Best Restaurants of 2020

Well, what can I say that hasn't already been said about the year that we just went through together? It's been said way too many times that 2020 has been the most challenging year. The year started off normal but spiraled in March. Mask wearing, hoarding, political strife, hand sanitizer, covid, vaccines, and social distancing became part of our vernacular for the last nine months of the year, and probably well into next year.  

It's an understatement to say that this year has been extremely difficult for the restaurant industry. An industry that I have such an affinity for, one that I've written about on this blog for the last 11 years. It's been a roller coaster ride for the servers, kitchen staff, bussers, owners, management, suppliers, and anyone else who makes their living in restaurants. With the shutdowns, the pivoting to outdoor dining, and then to-go orders, restaurants have had to adapt on the fly, all the while trying to keep up with all of their bills. It's become not just a matter of making a profit, but just surviving. 

Unfortunately, with everything I've read, the prognosis for restaurants is not good. Massive closures of restaurants have already taken place, and others will follow in the coming months. It was already a tough business, but now with months of only making it by on takeout orders and a limited number of customers allowed on the premises, restaurants are facing a tough uphill battle just to get by. 

That's the reason I have continued to write this restaurant review site. I feel it's essential to promote places and let you and everyone else know that local spots are still operating and serving our local communities. Restaurants have sponsored your kid's schools and youth programs all these years, and now it's time to return the favor. Also, as you will see when you scroll down, this might be the most impressive group of restaurants that I have had the pleasure to eat at and write about in any of the 11 years of this blog. Very impressive spots.  

Yes, indeed, I have only reviewed 47 restaurants this year, far below what I've been averaging the last several years, and there are a few reasons for this. First, since I work in a supermarket, and while the restaurants were shut down, we were very busy and it made for some very long days, and that curtailed my writing. We also tried to limit our time out, eating more meals at home, finally unwrapping some of the kitchen stuff we got at our wedding... five years ago. 

So here's to a better 2021. May things get back to a semi-normal state as soon as humanly possible. As usual, I'd like to thank all of you who have faithfully read this blog, or at least looked at the pictures. I'd also like to thank all my social media followers, who put up with me not updating things quite as often as I would have liked. My appreciation also goes out to restaurant workers, who have sacrificed their health to ensure that we have places to eat. You guys are true heroes. I'd also be remiss not to mention my partner in crime, my forever dining companion, Katie, who I know was a little uneasy when we ate out at times this year, but was a trooper as we stayed safe during these turbulent times. You are the best. 

So without further ado, here are my top ten restaurants of 2020. 

#10 Gonzalez's Restaurant - Orange

This is the only Mexican spot to land on my top ten list this year. I loved the family feel of this restaurant that is tucked into the back of a nondescript shopping center off of busy Chapman Avenue. The food was pretty stellar, and this was my first introduction to an alambre, and it won't be my last. 

#9 Ahba - Laguna Beach

This is another blink and you'll miss this place. Located in South Laguna, far from the hustle and bustle of the busy downtown area, we had a great brunch during our visit. It was excellent, but I am yearning for their delicious looking burger that I've seen online. Going back very soon. 

#8 Da Hawaiian Kitchen - Huntington Beach

I feel like Hawaiian cuisine is kind of having its moment in OC right now. There used to be only a handful of spots to get your island fix, but recently some very good spots have set up shop in OC. This place is not new, but it's definitely a standout. Loved their poke and mixed plate, along with an excellent rendition of potato mac salad. 

 

#7 The Ramos House Cafe - San Juan Capistrano

Katie and I are not big Valentine's Day people, but this year we snuck out for brunch at this South OC favorite. Yes, it was a Prix-fixed menu, but very impressive egg dishes, which had us clamoring for more. Situated on the oldest street in California, a visit to Ramos House is like a little mini-vacay. 

#6 Hammer Burger - Orange

Smashed burgers are pretty popular right now, and the best burger I had this year was this one. They were doing pop-up events in front of their house in Orange for a time, but now they have a steady gig working out of the Heritage Barbecue spot in San Juan Capistrano on Sundays. More on Heritage in a bit. 

#5 Cluck Kitchen - Irvine

It seems like almost every time I turned on my computer there was another hot chicken place opening up. The best I had this year was this one, which comes to us from the guys that started the very good burger restaurant The Cut. The chicken here is juicy, had an excellent heat to it, and the fried pickles and potato salad were fantastic as well. I was also a fan of all of their housemade sauces. 

#4 Oliver's Osteria - Laguna Beach

Our visit to Oliver's could not have started any worse. Being sat an hour after our reservation time and then having to change tables because they sat our party of four at a table that was meant to seat two snuggly. The food that made its way out of the kitchen and to our table more than made up for the first impression that we had here. This is the most authentic Italian food in OC by a long shot. As the Italians would say, ottimo cibo!

#3 Oliboli Donuts - Tustin

My love for donuts is well known. I've driven at least an hour to try what people consider a great donut. Luckily, this place is less than 20 minutes away from most points in OC. These are easily the best donuts available in OC and they always rotate new and delicious flavors to keep things fresh.

#2 Porch and Swing - Irvine

Not sure what Charleston, South Carolina food entails? It doesn't really matter because all you really have to know is that whatever you order here, it's going to be delicious and well-executed. You can count us as big fans of Chef Justin Werner and his impressive resume. OC is lucky to have him right in our own backyard. 

#1 Heritage Barbecue - San Juan Capistrano

As if there was going to be any doubt which spot was going to be number one this year. For years I've lamented the fact that there wasn't a great barbecue place in OC. That all changed when Heritage came on the scene in San Juan Capistrano. I waited for two hours for my first taste, and it was definitely worth it. Go during the weekdays for shorter wait times, and they also offer curbside service to eliminate the line altogether. You'll never be able to go back to mediocre Lucille's ever again. 

So there's my list for the best restaurants of 2020. I'd have to say that even though it was a crazy year, this group of restaurants might be the best year-end list I have put together in the life of this blog. Thanks again for reading, and I hope you and yours have a great new year.