Pop quiz. You’re cruising the OC.  You’re famished.  And you’re totally lost.  What do you do?  Rely on this quick pick list of locals’ favorite eateries, and you’ll always know exactly where to go to get your grub on.

Huntington Beach
Jan’s Health Bar
501 Main Street #D, Huntington Beach
714-536-4856
For over a decade Jan's has served healthy soups, sandwiches, salads, smoothies, and fruit drinks to the satisfaction of steady and loyal locals seeking fresh, natural meals.  What keeps us coming back time and time again?  The Soy Turkey Avo sandwich (it’s also available with real turkey).  Order it large and you get an ample serving of turkey, half an avocado, tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, sprouts, and soy bacon bits, piled high between two slices of honey wheat berry bread. Plus your choice of Hav’A Corn Chips (an OC local delicacy), fruit, or pasta salad.  Insider’s tip: Jan’s only accepts cash.

Costa Mesa
The Gypsy Den Cafe
2930 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa
714-549-7012 www.gypsyden.com
Any time is a good time to check out the Gypsy Den.  But breakfast is definitely our favorite.  If you’re not a coffee person, grab a big hot cup o’ chai tea (spiced or vanilla).  And on hot days, they can blend it up with ice for ya.  Every hand-made goodie from the bakery is delicious, but if you need something a bit more hearty, the Bagel-Egg Sandwich, Morning Mix, or Eggchilada will help you start off the day on the right foot.  And whether you sit inside on a comfy couch surrounded by attic décor and eclectic tapestries, or bask in the SoCal sunshine on the outdoor patio, flanked with lavender bushes, we’re sure this is a little spot in OC that you don’t wanna miss.  Open 7:30am – 11pm Monday – Thursday (till midnight on Friday), and 8am – midnight Saturday (till 11pm Sunday).

Laguna Beach
Taco Loco
640 South Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach
949-497-1635
This place has it all: the tastiest munchies, affordable prices, and an awesome view (it’s right across the street from the beach).  But be careful: the fresh, hippie-inspired dishes here are totally addictive.  Just try to stop at one yummy Blackened Lobster Taco (or Quesadilla, or Nachos), Potato Taco, or our personal favorite, the Blackened Tofu Mushroom Burger.  It comes with a side of chips or rice, and an incredible selection of sauces for smothering.  From mild to hot, the salsas are great, but it’s the chunky guacamole that deserves some serious attention.  And to top it all off, why not try a special Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie for dessert?  Sorry, but we’re salivating just thinking about it.