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Best Food Halls In Orange County

Imagine heading out to dinner with a group of friends. As you're determining where to eat, one says sushi. Another says burgers. As more and more types of food get thrown out there, it gets harder to choose one place that will satiate everyone. Or maybe you want to sample a few different types of foods and desserts rather than sitting down for a full meal. No matter what the case, Orange County's food scene is on fire, and its selection of local food halls has grown tremendously. Consider one of these spots that have plenty to offer O.C. foodies of all sorts.
Anaheim Packing House 1-Anaheim Packing District - verified ashley
(Credit: Anaheim Packing District)

Anaheim Packing House
440 South Anaheim Boulevard
Anaheim, CA 92805
(714) 533-7225
www.anaheimpackingdistrict.com

The Spanish Colonial Revival style building that houses the Anaheim Packing House is just one great reason for its appeal. The second is for its great food! First built in 1919, and operated as a Sunkist citrus packing plant, it remains a historic icon of Orange County's agricultural history. For the last few years, the complex has operated as a hip food hall, becoming one of the more popular attractions for both locals and tourists in Anaheim. With over 20 eateries to choose from, there's something for everyone. Opt for Urbana's tacos and margaritas or enjoy a slice of pizza from laidback Ecco Pizza Shoppe. There are also spots to grab a bowl of ice cream, and a sneaky speakeasy called The Blind Rabbit that serves up stellar cocktails—and old-fashioned aesthetics.

4th Street Market-Anne Watson Photography- VERIFIED Ashley
(Credit: Anne Watson Photography)

4th Street Market
201 East 4th Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 486-0700
www.4thstreetmarket.com

Santa Ana has become a foodie haven as of late, with a downtown rejuvenation that has offered innovative foods, open kitchens and the gem known as the 4th Street Market. You'll find an exceptional amount of savory spots here that it will be hard to visit just one. From the Latin Asian fare at Dos Chinos to Stockyard Sandwich Co.'s signature dishes, there are plenty of options. For dessert, opt for oven-warmed ice cream sandwiches from Chunk-N-Chip or handmade bars from Front Porch Pops. Stop by Electric City Butcher to grab some meat to grill at home, or visit to socialize during the market's movie and trivia nights. You won't be disappointed.

The OC Mix-The OC Mix- VERIFIED Ashley
(Credit: The OC Mix)

The OC Mix
3313 Hyland Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(949) 760-9150
www.socoandtheocmix.com

All together, SOCO and The OC Mix offer up a one-stop shop for artisan foods, clothing boutiques, creative studios and showrooms, sit-down restaurants and a massive farmer's market. The OC Mix itself is housed in one part of SOCO, serving as a resident food hall for the complex. While you'll also find a couple of clothing and jewelry stores within, the real appeal is in the meals and snacks. Orange County favorite Portola Coffee Lab serves up specialty coffees to accompany foods from Taco Maria, Bistro Papillote, Birdie Bowl & Juicery and Shuck Oyster Bar. Before you head out, stop by The Cheese Shop for some artisanal cheeses or grab a bottle of wine or olive oil from We Olive Wine Bar to heighten your cooking at home.

Lot 579-Eric Figge Photos- VERIFIED Ashley
(Credit: Eric Rigge Photos)

Lot 579
21010 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 930-2345
www.gopacificcity.com

Located in Huntington's newest entertainment complex, Pacific City, Lot 579 serves as a unique marker that will satiate even the most unique of appetites. Located across from lifeguard towers five, seven and nine, even the name is quintessentially Huntington Beach. Within, the market is home to a variety of vendors that allow guests to pick up lunch, a snack or even dessert as they wander the complex's shops. At American Dream, you'll find burgers galore, while Burnt Crumbs offers unique sandwiches crafted with slow-roasted meats, pickled vegetables and fresh bread. Bear Flag Fish Co. is the place to find delicious fish tacos while The Dudes' Brewing Company tasting room is a great place to relax and enjoy a local IPA.

Union Market Mission Viejo-Simon Chong- VERIFIED Ashley
(Credit: Simon Chong)

Union Market Mission Viejo
27741 Crown Valley Parkway
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
(714) 454-4465
unionmarketmissionviejo.com

Another combination of food and retail, Union Market Mission Viejo really plays up small businesses, offering a unique experience that can't really be found anywhere else. Many of the vendors are business owners and have only one shop—there at the market. Within you'll find Market 2 Plate, an Italian eatery that prides itself on using local farm-fresh ingredients, handcrafted pasta and house-made sauces. Milk Box is another favorite, though offering a different type of deliciousness—flavorful milk teas. Other options include fresh hummus from Hummus Bowl, seafood from Anchor Hitch and shabu shabu at Oyu Shabu.

The Camp-Lab Holding- VERIFIED Ashley
(Credit: Lab Holding)

The Camp
2937 Bristol Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 966-6661
www.thecampsite.com

Located across the street from Costa Mesa's The Lab, The Camp offers a culinary experience mixed with that of a hipster retail adventure. Amongst stores that have an emphasis on wellness and green living—as well as regular events like film screenings, art walks and other specialty nights—lies a plethora of eateries that have the same focus. Gourmet vegan hotspot Native Foods Café is a staple of the complex while the recent opening of an Umami Burger brings something entirely new. Made from scratch at Taco Asylum, visitors can also dine on unique, fresh tacos, or stop by the ever-popular Black Market Bakery for dessert. Also on site is the Wine Lab, filled with organic wine options from all over the world.

McFadden Public Market-100 Eats- VERIFIED Ashley
(Credit: 100 Eats)

McFadden Public Market
515 North Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(657) 232-3338
www.mcfaddenmarket.com

McFadden Public Market is a food hall, weekend brunch spot and arcade bar rolled into one. The recent addition of this Market to the Orange County dining scene is definitely a plus. Since opening up in the spring of 2017, the market has added four addicting eateries. Rooster Republic offers up fried chicken with unique sauces while Bone Stock sells a variety of dishes like pho and spring rolls. Another eatery, En Tu Boca, is known for their fusion-style tacos and nachos. For dessert, it's Milk Man, where guests will find housemade ice creams in unique flavors. Don't forget to also stop by the market's bars. Downstairs, Under Control offers up some tasty cocktails while the upstairs Mission Control bar allows guests to play vintage arcade games while they sip.

Trade Marketplace-Jeni Carle:100 Eats- VERIFIED Ashley
(Credit: Jeni Carle/100 Eats)

Trade Food Hall
2222 Michelson Drive
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 725-8539
www.tradefoodhall.com

Locals and visitors in Irvine can escape the hustle and bustle of the city with this food hall. Filled with open-air patios, ample parking and extraordinary concepts from local restaurateurs, this is a great spot to meet up with friends and enjoy the communal dining spaces. Eateries here include Sweet Comforts, Pig Pen Delicacy, Portside, Center Hub, Two Birds, Gyro King, Megadon, Butterleaf and Dos Chinos, which can also be found in the 4th Street Market.

Ashley Ryan is an Orange County native that loves traveling, live music and photography. She blogs at Pure Wander and freelances for a variety of publications including Newport Beach Magazine and Laguna Beach Magazine.
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