ANAHEIM ARENA : Food & Drink : BEST BETS : An Array of Choices That Can Satisfy Any Taste (- 0p11)

Where you eat before or after an Anaheim Arena event will usually depend on how much time you’ve got.

Here are some suggestions based on that consideration, plus a place for great pizza, a comfortable bar and a dynamite small ethnic cafe.

The price code (for two):

$: less than $15.

$$: $15-$39.

$$$: $40-$75.

$$$$: more than $75

IN A HURRY?

In N’ Out Burger--Nobody does it better than In N’ Out Burger. This chain (84 locations) serves only burgers, fries and shakes, all freshly made from ingredients that have never seen the inside of a freezer. The juicy, delicious burgers are served with lettuce, tomato and onions (grilled if you wish) alongside potatoes that are diced on location. The good shakes are made from real ice cream and are a bargain at only $1.25.

Three locations within 10 minutes of the arena: 600 S. Brookhurst St., Anaheim; 3501 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, and 815 N. Bristol St., Santa Ana. Phone numbers are not given out. In N’ Outs are open daily from 10:30 a.m.-1 a.m. $ ENOUGH TIME TO RELAX A LITTLE?

Belisle’s--This combination truck stop/roadhouse serves up slices of Americana in portions so large that even a Mighty Duck would be working overtime to finish his plate. We’re talking giant sandwiches, bottomless bowls of salad and complete dinners served on huge platters. Super breakfasts--four eggs, a mountain of home fries, oversized hot cakes and seven sausage links--come with 32-ounce beverages. A metaphor for wretched excess but great fun.

12001 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove. (714) 750-6560. Open 24 hours daily. $$ (not counting beer and wine). TIME TO SPARE?

Mr. Stox--This very grown-up restaurant, a conventioner’s favorite, boasts one of Orange County’s best wine lists, having won the coveted Grand Award from prestigious Wine Spectator magazine. The good cooking is continental/California with fresh pastas, chops and roasts; the lunch menu changes daily. Chef Scott Raczek bakes his own breads in a wide selection. Reservations are a must.

1105 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim. (714) 634-2994. Lunch 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; dinner 5:30-10 nightly. $$$$ (not counting wine or cocktails). PIZZA

Bina--This homey trattoria is more than a couple of minutes from the Arena, but the trip is worth it: Bina serves the best pizza in the area. It comes in two varieties: regular with a thick crust, or gourmet with a thin crust, the better choice thanks to the crushed whole tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Styles range from del mare with smoked clams and shrimp to Napoletana, Naples style, a masterpiece crowned with anchovy and heaps of oregano. All pizzas come bubbling on large ceramic platters and are salty and provocative, like ones you would encounter on a Mediterranean balcony.

1730 E. 17th St., Santa Ana. (714) 972-3101. Mondays-Saturdays, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. $$ (not counting beer and wine). BARROOM

The Catch--Quite well known as a place to eat fresh seafood, the Catch also has a woodsy, Cheers-type bar with a relaxing ambience. It’s sports oriented and that explains the large collection of pre-’60s memorabilia and several TVs. The crowds swell up during baseball season. Free shuttle service to the arena is planned.

1929 State College Blvd., Anaheim. (714) 634-1829. The lounge stays open at least until midnight, and for two hours after late games. ETHNIC

Ras Dashen--At Ethiopian restaurants, you eat with your fingers. Injera, a spongy millet flour crepe, is used to soak up butter rich, spicy meat and vegetable stews. Ras Dashen is a friendly, bare-bones cafe ideal for getting acquainted with this fiery, exotic cooking. Try yebeg alicha, cubed lamb in a flavorful broth, or sega tibs, beef, onions and butter in a red chili sauce.

12549 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove. (714) 638-4260. Open daily, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Cash only. $ (food only).