Happy Tuesday, North OC Digest!
Quick question…
When was the last time you tried a new place without someone sending you a Reel first?
Lately, our feeds have been doing the recommending for us… and honestly, we’re not mad about it. This week’s picks are the kind of spots that don’t need much convincing. They’re already buzzing, already packed, and already becoming local favorites.
As always, our goal is simple: make North OC more enjoyable for the people who already live here.
Fewer repeat routines, more “how have I not been here yet?” moments.
Now, in today’s edition:
A Restaurant of the Week that might social can’t stop talking about
A café that feels more like a coffee science lab
A lovable adoptable pup who deserves her forever home
And a stacked list of 20+ events!
One quick favor before we dive in 👇
We’ve been getting a lot of requests to host in-person North OC Digest meetups. We’re thinking dinner, sports watch parties, hikes, low-pressure ways to actually meet people who read this newsletter too.
If that sounds interesting to you, vote in today’s poll and let us know. No commitment — just helping us gauge interest.
North OC Groups
Alright, let’s get into it 👇
— Mark Yi

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Restaurant of the Week: Tacomasa

If you’ve been on food TikTok or IG lately, you’ve probably seen this place pop up. Tacomasa is having a moment, and for good reason.
This Cypress taco spot is getting talked about nonstop for one thing above all else: the meat. Juicy, deeply seasoned, and cooked exactly how it should be, these are the kinds of tacos that make people confidently say “best taco meat in OC” without hesitating.
It’s not flashy. It’s not trying to reinvent tacos. It’s just doing the fundamentals extremely well…
And social media has definitely noticed.
Here’s what people keep going back for:
Asada Tacos — rich, juicy steak with classic toppings
Adobada Tacos — flavorful seasoned pork that holds its own
Taco Combos — two tacos with rice, beans, and a drink for a solid meal
Mulitas & Tortas — cheesy, satisfying alternatives when you want more than tacos
Elote & Chips — perfect sides to round out the meal
📍 5895 Katella Ave, Ste B, Cypress, CA 90630
🕓 Mon–Thu: 8:00AM – 10:00PM
🕓 Fri–Sat: 8:00AM – 11:00PM
🕓 Sun: Closed
Whether you’re grabbing lunch on the go or making dinner plans, Tacomasa is one of the easiest local recommendations you can make when someone says, “Where should we go for tacos?”
It’s tacos done right — no fuss, just flavor.
Click Here: To view the full menu and plan your visit!

Cafe of the Week: Golden State Coffee Roasters

A Coffee Science Lab Disguised as a Café
It’s huge.
It’s beautiful.
It’s brick.
And somehow, it’s also a coffee shop.
Golden State Coffee Roasters feels less like a café and more like a coffee science lab you’re allowed to hang out in. The space is massive, filled with natural light, and built for staying awhile — working, studying, meeting up, or just enjoying a really good cup of coffee without feeling rushed.
What makes it special is that the craft is fully on display. The entire roasting operation sits behind glass, so you can actually watch beans being roasted while you sip. It’s a subtle flex and a reminder that this place takes coffee seriously.
Here’s what people keep coming back for:
Spanish Latte — smooth, lightly sweet, and easy to love
Campfire Latte (seasonal)— rich, cozy, and a little indulgent
Charlie Brown Latte (seasonal)— nutty, balanced, and a fan favorite
Chorizo Breakfast Sandwich — hearty enough to be a real meal
The space itself — endless seating, brick walls, and a glass-walled roasting lab that makes the whole place feel intentional
This is the kind of café you plan your day around — not a quick stop, but a place you can actually settle into.
📍 109 W Santa Fe Ave, Placentia, CA 92870
🕓 Mon–Sun: 7:00AM – 5:00PM
Click Here: To view the full menu and plan your visit!

🐶 Adoptable Dog of the Week: Gordy

Meet Gordy — a 5-year-old Pit Bull with nonstop energy and an even bigger heart.
Gordy is all about fun. She’s playful, affectionate, and powered almost entirely by love and enthusiasm. One minute she’s doing zoomies and showing off her silly side, and the next she’s curled up close, soaking up all the cuddles she can get.
At 47 pounds, Gordy is the perfect mix of active and snuggly — ready for playtime, walks, and then a well-earned nap right by your side. She’s the kind of dog who brings joy into a room just by being herself.
Gordy is currently at OC Animal Care and can’t wait to meet her future family. Her Pet ID is A1800238 (search by Pet ID on the OC Animal Care site).
If you’re looking for a loving, playful companion who will keep you smiling and then snuggle in close, Gordy might just be your girl.
Want to e-meet Goldie right now? You can watch a video of her here!

