Panther’s Picks: Favorite food around The Circle
Illustration by Sami Seyedhosseini, Cartoonist
With seafood from our music reporter to thai from our editor-in-chief, The Panther staff has a number of deliciously fun recommendations just down the street from Chapman’s campus in Old Towne Orange.
Walking down The Circle, we have restaurant after restaurant that get five-star ratings from our staff. Next time you find yourself hungry in Orange, reference The Panther's compiled list.
Wazabi Sushi
Offering crispy rice, gyoza, over thirty specialty rolls and much more, Wazabi Sushi’s slogan is “freshness and flavor served daily.”
Makenna Kunimura, a senior journalism major and The Panther’s creative director, noted Wazabi Sushi to be her personal favorite stop in The Circle.
“I really like the vibe in there, the workers are always so nice,” Kunimura said.
Providing a relaxed setting, Wazabi’s Orange location has been open since 2021, with its original restaurant established in 2015.
Placed at the edge of The Circle, this Japanese restaurant offers a number of traditional dishes as well as a fusion of other Thai flavors, according to their website.
Kunimura orders the “Gloria Roll” which is a spicy tuna and shrimp tempura specialty roll in soy paper, topped with yellowtail, salmon, jalapeno and ceviche sauce.
“I have had such good memories in there,” said Kunimura. “My friends and I have always gone out to eat there since freshman year, so it holds so many good memories for me.”
Taco Stand
Right around the corner from Wazabi, with hefty burritos and warm, sweet churros, is one of Taco Stand’s 17 locations.
Senior communication studies major and The Panther’s managing editor Caleb Otte said that Taco Stand is one of his most visited spots.
“If you go to Chapman, you know about Taco Stand,” said Otte. “And if you haven't been, you simply must go now. Immediately. Drop what you are doing and go.”
The founders, Aram and Julian from the border region of Tijuana, brought homey flavors to their first establishment in San Diego in 2013, then eventually to Orange in 2019.
The menu runs deep: nine taco and nine burrito choices are offered, as well as breakfast options.
Otte favors their carne asada fries, the bean and cheese burrito and the churros.
“There isn't a bad burrito or taco, and all the food is freshly made. Taco Stand never misses,” said Otte.
Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen
“It’s a Michelin-star Mexican restaurant with the best food and drinks and a great vibe,” said Seraphina Oketch, junior broadcast journalism major and The Panther’s assistant features and entertainment editor.
Founded in 2006 by Gabbi and Ed Patrick, their goal is to “preserve the rich culinary heritage of Mexico,” according to their website.
Serving brunch, lunch, dinner and cocktails, Gabbi’s kitchen offers a variety of authentic and homemade dishes from birria quesadillas to pozole.
Oketch dines at Gabbi’s restaurant about once a month and orders the chips and salsa, esquites and the carnita norteñas.
“The atmosphere is amazing and the food and drinks are always great,” said Oketch. “It’s just such an inviting place and they play good music.”
Smoqued California Barbeque
Home to brisket, chicken, sausage, ribs, pulled pork and much more, Smoqued BBQ has been a Circle staple since 2012.
Owners of Smoqued Mike Hernandez and Drew Ciora also opened the brewing company next door, 1886.
Lane Forti, junior journalism major and news reporter for The Panther, appreciates a little piece of home here at Smoqued.
“Being from Texas, I’m always looking for good barbecue,” said Forti. “I kept walking past it in The Circle, and one day decided to try it.”
With mac and cheese shepherd’s pie, deviled eggs and even avocado fries, Smoqued’s menu has a unique range that brings homey and smoky barbecue to the residents of Orange.
Philz Coffee
“We were trying to determine the best hot chocolate on and around campus. Philz won,” said journalism major and assistant news editor Samantha Wong.
Philz Coffee is a Chapman student staple to fuel caffeine needs, especially being a quick stroll away from campus.
The first Philz, opened in San Francisco in 2003, has since gradually expanded across California and Chicago, finally opening in The Circle in 2020.
Philz specializes in customized pour-over coffee blends, rather than the typical latte or cappuccino.
There are over 25 staple blends, allowing customers to adjust creaminess and sweetness. They offer a few food items as well, from pastries to breakfast sandwiches and burritos.
“It's more than just coffee, I think that it's a good nearby spot where you can meet friends to study or just get away from school for a bit,” said Wong.
O SEA
Voted “Best Seafood Restaurant” in Orange County by the LA Times, O SEA lives up to that title, serving excellently crafted seafood dishes.
Opening in The Circle in 2021, O SEA’s stylish spot serves locals and foodies with its seasonal specials and regular menu staples.
Morgan May, The Panther’s music reporter and senior public relations major, voted O SEA as her pick for its variety of options.
“They have a fun seasonal menu and they do a lot of creative things with their dishes,” said May.
With oysters for happy hour, cioppino for dinner, flights of wine for the table and so much more, O SEA has a lot to offer.
“Being from a landlocked state, I love seafood by the coast,” said May. “It is a really good restaurant to go to with family. The atmosphere and service is great and it's close by too.”
Editor’s Note: O SEA will close at the end of April. If you want a chance to catch a meal, now is the time to go.
Thai Towne Eatery
Tucked away into The Circle, serving soup, pad thai, curry and stir fry, Thai Towne Eatery is a local independent favorite.
Senior journalism major and our editor-in-chief, Nicole Kavros, finds comfort in Thai Towne.
“The staff’s always super attentive, and they actually remember you when you’ve been a couple times which makes it feel like a small-town stop,” said Kavros. “The food is always delicious and the portions are great — I always go home with leftovers for later!”
Kavros orders their chicken pad thai, just one out of the restaurant's eight noodle options on their menu.
Can’t forget dessert too — from fried banana to iconic mango sticky rice, Thai Towne has it all.
“I would recommend it on all fronts, but it’s especially great for freshmen who live close to The Circle and don’t want to go somewhere super busy or expensive,” Kavros said. “It’s quick and easy comfort food, which is great for any college student. Even as a senior, I still go often, like for a casual dinner with friends.”
No matter your mood, craving or even budget, there is a spot waiting for you in The Circle.
So next time hunger hits, take a walk to Old Towne Orange and try a Panther-approved favorite.