20 Best Downtown Fullerton Restaurants (2024)
Want to know all the best Downtown Fullerton restaurants? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know!
Downtown Fullerton is a historically preserved section of town with tons of shops and restaurants.
There are a variety of steakhouses, casual eateries, coffee shops, and social gathering spots all through the area.
Planning A Trip? Use Our Favorite Resources Below!
👉🏼 Accommodations
👉🏼 Tours/Experiences
👉🏼 Flights
👉🏼 Car Rentals
Best Downtown Fullerton Restaurants
These are the best Downtown Fullerton restaurants that we recommend to visitors.
1. The Cellar
The Cellar has been around for 55 years and was designed by the Craftsman from the Pirates of the Caribbean.
You’ll find this restaurant at the top of all the best restaurant lists in the area.
It’s nestled in the beautiful Villa Del Sol plaza and has a speakeasy vibe.
I recommend pre-gaming your dinner with some drinks and snacks at the bar.
We tried the red wine and the smoked old fashioned.
They are known for their lobster bisque and they also have a really good mac n cheese.
Once you’re seated at your table, I highly recommend the 10 oz filet mignon for dinner.
It comes with garlic mashed potatoes and green beans.
We like to share our meals, so this is what it looks like as a split plate.
Dinner also comes with a complimentary bread service.
They bring a combination of cheese bread, caramelized onion bread, and a traditional french roll.
You should definitely get the extra side of brussels sprouts, which also has bacon and maple syrup.
Now for dessert.
You have to get the chocolate soufflé with the Grand Marnier sauce!
We were celebrating our anniversary when we ate here, so we also got a cute anniversary crème brûlée.
2. Pour Company
Pour Co is the perfect weekend brunch spot in Downtown Fullerton.
Their chicken and waffles are a best seller.
I also recommend their Doc Holliday Burger which comes with an espresso rubbed patty, house bacon, organic cheddar, onion straws, and their house bbq sauce on a toasted brioche bun.
For drinks, I recommend the Road to Hana, which is a coconut pineapple margarita and the Irish Coffee.
Lastly, for dessert, you’ll want to try the Key Lime Pie.
All of these items are pictured below.
3. 212 Grill & Nightclub
UPDATE: PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Enjoy a candlelit dinner with the best foods from this New York themed restaurant.
The Old Fashioned here is great and they have a few wines to enjoy as well.
One of their most popular appetizers are the boneless, fried Chicken Kickers.
For entrees, I recommend the Pollo Guisado, which is a Puerto Rican stew with white rice, red beans, and fried plantains.
If you’re a pasta lover like me, I also suggest the Penne Alla Vodka.
Lastly, you’ll want to top your meal off with a couple of Cannolis for dessert.
Later in the evening, the restaurant is transformed into the most popular nightclub in Downtown Fullerton.
4. Hidalgo’s Cocina & Cocteles
Hidalgo’s is one of the best upscale Latin restaurants in all of Orange County and they’ve been serving up award winning dishes for over 25 years.
Not only is it a great dinner spot, but they also are popular for brunch, Taco Tuesdays, and their Social Hour on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5 pm – 6 pm.
5. Roscoe’s Famous Deli
Roscoe’s signature sandwich is the SoCo Sandwich.
It is made with corned beef and pastrami, with Swiss cheese between the two meats with Russian dressing.
They slow cook their corned beef and pastrami over night until it is so tender that it falls apart and balled for the sandwich.
Additionally, they slice or cut all of their meats per order for freshness.
6. Stubrik’s Steakhouse
Stubrik’s Steakhouse is known for their specially aged steaks and comfort food favorites.
The bar is also a popular place to just come and hang out while enjoying a variety of uniquely crafted cocktails.
Additionally, up on their mezzanine level they have a lounge with pool tables.
They don’t take reservations, so they are first come first served only.
7. Bourbon Street
A unique hidden gem in Downtown Fullerton is Bourbon Street, which of course serves New Orleans and Cajun inspired dishes.
Some signature dishes include Chicken Gumbo, BBQ Shrimp Po’ Boys, the N’awlins Burger, Jambalaya, and more.
On weekends you can enjoy a Southern breakfast of Mardi Gras Tacos, Biscuits and Gravy, Grits, and more.
8. Pour Vida
We’ve been visiting Pour Vida since they were just a small shop in Downtown Anaheim in 2016 when I first moved here.
They are best known for their Anaheim Burger Taco which tastes like an In N Out burger was turned into a taco.
But I’ve honestly loved every taco I’ve tried because their homemade tortillas are just unlike any other.
They’ve since expanded their menu to have breakfast items, enchiladas, skillets, bowls, and more.
9. Matador Cantina
With lunch specials, weekend brunch, Happy Hour specials, and Taco Tuesday specials, it’s almost always a great time to visit Matador Cantina in Downtown Fullerton.
Additionally, on Mondays, it’s service industry night, where if you have a valid ID that you work in the service industry, you get 50% off all food and wine bottles, plus a discount on drinks.
Wednesdays are for educators, military, fire, and police department employees with a valid ID.
This discount is 30% off all food and 50% off all wine bottles.
Matador Cantina also celebrates Tequila Thursdays with 50% off all premium tequilas over $10 except for tequila flights.
10. Revolucion Cantina
Revolucion Cantina has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine here for over 20 years.
This was one of the first restaurants I ever visited in Downtown Fullerton.
I highly recommend sharing one of their Wet Burritos.
Weekly specials include, CAFECITO from 8 am – 3 pm, weekday Happy Hours from 5 pm – 7 pm, live Entertainment starting at 10 pm, Taco Tuesday, Mezcal Wednesday, Thursday EXTENDED Happy Hour from 5 pm – 9 pm and Sunday Brunch from 11 am – 3 pm.
