I agree that it is safe, and that most restaurants within walking distance aren't worth walking to (unless you *Love* McDonalds). On the other hand, I started a list of restaurants in the area about two years ago. It is by no means all-inclusive. I will attach it below. Updates would be appreciated. Hey, you guys at Odetics! Where do you eat? >In a very different price range and further away, but excellent, is the >Cellar in Fullerton. May have moved/closed in the past few years, but a >meal to remember at a price only an expense account could love! I believe the Cellar is still there, but be warned: It really is in a cellar, accessible (if that is the right word) only via a steep, narrow staircase. I grew up in Fullerton, but shortly before I got old (and rich) enough to go there I became confined to a wheelchair, and thus have never had the pleasure. I understand it is *very* romantic. Here is the list: The Unofficial USEnet Near-Disneyland Restaurant List! ------------------------------------------------------ (Okay, so YOU pick a better name!) Last update, September 1992 Mail me (or post) your additions, and reviews of places already on here! Info desired includes phone numbers, addresses, price ranges I don't have listed (or I have wrong), info about non-smoking sections, wheelchair access, credit cards accepted, hours of operation, etc. Opinions listed without attribution are mine, or those of my friends. All others are listed by name and E-address (if possible) so you get credit for reviews (sorry, no money), and so people can write and ask WHY you felt the way you did. Any quotes are indented. Any commentary not indented is mine. I'm sorry, I refuse to list fast food joints. We've got to maintain SOME standards around here. It should suffice to say that just about any fast food commonly found in California is available within 5 blocks. Prices are average dinners for adults, sans alcohol. Call ahead to verify these prices, specials, etc. David L. Markowitz [email removed] Restaurants across the street (or nearly) ----------------------------------------- Well, there are LOTS of these (as one might guess), and they are almost all lousy and overpriced (also as one might guess). Acapulco across Harbor from the main gate isn't bad, and the prices are reasonable, for a restaurant within walking distance of the front gate. Thomas D. Graham ([email removed]) feels it is "a bad value to my taste and wallet". The Jolly Roger (Harbor & Katella) has a coffee shop and a nicer restaurant. I think the food is okay, but the prices are high. $10-$20 Thomas D. Graham ([email removed]) feels it is "a decent restaurant". Tony Roma's (1640 S Harbor Blvd) features ribs and bar-b-que. I have been here, and was unimpressed. I'm not a big rib lover, though, so make your own judgements. Children's menu. $10-$25 From the June USENIX brochure: "Best ribs in town". Howard L. wrote: I haven't been to this one, but have been to others and the ribs are good. Restaurants within five miles (there must be THOUSANDS of 'em!) --------------------------------------------------------------- Ball & St. College ------------------ Gustav's Jagerhaus - Old Fashioned Bar-B-Que and German Food (Ball & the 57) is a nice place. I've never tried the BBQ, but the German food is great! A German friend of mine even likes the place. I go there for lunch about every other week. Try splitting one "German Combo" between two people. The "Home Fries" are a must! Daily specials. $8-$10. Thomas D. Graham ([email removed]) agrees! Benihana's (Ball & St. College) serves up Teppanyaki-style food and a show. A bit overpriced, but if you enjoy seeing your food sliced, diced and flipped in front of you, it can make a nice evening. $15-$20. El Torito's (Ball & St. College) Sunday brunch is a sinful Mexican brunch. Also available daily for lunch, but isn't as good. Willy's Eatery (Ball & St. College) is a breakfast-and-lunch place (no dinner). They feature a great vegie sandwich and "The Second Best Chicken Sandwich in Town". A vegetarian coworker goes there frequently for lunch. $5 2101 E. Ball Road Anaheim, CA 92806 (714) 535-6713 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM M-F 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM Sat St. College & Katella --------------------- Casa Maria (Katella & St. College) has adequate Mexican food at average prices. $5-$10 Charley Brown's (St. College just north of Katella) has a great prime rib special, early bird daily and all night Sunday for $8.95! Reservations a must! Mr. Stox (Katella west of St. College) is a really fancy place with great service and food, and prices to match. I had a memorable birthday dinner there a few years back, and it was a very nice experience. Reservations a must! $$$ Various Places -------------- Shiki (Katella & 55) does the as Benihana's, only cheaper, or so I'm told. A bit out-of-the-way, though. Belisles (12001 Harbor