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Best Places To Eat Before A Show In OC

Smile Train Premiere Circle Dinner
(credit: Jerod Harris/Getty Images)

Dinner and a movie is a classic date night. Dinner and a concert may be a less popular option, but it's certainly not less appealing. After all, an evening filled with food, drink and music is a pretty good one. Any time you can support live music, it's a good thing. If you're headed to a show in Orange County, here are some of the places where you may want to dine beforehand.

The Iron Press
(credit: The Iron Press)

The Iron Press
3321 Hyland Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 426-8088
www.theironpress.com

If you're headed to The Observatory for a show of any kind, The Iron Press is a good destination to eat beforehand. A waffle sandwich might seem like an unusual menu item, but once you've had one, you'll understand the charm. In addition to the waffle sandwiches, The Iron Press boasts a selection of 30 local beers on tap. The Iron Press is only about a mile away from The Observatory, so getting to the venue is no hassle.

Related: Orange County's Best Waffles

Skosh Monahan's
(credit: Skosh Monahan's)

Skosh Monahan's
2000 Newport Blvd.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949) 548-0099
www.skoshmonahans.com

Not far from The Detroit Bar is a little steakhouse and Irish pub that feels very much like a neighborhood bar. It feels a bit like the Cheers of Orange County. Skosh Monahan's has a full menu of appetizers and entrees if steak is not what you want. You can also get seafood, ribs and salads and a pretty good pint to get you even more in the mood for the bands you're going to see. Parking is minimal here so don't be surprised if you have to park on the street.

chapter one
(credit: Chapter One: The Modern Local)

Chapter One: The Modern Local
227 N. Broadway
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 352-2225
www.chapteronetml.com

When you look at the menu for Chapter One, you'll see a lot of interesting items like a bacon scallop, etouffee fries and the irresistible donuts like the banana, bourbon and bacon donut that is nothing short of amazing. These are the kinds of dishes you'll want to try again and tell your friends about. Once you've satiated your appetite (you sure won't walk away hungry after one of the burgers here) and your thirst, you can walk over to The Yost Theater for a show.

Related:  Best Sangria In Orange County

Prime Cut Cafe
1547 W. Katella Ave. #101
Orange, CA 92867
(714) 532-4300
www.primecutcafe.com

If you're making an evening of a concert at the Honda Center, Prime Cut Cafe is a good place to start - especially if you're celebrating a special occasion. Prime Cut Cafe has all the steaks and chops you could want to get your evening started. It also boasts filet mignon tacos. Let's face it, you can't get those just anywhere. An excellent wine selection is also available here - by the glass, bottle or flight - to help you get warmed up for your evening of music.

El Adobe de Capistrano
31891 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 493-1163
www.eladobedecapistrano.com

Yes, you can eat at The Coach House, but if you're heading to a show there and want to eat somewhere else, El Adobe de Capistrano is an excellent choice. The ambiance here is perfect for a date night. With dishes like lobster tacos and bay shrimp enchiladas, this isn't your typical Mexican restaurant. Also, the portions here guarantee that you won't walk away hungry when you go to the show.

Gary Schwind is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

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