My husband and I love to try new dishes and Happy Hour provides us with the perfect opportunity. Now we’ve never been to Spain, but their tradition of tapas, or small plates, is said to be a lot like our happy hours here in Orange County, California.
The best part about attending these events is that you get to try food that might otherwise be a bit more expensive when served in the dining room, plus the atmosphere is a bit more relaxed. Sometimes, depending on the restaurants, you even meet very interesting people and have entertainment. Most require you to eat at the bar and order a drink, but I’ve yet to be in one that insists you have an alcohol-based one.
Our frugal college-age son was the first to introduce us to one of the best deals in Orange County. Unfortunately, even though the restaurant is owned by the same company, they changed the name and hit one of the best deals in the county! It was from Thaifoon on the Irvine Spectrum. It was the deal “1,2,3”. Appetizers for literally $1, $2 or $3 from 4 until close! The restaurant is now called Ling and Louie’s. The menu is still a bargain and the patio is the place to be. Prices have gone up to be 1/2 price. But there are still many options. Service can be spotty, so at this location, I wouldn’t recommend going on a weekend. Too crowded and the staff are overworked!
Any of the Claim Jumper restaurants in the county have a great happy hour menu. If they’re not too busy, they’ll also be happy to grill some of the fried foods. There is always free popcorn. The best part, 4-7 is usually $3 off any appetizer, including individual pizzas! If you wish, you can order from the regular menu. Just remember, this is a very popular chain, so get there early and don’t be picky about the table you get, just be glad you can get one!
The Beachfire Grill has two locations. One at Ladera Ranch, another by, what else, one of the many beaches in the county! My husband loves to order the bacon cheddar burger. It comes with fries for $6. If you order the same thing from the dinner menu in the dining room, double the price. I like some of the salads. The atmosphere is just what you would expect. The Ladera Ranch often has live entertainment. The artwork is for sale. If you love beach scenes, this place is a treasure.
The Yard House has several restaurants in the county. They all have a lively atmosphere, lots of options, and are quite loud. But there’s a lot on the happy hour menu to choose from, all good. This is a great place to take a large group and share.
Most El Toritos, El Torito Grills, Acalpaulco and other Mexican restaurants in Orange County have liberal appetizer/happy hour menus. Most popular: Margarita Monday and Taco Tuesday!
If you’re hungry and looking for something tasty, different, and on a budget, be sure to visit Orange County, California!