Blvd., on Harbor and Chapman) is a famous pink restaurant that serves the largest portions anywhere. The sign in the window reads "5 out of 4 eat here". The food is okay, home style (lots of brown gravy and mashed potatoes). $15-$25 Howard L. wrote: Open 24 hrs. Biggest portions around. Three can dine on two entrees. I am a big eater and I could not finish the dinner. Food is served hot, and is good. This is a place to go to when you're hungry and in a large group. Leave room for the desserts! Wet your appetite while you're waiting. They're on display. Most filling I've ever seen in an apple pie anywhere! I've been there, the staff is friendly, and prices are reasonable. Crackers (710 East Katella Ave.) From the June USENIX brochure: "Sheer madness and fun with burgers, ribs, and chicken in a basket. Beer by the pitcher. Only go here if you're interested in a rousing good time and a chance to sing at the top of your lungs. Two shows nightly with the late show a little risque." $15-$25 Unfortunately, it isn't wheelchair accessable. Luigi's (Lincoln between East & St. College) gets a recommedation from Thomas D. Graham ([email removed]) for their Italian food. He calls it "the best in Orange County". I'm afraid I must disagree. I found it loud, with good food (and lots of it!). It is also NOT a fancy place, but is best viewed as a lunch place or (very) casual dinner place. Try the Linguini Vollo Bianco (white clam sauce)! $5-$15 La Fayette (12532 Garden Grove Blvd.), From the June USENIX brochure: Intimate setting serving French cuisine. "The service is impeccable and the wine list is commendable. Reservations are a MUST!" $15-$$$ A review of Burrell's Rib Cage from Richard Clark : Saying that "Tony Roma's has the best ribs in town" is showing a definite lack of good research. :) If you want some outrageous ribs, try a place called "Burrell's Rib Cage". It's run by Fred Burrell (who used to be one of the head chefs for the Disneyland hotel) and his family. Some of the best Southern cooking to be had anywhere -- and this was confirmed by some co-workers who grew up in Georgia. If you're looking for ambience, go elsewhere. (The original (and, in my opinion, the best)) Burrell's doesn't have a dining room. You get to eat in the small fenced-in yard next to the house. 2 locations: 2nd and Hesperian, in Santa Ana (near 1st and Bristol, call for directions), and another at Newport/Lyon streets (I think), also in Santa Ana. P.S. Leave room for the fresh fruit cobbler. You won't be sorry (or hungry!) Restaurants within ten miles (there must be MILLIONS of 'em!) ------------------------------------------------------------- Near Harbor & Commonwealth -------------------------- Mandarin Pavillion (Valencia just west of Euclid in Fullerton) looks like an old, run down place on the outside, and just average on the inside, but it serves the best Schezuan in north Orange County! (IMHO) Try the "Aromatic Shrimp". Reservations taken. $11-$16 Mulberry Street (Wilshire 1/2 block west of Harbor in Fullerton) is a small, cute Italian restaurant that always makes me feel like I'm in Sam's place on Cheers - everyone at the (small) bar knows everyone else, the waiters are friendly, and the food is great! Try any special with seafood and/or with sun-dried tomatoes in the sauce. The only down side here is that the place is too small for a non-smoking section. Reservations a must! Good looking wine list, but since I don't drink all I'll say is that this place gives me the impression that they would really care about having a great wine list. $8-$16 Rutabagorz (Pomona near Wilshire in Fullerton [2 blocks from Mulberry Street]) is a popular hangout for the college crowd. Lots of vegie food. Alas and alack, it is not wheelchair accessable, so I haven't been there in over 15 years, but it is a favorite of my vegetarian roommate. The Old Spaghetti Factory (Harbor just south of Commonwealth in the old train station) is one of the chain by that name. It is just as nice, just as good, and just as crowded, as all their other places. Expect to wait 30-45 minutes for dinner. $5-$10 Near Harbor & Orangethorpe Ruby's (Harbor & Orangethorpe) is a 50's diner with good burgers. The New Dehli Express (same) is a tiny Indian restaurant with an assortment of dishes I've never seen at any other Indian place (and I've tried quite a few). It is also always empty on Saturday evenings. I think they stay open just in the hope that we'll come. $10-$15 China Palms (same) is a great, and popular, chinese restaurant. Semi- fancy. Good food, good service, visually impressive place. Wear nice clothes here. $10-$15 There is also a sushi bar in the same clump of restaurants as the above three. Spoons (same) serves up Tex-Mex and burgers. Very good fajitas, burgers and fries. $5-$9 Tony Roma's Ribs (same) are a popular rib house. See above review of another Tony Roma's location. Anita's New Mexico Style Mexican Food is a wonderful place on Harbor a couple blocks north of Commonwealth. If you've ever tried "New Mexico" style (also called "Santa Fe" and "Southwest" style), you'll know that the red and green chili sauces are wonderful. Try the stuffy dinner (stuffed sopaipilla with carne adovada, and sopaipilla and honey on the side) while sitting on the outdoor patio. One of my favorite informal places to eat! $5-$10
