Places to Dine For

Congratulations, high school students. Most of you who attempted it made it through the homecoming dance without smashing the corsage, having your date ditch you at dinner or looking lame in the photos.

Care to try again?

Winter formals and proms are just around the corner and along with finding clothes that make you look older, you’ve got to find a place to eat beforehand that will handle the size of your group, impress everyone who isn’t there and not dig too deeply into your college fund.

We’re here to help. We can’t stop your mom from videotaping your every move or ask your dad if you can borrow his ’68 Barracuda, but we can tell you where other students go to chow down before the big dance.

In our informal survey of Orange County high school students, the most popular restaurant was Maggiano’s Little Italy in Costa Mesa, where dinners average $20 per person. Easier-on-the-wallet places such as Denny’s and Ruby’s also racked up votes.

Angelo’s & Vinci’s Ristorante in Fullerton saw almost 200 teens on one Saturday night during the homecoming season.

“There’s an extra energy in the air because of the festive atmosphere,” said Cynthia Peck, co-owner of the nostalgic pizza parlor. “It’s formal but not stuffy.”

Because most students are used to driving all over map, the distance between home, the restaurant and the dance didn’t seem to matter. Good food, friendly service and a fun atmosphere are what teens are after.

“We’re not so much concerned about geographical location as we are about the quality of food and a comfortable environment, both inside and outside of the restaurant,” said Kimanh Nguyen of Santiago High in Garden Grove. “We tend to go out of our way for cozy quality, not convenience.”

Before you book your reservation--yes, it’s necessary--weigh your options. Will the restaurant of your choice seat a party of 14 or more? Are there vegetarian dishes on the menu? And can you afford it without pawning your CD collection?

“High school dances are exciting and full of wonderful memories in the making,” said Ashley Gardner of Estancia High in Costa Mesa. “But the places to ‘be seen’ don’t really matter that much. A few classmates drive through McDonald’s. It doesn’t matter where one goes, but how much fun one has on that special night.”

Here’s what other Orange County teens had to say:

Doug Nickey, Foothill High, Santa Ana:

* Maggiano’s Little Italy, Costa Mesa: “The food tastes great and the portions are well more than we need, even for football players. The service is fast for a crowded restaurant, and the waiters don’t write down the order but memorize it and never mess up. The Frank Sinatra music and dim lighting make it a semi-fancy place for dinner, but it’s a place you can still have fun with your friends.”

The yearbook staff, Mater Dei, Santa Ana:

* Benihana, Newport Beach: “The setting, which allows for a larger party than most restaurants, is as unique as the food. The Japanese-style cooking is an excellent choice of food before a big dance. It leaves you pleasantly filled without feeling overfed. And it’s reasonable for a teenager’s budget.”

Ashley Gardner, Estancia High, Costa Mesa:

* Gulliver’s, Irvine; Maggiano’s Little Italy, Mimi’s Cafe and Newport Rib Co., Costa Mesa: “All of these restaurants have a healthy and fun atmosphere. The classier, more expensive restaurants--Maggiano’s and Gulliver’s--have the best food and friendly service. The food scents at Maggiano’s are overwhelming. It’s like being in heaven. And Gulliver’s has the best shrimp scampi salad and the best creamed corn. It has a Claim Jumper feel but is classier with beautiful dining sets and neatly decorated tables.”

Ariane Mohamadi, Cornelia Connelly High, Anaheim:

* Duke’s, Huntington Beach: “It has really good food and atmosphere. It is on Pacific Coast Highway at Main Street, which is a great social location. The price is not cheap, but it is not super expensive. It also has a beautiful view of the pier and the beach. It is a great place to go with a romantic date or just a group of friends.”

Peter Kim, Valencia High, Placentia:

* Buca di Beppo, Brea: “The Italian food is delectable and the staff is very friendly, but Buca di Beppo is distinct because of its atmosphere. The pictures and photographs on the walls, the decorations and the color, and the authentic, family-sized entrees make one feel like he’s been transported to another place. Uniqueness includes a giant menu on the wall and a path through the kitchen to get to the dining tables. The atmosphere is also very festive.”

Stacy Lee, Esperanza High, Anaheim:

* Olive Garden, TGI Friday’s and BJ’s Pizza & Brewery, Brea: “These restaurants offer good food, a good staff and a fun atmosphere.”

Jessica Glaser and Katherine Morisseau, Newport Harbor High, Newport Beach:

* Cheesecake Factory, Newport Beach: “We like the cheese-and-spinach-dip appetizer. The restaurant overlooks the ocean and is fancy but has good prices--most courses range from $5 to $15. You can make reservations or walk in.”

Richard Santos, Mountain View Continuation High, Santa Ana:

* HomeTown Buffet, Santa Ana: “I like the all-you-can-eat food--fried chicken, steak, ham. . . .”

