One perk of living in Orange County, California is the fact that it is a short drive to family-friendly beaches.
Residents here will be glad to know that five cities in sunny Southern California are included in the Top 50 beach cities to live in 2019.
Newport Beach, CA was chosen as the third best beach city among all beach cities in the United States. Laguna Beach ranked at No. 15 while other Orange County coastal cities that made it the list were San Clemente (18th place), Seal Beach (25th place), and Dana Point (50th place).
This is based on a 2019 study conducted by WalletHub. The personal finance site ranked beach cities based on factors such as safety, weather, health, economy, education, and quality of life.
Affordability was also one of the factors considered, which addresses concerns about the cost of living in Orange County, CA, should there be any.
And having brunch with friends and family in a relaxing spot is one of the fun things to do in Orange County.
A lot of Orange County’s best brunch spots have wonderful seaside views that are complemented by the innovative menus offered by these establishments.
If you’re wondering about things to do with your kids in Orange County, let this article guide you in selecting the best brunch spots in the area.
Toast Kitchen + Bakery
1767 Newport Boulevard (18th Street), Costa Mesa, CA
Tel. No: 949.873.5057
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For brunch, you can’t go wrong with avocado toast and Nutella-stuffed french toast decorated with candied hazelnuts. Even kids will delight in customizing acai bowls with apples, berries, hemp seed granola, and agave. Be adventurous by trying the Korean BBQ burrito filled with bulgogi and kimchi. If you want to stick to a more classic combo, order the breakfast burrito with bacon, tater tots, and cheesy scrambled eggs.
Playa Mesa
428 E 17th Street, Costa Mesa, CA
Tel. No: 949.287.5292
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Playa Mesa takes pride in winning Orange County’s Best Margarita in 2019. Enjoy Mexican cuisine in this Costa Mesa brunch spot that is famous for its tres leches waffles and chile verde carnitas benedict. Toast to the day by taking your pick from the extensive cocktail menu. Kids will also have a grand time as they dig into buttermilk pancakes, mini burritos, and cheese quesadillas.
Tavern House
333 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach, CA
Tel. No: 949.673.8464
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What could be more relaxing than enjoying the Newport Harbor view while feasting on coastal dishes from Southern California, Hawaii, and Mexico? Have a hearty meal of prime rib Benedict or a rib-eye steak served with sunny-side up eggs. Indulge in the bounty of the sea through the New England style clam chowder or the barbecue chipotle bourbon oysters. Cap the meal with bottomless champagne for a truly luxurious experience.
The Royal Hawaiian, Fire Grill
331 N Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA
Tel. No: 949.715.1470
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The Royal Hawaiian, Fire Grill has been serving Polynesian and coastal dishes in Laguna Beach since 1947. Try the wood-grilled steaks that earned the 2019 Best Steak in Orange County award from OC Weekly. Those with a sweet tooth will appreciate the macadamia-crusted French toast as well as the banana-stuffed dulce de leche crepes. Say aloha to $15 bottomless mimosas that you can order with either orange, guava, or pineapple juice.
Bosscat Kitchen & Libations
4647 MacArthur Boulevard, Newport Beach, CA
Tel. No: 949.333.0917
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Brighten up your day with sweet creations from Bosscat Kitchen such as Nutella s’mores pancakes and “Fruity Pebbles” French toast. You can taste the perfect sweet-salty combo via the Donut Burger that comes with Midwest beef patties. If you’re craving for something savory, the Smokehouse Benedict is for you.
The Cannery Seafood of the Pacific Restaurant
3010 Lafayette Avenue, Newport Beach, CA
Tel. No: 949.566.0060
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What started as a commercial fish cannery in 1921 is now a bustling restaurant in Newport Beach. Aside from fresh seafood, diners can expect certified Angus beef and filet mignon on the menu. The Maine lobster roll is served on brioche bread while the crystal maple fried chicken is paired with good ol’ waffles. When you order any entree, you’re entitled to the bottomless champagne for $15. End your meal on a sweet note by ordering the crème brulee French toast.
Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen
110 W Birch Street, Brea, CA
Tel. No: 714.255.1040
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Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen has two branches: one in downtown Brea and the other in Irvine, CA. The menu offers a fusion of Mexico and Latin influences. Start with the organic tortillas topped with homemade fire-roasted salsas. A cheesier alternative would be the wood-fired queso fundido. Fill yourself up with the roasted Jidori chicken with Yucatan spices or braised short rib chilaquiles. Drop by on Sundays to take advantage of all-you-can-drink mimosas.
Duke’s – Huntington Beach
317 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA
Tel. No: 714.374.6446
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When dining in, request for the best window seats in Duke’s ocean terrace overlooking Huntington Beach. The best time to go is for Sunday brunch so you can have made-to-order omelets and all the bacon, sausages, and Eggs Benedict you desire. Seafood dishes get a creative twist as exemplified by the crispy coconut shrimp, lemon-basil roasted fish, and lemongrass-steamed Manila clams. Don’t leave without trying their signature hula pie that is served with macadamia nut ice cream and hot chocolate fudge.
If you’re thinking of moving to Orange County, get in touch with the Cordova Real Estate Group today at 949.858.0405, or send an email to marianncordova(at)gmail(dotted)com.