Food

Best Birthday Cakes

Nothing Bundt Cakes

If you like a moist cake with decadent frosting, look no further than Anything Bundt Cakes. Started in Las Vegas in 1997, this bakery offers quality bundt cakes to over 500 locations today including 40 states and Canada. Are you more of a cupcake person? No problem! Nothing Bundt Cakes offers an assortment of mini bundt cakes as well — it even has gluten-free options.

nothingbundtcakes.com | Multiple Locations

Best Family Restaurant

Avila’s El Ranchito — Orange County Mexican Cuisine

Avila’s El Ranchito is a staple throughout Orange County, and was started by Salvador Avila and his family over 55 years ago. Every location still belongs to the Avila family, with each location being run by a different member. The recipes have also remained relatively unchanged over the years, making it the best spot to find quality Mexican cuisine.

avilaselranchito.com | Multiple Locations

Best Healthy Snack

Nekter Juice Bar

Whether you are looking for fresh juice, acai bowl, smoothie or even a take-home juice cleanse, Nekter Juice Bar is the best spot to turn to. Nekter has over 200 locations and is in 26 different states. You can grab anything from a hearty peanut butter bowl to hold you over for lunch to a fresh-made juice to grab on-the-go — and the menu offers many options kids just love.

nekterjuicebar.com | Multiple Locations

Best Ice Cream/Frozen Treat

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt has a well-respected history that spans all the way back to 1945 by founder Alice Handel who opened her shop in Youngstown, Ohio. Today, Handel’s still scoops up both classic and funky flavors that everyone can enjoy. Try one of its famous Hurricanes that is made from its world-famous vanilla ice cream and your choice of mix-ins. If you’d rather have a simple cone, there are many flavors to choose from.

handelsicecream.com | Multiple Locations

Best Pizza Place

Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store

Are you looking for a place where you can unleash the kids while munching on pizza without the worries of bothering any of the other patrons? Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store is the place for you and your family. Whether you want to dine-in or take-out, this pizza place has all the menu options to appease every palate including everyone from picky-eaters to vegans, not to mention it also has an array of desserts to choose from. 

sgtpepps.com | Multiple Locations

Best Place to Satisfy a Sweet Tooth

Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee

No one believes in daily scratch-made donuts more than Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee. When you walk inside this bakery, there is an instant scent of freshly baked donuts lingering in the air. The hardest part about going to Sidecar is the selection as it boasts everything from classics like old-fashioned donuts to fan favorites like Butter and Salt and Huckleberry.

sidecardoughnuts.com | Costa Mesa

Best Dine & Play

Dave & Buster’s

If you are itching to take your kids to play at an arcade that offers quality food (and drinks for you), then check out Dave & Buster’s. Founded in the 1970s, Dave & Buster’s has continued to entertain and feed families for over 50 years. Whether you are looking for a fun day out, a dinner hangout or a place to take the kids while the game is on so you can watch without interruption, Dave & Buster’s is the spot.

daveandbusters.com | Multiple Locations

Best Vegan Food

True Food Kitchen

Farm to table has never been more true than True Food Kitchen as it partners with growers, ranchers and producers to give you the delicious menu items it offers. If you are into fresh vegetables, True Food Kitchen works with the freshest as it offers veggie-packed staples like spaghetti squash casserole and a Thai peanut noodle bowl as well as a variety of salads, appetizers and vanilla ice cream that is all vegan-friendly.

truefoodkitchen.com | Newport Beach

Best Fast Food

In-N-Out

The appeal of In-N-Out is not only its use of fresh ingredients and delicious classic flavors, but the fact that its menu prices aren’t sky high. Many locals know that In-N-Out offers a “secret” menu consisting of things like Animal-Style burgers and fries and Neapolitan milkshakes. It’s also a great place to bring the whole family (dogs included) as it boasts kid-friendly cheeseburgers as well as puppy patties that are safe for your four-legged companions to eat too.

in-n-out.com | Multiple Locations

Best Food Truck/Stand

Kona Ice Food Truck

Are you looking for a cold, refreshing treat to beat the heat? Track down the Kona Ice Food Truck. Not only will you feel cool while you are eating, but you won’t be packing on pounds as its highest calorie item on its menu tops out at 50 calories per serving. Choose from icy flavors like Ninja Cherry, Star Berry’d Treasure, Lucky Lime and more.

kona-ice.com | Orange County

Best Party Caterer

Board & Brew

If you haven’t tried a Board & Brew sandwich with a touch of its Secret Sauce, then you have no idea what you are missing. This craft sandwich shop has been serving up some of the freshest and most delicious sandwiches since 1979, and the best part is you can share it with friends and family by grabbing its catering service. Cater anything from small gathering to large soirees with the options it has available, and the selection is unmatched as there is something on the menu everyone can enjoy.

boardandbrew.com | Multiple Locations

By Jessie Dax-Setkus, Magda Hernandez and Shawn Price