ABOUT ORANGE
Local Restaurants
Breakfast
The Filling Station – 201 N. Glassell St.
This landmark eatery is a local favorite in the City of Orange. Originally built as a Gas Station and later converted into a great place to grab a mouth-watering American breakfast with all the traditional dishes. The Filling Station is also great for lunch with their large variety of burgers and sandwiches.
Bagel Me – 60 Plaza Square
Have you ever had a turkey and cranberry sauce sandwich… on a bagel? If not, you may want to try this local eatery. Bagel me has a gigantic variety of bagels and some inventive new ways of updating the bagel for lunch or even dinner. Their smoothies are a healthy delight as well as their interesting and original flavors of cream cheese.
Starbucks Coffee – 44 Plaza Square
The worldwide coffee chain delivers on its promise of locations everywhere with not one, but two locations in the Orange Circle. Grab a cup of their world famous coffee or one of their blended drinks to cool down on a hot day.
Café Lucca – 106 N. Glassell St.
Cafe Lucca, a popular place for gelato and other mouth-watering afternoon goodies, also serves tasty breakfasts. And let’s not forget the full espresso bar- everyone’s favorite.
Byblos – 129 W. Chapman Ave.
This quaint Mediterranean eatery is one of the best places to go if you are craving some breakfast. Their feta and egg pita is absolutely delicious and you can wash it down with any number of fresh squeezed juices. The apple juice tastes like biting into a Granny Smith!
Blue Frog Bakery/Café – 136 S. Glassell St.
Pain au chocolate, black forest cake, breakfast burritos, salads, cookies and sandwiches. That is merely a sample of the wide variety of food served at Blue Frog. This hideaway bakery with is upstairs seating area and coffee shop feel is a great place to stop in for a long lunch or for terrific brunch.
Lunch
Café Lucca – 106 N. Glassell St.
Cafe Lucca is a terrific place to have a small lunch or to stop for a scrumptious treat. Lucca has mouth-watering gelato, cookies and various other baked goods not to mention a full espresso bar. Or if you are looking for something a little bit more substantial why not try one of their many artisan sandwiches or paninis.
Two’s Company – 22 Plaza Square
From their sign down to the attention given to each customer, Two’s Company invokes the small town 1950’s feel of old town Orange. This is the spot to go for a good sandwich or some soup. Check out their daily specials menu for some variation.
Watson’s – 116 E. Chapman Ave.
Are you looking for a little bit of 1950’s Americana with your meal? Well, this is the place you are going to find it. Watson’s is a combination soda fountain and pharmacy, a great place to soak in the atmosphere of Old Town Orange.
Mustard Café – 190 S. Glassell St.
This café boasts sandwiches, salads and a variety of entrees that will have you coming back again and again. A great place for a casual lunch or to grab a quick bite to go.
Tokyo Café – 161 N. Glassell St.
Sushi, sashimi, Bento boxes, Teriyaki, Edamame and Miso… is your mouth watering yet? If so then Tokyo Cafe is the place for you, boasting all of these menu items and more. Their specialty rolls are not to be missed.
Papa Hassan’s – 421 N. Glassell St.
The Lebanese cuisine at this Orange favorite is spectacular. Once you walk in and smell the spices and aromatic meats you won’t be able to leave until you have had your fill and then some. It’s location directly next to campus make it an even further popular spot.
Dinner
Gabby’s - 141 S. Glassell St.
One of the best restaurants in town! Only a short walk from the dorms Gabby’s Central American/Continental fusion food will blow you away. From their delicious Queso Fundito de la Casa to their scrumptious Churros, Gabby’s will not disappoint. Anyone seeking a higher-end dining experience with great ambiance should not miss this gem.
Felix’s – 36 Plaza Square
A terrific little Cuban place in the middle of the Orange circle. Felix’s boasts a traditional Cuban menu as well as ample outdoor seating to enjoy the beautiful Southern California evening weather.
Zito’s – 156 N. Glassell St.
Zito’s is a Chapman Student favorite. A cozy pizza place just off the main street and right across from a candy store, Zito’s offers great pizzas at even better prices. Don’t miss out on their garlic or cinnamon knots, little balls of dough that pack a wallop of flavor.
Jalapenos – 154 N. Glassell St.
Are you looking for a delicious Mexican dinner? Then look no further than Jalapenos. A light healthier Mexican restaurant located very close to campus, Jalapenos is an excellent dining experience for anyone seeking what a typical Southern California resident eats on a day-to-day basis.
Aldo’s – 190 S. Glassell St.
Hungry for a little taste of Italy? Want a big bowl of delicious pasta smothered in a decadent sauce? Well then read no further! Aldo’s with its fine dining atmosphere and excellent wait staff will have you saying delizioso.
Papa Hasson’s – 421 N. Glassell St.
