From the Anaheim Packing House to Union Market at the District and now 4th Street Market in Downtown Santa Ana…there’s never a shortage of good eats in our hood and here’s showing you why:

The Vibe

Located at the famed 4th street in Downtown Santa Ana, this newbie “market” is more akin to a high class cafeteria style square where over a dozen exhibition style mini-kitchens star front row and center. The teensy tiny kiosks may look diminutive compared to full-scale restaurants but that just proves that size doesn’t matter when it comes to cooking and cuisine. What does matter? Why, the flavors of course!

On The Menu

Dos Chinos: Latin Asian Grub

Never mind that Viet Tran (co-owner of Dos Chinos) is one of my dearest friends, this dude can COOOOOOOOK honey! His concept of Mexican/Vietnamese flavors is one of the BEST in the market for its high-style home blends of familiar favorites. Must eat: Stoner Papas with shoestring french fries, DC asada, Bolsa roast pork belly, chorizo fried rice, sunny side up fried egg, DC salsa verde, onions, and cilantro. The addition of the chinese sausage (lap xuong) is ingenious as it reminds me of what I’d find in a traditional Vietnamese kitchen mixed up with a little Mexi-influence. And um hello?? Runny, yolky, fried egg atop is ACES in my book!

Recess: Playground’s Bar

Jason Quinn, the mastermind behind Playground and Playground 2.0 (previously seen HERE and HERE) opens up shop in the market with on-tap libations at Recess (above), fried chicken at PFC, Thai flavors at Noodle Tramp (below), burgers and buns at Wagyu Chuck and Dough Exchange. This chef’s keeping super busy and if his Southwest-style fried chicken hasn’t got you salivating, his Chiang Mai noodles will!

Noodle Tramp: Playground’s Asian Noodle Restaurant

Must eat: Khao Soi, Fresh egg noodles in Thai red curry, coconut broth, topped with crispy egg noodles, peanuts, fried shallots, red onion, sprouts, lime, and pickled cabbage. Easily one of my FAVE dishes of our binge-fest. The noodles taste like they’re homemade, chewy yet al dente in all the right places. The curry is light and flavorful, so amazing when downed with an ice cold beer! Just when you think you know everything about Thai noodles, Khao Soi’s a game changer! Pad Thai pssssshhhhh! lol

Ktchn DTSA

Chunk-n-Chip

I’m much more a savory than sweets gal but one whiff of Chunk-n-Chips freshly baked cookies got me bananas for their ooey-gooey craft ice cream sammiches. This shop had THE longest line of the bunch and for good reason. Must eat: PB&J cookies with peanut butter ice cream (above)…Holy heaven in my hands! Deeeeelish!

Torch S’more Co.

You choose your graham cracker, your flavored marshmallow, they fire it up, and in less than 3 minutes you’ve got yourself a campfire snack y’all. After the novelty wears out, I’ll be returning to Chunk-N-Chip. Just meh.

4th Street Market DTSA

201 East 4th Street | Santa Ana, CA 92701 | 714-486-0700

Know Before You Go

Street parking is always free so when the meters on 4th street and the nearby structure are full, I try to find spots on Spurgeon or Bush. DTSA in itself is a super festive destination for food and libations but what I really love about 4th streetmarket is the variety of options available for every palate. Growing up in the ghetto of Santana I’ve come to crave Mexican food like it was mama’s home cooking. This is why Dos Chinos is at the TOP of my list for 4th street dinner destination, Mexi-Viet flavors like I raised to devour! Every Friday the market features live DJ’s spinning on the terrace so visit the Events calendar for GNO or date night with yo’ boo! Did I mention the market is super kid-friendly? As modeled by my babycakes Blakesy-Boo! Fashion blogger-in-training <3

Have a fabulous weekend and as always…

Bon Appétit mes amis!

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