Oven rental. Outdated, but great breakfasts and bakery options. We love sharing an ABC omelet and a chocolate pinwheel. While they do have an interesting menu for lunch and dinner, trust me, stick with breakfast and desserts.
Corner Bakery – Again, it’s a chain, but good food and options. Outdoor seating at most places makes it perfect for one of our typical sunny California mornings. Ours is close enough and allows dogs in the yard, so we took our lab mix for a walk there and back!
Hopefully if you live nearby you will seek out some of these breakfast treasures. And if you visit them in the future, you look them up and give them a chance.