Brass tacks: Affordability feels like a relic of the past, especially in the Golden State, whose nickname feels more foreboding than aspirational as of late. Why, even a combo meal at fast-food staple Carl’s Jr. can tip upwards of $18. But between Sunday, March 8 until Saturday, March 14, OC Restaurant Week is throwing us a bone.
While high-end eateries are great for a splurge during the annual ode to the restaurant scene, the real banger is hitting the $15 lunch floor. Why settle for a limp salad made by a robot when you can get these multicourse or signature meals in a friendly setting?
Best of all, no tickets or passes are needed. Simply visit the restaurant to enjoy these temporary deals. OC Restaurant Week has additional $15 lunch deals up to $35 lunch deals, as well as $25 dinners and $60 to $150 luxe menus.
The 10 best $15 lunches are as follows:
Barrio (Garden Grove): This Filipino-Korean spot will feature a lunch or dinner of yuzu onion pickles (spiked with yuzu jam, onion and chili oil), a sisig fold (pork, onion, chili, pineapple and egg inside a scallion pancake) and ube turon for dessert. Find it: 12900 Euclid St., Garden Grove; 657-204-5973
Chapter One: The Modern Local (Santa Ana): A DTSA staple that always pleases. Choice of one entree: Choripán (Argentine sausage), pulled pork sandwich, blackened shrimp tacos (3), The Side Chick Sandwich (fried chicken), or Chicken Caesar Salad. All sandwiches include the restaurant’s famous duck fat fries, and nonalcoholic beverages are also included. Find it: 227 N. Broadway, Santa Ana; 714-352-2225
Descanso (Costas Mesa): This $15 deal scores you a soft drink plus chips and salsa. Entree choices are a mix-and-match taco plate (any two tacos including al pastor, short rib or mahi mahi) with Mexican fried rice and beans, or a “Mexibol.” Find it: 1555 Adams Ave., Costa Mesa; 714-486-3798
Georgia’s (Anaheim and Irvine): One of county’s premier soul food spots is keeping it simple and satisfying, offering a blackened chicken sandwich on toasted sourdough with arugula, red onions, pepper jack cheese and remoulade. The deal includes a choice of fries or coleslaw and a soft drink. Find it: 440 S. Anaheim Blvd. (Packing House), Anaheim; 800 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine.
Hot N Juicy Crawfish (Fountain Valley): If you crave seafood but want to keep your hands relatively clean, this joint will offer a half portion of etouffee with half a shrimp po’boy served with fries and a soda. Find it: 15972 Euclid St., Fountain Valley; 714-775-4465
Jerusalem Roastery (Garden Grove): For those seeking a sweet sitting over a savory one, $15 gets you a slice of knafah, three slices of Turkish delight and a cup of traditional Arabic or Turkish coffee. An ideal midday pick-me-up. Find it: 12512 Brookhurst St., Garden Grove; 657-263-4000
Pepper Lunch (Irvine): At the DIY teppan classic, you can get a choice of any signature pepper rice dish (beef, chicken, kimchi, salmon, shrimp or tofu and veggie) plus a fountain drink. Find it: 509 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine; 2750 Alton Pkwy., #101, Irvine.
Taco Mesita (Tustin): Choice taco stand where you can get two tacos (think wood-fired steak or 18-hour pork shoulder or rotisserie chicken), a side snack and one refreshing agua fresca. Find it: 765 El Camino Real, Tustin; 657-293-4166
The Crack Shack (Costa Mesa): Get your paws on the “Lil Slider” deal of two mini sliders (your choice of the Coop Deville or the Firebird), a side of fries and a fountain drink. Find it: 196 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa; 877-230-1416
The Pizza Press (Santa Ana): A standout deal, to be frank: the “chief editor” special scores you an 11-inch pizza with up to two toppings, a cookie and a fountain drink. Find it: 117 W Fourth St., Santa Ana; 714-760-4425