Santa Ana is one of those places where I’ve always felt at home. Traditional Mexican clothing stores with ranchero wear, elaborate Quinceañera dress displays, legacy streetwear brands, modern Filipino bakeries and cafes that also serve natural wine — the city feels like a place where different cultures of Orange County converge, all eager to share their distinct takes on clothes, music, art, and of course, food.
Over the years, I’ve kept tabs on its dynamic dining scene, from regional Mexican cuisine to Korean-run smashburger establishments and workhorse breakfast burritos.
Here’s a range of dishes for you to try — as always, I’ve aimed to showcase those in the increasingly rare $10 to $15 range…