3 Best Restaurants in Orange County and Catalina Island, California

Long Beach's famous Craftsman bungalows were built en masse during an oil boom a century ago, and while many have been torn down to make way for McMansions and apartment blocks, one now plays home to the Attic, which serves some of the best Southern-style cuisine in the region. The comfort food on the all-day menu delights, from the Flaming Hot Cheetos mac and cheese (don't overthink it; just try it) to the braised oxtails with preserved huckleberry. Daily happy-hour specials serve as an "intermission" between lunch and dinner offerings. Score a coveted indoor table in the home's former rooms, or enjoy the lowkey outside patio. In the mood for adventure? Try to score a reservation for occasional Attic Supper Club events, nestled in a gorgeous private dining room. Like much of Long Beach, the Attic is dog-friendly.

It may be worth hopping the Amtrak to San Juan Capistrano just for the chance to have breakfast or lunch at one of Orange County's most beloved restaurants, located in a historic board-and-batten home dating back to 1881. This café sits practically on the railroad tracks across from the depot—nab a table on the patio for cinnamon apple beignets, hush puppies with avocado aioli, and spicy crab salad on the à la carte breakfast and lunch menu. On weekends, there is a set two-course menu for $45 per person. 

This beloved Southern California institution has been serving up its signature comfort food to everyone from Stevie Wonder to President Obama since 1975. The no-frills eatery, still in its original location, offers a unique combination of crispy, well-seasoned fried chicken alongside fluffy, golden waffles—a pairing that has become legendary in the region (just ask Snoop Dogg, one of their most ardent and frequent customers). The menu features various chicken cuts and waffle combinations, as well as classic soul food sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread. While the wait times can be long, especially during peak hours, many patrons find the experience worth it for the generous portions and satisfying flavors. The restaurant's low-key, diner-like atmosphere adds to its charm; while there are other locations now, the original location is the best ambassador for this unique dish.