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Best Orange County Cheap Eats


As the world economy slows down, we may want to tighten our belts, but we still need to fill our stomachs. Splurging at top-rated restaurants is fun for special events, but where can you go for a good quality meal that won't break the bank? Gather the change out of your piggy bank and sofa cushions and take it to one of our selections for the best cheap eats in Orange County.

Check out our picks for the Top 40 Cheap Eats in the U.S.

Beach Pit BBQ Old Towne Orange Barbecue
12/20
Old Towne Orange
128 N. Glassell St.
Orange, CA 92866
714-633-7427 | Menu
Kid-friendly barbecue spot for authentic Southern dishes near the circle in historic Old Towne Orange. More...

Cafe Maiz Mexican
12/20
27567 Puerta Real
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
949-367-0777 | Menu
Fast casual Mexican restaurant from the owners of El Cholo. More...

The Counter Burgers
12/20
Woodbury Town Center
6416 Irvine Blvd.
Irvine, CA 92620
949-336-7272 | Menu
Build-your-own gourmet burger concept works well for foodies with a burger craving. More...

The Crab Cooker Seafood
12/20
17260 17th St.
Tustin, CA 92780
714-573-1077 | Menu
This Tustin offshoot of the Newport original location is just as good without the ocean locale. More...

Eat Chow New American
13/20
The Closet
1802 Newport Blvd.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
949-650-2469 | Menu
Hip café in Newport Mesa, with rather good New American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. More...

El Cholo Cantina Mexican
12/20
5465 Alton Pkwy.
Irvine, CA 92604
949-451-0044 | Menu
L.A.'s iconic Mexican restaurant has a branch in OC for strong margaritas and good, contemporary Mexican food. More...

Felix Continental Cafe Cuban
12/20
Old Towne Orange Circle
36 Plaza Sq.
Orange, CA 92866
714-633-5842
Hip place to hang in Old Towne Orange's historic circle for authentic Cuban and Spanish dishes. More...

Gyu-Kaku Japanese
12/20
Dining Room at Gyu-Kaku, Huntington Beach, CA 7862 Warner Ave., Ste. 109
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
714-842-8333 | Menu
Huntington Beach outpost of this establishment that brings Japanese yakinku cooking to Americans. More...

Jon's Fish Market Seafood
Quick Bite
Dana Point Harbor
34665 Golden Lantern St.
Dana Point, CA 92629
949-496-2807 | Menu
Classic casual fish house and market right on Dana Wharf. More...

Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant Mexican
12/20
17th Street Promenade
296 E. 17th St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
949-645-7626
Newport-Mesa staple for large portions of classic Mexican-American fare and margaritas. More...

Native Foods Vegetarian
12/20
Dining Room at Native Foods, Costa Mesa, CA The Camp
2937 Bristol St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714-751-2151 | Menu
Down-to-earth lunch and dinner restaurant with vegetarian food at The Camp. More...

118 Degrees Vegetarian
13/20
The Camp
2981 Bristol St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714-754-0718 | Menu
The raw food movement goes gourmet with breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch and even a late-night lounge scene. More...

Sushilicious Sushi
13/20
Dining Room at Sushilicious, Irvine, CA 15435 Jeffrey Rd.
Irvine, CA 92618
949-552-2260
Kaiten-style sushi bar has unusually high quality, low prices and a family-friendly atmosphere. More...

Taco Asylum Mexican
Quick Bite
Dining Room at Taco Asylum, Costa Mesa, CA 2937 Bristol St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714-922-6010 | Menu
A fast-casual restaurant specializing in non-traditional gourmet tacos like grilled octopus and curried paneer. More...

Taco Loco Mexican
Quick Bite
640 S. Coast Hwy.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949-497-1635 | Menu
Landmark Laguna Beach fish taco stand serves up classic seafood and Mexican dishes along with vegetarian choices. More...

Taco Mesa Mexican
Quick Bite
Dining Room at Taco Mesa, Orange, CA Saddleback Plaza
3533 E. Chapman Ave.
Orange, CA 92869
714-633-3922 | Menu
Some of Orange County's best Mexican food at rock-bottom prices. More...

Veggie Grill Vegan
Quick Bite
Dining Room at Veggie Grill, Irvine, CA University Center
4213 Campus Dr.
Irvine, CA 92612
949-509-0003 | Menu
Vegan fare cooked with flavorful flair in a café setting. More...

Veggie Grill Vegan
Quick Bite
Dining Room at Veggie Grill, Irvine, CA Irvine Spectrum
81 Fortune Dr.
Irvine, CA 92618
949-727-9900 | Menu
Vegan fare cooked with flavorful flair in a modern café setting. More...

Zinc Cafe & Market Café
Quick Bite
350 Ocean Ave.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949-494-6302 | Menu
Local Laguna hangout with a dog-friendly patio for healthful breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes. More...


Check out our picks for the Top 40 Cheap Eats in the U.S.

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