Fullerton has an absurdly deep food scene for a city its size. We’re talking French fine dining in a candlelit cellar, Korean BBQ so good it draws people from across the county, street tacos that cost $1.75 on Tuesdays, coffee shops on every corner, and breweries that put Fullerton on the national craft beer map. From date-night destinations where they flambé desserts tableside to neighborhood pubs pouring rare Irish whiskey, this city delivers the kind of dining diversity you’d expect from somewhere three times the size.
Fine Dining & Date Night
The Cellar Restaurant (305 N Harbor Blvd) is Fullerton’s crown jewel. Located in a historic basement beneath Villa del Sol downtown, this is the place for proposals, anniversaries, and the kind of meals you remember for years. Stone walls, brick alcoves, candlelight flickering across white tablecloths. The French-American menu features Chateaubriand carved tableside, lobster bisque that’s been on the menu since the 1960s, and soufflés flambéed right at your table. Expect to spend $60–100+ per person, and expect it to be worth every dollar.
Summit House (2000 E Bastanchury Rd) sits on a hilltop with panoramic views stretching across North Orange County. Old-world English country manor atmosphere with live piano, white-glove service, and a menu built around prime rib, steaks, and fresh seafood. Their Sunday brunch buffet is a splurge-worthy institution. $50–90 per person depending on what you order and how much you lean into the wine list.
Twisted Vine Kitchen and Wine Bar (127 W Commonwealth Ave) offers a more casual-upscale vibe. Cheese boards piled high, creative flatbreads, manchego meatballs, and a wine list deep enough to get lost in. This is date night without the formality—still special, just less stuffy. $25–45 per person.
The Cellar is where you go for the proposal dinner. If you’re planning to get down on one knee, call ahead and let them know—they’ll make sure everything is perfect, from the table placement to the champagne timing.
Mexican & Tacos
Poncho’s Tacos (343 S State College Blvd) is the authentic move. Fresh-to-order carne asada tacos with cilantro, onion, and lime on double-stacked corn tortillas. Their $1.75 Taco Tuesdays are a Fullerton tradition. Cash-friendly and no-frills. $5–10 per person, depending on how hungry you are.
Gonzos Tacos (827 N Harbor Blvd) brings street-style Mexican with a side of beer and street mimosas. The al pastor is excellent, the vibe is laid-back, and the outdoor seating makes it a solid choice when the weather’s good. $8–15 per person.
Madero 1899 crosses into upscale territory with a polished Mexican menu and a serious cocktail program. This is where you go when you want elevated Mexican food in a nicer setting—still authentic, just more refined. $15–30 per person.
Matador Cantina (111 N Harbor Blvd) is famous for having the longest bar in downtown Fullerton and hosting dueling piano shows on weekends. Come for the party-cantina atmosphere, stay for the margaritas and surprisingly solid food. $15–25 per person.
“Fullerton’s food scene doesn’t try to be anything it’s not. It just quietly serves some of the best meals in Orange County.”
Korean & Asian
Mo Ran Gak is widely considered the best Korean BBQ in Orange County. Not just Fullerton—the entire county. People drive from Irvine and Huntington Beach just to eat here. Expect a wait on weekends, but the traditional KBBQ experience is absolutely worth it. $25–40 per person.
Mr BBQ is the premium all-you-can-eat option, specializing in USDA Prime and Wagyu cuts. They’ve won awards for their quality and service. If you’re going AYCE, this is the spot. $30–45 per person.
WADAYA serves the best mazemen (brothless ramen) in the area. The Deluxe Mazemen is the move—rich, savory, perfectly balanced. This place flies under the radar but shouldn’t. $12–18 per person.
Manon delivers Thai food that’s full of flavor in every single dish. Nothing here is bland, nothing is boring. Just consistently delicious Thai cooking. $12–20 per person.
Mo Ran Gak doesn’t take reservations for parties under six. Show up right when they open (usually 11:30 AM for lunch or 5 PM for dinner) or be ready to wait 45+ minutes on Friday and Saturday nights.
Coffee
Dripp (Downtown, Harbor and Chapman) has been the CSUF student favorite for years. Spanish lattes and Turkish coffee are the signature drinks. Indoor and outdoor seating, plus a location that makes it the perfect downtown coffee stop. $5–8 per drink.
