Your local favorite joints to grab the grub

[BarTopDancer]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

Also in Costa Mesa is The Gypsy Den, at the Lab Antimall. A tiny little bakery/cafe that serves delicious sandwiches on fresh baked bread. Their soups leave something to be desired as every soup they serve is basically cream of cumin that's been dyed the color of whatever it's supposed to be. But man, those sandwiches. And it's all about the atmosphere. Seating is a mix of little cafe patio tables and couches with coffee tables. They've got two big doors that are always open to the outside seating area, so it's nice and airy. It's decorated in a great eclectic lounge style, with randomly filled bookshelves. It's just the most relaxing place to sit and have a meal.

I love the Gypsey Den. I miss the days when I was a regular customer. They have another location in Newport or Santa Ana in a museum. I'm blanking on it now. I must disagree with you on their soups... the Adobe Stew rocks. The sandwiches and salads are amazing, the portions are huge and the prices can't be beat.

In HB there's a little Italian restaurant called Manja Manja. It's at Golden West and Edinger, a hole in the wall place. The food is excellent. Their garlic bread is melt in your mouth and the pasta is always done right. Their chef will create a sauce if you don't like what the pasta comes with.

Also in HB is Kings Pizza. Located on Springdale and Heil a few stores down from Vons, this pizza place has been in that center for over 25 years. Total hole in the wall, tables in the front and a small banquet area in the back. Cash only. The pizzas are huge and to die for. I have never had a pizza as good as Kings.

One more in HB is Kung Pao Chinese Restaurant. This gem is located at Bolsa Chica and Warner. It is a family style restaurant with warm intimate seating areas. The service and food are amazing and the prices are great (especially for lunch).

In Laguna Hills there is a Chinese Restaurant that I just discovered located off of Carlotta Ave in the Trader Joes shopping center. Amazing.