9 minute read
Dining Out
From award-winning cuisine to notable food to go, Buena Park has something for every palate and budget.
Local Favorites
Basilur Tea & Co ee
Try their world-renowned Ceylon and herbal teas, lattes, and decadent sou é pancakes with cream. Located on the first floor of The Source OC. 6920 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 722-0288, basilurteaco ee.com
Burger Monster
Enjoy deliciously scary and handmade gourmet burgers at Grange Hall 39. Fan favorites include the Creature from the Black Lagoon, a portabella mushroom-topped burger with avocado, caramelized onions, and roasted garlic herb sauce. 8340 La Palma Ave., Buena Park, burgermonster.net
Il Fiora
A VIP experience with its very own
"theater," Il Fiora puts on a spectacular show with top-notch service and Italian cuisine. Located at the Source OC. 6980 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 676-7475, thesourceoc.com/ ilfiora
Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant
The restaurant has been serving up Cordelia Knott's delicious fried chicken (the original recipe!), homemade biscuits, and boysenberry pies since 1934. 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, (714) 220-5055, knotts.com/dining
Portillo’s
Since 1963, Portillo’s has served unrivaled Chicago street food, including Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, chopped salads, cheese fries, homemade chocolate cakes, and chocolate cake shakes. 8390 La Palma
Ave., Buena Park, (714) 220-6400, portillos.com
Porto’s Bakery & Cafe
Authentic Cuban sandwiches, mind-blowing pastries, and sinfully delicious co ee drinks are why Porto’s Bakery & Cafe is so highly acclaimed— it was number one on Yelp’s 2016 “Top 100 U.S. Restaurants” list and the Los Angeles Times named it the region’s best bakery in its 2022 “Best of the Southland” awards. Be prepared for lines during mealtimes — its guava strudels and potato balls are worth the wait. 640 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 367-2030, portosbakery.com
SUP Noodle Bar
A modern Vietnamese noodle shop that has revolutionized the Pho landscape in Southern California, SUP Noodle Bar delights with tasty appetizers, fried rice, cajun noodles, lomo saltado, and more. 5141 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 521-2444, supnoodlebar.com
BREAKFAST & BRUNCH
The Bakery
A quaint cafe where locals come for flavored co ees paired with stu ed donuts, cakes, breads, and fruit tarts. Located at the Source OC next to The Bakery School, where you can take baking, pastry, and barista courses. 6924 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 402-3404, thebakeryschoolca.com
Black Bear Diner
The community-oriented, family diner serves homestyle comfort food classics and exceptional service in a fun, bearthemed atmosphere. 7005 Knott Ave., Buena Park, (714) 735-1011, blackbeardiner.com
Broken Yolk
Conveniently located across the street from Knott's Berry Farm, this comforting chain serves all-day breakfast classics with a twist, like churro french toast or chicken and wa e benedict. 8010 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (657) 385-4901, thebrokenyolkcafe.com
Eggslice
Originally an Aussie outpost, Eggslice’s all-day breakfast sandwiches hit the spot with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a house-made chili jam so popular they sell it onsite. Lucky us. 8340 La Palma Ave., Buena Park, (714) 357-6272, eggslice.com
Flippoly
The filling egg sandwiches at Flippoly are made with soft, thick slabs of brioche enveloping flu y eggs, Korean-cooked meats, and sauces. Wash it down with their array of whipped Dalgona co ees and teas. Located on the first floor of The Source OC. 6940 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (949) 418-2456
Ihop
The king of convenient and satisfying American breakfasts for over 60 years, IHOP is the place if your crew wants dozens of options for reliably tasty comfort foods nearby the city’s main attractions. 7950 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 522-7448, ihop.com
Mealtop
A traditional Korean cafe and brunch spot renowned for its Injeolmi-dusted toast and cakes, flavored lattes, and bingsoo (shaved ice with sweet toppings). Located at the Source OC. 6940 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 252-4878, mealtopcafe.com
Mochinut
If you haven’t had a mochi donut — the crispy, chewy, marvelous mashup of Japanese rice (mochi) cakes and American donuts — try the craze at this fast-growing dessert chain, with a variety of glazes and boba milk drinks. Located on the third floor of The Source OC. 6924 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 888-4233, mochinut.com
QUICK & TASTY BITES
The Habit Burger Grill
Named the best tasting burger in America for 2014 by Consumer Reports and a Buena Park favorite, this regional chain’s charburgers and mocha malts are worth indulging in. 5968 Orangethorpe Ave., Buena Park, (714) 690-0336, habitburger.com
In-N-Out
In-N-Out is a classic Southern California drive-in with mouth-watering burgers, hand-cut fries, and ice cream shakes all for famously low prices. Tap into the secret menu by ordering your fries “Animal Style”: topped with secret sauce, grilled onions, and melted cheese. 926 Valley View St., Buena Park, (800) 786-1000, in-n-out.com