Anaheim, CA
Restaurants in Anaheim, CA
In addition to that excellent list, I'd like to add The Catch. It's another mile or two from Mr. Stox (which I agree is excellent). The Catch is right across from Anaheim Stadium, and as the name would imply, it is a fish place. I went there for lunch last March during a conference and the food was excellent, with very large portions for a very reasonable price. Dinner prices are somewhat higher. -- Bill [email removed] -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
My experience in this area is comprised of about 3 trips to DECUS, the last being 5 or 6 years ago, so my comments may or may not still be valid. Anyway, as stated above, there is not much that is worthwhile in the area. The one exception I found was, strangely enough, a seafood restaurant (I don't recall the name) in the Disneyland Hotel compound. It's located on the water in the "lake" in the middle of the compound. At least the grilled swordfish I had on both occasions I ate there was wonderful. They also pass my test for a good restaurant -- a really good cup of coffee (with a decent piece of cheesecake). Larry Owen ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 18 Sep 92 11:11:14 PDT
... >The one exception I found was, strangely enough, a seafood restaurant (I >don't recall the name) in the Disneyland Hotel compound. It's located on >the water in the "lake" in the middle of the compound. At least the grilled >swordfish I had on both occasions I ate there was wonderful. They also >pass my test for a good restaurant -- a really good cup of coffee (with a >decent piece of cheesecake). > I'll second the cheesecake! You can get it to go from the coffee shop (at the end of the hallway on the southeast side). Rob Lake BP Research [email removed] -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was out there for a conference in April, and the major problem was
that any of the places that looked good, (and were cheap enough) were absolutely packed. I don't know what type of food you are looking for, but if you have a limited budget like us ($24.00/day is what the universitywill cover) there are a few choices. If you enjoy that sort of thing (I can eat there once a day), there is a McDonalds near the East entrance to the Disneyland parking lot, about 1/2 a mile from the convention center. There is a Subway sub shop near the South-East corner of the Disney parking lot, about a block from the convention center. There is a pizza shop near the Emerald hotel, they have a lunch special, but they are packed. And last but not least there is a Denny's (or a Denny's look-a-like) at the South-West corner of the Disney parking lot, also about a block or 2 from the convention center. I think there are a ton of places to eat, but you will have to look around a little if price is a concern. There are a couple of nice places to eat at the Disneyland Hotel, but they are a little pricey. Hopefully some of this was helpful....
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 16 Sep 92 08:46 PDT From: [email removed] Subject: Re: Restaurants in Anaheim, CA
Well I suppose it depends on what kind of food you like, etc. There
are quite a few restaurants in the area. The Saga has a Pizza take out shop and there is a ice cream and coffee take out store as well. There is an Italian restaurant across Harbor. IHOP is across Harbor as well. Millie's is a Family Style restaurant just a bit north on harbor (about a 3 minute walk. Tony Roma's is next door (Ribs), There is a Chinese place between Tony's and Millie's but some of our party didn't care fore it as well (Although I didn't think it was bad.) The Jolly Roger (on Katella and Harbor) has decent Turkey Dinners and there is a McDonalds next to Millie's. Any way You get the picture. Now, if you are willing to go a little ways there are some more interesting restaurants but I degress.
Bruce Edwards
University of Washington
Internet -- [email removed]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 16 Sep 92 12:53:29 PDT From: [email removed] (Mike A Christensen) Subject: Re: Restaurants in Anaheim, CA
I don't know of any decent restaurants within walking distance of Disneyland, but Mr. Stox on Katella is a fairly short taxi ride. Decent continental food, moderate to expensive. Also, The Hobbit in Orange is worth seeking out. It has a Prix Fixe menu (I believe in the high-$30 range), continental also. You start off with sparkling wine in the cellar to pick out you wine(s) for the night and continue from there.
