By Michael Opsteegh | Senior Member
While you’re attending the Technical Communication Summit in sunny Anaheim, California, you may want to get out from the shadow of the mouse and check out the downtown districts in Anaheim and neighboring cities. These charming boulevards offer local shopping and unique dining opportunities and provide the perfect getaway for extended lunches or after-session dinners. The early Twentieth Century facades draw a distinct contrast from the bustling, modern suburbs and are a sanctuary from overly commercialized areas. And, they’re all a short cab ride away.
I’ll cover some of the highlights in this article, but each of these quaint downtowns offers even more to the discerning traveler.
Downtown Anaheim: 3 miles
The crown jewel of Anaheim’s downtown is the Packing District. This hipster haven is an old warehouse converted into a unique mini-mall. There you will find shops selling hand-crafted wares, small-batch ice cream, delicious dining, and even a speakeasy, all under one roof.
If you’re looking for a great veggie-centric meal, check out the beatnik-style Gypsy Den about four blocks away from the Packing District.
Anaheim Packing District
440 S Anaheim Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92805
www.anaheimpackingdistrict.com
Gypsy Den
211 W Center Street Promenade Anaheim, CA 92805
www.gypsyden.com
Downtown Fullerton: 5.2 miles
Downtown Fullerton used to be an array of sleepy antique shops, but in recent years, has reinvented itself into a wide range of restaurants, specializing in delectable cuisines and craft cocktails. Many of these restaurants feature long bars and turn into night clubs after 10:00 p.m.
The Matador, in the heart of downtown Fullerton, offers a range of traditional Mexican and contemporary Mexican-inspired cuisine. Large portions and excellent service set this place apart. Sample a wide range of tequilas. If you arrive early, check out their smashing Sunday brunch.
Around the corner, you’ll find Stubrik’s, a top-notch steakhouse. Even their salads will satiate the most voracious appetite. In addition to steaks, Stubrik’s offers a great selection of chicken and fish dishes as well. My all-time favorite dish, though, is the black and bleu filet mignon.
The Twisted Vine is on my frequently-visited list. Every wine enthusiast should make the trip here. You’ll find a wide selection of wines and bottled beers. As the owner jokingly told me once, “We don’t sell grocery store wine here.” And they don’t. Felling a bit peckish? The Vine serves a variety of small dishes and finger foods, specially prepared in their on-site kitchen.
Although technically not in downtown proper, The Olde Ship deserves a special mention. It’s a few blocks north of downtown, and it has been my home away from home. It’s as authentic a British pub as you’ll find this side of the pond. Pop in for a traditional pub lunch and swift pint. As they say, “you’re only a stranger but once.”
The Matador
111 N Harbor Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92832
www.thematador.com
Stubrik’s Steakhouse
118 E Commonwealth Ave.
Fullerton, CA 92832
www.stubriks.com
The Twisted Vine
127 W Commonwealth Ave.
Fullerton, CA 92832
www.twistedvinewines.com
The Olde Ship
709 N Harbor Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92832
www.theoldeship.com
Downtown Garden Grove: 3.5 miles
Garden Grove’s downtown is small but mighty. It’s close to the Summit, and I frequently make a trip out of my way to see what’s on offer.
Azteca Mexican Restaurant is truly unique. It features Elvis memorabilia (and a lot of it) and karaoke. They specialize in authentic Mexican cuisine, and they offer a family-friendly environment.
Louie’s on Main is one of my favorite stops. Drop in for one of their famous steak sandwiches and stay for an ever growing selection of craft beers on tap. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the local patrons add a flavor you can’t find anywhere else.
Azteca Mexican Restaurant
12911 Main St.
Garden Grove, CA 92840
www.aztecaoc.com
Louie’s on Main
12942 Main St.
Garden Grove, CA 92840
www.louiesonmain.com
Downtown Orange: 4.5 miles
Downtown Orange is great place to spend an afternoon. While it features an assortment of restaurants and bars, it hasn’t sacrificed the slower pace of a bygone era. Although it seems like they roll up the sidewalks at ten o’clock, you won’t want for things to do. Leisurely stroll down the narrow streets and peek into antique shops (and malls!), where you’re likely to find any collectible you’re seeking. At the heart of the downtown area is a traffic circle, which the citizens of Orange will politely inform you is called “the plaza” (not the circle). Sit down on a bench and watch the busy shoppers pass by.
Haven Gastropub is a must-visit restaurant to grab dinner and enjoy a libation. The fare is New American. Enjoy pigs’ ears, shepherd’s pie, coffee-roasted beets, or butter-basted bass. No matter your palette, Haven has something in store for you.
Provisions Market is operated by the owners of Haven, and by all appearances is Haven’s tasting room. There you’ll find a wide selection of local craft beers and ciders. Even if you don’t want to quench your thirst, Provisions offers a range of finger foods and sandwiches that are unmatched in Orange County. Need a caffeine fix? Check out the Portola Coffee Lab at the front of the shop.
Watson’s Drugs whisks you back to the 1940s. This full-service pharmacy is also a soda fountain and soda shop. Enjoy a delightful lunch as you sip a chocolate phosphate or malt shake. As someone who has listened to countless Jack Benny radio programs, I love be transported back in time to place where you can order a sandwich and cup of coffee at the counter in a drug store.
Haven Gastropub
190 S Glassell St., Orange, CA 92866
www.havengastropub.com
Provision’s Market
143 N Glassell St., Orange, CA 92866
www.provisionsmarkets.com
Watson’s Drugs
116 E Chapman Ave.
Orange, CA 92866
www.watsonsdrugs.com
This article merely scratches the surface. Orange County’s many downtown districts offer many more fun and exciting dining and shopping experiences. As an Orange County native, I enjoy getting away from the prolific chain restaurants and exploring the endless opportunities that abound in our local downtowns. If you’re in need of a suggestion for local fare, send me an email (michael@ocstc.org) or find me at the Summit. See you in Anaheim!
