Happy Thursday, North OC Digest!

If your January resolution was “stop eating at the same three places”… this one’s for you.

Our mission is simple: make North OC more enjoyable for the people who already live here.

It’s way too easy to fall into the same routines and forget how many great spots and experiences are right in our backyard.

So every week, we round up the food worth trying, the coffee worth sipping, the places worth hanging out at, and the events worth leaving the house for — no fluff, just the good stuff.

Now, in today’s edition:

  • A Restaurant of the Week that might be cheating (but in the best way)

  • A café proving coffee can mean more than just caffeine

  • A sweet adoptable dog ready for her fresh start

  • And a stacked list of events to get you out of the house

One quick favor before we dive in 👇

If you enjoy this newsletter, share it with someone you think would love it.

If three people sign up through your link, you’ll get the North OC Starter Pack — a curated list of 30+ of the best restaurants, cafes, and things to do in North OC. If you’ve been to most of these spots, congratulations… you’re officially a true North OC local.

Let’s get into it 👇

— Mark Yi

Restaurant of the Week: Rodeo 39

Okay, this one might be cheating…

Because this “Restaurant of the Week” isn’t a single restaurant

It’s more than 20 of them under one roof.

Let me introduce you to Rodeo 39 Public Market — one of Orange County’s most eclectic and fun food halls. Think of it as a foodie playground where you can hop between awesome bites, drinks, and snacks all in one place.

Located just off Beach Boulevard in Stanton (right near the 22 freeway), Rodeo 39 brings together a curated lineup of global food vendors, chill patios, a full bar, entertainment, and spots to just hang out making it one of the most unique dining destinations in OC.

Here’s a taste of what you’ll find inside:

🔥 Must-Try Stalls & Eats at Rodeo 39

  • Crêpes Avenue — Savory and sweet crepe classics

  • Phoholic — Big bowls of pho that OC locals love

  • Ramen Mura — Comforting, rich Japanese ramen

  • Tenori — Hand-rolled musubi and Japanese bites

  • Shootz — Hawaiian BBQ + standout spam musubi

  • Remicone — Ice cream that hits every sweet spot

  • The Crawfish Hut — Unforgettable seafood boil

  • PastaPhony — Create your own pasta bowl

  • Krapow — Feel-good Thai food

  • Rodeo Bar — Cocktails, brews, and patio vibes

…plus plenty more rotating vendors serving everything from Laotian BBQ to premium donuts, coffee, and dessert options.

Whether you’re with friends, family, or just hungry for variety, Rodeo 39 makes it way easier to find something for everyone without driving around town. It’s like a whole Sunday market… but tastier.

📍 12885 Beach Blvd, Stanton, CA 90680
🕓 Sun–Thu: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
🕓 Fri–Sat: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (with some early-opening coffee spots)

Cafe of the Week: Seesaw Coffee

It’s about more than just coffee…

Some cafés are just good.

Others stick with you.

Seesaw Beans and Coffee is the second kind.

At first glance, it’s a cozy, well-designed coffee shop in Buena Park serving genuinely solid drinks. But spend a few minutes inside and you realize there’s more going on. Seesaw’s mission is simple and powerful: they intentionally employ adults with developmental disabilities, creating meaningful, paid work in a supportive, community-first environment.

That purpose shows up everywhere — in the patience, the warmth, and the care behind the counter.

The coffee is great, yes.

But the way the space feels is what makes people come back.

Here’s what people keep coming back for:

  • Iced Ocean Blue Latte — eye-catching, lightly sweet, and surprisingly refreshing

  • Double Matcha — bold, earthy, and perfect if you want something strong but smooth

  • Iced Oreo Latte — dessert-leaning without being over the top

  • Vanilla Cream Latte — creamy, comforting, and easy to love

  • The mission — every cup supports meaningful employment for adults with developmental disabilities, which makes the experience feel as good as it tastes

This is an easy yes whether you’re meeting a friend, getting some quiet work done, or just want a coffee that feels intentional.

📍 6302 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90621
🕓 Mon–Fri: 8:00AM – 4:00PM
🕓 Sat–Sun: 9:00AM – 5:00PM

🐶 Adoptable Dog of the Week: Goldie

Meet Goldie — a 3-year-old German Shepherd mix with the sweetest smile and a heart that’s still learning how big it can be.

Goldie is the kind of pup who likes to take things slow. She can be a little shy at first, but with patience, gentle encouragement, and a loving home, she’s ready to blossom into her best self. Once she warms up, she absolutely loves pets and being your one-and-only.

