Story by Mark Carlisle
Photo by Miles Furuichi
Most college students scoff at the phrase “burning the midnight oil.” For a lot of us, work often starts at midnight.
Chapman students know that Orange is definitely a city that sleeps and goes to bed early. I can’t do much for you regarding the party scene, but in terms of dining, there are a few diamonds in the rough for us night owls.
So whether you need a pick-me-up for that all-night essay or your night out has left your stomach growling, here is your guide to 24-hour dining in Orange.
MEXICAN FOOD
Taqueria De Anda
291 N Tustin St., Orange, CA 92867
Yelp: 4/5 stars, 304 reviews.
Serves: Tacos, burritos, chips and salsa, rice, beans, soda
Menu: http://beta.taqueriadeanda.com/?page_id=4
This is a Chapman-favorite that’s close to campus. For those of you looking to fill your stomach after the sun’s gone down, it’ll do the job. It offers Chipotle-sized burritos, for far below Chipotle prices.
“Spicy in, spicy out. I always regret it and I always go back for more.”
– Aaron Rickel, senior film production major
Taqueria Mexico
108 W Katella Ave., Orange, CA 92867
Yelp: 4/5 stars, 166 reviews.
Serves: Tacos, burritos, tortas, quesadillas, sopes, huaraches, taquitos, smoothies
Menu: http://taqueriamexico.powersites.net/menu/
Chapman student’s favorite drunk food location is Albertaco’s, but it only stays open until 3 a.m. at the latest. If you’re still going after that time, Taqueria Mexico is just a block up the street, for those who are stuck walking. It also offers much more authentic Mexican cuisine.
“My main issue with late night dining is the lack of options in close proximity to campus and the surrounding area where most students live. It's not an issue if you can drive, but if you don't have a car or are intoxicated, then it makes it more difficult. So that's why Taqueria Mexico is good, besides having amazing tacos. Same goes for Albertaco’s.”
– Brandon Lamb, senior chemistry major
DINERS
Norm’s
1550 E Katella Ave., Orange, CA 92867
Yelp: 3/5 stars, 173 reviews.
Serves: Breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, steak, salads, ice cream sundaes
Menu: http://normsrestaurants.com/bfast.html
“For someone who doesn't eat meat, it's difficult to find late night dining options where I can order something cheap besides French fries. At least Norm's and Denny's have full menus. I've only been to Norm's once, after the midnight premiere of ‘The Hobbit,’ and it was an excellent decision. (The breakfast at 4:00am, not the film).”
– Rachel Sustek, senior dance major
“Literally the only place I can go sit down at 2 a.m. and be fed besides Denny's.”
– Aaron Rickel, senior film production major
Denny’s
3000 W Chapman Ave., Orange, CA 92868
Yelp: 3/5 stars, 34 reviews.
Serves: Breakfast, sandwiches, burgers, ice cream sundaes
Menu: http://www.dennys.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=denny%27s%20menu&utm_campaign=Branded%7CMenu+E-&utm_content=suVp3YJju_dc|pcrid|50129213217|pkw|denny%27s%20menu|pmt|e#/menu
After all, their slogan is “America’s diner is always open.” This one’s a little far from campus, but it made the list because it’s right next to Panther Village.
“Literally the only place I can go sit down at 2 a.m. and be fed besides Norm’s.”
– Aaron Rickel, senior film production major
FAST FOOD
Jack in the Box
431 W Katella Ave., Orange, CA 92867
Yelp: 3.5/5 stars, 8 reviews.
3050 W Chapman Ave., Orange, CA 92868
Yelp: 3/5 stars, 18 reviews.
Serves: Burgers, sandwiches, fries, breakfast sandwiches, tacos, milkshakes, soda
Menu: http://www.jackinthebox.com/food?gclid=CILnyI-blMUCFY17fgodcVgALA
*Breakfast serves 24-hours
Not every location is 24-hours, but these two are. The one on West Chapman is right across the street from Panther Village as well. Jack in the Box serves breakfast all day and provides a lot of variety. If you’re taking a large group through a drive-thru, it’s probably your best bet to satiate everyone’s current craving.
Del Taco
Tuskatella Shopping Center. 1301 E Katella Ave., Orange, CA 92867
Yelp: 3/5 stars, 18 reviews.
2043 W Chapman Ave. Orange, CA 92868
Yelp: 3/5 stars, 18 reviews.
3730 E Chapman Ave,. Orange, CA 92869
Yelp: 3.5/5 stars, 15 reviews.
2761 N Grand Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92701
Yelp: 2.5/5 stars, 18 reviews.
