After a hard week, whether it is at a job or stressful life experiences, sometimes you just want someone to serve you when you go out for brunch. In Orange County, California there are many wonderful restaurants that do just that-many which are even family-friendly! Here are several worth noting:
In Costa Mesa, these first two are literally within walking distance of one another and it’s best to be prepared for a wait. Even though both are located in small strip malls, word has definitely spread about the wonderful food and service.
Plums Cafe is the more “upscale” of these two. The owner hails from Oregon and imports all the berries, pepper-smoked bacon, maple ham, coffee and artwork (all for sale!) from her home state. The menu has wonderful twists on homey comfort food. From the outside, you’d never believe the treasure inside. Thankfully, coffee is available outside and if your stomach growls, the bakery case has plenty of goodies to help tide you over until a table opens up!
The Omelet Parlor is a funky spot with pictures of old Orange County and memorabilia hanging from the walls. The wait staff dresses as if they’ve received style tips from Cyndi Lauper. All the food is comfort-based and very large portions. It’s a fun atmosphere for everyone. Be sure to try the homemade apple butter!
If you like the idea of having breakfast along the coast these next three are great finds:
The Cottage Restaurant in Laguna Beach is practically an institution. Literally housed in an old cottage home, it has the usual breakfast fair, but is a short walk to the beach across the street.
Zinc Cafe and Pacific Whey Baking Company are places where you do have to go up and order, but then the food comes to you. Both have bakery goods to take home with you-trust me, you’ll probably want to have some of the homemade items on hand to remember the morning! Zinc Cafe also has a market attached to it and considers themselves to be vegetarian-based. However even my meat-loving husband enjoyed our morning here. Pacific Whey has the one restaurant in Newport Coast, but also has three other units-Newport Beach, Ladera Ranch and a new one in the South Coast Plaza.
Laguna Hills has two popular spots: Mollie’s Country Kitchen and the Original Pancake House. Both boast large portions-no lie here! There’s enough on most items that my sister and I split several dishes and still couldn’t finish. These two spots are very popular, be prepared for a wait on the weekends. Great for family get-togethers.
Huntington Beach has two spots located in city parks. Alice’s in the Park is a little shack that serve’s up huge to-die for homemade cinnamon rolls. Because it’s tiny, it’s lucky the park surrounds it so the kids can play while you wait. Plus, it’s great to walk after eating those huge pastries or the egg dishes! The Park Bench Cafe isn’t quite as sit down as the rest of this list, but it is great for a beautiful morning! You get to sit outside and there are usually plenty of “regulars” there to help you out with what’s best on the menu.
There you have it-a few of the choices you may have to stand and order, or wait for a seat, but the food, fun and service is worth it once your table opens up!
Have a great weekend.