11. Chomp Rock’n Sushi
This Japanese fusion restaurant has a massive sushi and sashimi menu.
You’d have to visit dozens of time to try it all.
In addition to sushi, they also have a full menu of other traditional dishes like katsu, gyoza, teriyaki chicken, tempura shrimp, edamame, sesame chicken, and more.
They also offer a great Sake menu.
12. The Old Spaghetti Factory
The decor and antique design of The Old Spaghetti Factory make it a fully immersive dining experience.
There are quite a few locations throughout the country, in at least a dozen states, so you may have been here before, but this location in particular is worth visiting.
You’ll enjoy a 3 course meal of soup or salad, an entree, and spumoni or vanilla ice cream to end your meal.
They also provide a complimentary bread service.
I highly recommend their Vanilla Italian Cream Soda to drink.
13. Mickey’s Irish Pub
Mickey’s is a great late night spot or a place to watch a game.
It gets pretty busy during some of the bigger games, but you’ll still always be able to get a drink at the bar.
I recommend their Irish Coffee, especially because it’s considered the best Irish Coffee in town.
14. Heroes Bar & Grill
As many times as I’ve been here over the years, I somehow don’t have any photos.
But it’s been a popular meeting spot when friends are in town wanting to get together.
Heroes has been in Downtown Fullerton for over 30 years and serves 119 beers on tap currently.
For food, you can get all your bar food favorites like loaded fries, burgers, nachos, and more.
15. Hopscotch Tavern
Hopscotch Tavern is in the converted Pacific Electric Railway station.
They are best known for their beer and whiskey selection.
It’s a popular late night spot with the college and young adult crowd for the live music that I think is only on weekends.
During normal hours though, you can get taco specials on Tuesdays and whiskey and wine specials on Wednesdays.
For food, you can enjoy small plates like bacon wrapped dates and empanadas, entrees like cacio e pepe, plus burgers, lobster rolls, and more.
16. Palapas Tacos
Just on the far North end of Downtown Fullerton is Palapas Tacos.
This is a casual, counter service place, but they have some of the most indulgent menu items.
They are best known for their Birria Ramen and their Caliquesadilla.
I’ve loved everything I’ve tried here though.
17. Original Clyde’s Hot Chicken
Hot Chicken (or what’s also known as Nashville hot chicken) has been blowing up in Southern California in recent years.
Clyde’s Hot Chicken in particular is also expanding rapidly.
Even if you don’t like spicy food (like me) there are still plenty of foods to try here like the mac n cheese, waffles, and mildly seasoned chicken.
My husband however will try all things spicy and enjoys the chicken sandwich with macaroni salad.
18. Cupid’s Hot Dogs
Another great quick service spot in Downtown Fullerton is Cupid’s Hot Dogs.
You can get a variety of hot dog toppings here as well as a variety of grilled cheese sandwiches and sides like fries and onion rings.
To finish off your meal with a sweet treat, they also serve milkshakes.
19. The Night Owl
The Night Owl is a popular independent coffee shop.
It’s a great place for remote workers, those that are self employed, or for the local students to get some work done or get a little reading in.
They have teas and coffees, as well as pastries and other baked goods.
It’s the perfect place to grab a little snack while working or catching up with friends.
20. Milk & Cookies
This Southern California chain serves a variety of warm cookies, ice cream, and even milks.
They have their regular cookies, but they also make some jumbo sized, which are considered premium cookies.
Personally, anything with chocolate is a must here.
More Great Restaurants In Orange County
Orange County offers a little bit of everything for every type of palette and budget.
These are more of the best restaurants in Orange County.
✅ Best Orange Circle Restaurants
Orange Circle, or Old Towne Orange is another historic district in Orange County with a variety of shops and restaurants.
These are the best restaurants you can find there.
✅ Best Romantic Restaurants in Orange County
Date nights in Orange County have endless possibilities whether it’s your first date or your 25th anniversary!
These are our favorite restaurants in Orange County for a romantic couples night out.
✅ Best Birthday Restaurants in Orange County
Being local, we’ve spent plenty of birthdays in Orange County.
These are the best restaurants for birthday celebrations.
✅ Best Restaurants in Orange County With a View
Ocean views and mountain views can be found all over Orange County.
These are the best ones with the best restaurants.
✅ Best Italian Restaurants in Orange County
From super upscale fine dining to casually family restaurants, there are a ton of great Italian restaurants all over Orange County to try on your next visit.
✅ Best Mexican Restaurants in Orange County
From road side taco trucks to upscale fine dining, Orange County has some of the best Mexican food you can find outside of Mexico.
✅ Best Burgers in Anaheim
Anaheim is a neighboring town to Orange that also has a variety of restaurants for every palette and budget.
These are the best burgers you can find in Anaheim.
✅ Best Chinese Restaurants in Anaheim
From dumpling houses to your neighborhood mom and pop shop, there’s a ton of great Chinese restaurants in Anaheim.
✅ Best Bars in Anaheim
From classic tiki bars to breweries to rooftop bars, Anaheim has a little bit of everything.
✅ Best Restaurants in Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach has more than just the touristy restaurants around the pier.
These are all of our favorites.
Conclusion: Best Downtown Fullerton Restaurants
Downtown Fullerton has seemingly endless dining and shopping options.
It’s one of our go-to areas when we want to try something new or when we don’t know what we want to eat, but we know we’ll find something that sounds good.
These are the best Downtown Fullerton restaurants that we recommend for visitors.