The Kickin’ Crab
Pick your favorite seafood, Cajun seasonings, and vegetables for a one-of-a-kind feast. 8300 La Palma Ave., Buena Park, (714) 828-8788, thekickincrab.com
Kitakata Ramen
Since 1958, Kitakata Ramen has been known for their distinctive flat, wide, and hand-crumpled curly noodles in flavorful broth. This Ramen hot spot is the real deal. 7550 Orangethorpe Ave., Buena Park, (714) 752-6878, ramenbannai.com
Paul’s Place
A relaxed, fast-casual spot perfect for burgers, sandwiches, and hotdogs, along with Mexican food options. 7012 Orangethorpe Ave., Buena Park, (714) 522-5050, paulsplaceoc.com
Poquito Mas
Find Mexican classics made with fresh tortillas, fire-grilled meats, and homemade salsas. The Tacos San Lucas is a must have for seafood lovers, made with marinated shrimp and melted jack cheese. 591 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 523-8832, poquitomas.com
Tacos La Calle
Their street tacos are delish, but so are the tortas, burritos, mulitas, street corn on the cob, and house-made salsas. ¡Olé! Named a top 10 cheap eats place for 2019 by the Orange County Register. 600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 236-5211, tacoslacalle.com
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FOOD
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
A true Texas barbecue joint since 1941 featuring beef brisket, pulled pork, and St. Louis-style ribs, along with homestyle sides from jalapeño beans to macaroni and cheese. Buttery rolls and ice cream come with each meal, and kids eat free on Sundays. 8300 La Palma Ave, Buena Park, (714) 882-5875, dickeys.com
John’s Incredible Pizza
Indulge in their all-you-can-eat bu et packed with a wide selection of pasta, salad, desserts and of course, pizza!
For a unique eat, try their signature peanut butter pizza. 8601 On the Mall, Buena Park, (714) 236-0000, johnspizza.com
Pizza Studio
Build-your-own pizza by choosing from several unique crusts, sauces, cheeses and an unlimited selection of meats and vegetables. 5970 Orangethorpe Ave., Buena Park, (714) 521-8903, pizzastudio.com
Myungrang Hotdog
Famous Korean-style hot dogs have arrived in Buena Park at The Source OC. Try an original hot dog or a specialty hot dog like squid ink, rice cake, or potato topped with special sauces. 6940 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, (714) 752-6390, myungrangamerica.com
Shakey’s Pizza Parlor
Serving families for generations with freshly made pizzas, fried chicken, and mojo potatoes, Shakey’s is conveniently located near popular attractions including Knott’s Berry Farm and William Peak Park. 7030 Valley View St., Buena
Park, (714) 994-5704, shakeys.com
TGI Fridays
Just minutes away from Knott's Berry Farm, the casual dining restaurant o ers plenty of family meals including whiskey-glazed pork ribs and traditional Bu alo chicken wings, along with seasoned fries, giant onion rings, and cheddar mac and cheese. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 761-6000, tgifridays.com
FAR EAST EATS
Baekjeong
Voted “The Absolute Best Korean BBQ” by Grub Street, visitors cook high-quality meat, corn smothered in cheese, and scrambled eggs on tabletop grills. 5171 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 739-9678, baekjeongkbbq.com dPot
Create your own shabu-shabu hot pot with the highest quality meat, vegetables, and broth served with flavorful sides and sauces. Located on the third floor of The Source OC. 6982 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 228-9077, dpotonline.com
Eight Korean BBQ
Originating in L.A.’s Koreatown in 2008, Eight Korean BBQ specializes in quality cuts of beef and pork. The restaurant’s namesake signature dish, the pork belly, is served in eight colorful flavors: original, black sesame, curry, garlic, herb, miso paste, red pepper paste, and red wine. 6681 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 522-0888, eightkoreanbbq.com
WHAT IS THE SOURCE OC?
A three-story, open-air shopping center, The Source OC has some of the best eats in Buena Park with amazing Korean cuisine and entertainment (and free parking!). We like to think of this unique and under-appreciated gem as the city’s best kept secret.
KingChang
Lauded by locals as some of the best Korean BBQ and cuisine in Orange County, this restaurant specializes in perfectly seasoned authentic meats, including mouthwatering combinations of beef, pork, tripe, and intestine. 5350 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, (714) 752-6522, kingchangbp.com
Main St. Pho
Main St. Pho brings the finest mixture of ingredients and seasoning, accompanied by the freshest herbs and vegetables, and a selection of fresh quality beef, chicken, pork, or seafood to produce the most flavorful dishes. Located on the second floor of The Source OC. 6924 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 523-9978, mainstphogrill.com
Miss Shabu Restaurant and Sake Bar
Ranked a top 100 place to eat for 2019 by Yelp, Miss Shabu is a can’t miss dining experience. From their spicy seafood broth to their pork belly, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. 5450 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 464-3222, missshabu.com
Yoshiharu
Yoshiharu is a top-rated ramen house with broth slow simmered for 14 hours.