Serves: Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, fries, burgers, nachos, fresca bowls, soda, shakes
Menu: http://www.deltaco.com/food.html
Del Taco has the most locations in the area of any restaurant. It offers a lot of options for “A buck and under” as their menu states.
Carl’s Jr.
402 Main St., Orange, CA 92868
Yelp: 2.5/5 stars, 13 reviews.
Serves: Burgers, sandwiches, fries, onion rings, breakfast sandwiches, salads, milkshakes
Menu: http://www.carlsjr.com/menu/nutritional_calculator#
*Breakfast served between 6 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
There are locations closer to campus, but this is the closest one that’s open 24-7.
Subway
1140 W. La Veta Ave., Condo #3, St. Joseph Medical Plaza. Orange, CA 92868
Yelp: 4/5 stars, 4 reviews.
691 Main St #130, Orange, CA 92868
Yelp: 3/5 stars, 22 reviews.
Serves: Sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches, coffee, salads, soup, chips, cookies
Menu: http://www.subway.com/menu/
According to QSR Magazine, Subway now outnumbers any other chain in the U.S., and there’s certainly a lot near campus. However, these are the only ones that will serve you any time of night. One is across the street from the Westfield Main Place shopping mall, and the other, just around the corner, is a small satellite location in St. Joseph’s hospital.
DONUTS
DK’s Donuts of Orange
3744 E Chapman Ave., Orange, CA 92869
Yelp: 4.5/5 stars, 332 reviews.
Serves: Doughnuts, cresnuts (croissant donuts), coffee, breakfast sandwiches, smoothies
Menu: http://dksdonutsorange.com/donuts/
*Cash only
DK’s is located on Chapman, east of the 55 freeway near In-N-Out. It serves gourmet donuts and the trendy croissant donuts. The prices are higher than a lot of donut places, but the quality justifies it. It’s a popular spot for early-risers on the way to their jobs, but it can also serve as a nice midnight – I mean, 4 a.m. – snack. Just make sure you’ve been to the ATM first.
“I go to DK’s Donuts every weekend! It’s my lifeline. Thank goodness it's 24 hours because where else can you get a quality Samoas cronut at 3 a.m.?”
– Morgan Yuvienco, sophomore journalism major
Donut Star
915 W Chapman Ave., Orange, CA 92868
Yelp: 4/5 stars, nine reviews.
Serves: Doughnuts, coffee, breakfast sandwiches, cigarettes
Menu: N/A
*Cash only
Donut star is on the corner of Chapman and Batavia. It has a smaller selection than DK’s and a longer wait time if you’re getting a breakfast sandwich. This can be a good option for those students who live in this part of town.
Winchell’s Donut House
272 N Tustin St., Orange, CA 92867
Yelp: 3/5 stars, 22 reviews.
Serves: Doughnuts, coffee, bagels, tea, specialty coffee drinks
Menu: http://winchells.com/menu-nutrition/
Winchell’s is the closest donut place to campus. Might be too long of a walk, but a good, quick option if you have a car, especially if you’re looking for some coffee to stay awake. It’s your typical chain donut place.
“I've never tried donuts after drinking. I might have to try that.”
– Brandon Lamb, senior chemistry major
GROCERY/CONVENIENCE STORES
Fresh & Easy
146 Main St., Orange, CA 92868
Yelp: 4/5 stars, 78 reviews.
1803 E Chapman Ave., Orange, CA 92867
Yelp: 4/5 stars, 58 reviews.
Serves: Grocery, liquor, fresh produce, bakery
Menu: N/A
If you’re schedule’s set up so that all of your free time is after midnight, Fresh & Easy gives you a chance to get your shopping done on your time. It doesn’t have the same selection as most supermarkets, but it’s good for produce. Like the other places on this list, it can also be a good place to stop for a quick snack.
7 Eleven
108 W Katella Ave., Orange, CA 92867
Yelp: 3/5 stars, 6 reviews.
720 N Tustin St., Orange, CA 92867
Yelp: 4.5/5 stars, 4 reviews.
290 S. Main St., Orange, CA 92868
Yelp: 3/5 stars, 7 reviews.
909 W Chapman Ave., Orange, CA 92868
Yelp: 3.5/5 stars, 6 reviews.
4427 E Chapman Ave., Orange, CA 92869
Yelp:3.5/5 stars, 4 reviews.
2647 N Grand Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92705
Yelp: 2.5/5 stars, 7 reviews.
Serves: Hot dogs, burritos, taquitos, sandwiches, Slurpees, liquor, cigarettes, snacks
Menu: https://www.7-eleven.com/Hungry/
*Stop serving alcohol at 2 a.m. or earlier, depending on location.
It seems like there’s one on every corner. They offer plenty of selection for snacks and drinks and also have a few cheap options if you’re looking for hot food.