The Lebanese cuisine at this Orange favorite is spectacular. Once you walk in and smell the spices and aromatic meats you won’t be able to leave until you have had your fill and then some.
Other Fare:
Paris in a Cup – 119 S. Glassell St.
A traditional High Tea is what you will find at this cozy teahouse. Offering watercress sandwiches and a variety of options ranging from just tea to the entire service A Cup of Paris has something for every teatime.
ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY
Local Area Activities:
Southern California and Orange County provide a myriad of activities for people of all ages. We encourage you to come early or stay late to enjoy all that Southern California has to offer. A sampling of attractions and things to do are:
Disney Land – A trip to Southern California is not complete without a trip to this world famous family fun park. Only 10 minutes from Chapman University- it’s a must!
Knott’s Berry Farm – This amusement park started with a few jars of Jam, now the Knott Jam Empire has created this wildly fun park for the whole family.
2009 OC FAIR – Come see a county fair Southern California style, with rides, exhibits, booths and food you won’t soon forget.
Pageant of the Masters - Each night during the summer season at 8:30 pm the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach presents its most famous attraction, the Pageant of the Masters. What is it? Ninety minutes of "living pictures" - incredibly faithful art re-creations of classical and contemporary works with real people posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original pieces. An outdoor amphitheater, professional orchestra, original score, live narration, intricate sets, sophisticated lighting, expert staff, and hundreds of dedicated volunteers have won recognition for the Pageant as the best presentation of its kind. Truly a spectacular event!
Newport Beach Duffy Boats- One of the best and most fun ways to explore Newport harbor is to gather your friends and rent one of the Duffy boats. Easy to handle and fun for all, the electric Duffy boats are great for an afternoon or evening of cruising around the bay.
LA Dodgers- Unfortunately our hometown team, the Angels, will be on the road for all dates around OACAC 2009. But not all is lost for baseball fans as the LA Dodgers will be playing at home (Houston during and Cincinnati after the conference dates).
Wild Rivers Water Park – This family water park is the perfect way to cool down in the hot months of the summer, with rides and attractions there will never be a dull moment. A great spot for kids for all ages!
Catalina Island – Just one hour off the coast from Newport Beach is beautiful and remote Catalina Island. On Catalina you can do everything… or nothing at all. For some it’s scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, or frolicking in crystal-clear waters. For others, it’s horseback riding, world-class golf, para-sailing or exploring charming shops and galleries. And then there are those who prefer to do nothing but relax on the beach. Whatever your passion, the Island of Romance will entrance you.
Discovery Science Center – This kid oriented science museum makes learning fun and cool with its distinct building and unique interactive exhibits. The perfect way to escape the summer sun for fun and learning.
OC Wild Life & Beach Tour - Explore Tide Pools or a Nature Preserve. See the beauty of Southern California beaches, observe Seals & Sea Lions up close, see the quaint town of Laguna Beach, picturesque Dana Point and Newport Beach
Orange County Zoo - The Orange County Zoo is located inside beautiful Irvine Park in the city of Orange. The Zoo is nestled among the majestic 477 acre wilderness park. The Zoo's focus is on animals and plants native to the southwestern United States.
Mission San Juan Capistrano - Mission San Juan Capistrano, the Birthplace of Orange County, was founded more than two hundred years ago as the 7th of 21 missions statewide, and one with a chapel still standing where Fr. Serra once celebrated Mass. Today it is a monument to California's multi-cultural history, embracing its Native American, Spanish, Mexican and European heritage. A beautiful site to visit in a charming town about 40 minutes south of Orange.
Ocean Festival - The San Clemente Ocean Festival is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to the promotion and support of ocean safety, the environment and the community by providing a quality athletic, cultural and enjoyable family event.
The Bowers Museum of Culture and Art – The vision statement of this wonderful museum is to celebrate world cultures through their arts. Located just down the way from Chapman it’s a great way to see art from around the world.
Fullerton Museum Center - The Fullerton Museum Center is dedicated to developing and presenting the best in multi-disciplinary exhibitions and educational programs in the areas of history, science, and art.
Orange County Museum of Art - The Orange County Museum of Art champions and interprets the art and culture of our time for a diverse and changing community. The museum is guided by the conviction that exhibitions and programs should link historical and 20th century contemporary art, bridge local and global cultures, and inspire the sense of inquiry, creativity, and imagination within all people.
Orange County Center for Contemporary Art - The Orange County Center for Contemporary Art (OCCCA) is an artist operated California non-profit corporation dedicated to the pursuit of professional excellence and freedom of expression in the arts.
Other places in the area worth visiting:
Newport Beach - 20 minutes from Chapman
Laguna Beach- 30 minutes from Chapman
Huntington Beach - 30 minutes from Chapman
Los Angeles- 45 minutes from Chapman
San Diego - 1 hour from Chapman
Palm Springs- 1.5 hours from Chapman