compiling a list of things i love doing in the irvine/oc area as someone who’s been here for undergrad and currently masters! feel free to contribute and ask questions :')

in general

Irvine is the safest city in the US. This utopia is because of the masterful planning of the Irvine Company. You'll appreciate the consistency of design and colors between shopping centers. If you're a local like me, you just LOVE the Irvine Company.

Also, we're a car-centric community. Look into a Zipcar (a student favorite because they're not like the big companies who want you to be 25) or rideshare/carpool options.

the big three

idk anyone who calls it "the big three" but i need a heading so bare with me.

Irvine Spectrum

• Silverlake Ramen, Pepper Lunch, Somisomi, Shake Shack are a few of the places I frequent there. It's nearby, so you'll likely gravitate here first.
• Irvine Improv and Regal (this is the theater with 4DX and IMAX 70mm).

Fashion Island (Newport)

Newport Beach is an affluent neighborhood. Don't go to Fashion Island just for Chick-Fil-A or the Panda Express. It may be priced a little more just because (cannot confirm because again, I avoid them).

• Sessions. I love their tuna melt and Adobo Fries.
• RH (Restoration Hardware) Ocean Grill is very expensive. But the rooftop view and eats are so good. I had my graduation dinner here.

Not at Fashion Island, but by the beach, I have to note: there is Seaside Bakery (yes. that seaside bakery) and a Taco Bell Cantina.

South Coast Plaza (Costa Mesa)

• I'm either eating at Marugame Udon or Wahoo's, but there is also Din Tai Fung.
• Or, I'm walking around because I want to go to Uniqlo, Gentle Monster, Pop Mart, or other stores. More higher-end designer brands as well, if you're into that.

Honorable? Mention (University Town Center/UTC)

• The little shopping and food area by UC Irvine. You'll likely want to go here since it's close-ish to the shuttles. I actually don't remember if places open that early though.
• If you need to go to a Target and it's on Campus Drive, it's going to be a mini one. While students aren't moving in until late September, I'd just go to another Target in case.
• The Taco Bell in UTC is a "Live Mas Cafe" meaning they have specialty coffee drinks.
• Three boba places, but you can do better than what's there. Very very better than what's there.

more food

K-BBQ:

• MrBBQJr in Tustin does AYCE for $23.99 before 4PM. (Shout-out to David, he's my favorite server). It's in the District, which also has places like 3CAT (I love their Mochi drinks) and IKE's Sandwiches.
• Wang Cho in Santa Ana/Costa Mesa is also AYCE. I've never had problems being seated, but don't think that means the food/service is bad. I always come back for their brisket.
• Shik Do Rak, also AYCE; was always the go-to-place with my undergrad friends. Waitlist usually packed.
• Baekjeong is expensive but worth it as well, more premium meats. Long wait as well, plan ahead.

For Thai Food, I love getting my curry at Hanuman or Manaao.

For Katsu, it's either Hako (higher-end, long wait) or Coco Ichibanya (chain).

cafe, boba, etc.

• Omomo. Get a Camo Thai. I line up at this place before it opens at 12pm with others. It's that serious.
• Nearby Omomo, there's Wunderlust. Love their Vietnamese Rocky Road.

I'm gatekeeping the rest. I love the cafe and cafe adjacent scene here too much. Kidding, I'll come back to update.