Mike Christensen
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 17 Sep 92 07:02:22 PDT From: [email removed] Subject: restaurants near Disneyland
There are lots of fast food and family style restaurants that are close
to where you'll be staying. Examples are McDonalds, Bob's Big Boy, Acapulco's,
and various no name Chinese and Breakfast restaurants. If you're traveling with
a budget, and who isn't these days, these might be the way to go. My wife and
I often stop at Bob's when were at Disneyland, to save a few bucks. It falls
under the decent restaurant category (and its only a block or two from the
Saga (if I remember where that is correctly)).
If you're going to be there a while, or if you'd like to dine in a higher
class sit-down restaurant I'd recommend going to the Disneyland Hotel. It's on
the other side of the Disneyland parking lot from where you'll be, but if you
go into the Disneyland parking lot, you can pick up a tram which will take you
there. It boards near the main entrance to the Park. It will save you about
a 5 minute walk.
There are several nice restaurants there, i.e. Villa Verde, and Granville's
and a few more cheaper restaurants as well (Monorail cafe, Mazie's Pantry, etc).
Also, there's a lot to see there. There are shows, shops and an arcade and some
radio controlled toys to play with. Bottom line, it's a fun place to kill some
time without having to pay admission $$.
Let me know where you eventually end up eating. I'd like to know more about
the area's restaurants too. Have fun!
Russell Shanks
[email removed]
or ...!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Re: Restaurants in Anaheim, CA Date: 16 Sep 92 01:35:00 GMT Reply-To: [email removed] (Dr. Robin Lake)
Walking is safe, but you'll have trouble finding much worthwhile within walking distance. Grab a cab down to Don Eduardo's, on Katella near Harbor. Without a doubt the best marguaritas around, and very good Mexican food at reasonable prices.
In a very different price range and further away, but excellent, is the Cellar in Fullerton. May have moved/closed in the past few years, but a meal to remember at a price only an expense account could love!
Rob Lake
BP Research
[email removed]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 17 Sep 92 13:55:59 PDT From: [email removed] (Carol Mueller) Subject: Anaheim restaurants
Peter,
I'm afraid that the Disneyland area represents a bit of a culinary wasteland compared to other parts of California. Most of the dining establishments around there cater to the family-style, "all-ya-can-eat" crowd, although my group (we go there once a year for a car show) continues to rave about a place called Delisle's where portions are gargantuan.
If you're going with a group, I can recommend one outing you ought not to miss. Attend the Medieval Times dinner theater. It is totally tourist oriented, really corny, and wonderful entertainment if you let yourselves get into the theme. And, surprisingly, the food is very good. For a group, you need advance reservations.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------About a mile from the Anaheim Convention Center or the Disney Hotel complex there is a shopping center, and in the front of it, between an Arby's and a Baskin-Robbins there is a small Italian restaurant (called L'Amore, I think) that is o.k.--certainly better than the plastic sort of food you get nearer Disneyland. It used to be run by a Lebanese family and was better than the last time I was there a year ago, but it is still o.k. I don't remember which street it was on--but if you walk from the Convention Center toward the Disneyland hotel, and go straight instead of turning right toward the Disneyland hotel, you will come to it. Within the Convention Center, the Oasis Cafe in the Hilton isn't too bad, either. Jane [email removed] ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sat, 19 Sep 92 11:05:53 PDT
The area you will be in is probably fairly safe, give that you're so close to Disneyland. Nearby is a Bob's Big Boy; it's not the greatest food in the world, but it's the only place in the area that is reasonably priced. Avoid the Mexican place near Bob's -- I think it's an Acapulco or Margaritaville -- since it's overpriced and the food is awful! The restaurants in the D-land Hotel are pretty good (check ALL the one's there for prices first, since there are some that are more reasonable than others), but Bob's has them beat for price. I don't know where in Anaheim this is, but if you can find the Original Pancake House (I think it's on Lincoln St. but check the phone book) you should definately try this place! I used to go to the one in New Haven all the time. They have a wonderful breakfast/brunch menu, with all sorts of specialty pancakes. This is NOT the International house of pancakes! Enjoy! Stephanie at Univ of So. CA -----------------------------------------------------------------------------