Happy Thursday, North OC Digest!
I missed you..
We haven’t seen each other since last year…
Cue laugh track.
Happy New Years, North OC Digest!
It’s 2026!
Let’s kick things off strong with 15+ events to start off the New Year strong. PLUS, food and coffee reccs we would be willing TO BET you’ll be visiting throughout the rest of the year too.
In case you’re new here…
Our mission is to make OC more enjoyable for all those who already reside here!
We believe that it’s so easy to get lost our mundane, regular schedules. So we want to remind you that there are awesome things happening right in our backyard!
Now, in today’s edition:
This mexican restaurant is WORTH THE HYPE
A toast to the new year… and a toast in your stomach 🍞
A sweet adoptable pup who deserves her fresh start in the new year
And a 15+ events to kick off this year right!
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 kick off 2026!
— Mark Yi
Restaurant of the Week: Tacos Los Cholos
This mexican restaurant is WORTH THE HYPE
If you haven’t checked out this spot… where have you been??? Some say this is the BEST taco/burrito spot in all of OC AND there are two locations: Fullerton and Anaheim.
If you have been craving some mexican, this is your sign. Go to Tacos Los Cholos.
Here’s what people keep coming back for:
HUGE portions with amazing quality meat. My personal favorites are the asada and adobada (you can’t go wrong with the tacos or burritos)
Premium & Prime options like filet mignon to ribeye and arrachera if you’re feeling boujie.
Smoky, charred goodness from the outdoor fire grills so you know it’s the real deal.
Go for the Cholo Pizza if you’re feeling crazy…
📍 821 State College Blvd., Anaheim CA 91806
🕓 Mon-Thu: 11:00 am - 12:00am
🕓 Fri-Sat: 11:00 am - 1:00 am
🕓 Sunday: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
📍 1653 W Orangethrope Ave Fullerton, CA 92833
🕓 Mon-Thu: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
🕓 Fri-Sat: 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
🕓 Sun: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
PS: The Fullerton location is usually less busy than the Anaheim one 😉
Click Here: To view the full menu and plan your visit!
Cafe of the Week: Thank You Coffee
A toast to the new year… and a toast in your stomach 🍞
A toast to 2026!
And maybe a few toasts from Thank You Coffee in my stomach…
If there’s one way to kick off the new year, it’s with something comforting, creative, and genuinely satisfying — and Thank You Coffee absolutely delivers. This is one of those cafes where people don’t just rave about the drinks… they love the food just as much, which isn’t always easy to find.
Everything here feels intentional. The drinks are inventive without being over-the-top, and the food actually feels worth ordering — perfect for easing into the first day of the year.
Here’s what people keep coming back for:
Pandan Blue Milk — Creamy, lightly sweet, beautifully colored, and completely unique. There’s honestly nothing like it anywhere in OC.
Boring Latte — brown sugar, cinnamon, walnut bitters latte… the taste is anything BUT boring!
The Toasts — Choices like avocado toast, truffle egg toast, nutella banana toast, and honey butter toast that are wow so good without being too heavy.
Warm, inviting space that’s perfect for lingering. Great for catching up with friends, doing some work, or just starting the year on a slow, good note.
📍 1320 S State College Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92806
🕓 Mon–Fri: 7:30AM – 4:00PM
🕓 Sat–Sun: 8:00AM – 4:00PM
If you’re easing into the new year with a warm drink, fun flavor, and a cozy spot to hang, Thank You Coffee is a perfect first stop.
Click Here: To view the full menu and plan your visit!
🐶 Adoptable Dog of the Week: Nala
Meet Nala — a 2-year-old Siberian Husky with a curious spirit and a heart full of love.
She can be a little shy at first, but give her a moment and she’ll sniff out a new friend in no time. Once she warms up, Nala is all smiles — playful, affectionate, and happiest when she’s getting to know the people around her. At 58 pounds, she’s got that classic husky energy without being overwhelming.
If you’re looking for a dog who’s sweet, social, and ready for her next chapter, Nala might be your girl.
Nala is currently hanging out at OC Animal Care and is ready to schedule a playdate with her future family. Her Pet ID is A1862751 (search by Pet ID on the OC Animal Care site).
Want to e-meet Nala right now? You can watch a video of her here!
Exciting Events:
Music 🎵
New Year's Day Music from: The Last Call Quartet (Jazz/Funk) | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, January 1 (Info)
Location: Anaheim Packing House
New Year Set from: DJ Crisanto Santa Ana | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, January 2 (Info)
Location: Anaheim Packing House
Music from: Buddy Lee - Rockabilly | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, January 3 (Info)
Location: Anaheim Packing House
Make Music Day: The Jazz Guitar Project | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, January 3 (Info)
Location: Anaheim MAKE
Red NOT Chili Peppers (Tribute) | 7:00 PM, January 3 (Tickets)
Location: House of Blues Anaheim, Anaheim
Description: A crowd-pleasing tribute night — great if you want live music without overthinking it.
Community Fun🎆
Winter Fest OC | Ongoing through Jan 4 (Tickets)
Location: 88 Fair Dr. Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Description: SoCal’s biggest winter festival transforms the fairgrounds into a holiday wonderland — think ice skating, snow tubing, lights, carnival rides, holiday market booths, food & drink, and family entertainment.
The Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market | 9AM-1PM, January 3 (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 3 (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. Wild | 7:30 PM, January 2 (Tickets)
Location: Honda Center, Anaheim
Description: A strong “first weekend back” move — start the year with a live game instead of another couch night.
Disney On Ice Presents: Let’s Dance! | January 1-4 (Tickets)
Location: Long Beach Arena
Description: Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy as they remix Disney hits and bring fan-favorite stories - Frozen 2, Wish, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and Moana - to life with cutting-edge skating, acrobatics, and dazzling effects
All-Star Comedy | 7:30 PM, 10:00 PM January 2 (Tickets)
Location: Long Beach Laugh Factory
Description: It's all in the name!
Saturday Night Slam 1st | 7:30 PM, 9:30 PM January 3 (Tickets)
Location: Long Beach Laugh Factory
Description: The laughs don't stop all night long at Saturday Night Slam!
Marcello Hernandez | January 2–3 (Tickets)
Location: Brea Improv, Brea
Description: 4-show run — great option if you missed NYE but still want a fun weekend night.
CA Writers Club of OC - David Putnam: Writing by the Numbers: Sixteen Precepts to Write a Novel | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, January 3 (Info)
Location: Anaheim Packing House
Sunday Funnies | 7:00 PM January 4 (Tickets)
Location: Long Beach Laugh Factory
Description: End the week with some of the Funniest Comics in the world with the Sunday Funnies Show at the Laugh Factory: Long Beach!
David Spade | 6:00 PM, January 4 (Tickets)
Location: Brea Improv, Brea
Description: Sunday night “treat yourself” comedy with a headliner everyone knows.
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