Sip & Savor is cozy and friendly with a famous Tiramisu Latte topped with mascarpone cream and a whole ladyfinger cookie. It’s as good as it sounds. $5–8 per drink.
525 Coffee Co. consistently shows up on “best coffee in Orange County” lists. Specialty coffee done right, without the pretension. $5–7 per drink.
Lion and Lamb Coffee is for serious coffee people. This is a specialty roaster focused on the craft itself—sourcing, roasting, brewing. If you care about coffee, you’ll appreciate what they’re doing. $5–8 per drink.
Brunch
Fraise Cafe brings French-inspired brunch to Fullerton. Expect a wait on weekends—this place is popular for good reason. Croissants, quiche, and creative egg dishes in a bright, welcoming space. $15–25 per person.
Early Bird is the trendy brunch spot with a modern menu that keeps locals coming back week after week. Avocado toast done right, inventive benedicts, and strong coffee. $12–22 per person.
Summit House Sunday Brunch Buffet is the splurge option. Hilltop views, live piano, and a buffet spread that includes everything from omelets made to order to prime rib. This is special-occasion brunch. $40–60 per person.
“The Cellar’s soufflé has been flambéed tableside since 1969. Some traditions don’t need updating.”
Bars & Nightlife
The Continental Room (115 W Santa Fe Ave) is the oldest continuously operating bar in Fullerton. Pure 1960s Las Vegas lounge vibes—red leather booths, dim lighting, live music on weekends, and martinis that are absolutely legendary. This is the real deal. $10–16 per cocktail.
Hopscotch Tavern (136 E Commonwealth Ave) is housed in the original 1918 Pacific Railway Station, a designated California Landmark. One of the widest whiskey selections in Orange County plus expertly crafted cocktails. The building alone is worth the visit. $8–15 per drink.
Branagan’s Irish Pub (213 N Harbor Blvd) has the largest selection of rare Irish whiskey in the area and 30+ Irish beers on tap. This is a proper pub with the atmosphere to match. $7–12 per drink.
The Olde Ship (709 N Harbor Blvd) is an authentic British pub complete with traditional decor, British ales, fish and chips, and weekend soccer matches on the big screens. $7–12 per drink.
The Pint House has been serving Fullerton since 2009 with live music on the patio every Friday and Saturday. Neighborhood bar atmosphere with a solid tap list. $7–12 per drink.
The Continental Room still has a live band on Friday and Saturday nights. Get there early if you want a booth—this place fills up with people who remember when this was the only nightlife in town.
Breweries
Bottle Logic Brewing is Fullerton’s standout in the craft beer world. Known nationally for inventive barrel-aged stouts that generate serious hype—their releases sell out in minutes, and bottles trade online for absurd prices. The tasting room is low-key, but the beer is world-class.
The Bruery is one of the most respected names in American craft beer. They specialize in experimental Belgian-inspired ales and barrel-aged beers. Their wild ale program is particularly impressive. This isn’t a neighborhood brewpub—this is serious brewing.
Bootlegger’s Brewery, established in 2008, is one of Fullerton’s original craft breweries. They helped pioneer the local scene and continue to brew solid, approachable beers in a family-friendly tasting room.
Fullerton Brew Co. sits in the heart of downtown with a full food menu and a neighborhood sports-bar atmosphere. This is where you bring the family or catch the game with friends. Casual, friendly, and central.
Radiant Beer Co. is a newer addition that’s quickly gained a following for quality IPAs and clean lagers. Worth checking out if you’re doing a brewery crawl.
Bottle Logic’s big stout releases sell out in minutes. Follow them on Instagram and sign up for their mailing list if you want any chance at the limited stuff. Or just visit the tasting room for excellent beer without the hype.
“Bottle Logic put Fullerton on the map for beer geeks. The Bruery kept it there.”
Casual & Comfort
Peter’s Gourmade Burgers (near Hillcrest Park) serves gourmet burgers in a laid-back setting. The mushroom swiss is the move. Quality beef, creative toppings, and nothing fancy about the atmosphere. $10–16 per person.
Fuoco Pizzeria Napoletana makes Neapolitan-style pizza that’s consistently praised as the best in the area. Wood-fired, blistered crust, high-quality ingredients. If you’re craving pizza, this is where you go. $12–20 per person.