Kimanh Nguyen, Santiago High, Garden Grove:

* Jon’s Coffee Shops, Garden Grove: “It’s popular because of its late hours. People still show up at 3 or 4 a.m.”

* Ruby’s, Newport Beach: “It’s great because of its atmosphere: a restaurant on the beach pier with a wonderful view.”

* Spicy Thai, Orange: “It’s a favorite because it’s close by and has a cozy environment with nice booths, lighting and food.”

Ashley Chuang, Troy High, Fullerton:

* Angelo’s & Vinci’s Ristorante and Spaghetti Factory, Fullerton; Villa Nova, Newport Beach; Maggiano’s Little Italy, Costa Mesa: “[Villanova] has a great view because it’s right on the bay. Maggiano’s has great food served family style.”

Kelly Dooley and Jasmine Tollette, St. Margaret’s Episcopal, San Juan Capistrano:

* Ti Amo Ristorante, Laguna Beach: “It’s our favorite restaurant because of its beautiful view and friendly staff. It’s expensive, but worth every cent.”

Moi Gomez, Buena Park High:

* Denny’s, Buena Park and Fullerton: “It’s open late and it has really good food. Its prices are pretty reasonable and the waiters are cool. But students at our school never go [to dinner] before the dance because they might stain their dress or suit or they might feel fat. Usually it’s after the dance. Dancing does work up an appetite.”

Julia Djeke, Los Alamitos High, Los Alamitos:

* Duke’s, Huntington Beach: “It’s famous for its location on the beach and the quality of its valet service. Most students find it affordable and ideal. The sunset is especially beautiful.”

Traci Newell, Woodbridge High, Irvine:

* Orange Hill Restaurant, Orange: “It has a very wide selection of food; a nice buffet; rooms with spectacular views, some that spread to the ocean; a great atmosphere at night; good lighting; and good interior decor.”

Megan Haenel, Hillview High, Tustin:

* Maggiano’s Little Italy, Costa Mesa; Romano’s Macaroni Grill & Bar, Irvine: “Good food, fun, nice inside, fun staff.”

Kristina Crawley, Rosary High, Fullerton:

* Islands, Red Robin, BJ’s Pizza & Brewery and Olive Garden, Brea: “My friends and I usually eat at the Red Robin because it is affordable and they provide good service. We have also eaten at Islands and BJ’s, where the food is very good. Olive Garden is also a good match for students because of its affordability.”

Alece Hester and Christina Hylton, Trabuco Hills High, Mission Viejo:

* Wendy’s, Denny’s, Taco Bell, McDonald’s, Claim Jumper and TGI Friday’s: “Most students go to fast-food places because the food is cheap and it’s a quick in and quick out. Students like the Claim Jumper and TGI Friday’s because they are nicer restaurants with good food and a relaxing atmosphere.”

Bridgett Domingo, Bolsa Grande High, Garden Grove:

* Todai, Orange: “It’s a favorite because it has very good, inexpensive seafood and a buffet with a very good variety, not to mention the very nice surroundings. The staff is friendly and very attentive, and you’re guaranteed a good time and great food.”

Kevin Rex, Saddleback Valley Christian, San Juan Capistrano:

* Chart House, Dana Point; Las Brisas, Laguna Beach; Peppino’s, San Clemente: All have a great “beach atmosphere and food.”

Patricia Liao, Sunny Hills High, Fullerton:

* Orange Hill Restaurant, Orange; Summit House and the Cellar, Fullerton; La Vie en Rose, Brea: “These are favorites for their attractive view and elegant atmosphere. Sunny Hills students rarely choose restaurants for the food.”

Katie Brown, Newport Harbor High, Newport Beach:

* Ruby’s, Costa Mesa: “It’s popular because it’s about two minutes away from school and has great, all-American diner food.”

* Joe’s Crab Shack, Newport Beach: “It has a really fun atmosphere. It sets the mood for a dance or party. It’s relaxed and casual.”

Navarad Phonethibsavads, Saddleback High, Santa Ana:

* Birraporetti’s, Costa Mesa: “Nice place, romantic atmosphere, sophisticated.”

* The Clubhouse, Costa Mesa: “A place to be seen, like a country club, but expensive.”

* Claim Jumper, Santa Ana: “Reasonable prices, good food and atmosphere.”

* El Torito Grill, Orange: “Good Mexican food at reasonable prices.”

* Finbar’s Italian Kitchen, Costa Mesa: “Good amount of food, really nice place.”

* Orange County Mining Co., Santa Ana: “Great service, nice city view.”

* P.F. Chang’s, Irvine: “Good food, prices and service in a sophisticated atmosphere.”

* Sam Woo, Costa Mesa: “Good food and service with reasonable prices.”

* Spaghetti Factory, Newport Beach: “Different kind of atmosphere that looks like an old theater.”