{"id":167619,"date":"2026-02-07T02:37:09","date_gmt":"2026-02-07T02:37:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/167619\/"},"modified":"2026-02-07T02:37:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-07T02:37:09","slug":"where-to-eat-and-drink-this-galentines-day-in-orange-county-orange-county-register","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/167619\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to eat and drink this Galentine\u2019s Day in Orange County \u2013 Orange County Register"},"content":{"rendered":"

Positioned as the feel-good antidote to Valentine\u2019s Day, the holiday of Galentine\u2019s Day \u2014 often reserved for brunch or dinner, gift exchanges and quality time with your \u201cgal\u201d group, however you define it \u2014 is almost here. Technically, it falls on Friday, though any day leading up to the couples-centric holiday is fair game.<\/p>\n

The concept first popped into the pop-culture lexicon during a 2010 episode of \u201cParks and Recreation,\u201d<\/a> in which eternally upbeat Leslie Knopp, played by Amy Poehler, hosted a festive Galentine\u2019s feast of waffles for her female friends sans husbands, boyfriends or partners. \u201cIt\u2019s like Lilith Fair minus the angst,\u201d said Knopp, \u201cplus frittatas.\u201d<\/p>\n

More than 15 years later, the once-fictional festivity has taken hold of the cultural calendar. With that, here are nine spots in Orange County where you and your inner circle can gather in the spirit of singledom, feminist flair and a little gastronomic revelry.<\/p>\n

Belgium Waffle Haus<\/p>\n

If you want to stay true to the \u201cParks and Recreation\u201d playbook with waffles front and center, Belgium Waffle Haus is a solid place to start. The menu spans from sweet classics (golden waffles with syrup and powdered sugar or strawberries and whipped cream) to heartier, savory builds such as the chorizo-and-egg waffle sandwich or the prosciutto-and-egg waffle sandwich. Keep in mind this eatery is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., making this spot best for breakfast or lunch plans.<\/p>\n

Find it: 28241 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel, 949-215-2950, belgiumwafflehausoc.net<\/a><\/p>\n

Caf\u00e9 Sevilla<\/p>\n

On Friday, Caf\u00e9 Sevilla in Costa Mesa will host a four-course Galentine\u2019s Day prix-fixe menu for $75 per person, offered alongside the regular menu. Highlights include a warm goat cheese spinach dip and Spanish charcuterie, jamon serrano and pear salad, salmon and seared shrimp (or lobster) paella and flourless chocolate cake finale.<\/p>\n

Find it: 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949-688-1555, cafesevilla.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Darkroom<\/p>\n

For a Galentine\u2019s celebration with a philanthropic bent, Darkroom, widely and rightly considered to be one of Orange County\u2019s best restaurants, will host its second annual Galantines Day Benefit. The dinner will benefit Casa Teresa, a nonprofit organization that helps pregnant women in need, with services ranging from residential programs, basic care needs, case management, classes and supportive services. One key detail: 100% of proceeds from the specialty drink menu will go to the Orange County-based organization.<\/p>\n

Find it: 3751 S. Harbor Blvd., Suite C, Santa Ana, 657-777-3275, wearedarkroom.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"GalbiGalbi jjim at dPot is made with short ribs and oxtail. (Photo by Brad A. Johnson, Orange County Register\/SCNG)
\ndPot All You Can Eat Shabu and Grill<\/p>\n

If your Friday night involves maximum fullness, dPot All You Can Eat Shabu and Grill in Buena Park has you covered. Along with Korean-style hot-pot (shabu shabu) \u2014 featuring a wide range of meats like chuck, pork belly, lamb and chicken \u2014 do not miss the galbi jjim. Food critic Brad Johnson praised<\/a> the short-rib dish\u2019s \u201ccombination of short rib and oxtail, slowly braised in a sweet, highly aromatic soy-based stew with carrots and Korean radishes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Find it: The Source, 6982 Beach Blvd., Suite C-316, Buena Park, 949-418-7993, dpotonline.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Green Cheek Beer \/ El Brewjo<\/p>\n

For a burger-forward feast, head over to Green Cheek Beer\u2019s Orange location, where El Brewjo<\/a>, purveyors of some of Southern California\u2019s best smashburgers, will take to the griddle to feed you and your friends. The burger pop-up runs from 5 until 9 p.m. or until everything sells out (which often happens). Don\u2019t miss out on the flood of Green Cheek suds available, including lagers, spiked sparkling lemon water, IPA, hard seltzers and more.<\/p>\n

Find it: 2294 N Batavia St., ste C, Orange, 714-998-8172, greencheekbeer.com<\/a><\/p>\n

The Quiet Women<\/p>\n

Between the name alone and its deep roots in the Bravosphere (\u201cReal Housewives of Orange County,\u201d specifically), The Quiet Women in Corona del Mar remains an excellent pick. Despite the moniker, chef-owner Lynne Anthony-Campbell\u2019s Coast Highway institution is anything but hushed<\/a>. Opened in 1965, the restaurant is filled with artwork celebrating women, including an exterior mural painted by Anthony-Campbell herself. Two tables deserve special mentions: Table No. 104, known as the Chef table, adorned with a bolt of fabric made for the Oscar-winning icon, and Table No. 107, the site of Shannon Beador\u2019s famous plate toss, a moment now immortalized in \u201cHousewives\u201d lore.<\/p>\n

Find it: 3224 Pacific Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar, 949-640-7440, quietwoman.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Shady Nook<\/p>\n

Prefer to skip dinner and head straight for drinks? Shady Nook in Brea offers darts, neighborhood-bar vibes and a well-curated whiskey selection. Those in the know should scan the list for allocated bottles and Japanese whiskeys.<\/p>\n

Find it: 151 S. Kraemer Blvd., Brea, 714-672-9440, shadynookbar.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"AA mural greets diners at Tacos Los Cholos in Santa Ana, CA on Friday, January 2, 2026. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register\/SCNG)
\nTacos Los Cholos<\/p>\n

Tacos, obviously, require no justification. For a Galentine\u2019s Day feast built on tortillas and fire, head to a Tacos Los Cholos location in Anaheim, Huntington Beach or Santa Ana<\/a> for a round (or four) of some of Southern California\u2019s best tacos.<\/p>\n

Find it: 821 S State College Blvd., Anaheim, 657-201-3043; 1653 W Orangethorpe Ave., Fullerton, 714-770-0179; 333 Walnut Ave., Huntington Beach, 714-274-9364; 113 E Fourth St., Santa Ana, 714-623-4733, tacosloscholos.net<\/a><\/p>\n

Tin Lizzie Saloon<\/p>\n

And finally, for a night rooted in community as much as cocktails, Tin Lizzie Saloon continues to hold it down. Billed as Orange County\u2019s longest-running queer bar, Tin Lizzy has been pouring drinks since the 1950s. Signature cocktails include the Bohemian Raspberry with hibiscus-infused vodka, raspberry, pomegranate and lemon; a Nip Slip featuring silver tequila, grapefruit, Aperol and lemon; or Black Magic with milk-washed reposado tequila, Wilson\u2019s Cold Brew, coffee liqueur and orgeat. Raise a glass to friendships that deserve their own holiday.<\/p>\n

Find it: 752 St. Clair St., Costa Mesa, tinlizziesaloon.com<\/a><\/p>\n

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