Positioned as the feel-good antidote to Valentine’s Day, the holiday of Galentine’s Day — often reserved for brunch or dinner, gift exchanges and quality time with your “gal” group, however you define it — is almost here. Technically, it falls on Friday, Feb. 13, though any day leading up to the couples-centric holiday is fair game.
The concept first popped into the pop-culture lexicon during a 2010 episode of “Parks and Recreation,” in which eternally upbeat Leslie Knopp, played by Amy Poehler, hosted a festive Galentine’s feast of waffles for her female friends sans husbands, boyfriends or partners. “It’s like Lilith Fair minus the angst,” said Knopp, “plus frittatas.”
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.
Belgium Waffle Haus
If you want to stay true to the “Parks and Recreation” 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.
Find it: 28241 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel, 949-215-2950, belgiumwafflehausoc.net
Café Sevilla
On Friday, Feb. 13, Café Sevilla in Costa Mesa will host a four-course Galentine’s 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.
Find it: 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949-688-1555, cafesevilla.com
Darkroom
For a Galentine’s celebration with a philanthropic bent, Darkroom, widely and rightly considered to be one of Orange County’s 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.
Find it: 3751 S. Harbor Blvd., Suite C, Santa Ana, 657-777-3275, wearedarkroom.com
dPot All You Can Eat Shabu and Grill
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) — featuring a wide range of meats like chuck, pork belly, lamb and chicken — do not miss the galbi jjim. Food critic Brad Johnson praised the short-rib dish’s “combination of short rib and oxtail, slowly braised in a sweet, highly aromatic soy-based stew with carrots and Korean radishes.”
Find it: The Source, 6982 Beach Blvd., Suite C-316, Buena Park, 949-418-7993, dpotonline.com
Green Cheek Beer / El Brewjo
For a burger-forward feast, head over to Green Cheek Beer’s Orange location, where El Brewjo, purveyors of some of Southern California’s 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’t miss out on the flood of Green Cheek suds available, including lagers, spiked sparkling lemon water, IPA, hard seltzers and more.
Find it: 2294 N Batavia St., ste C, Orange, 714-998-8172, greencheekbeer.com
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The Quiet Women
Between the name alone and its deep roots in the Bravosphere (“Real Housewives of Orange County,” specifically), The Quiet Women in Corona del Mar remains an excellent pick. Despite the moniker, chef-owner Lynne Anthony-Campbell’s Coast Highway institution is anything but hushed. 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’s famous plate toss, a moment now immortalized in “Housewives” lore.
Find it: 3224 Pacific Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar, 949-640-7440, quietwoman.com
Shady Nook
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.
Find it: 151 S. Kraemer Blvd., Brea, 714-672-9440, shadynookbar.com
Tacos Los Cholos
Tacos, obviously, require no justification. For a Galentine’s Day feast built on tortillas and fire, head to a Tacos Los Cholos location in Anaheim, Huntington Beach or Santa Ana for a round (or four) of some of Southern California’s best tacos.
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
Tin Lizzie Saloon
And finally, for a night rooted in community as much as cocktails, Tin Lizzie Saloon continues to hold it down. Billed as Orange County’s 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’s Cold Brew, coffee liqueur and orgeat. Raise a glass to friendships that deserve their own holiday.
Find it: 752 St. Clair St., Costa Mesa, tinlizziesaloon.com