By the way…
If you like our newsletter, we’ve gone out and found a few newsletters that readers of the North OC Digest enjoy reading themselves!
Here’s the list of what readers just like yourselves are also reading:
The Scene: South OC - Sign up for a curated roundup of hidden patio bars, best happy hours, secret gardens, local trails and everything worth doing in South Orange County.
Thrifty Traveler: The Extra Mile - A free weekly newsletter to help maximize your points & miles like a pro. Get the biggest sign-up bonuses, learn smart redemption hacks, and get breaking points & miles news.
Eric Seto Investing - Investing Newsletter for people (45-65) who are looking for a faster retirement. The goal is to make a better return investing in blue chip companies.
The Rundown AI - Get the latest AI news, understand why it matters, and learn how to apply it in your work. Join 1,000,000+ readers from companies like Apple, OpenAI, NASA.
TLDR AI - Keep up with AI in 5 minutes. Get the most interesting AI stories and breakthroughs delivered in a free daily email.

Exciting Events:
Music 🎵
Micki Free | 7:30 PM, January 15 (Tickets)
Location: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
Description: Live musical performance by Micki Free.
Thursday Night Jazz: JH Factor Trio | 7:00–9:00 PM, January 15 (Link)
Location: Anaheim Packing House
Description: Live jazz-pop performance by the JH Factor Trio.
Stella Cole (Multiple Performances) | January 15–17 (Tickets)
Location: Samueli Theater, Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Description: Viral vocalist performing classics from the Great American Songbook.
Shelley Conducts Stravinsky’s Firebird (Pacific Symphony) | January 15–17 (Tickets)
Location: Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
Description: Orchestral performance featuring Stravinsky’s Firebird.
Parliament Funkadelic feat. George Clinton | 7:00 PM, January 16 (Tickets)
Location: House of Blues Anaheim – Music Hall
Description: Legendary funk group live in Anaheim.
Live Set from DJ Crisanto Santa Ana | 6:00–9:00 PM, January 16 (Link)
Location: Anaheim Packing House
Description: Free live DJ set with chill Friday-night vibes.
Zebrahead | 6:00 PM, January 17 (Tickets)
Location: House of Blues Anaheim – Music Hall
Description: Punk-rock performance by Zebrahead.
Bo Napoleon | 7:00 PM, January 17 (Tickets)
Location: House of Blues Anaheim – The Parish
Description: Live performance by Bo Napoleon.
Live Music from Bianca Varner (Soul/R&B) | 7:00–9:00 PM, January 17 (Link)
Location: Anaheim Packing House
Description: Soul and R&B live set by Bianca Varner.
Acoustic Soul from Dree Mon | 7:00–9:00 PM, January 17 (Link)
Location: Anaheim MAKE
Description: Acoustic soul performance by Dree Mon.
Live Music from Darden (Americana) | 7:00–9:00 PM, January 18 (Link)
Location: Anaheim Packing House
Description: Americana live music performance by Darden.
The Firebird | January 18 (Tickets)
Location: Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
Description: Stravinsky’s The Firebird brought to life with sweeping orchestration.
Community Fun🎆
The Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market | 9AM-1PM, January 17 (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 17 (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🥂
Ducks vs. Stars | 7:00 PM, January 13 (Tickets)
Location: Honda Center
Description: NHL matchup between the Anaheim Ducks and Dallas Stars.
The Wiz (Multiple Performances) | January 13–18 (Tickets)
Location: Segerstrom Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Description: Tony Award–winning musical reimagining The Wizard of Oz with soul, gospel, rock, and funk.
Mark Viera | 8:00 PM, January 14 (Tickets)
Location: Brea Improv
Description: Stand-up comedy performance by Mark Viera.
Spanglish with Paul Rodriguez | 7:45 PM, January 14 (Tickets)
Location: Laugh Factory Long Beach, 151 S Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA
Description: Paul Rodriguez headlining stand-up comedy night.
All Star Comedy | 7:45 PM, January 15 (Tickets)
Location: Laugh Factory Long Beach, 151 S Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA
Description: Comedy showcase featuring a rotating lineup of comedians.
Mark Normand (Multiple Shows) | January 15–17 (Tickets)
Location: Brea Improv
Description: Five stand-up comedy shows featuring Mark Normand.
Dr. Laurie Santos (Distinguished Speaker Series) | January 15 (Tickets)
Location: Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center
Description: Talk by Yale professor and host of The Happiness Lab podcast.
All-Star Comedy | 7:30 PM & 10:00 PM, January 16 (Tickets)
Location: Laugh Factory Long Beach, 151 S Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA
Description: Two shows with different stand-up lineups.
Ducks vs. Kings | 7:00 PM, January 17 (Tickets)
Location: Honda Center
Description: Anaheim Ducks take on the LA Kings.
Lowrider Super Show | January 17 (Tickets)
Location: Long Beach Convention Center
Description: Massive lowrider car show with custom builds and culture.
Saturday Night Slam (2 Shows) | 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM, January 17 (Tickets)
Location: Laugh Factory Long Beach, 151 S Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA
Description: Back-to-back comedy showcases packed with nonstop laughs.
Mike Epps (2 Shows) | 6:00 PM & 8:30 PM, January 18 (Tickets)
Location: Brea Improv
Description: Stand-up comedy shows featuring Mike Epps.
Sunday Funnies | 7:00 PM, January 18 (Tickets)
Location: Laugh Factory Long Beach, 151 S Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA
Description: A Sunday night wrap-up featuring some of the funniest comics.

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