Going Out with a Group in Orange County, California? Try One of These Places

Sometimes when a special event or occasion comes up in our family we, quite frankly, don't know where to go! We have all ages, budgets and food tastes to consider, as do most people. It doesn't have to be family-sometimes co-workers what a social respite or friends.

Where to go? Thankfully, Orange County California has so many restaurants that coming up with a list of very worthwhile selections wasn't as difficult as what I thought it would be. Here are some of the top contenders:

The Old Spaghetti Factory in Newport Beach. This is obviously the most budget friendly. No reservations are ever accepted here, but that's okay-there's a lively bar upstairs, interesting shops close by and the infamous "Crab Cooker" is but literally a corner turn away if you want a shrimp cocktail to tide you over until your name is called. There are several sauce choices, but they do stick to the basics.

Buca Di Beppo's in several locations in the county. Another Italian place, they encourage "family" sharing here. The platters are huge, doggie bags abound. Having gone with both family and co-workers (at separate times of course), I can vouch that the food is good, fresh and the staff are eager to both please and make suggestions.

Romano's Macaroni Grill also has a few county locations. Italian food is on the menu here as well, but they are diet accommodating! If someone has a particular allergy or food program, they will do their best to make sure all needs are met. Plus, they have an added bonus here-many of the staff have beautiful operatic voices and love to sing for your dinner. Particularly fun if it's someone's birthday. Also great if you have kids-the tables are covered with butcher paper and crayons and drawings are more thank encouraged.

BJ's Brewery is all over and are always busy! The micro-beers are on tap, the food is fresh and tasty and it's a hit with all age groups. Our 13 year old niece loved her meal as much as my 78 year old dad!

For a more upscale or special occasion you might want to make reservations at one of these next three:

Marrakesh is located along the coast. If you love Moroccan food, belly dancing and big soft low dining seats then this is the place for you! Eating with your fingers is not only allowed, but it's the only way. My husband and I doubled dated twice here, but we have seen groups of up to a dozen having quite a good time trying to balance themselves and eat! Okay, I wouldn't take grandma and grandpa here if they are traditionalists, but who knows, they might have the time of their lives!

La Fondue and The Melting Pot are the most expensive of all these venues. They are quite romantic in decor and service. Since they serve, what else, fondue, it's a very intimate evening. My husband and I went to La Fondue the day after Valentine's Day and had a very nice time. They were very accommodating to my dairy allergy-which impressed me to the nth degree. They made our chocolate fondue without any cream! They added some extra beautiful berries! Plus they made sure that even though I couldn't eat the actual cheese fondue, that the rest of the meal was more than "safe". Which I appreciated-especially the chocolate part!

So there you have it-from the bare bones budget of about $10 a person to the high end of $75 a person. However your group wants to celebrate, Orange County has you covered!