Iced Coffee isn't Dinner: Here are the best eats in OC

Camila Acevedo

Every day at around 4:45 p.m., the same thing happens. The bell rings, everyone spills into The Lisa Argyros Commons and within two minutes, someone pops the question: “Where are we eating before rehearsal?” Your caffeine-addicted friend is holding an iced coffee, the designated driver is already pulling up Google Maps and two people are straight-up arguing over whose favorite spot is actually better. Just like clockwork.

Honestly, trying to figure out food between class and rehearsal is annoying enough without spending your Office Hours scrolling through Yelp. So, to save everyone from the back-and-forth, here’s a list of actual go-to spots around OC that just work. Plus, you can DoorDash all of them straight to school if you’re stuck on campus.

Santa Ana

Artist’s Village Cafe: If you need somewhere quiet in the downtown arts district, this is perfect. They are known for a calm, vintage vibe, deep local music ties and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. People go for the string-lit patio and comfort food that actually feels handmade rather than mass-produced.Orders to try: Iced Horchata Latte, a warm panini or the Starving Artist (creamy tomato soup paired with a classic grilled cheese)

Santos Pizza: When everyone is starving after a long event, Santos can be your new default. They are known for their generous toppings and thick, airy crust that doesn’t get soggy under a ton of cheese. People keep going back for the cheese-pull and the golden, crispy wings when they need food for a group.Orders to try: Double Pepperoni Pie with Mango Habanero Wings

Hammer Burger: For a solid burger, this is the best nearby option. People call it a smash burger because they press fresh beef right onto a flaming grill with paper-thin shaved onions. That process creates lacy, crispy edges that lock in the flavor, which pairs with melted American cheese on a soft potato bun.Orders to try: Classic Double Smashburger with a side of Sweet Potato Fries

Old Towne Orange & Beyond

The Taco Stand: A reliable option during weekend breaks or gaps before an evening event. It mimics the feel of a classic Tijuana street stand, complete with hand-pressed corn tortillas made right in front of you. The al pastor is shaved straight off the vertical trompo spit, mixing smoky meat with sweet grilled pineapple and guacamole.Orders to try: Al Pastor Taco

Costa Mesa

Folks Pizzeria: Good for late nights after performances or weekend hangouts, Folks is easily one of the top pizza places in the area. They use a natural sourdough fermentation process that creates a chewy crust with wood-fired char spots. The sweet-and-savory mix of garlic cream and hot honey over savory meats is what sets it apart.Orders to try: Sourdough Pie with Hot Honey & Pepperoni

Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee : Located right on 17th Street in the heart of Newport Beach which works well for a quick dessert after a long day at the beach. Sidecar stands out because they fry fresh batches from scratch every single hour, resulting in a dense, cakey texture with real-fruit glazes that don’t taste artificial.Orders to try: Huckleberry Cake Doughnut

These places saved me so many times and, coming from a culinary student, they meet the standards. The next time 4:45 p.m. rolls around and you hear arguing in the commons, just pick one of these and go eat before rehearsal starts.