OC Advise - yes I know how to google

I would go to the anaheim packing house. Lots of food options and Iron Press usually has a solid beer list and Umami Burger has good beer and food. There are a couple of bottle shops near by also. Not too far from the Bruery, Noble, and Bottle Logic.

 

Depending on the time of day, you could also go to Beachwood seal beach

 

Where in Santa Ana? There's a lot of neat places with food nearby in that area. Provisions, Hollingshead, Playground come to mind. If you've never been to the Bruery, they may have a truck nearby (by Mr. K's liquor too) Iron Press Costa Mesa isn't a bad choice either.

 

Santa Ana is full of places now just in case you wanted to stay local. Native sons alehouse has a great tap list and food going on. Its right above playground and around the corner from forth street market. Always suggest chapter one and good beer company. All literally 5 minutes from each other.

 

Hollingshead's is almost a straight shot from Santa Ana, but only has sandwiches until 6pm. Also try C4 Deli for lunch on 4th. Dinner you'd need to hit up Playground, Iron Press (Costa Mesa or Anaheim) or Beachwood. Breweries (Noble, Bruery, Bottle Logic) if they have food trucks those nights you're in town & want to do that.

 

4th Street Market in Downtown Santa Ana is food court type spot with a number of Playground owned eateries inside. PFC Fried Chicken is the winner there for me. The fried chicken sandwich at Native Son is a winner too

 

Also the "14" at Wagyu Chuck at 4th Street Market. You won't see any name next to it, but it's incredible. And make sure to get some of the potatoes.

 

4th Street Market in Santa Ana, hands down. You're already right there, they have plenty of good beer available, and there are a few other good spots right around it. The Noodle Tramp has some amazing Khao Soi. Get it with the rare Wagyu beef. It's killer. Grab a nice bottle from Honor Roll or get a poor of something good from Recess and you're set. Afterwards you can head to Playground or Native Son for more beers!

 

Aside from 4th St. Market and Hollingshead, I recommend going to Tustin Brewing Company. Cool Happy Hour and always have something nice on tap, aside from their reg. house brews. And check out the bottle shop across the street (Bradley's)

 

If you can swing it, would recommend stopping in at Barley Forge in Costa Mesa for the Patsy.

 

Along with the above, Tustin Brew Co. might not be a bad stop if you're looking for some solid local stuff (their guest taps can be very good at times) and a casual vibe.

 

Two itineraries: 1.)The Bruery, Mr K's and then El Sabroso for excellent Mexican food a mile away on Santa Fe St. in Old Town Placentia; 2.) Anthill Tavern on the UC Irvine campus for a solid tap list and good bar food.

 

Smoqued BBQ Orange for food! Provisions bottleshop across the street isn't bad. Rod's liqour around the corner has good stuff. And the store on the corner of Glassell and Walnut has a great bottle selection that I just found!

 

301 and El Farolito as well. chamon!!

 

Santa Ana itself has some good options already mentioned... The Orange Circle offers some pretty good choices too... Smoqued BBQ (mentioned), Haven Gastropub, LinX, and Provisions bottle shop.

 

If you opt for Playground I'd either set a reservation or put in your name and wait for your table at Native Son. It can be a wait even during the week

 

Oh sh*t, I checked their tap list a few days ago and didn't see that J Flanders... the og version is hella tight. Might have to swing by there.

 

If you're in Santa Ana, there's no reason to anywhere other than Playground (except if you can't get in).