At 79 pounds, Goldie has that classic German Shepherd presence — loyal, thoughtful, and eager to bond — paired with a soft, sensitive soul.

Goldie is currently at OC Animal Care and waiting for the family who will help her write her next chapter. Her Pet ID is A1895441 (search by Pet ID on the OC Animal Care site).

Want to e-meet Goldie right now? You can watch a video of her here!

Exciting Events:

Music 🎵

  • Duran Duran | 7:30 PM, January 8 (Tickets)

    • Location: Honda Center

    • Description: A live concert performance by the legendary band Duran Duran.

  • Thursday Night Jazz: Bruce Friedman Quartet | 7:00–9:00 PM, January 8

    • Location: Anaheim Packing House

    • Description: Live jazz performance featuring the Bruce Friedman Quartet.

  • Locals Vocals | 7:00 PM, January 8

    • Location: House of Blues Anaheim – Foundation Room

    • Description: A showcase highlighting local vocal talent.

  • DJ Crisanto Santa Ana (Live Set) | 6:00–9:00 PM, January 9

    • Location: Anaheim Packing House

    • Description: An evening live DJ set with laid-back vibes.

  • David Spitzfaden (Rock) | 7:00–9:00 PM, January 10

    • Location: Anaheim Packing House

    • Description: Live rock performance.

  • Vintage Vibes: DJ Cranky Bobby (Gramophone Set) | 7:00–9:00 PM, January 10

    • Location: Anaheim MAKE

    • Description: A unique vintage DJ experience using a gramophone.

  • Moustafa Amar & Disco Misr | 6:30 PM, January 11 (Tickets)

    • Location: House of Blues Anaheim – Music Hall

    • Description: Live musical performance featuring Moustafa Amar and Disco Misr.

Community Fun🎆

  • The Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market | 9AM-1PM, January 10 (Free)

    • Location: 303 West Palm Avenue, Orange, CA 92866

    • Description: The Certified Orange Home Grown Farmers and Artisans Market sources farmers from the Southern California region who hold a California Certified Producers Certificate (CPC), keeping produce local and fresh.

  • Buena Park Farmers Market | 9AM-2PM, January 10 (Free)

    • Location: 8000-8092 La Palma Ave, Buena Park, CA

    • Description: This busy farmers market runs year-round every Saturday from 9am to 2pm. They offer everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to flowers and leather goods.

Special Events🥂

  • Ms. Pat | 8:00 PM, January 8 (Tickets)

    • Location: Brea Improv

    • Description: Live stand-up comedy performance.

  • All-Star Comedy (Multiple Shows) | January 8–9 (Tickets)

    • Location: Laugh Factory Long Beach

    • Description: High-energy comedy showcases featuring rotating all-star lineups across multiple showtimes.

  • Dusty Slay | January 9–10 (Tickets)

    • Location: Brea Improv

    • Description: A series of stand-up comedy performances from Dusty Slay.

  • The Screwtape Letters (2 Performances) | 4:00 PM & 8:00 PM, January 10 (Tickets)

    • Location: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts

    • Description: A theatrical performance presented by Fellowship for Performing Arts.

  • GOLDN: K-Pop + Pop Dance Party | 4:30 PM, January 10 (Tickets)

    • Location: House of Blues Anaheim – Music Hall

    • Description: A high-energy K-pop and pop dance party.

  • Justin Bieber Night (18+) | 8:30 PM, January 10 (Tickets)

    • Location: House of Blues Anaheim – Music Hall

    • Description: A themed dance night celebrating the music of Justin Bieber.

  • Saturday Night Slam (2 Shows) | 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM, January 10 (Tickets)

    • Location: Laugh Factory Long Beach

    • Description: Back-to-back comedy showcases packed with nonstop laughs.

  • Sunday Funnies | 7:00 PM, January 11 (Tickets)

    • Location: Laugh Factory Long Beach

    • Description: A Sunday night wrap-up featuring some of the funniest comics in the world.

  • The My Generation Tour | 7:00 PM, January 11 (Tickets)

    • Location: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts

    • Description: A classic hits concert featuring The Lovin’ Spoonful, The Hollies, and Gary Lewis & the Playboys.

  • Harry Potter Drag Brunch | 2:00 PM, January 11 (Tickets)

    • Location: Brea Improv

    • Description: A Harry Potter-themed drag show paired with brunch.

  • Alvin Kuai | 6:00 PM, January 11 (Tickets)

    • Location: Brea Improv

    • Description: Live stand-up comedy performance.

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