Located on the second floor of The Source OC. 6970 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 670-6567, yoshiharuramen.com
SIGNATURE SWEETS & TREATS
Don Melt
A charming ice-cream shop on the first floor of The Source OC that serves up a variety of picturesque cro es, a cross between a croissant and a wa e popularized in South Korea. 6940 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 451-5262, Instagram: @don_melt
Honeymee
Zagat-rated as one of the "Best Spots for Frozen Yogurt or Soft Custard," this regional organic ice cream chain sources their fresh milk and raw honey locally. Try the Honey A ogato for a sweet treat with a kick — soft serve topped with honey and co ee. 5231 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 752-6950, honeymee.com
Okbingsul
A go-to place at The Source OC for warm dessert toasts and shaved ice served in gigantic bowls decorated with fruits, cheese, and sweetened red beans. 6970 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 562-9193
Overflo.
Hip dessert shop at The Source OC named for its overflowing wa e and soft serve ice-cream treats topped with fruit—there's also a fun claw machine to dive for stu ed animals. 6980 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 655-5427, Instagram: @overflo_usa
Paris Baguette
Choose from delectable baked goods, pastries, and sandwiches or try local favorites like tiramisu cake, royal pudding, cheese sou é, or shaved ice topped with fresh fruit. 5307 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 670-0044, parisbaguette.com
Sweetbox
Known for their creatively decorated macarons and dragon’s beard candy (for the uninitiated: an ancient Chinese sweet similar to Western cotton candy, but filled with peanuts, coconut, chocolate, or sesame seeds), there’s something to surprise and entice every guest at Sweetbox. Located on the first floor of The Source OC. 6950 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 713-9033, sweetbox-oc.business.site
Sutter's Funnel Cake
Mosey on over to the outskirts of Ghost Town at Knott's Berry Farm for freshly made funnel cakes, fried to perfection and topped with classic powdered sugar. Go "fully loaded" by adding ice cream and a choice of boysenberry, strawberry, or chocolate topping. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 2205200, knotts.com
85˚C Bakery Cafe
Named for the ideal temperature to brew espresso, the cafe is a worldwide culinary phenomenon o ering notable recipes from award-winning chefs, signature desserts, co ees, teas, and smoothies at a ordable prices. 5151 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 670-8585, 85cbakerycafe.com
Café Nieve
Enjoy a warm cup of co ee, delicious iced boba, or the tastiest ice cream at this fun, heart-melting place in downtown Buena Park that delights with creative drinks and snacks. 8281B On the Mall, Buena Park, cafenieve.com
Co ee Code
Named a best co eehouse in Orange County by OC Weekly, this shop is known for its world championshipwinning latte art, fresh dessert wa es, brunch fare, and flavorful, inventive co ees. 7855 La Palma Ave., Buena Park, (714) 736-0037, co eecodeusa.com
Ding Tea
Aiming to bring Taiwanese tea culture to the world, Ding Tea specializes in refined black tea and milk tea drinks such as Cactus green tea, Hokkaido milk tea, and French iced tea. Located at the Source OC. 6940 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 688-6160, dingtea.com
Gong cha
“Gong cha” is a Chinese term for the act of o ering the best tea to the Emperor, and that’s the same concept this worldwide company brings with its teas, beverages, and snacks, all fit for royalty. Located at the Source OC. 6924 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 228-9114, gong-cha-usa.com
In-Sıt Co ee
Serving fresh desserts, artisan teas, and
10 flavored lattes including strawberry, rose, coconut, and banana. If you’re buying for a crowd or need a mega jolt of ca eine, check out their 32oz lattes — a quart of co ee served in a reusable glass jar. Located on the third floor of The Source OC. 6930 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 670-6958
Smoking Tiger
The vibe at this co ee and bread shop is the good old days (“back when tigers used to smoke,” so says Korean folklore), where you can find speciality co ees and well-crafted pastries. 4600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (657) 2390651, smokingtiger.com
Stereoscope Co ee
Each bean is roasted in-house, ground to order, and made with the finest ingredients. Visitors can also try their wide selection of teas, slow dripped cold brew, or a ogato. 4542 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 747-5572, stereoscopeco ee.com
Van Dyke Co ee Roasters
This isn’t your average cup of Joe. Experts roast the specialty-grade co ee beans in-house to draw out the perfect flavor for each drink, then conjure up pour overs, espressos, and lattes to savor. The dessert menu doesn’t hurt either. 8542 Commonwealth Ave., Buena Park, (657) 239-0117, vandykeco eeroasters.com