Quick Answers
As of November 2023, most restaurants in Orange County, California allow indoor dining with some capacity restrictions. Masks are recommended but not required for patrons when not actively eating or drinking. However, policies can vary by city and establishment. It’s best to check with the specific restaurant before visiting.
Current Dining Restrictions in Orange County
Orange County is located in Southern California and contains 34 cities including Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, and others. Each city has the authority to implement its own rules regarding business operations and COVID-19 precautions. Here is an overview of the current indoor dining policies across Orange County as of November 10, 2023:
Countywide Policies
– Restaurants are allowed to offer indoor dining. There are no countywide capacity limits.
– The county recommends but does not require masks for patrons when not actively eating or drinking. Policies may vary by city.
– Restaurants are encouraged to follow social distancing guidelines between different parties.
– Self-service buffets and open food and beverage stations are allowed with proper precautions.
City-Specific Regulations
– Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Irvine and other cities align with the county policies of no capacity limits or mask requirements.
– Santa Ana requires masks for patrons when not eating or drinking. Capacity is also limited to 50%.
– Fullerton has an indoor mask mandate for public settings like restaurants. No specific capacity limits.
– Costa Mesa limits indoor capacity to 75% for restaurants. Masks are recommended but not required.
– Laguna Beach has a mask mandate for indoor public spaces including restaurants. No capacity limits.
So in summary, indoor dining is allowed across Orange County but some cities like Santa Ana and Laguna Beach still have mask requirements. Be sure to check the latest guidance for any city you plan to dine in.
Types of Indoor Dining Experiences Available
Orange County offers diverse indoor dining options ranging from casual to upscale. Here are some of the types of indoor restaurant experiences currently available:
Casual Dining Restaurants
Chain restaurants like Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Applebee’s, and Chili’s are open for indoor dining countywide. These casual spots offer affordable American fare in relaxed environments. Most do not have mask or vaccination requirements though social distancing is encouraged.
Fast Casual Restaurants
Trendy fast casual spots like Shake Shack, Lemonade, Panera Bread, and Blaze Pizza have indoor seating throughout Orange County. Order at the counter then dine inside these modern eateries with customizable menus. Some limit capacity and have plexiglass dividers.
Food Halls
Anaheim Packing House, 4th Street Market, and TRADE Food Hall are popular Orange County food halls with indoor/outdoor seating and diverse cuisine options like ramen, tacos, pizza, and more. Social distancing and mobile ordering may be implemented.
Gastropubs
Gastropubs such as Haven Gastropub, Old Orange Brewing Co., and Hopdoddy Burger Bar combine high-end pub fare and craft beers in a relaxed atmosphere. Most offer full indoor dining services with distanced seating.
Fine Dining Restaurants
For upscale occasions, venues like Mastro’s Steakhouse, Five Crowns, and Darya offer white-tablecloth fine dining with elegant multicultural menus and premium wines. Reservations are recommended for indoor seating.
So whether you’re looking for quick counter service or a fine dining experience, Orange County eateries can accommodate you indoors for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunches.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Restaurant
If you do choose to dine indoors at an Orange County restaurant, here are some factors to keep in mind when selecting a location:
COVID-19 Precautions
– Does the restaurant require proof of vaccination for indoor dining? This may make you feel safer.
– Are tables and chairs spaced at least 6 feet apart? Is plexiglass installed between booths?
– Do they limit capacity to allow for social distancing? Lower capacity may mean less exposure.
– Is the staff wearing masks? Are masks recommended or required for customers when not eating/drinking? These show extra precaution.
Ventilation
– Outdoor seating and open-air indoor spaces are ideal. Look for large windows, fans, or open kitchens.
– Avoid fully enclosed spaces with recirculated air. Ask if the HVAC system has been improved.
Hours/Crowds
– Dining early before crowds arrive can reduce exposure.
– Check hours and peak times. Slow periods like weekdays 2 pm-5 pm may be less busy.
Menu/Ordering
– Restaurants with online/contactless ordering and mobile pay reduce interactions.
– Disposable menus or QR code menus can minimize touch points.
Evaluating factors like ventilation, crowds, spacing, staff precautions, and contactless ordering can help you determine which indoor dining establishments align with your comfort level.
Tips for Safe Indoor Dining
If you decide to eat inside an Orange County restaurant during the pandemic, here are some tips to maximize safety:
Choose your table carefully
– Request a table away from high traffic areas like entrances, exits and restrooms. This minimizes contact.
– Outdoor seating is ideal. If indoors, prefer a space near windows, doors or alleyways with airflow.
Check for distancing measures
– Ensure tables are spaced over 6 feet apart from other parties. Closer than 6 feet increases risk.
– Make sure the restaurant is adhering to any capacity limits in place. Lower occupancy means more distancing.
Wear a mask when possible
– Keep your mask on when interacting with staff, walking in/out, going to the restroom. This reduces respiratory droplets.
– Put your mask back on between bites and sips. The more you mask, the better.
Practice hand hygiene
– Wash hands before and after the meal. Carry hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your face.
– Use a disposable napkin or your knuckle/elbow to open doors, press elevator buttons, etc.
Pay contactless when you can
– Pay with a mobile wallet app or contactless card instead of cash to minimize touch points.
– Some restaurants now let you pay at your table via QR code which is very safe.
Staying vigilant with masks, distancing, hand hygiene, and contactless payments makes indoor dining safer as Orange County continues its pandemic recovery.
Restaurant Spotlights with Indoor Dining in Orange County
To give you some indoor dining inspiration in Orange County, here are spotlights on 5 restaurants currently open for lunch and/or dinner:
| Restaurant | City | Cuisine | Safety Measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lost Pier Cafe | Huntington Beach | American | Outdoor patio, contactless ordering |
| Taco Maria | Costa Mesa | Mexican | 75% capacity limit, reservations required |
| Orange Hill Restaurant | Orange | New American | Spaced indoor and patio seating, reservations recommended |
| True Food Kitchen | Irvine | Healthy Mediterranean | Touchless menus, hourly staff handwashing |
| Peninsula Grill | Newport Beach | Steakhouse | Temperature checks, UV lighting sanitation |
This table highlights the location, cuisine, and safety practices of 5 praised Orange County restaurants currently offering indoor dining. From waterfront seafood to modern Mexican to healthy Mediterranean dishes, there are many delicious options to choose from.
Guidelines for Safe Outdoor Dining
In addition to indoor seating, outdoor patio dining is available at many Orange County eateries. Here are some tips for safer outdoor dining if you choose that option instead:
– Patio seating is preferable for better airflow circulation compared to indoors.
– Check if tables are properly distanced over 6 feet apart. Guest capacity should be limited.
– Look for sun umbrellas, shade sails, or canopies over each table as barriers.
– Wear masks when interacting with staff or walking in/out of the restaurant.
– Outdoor heaters, fire pits, and blankets allow outdoor dining during cooler weather.
– Call ahead for patio reservations if possible to guarantee seating.
– Access to the restroom may require entering the indoor space. Wear a mask when inside.
Taking these patio precautions allows you to support Orange County restaurants while enjoying your meal outdoors with less risks.
Conclusion
During this stage of the pandemic, indoor restaurant dining has resumed across most of Orange County with some capacity limits in certain cities. While there is no guarantee of zero risk, diners can take steps like distancing, masking, and opting for outdoor seating when possible to reduce exposure. Checking the restaurant’s COVID safety practices, choosing off-peak dining hours, and being diligent with hand hygiene also help. At the end of the day, it comes down to your personal comfort level with indoor dining. If you have concerns, continue opting for takeout or delivery to enjoy delicious Orange County cuisine from the safety of home.
