Top 5 Places To Eat In OC After You Get Your Braces Off
Kids these days are getting their braces on way earlier than I ever did 20 years ago. Now they do phase 1 and phase 2. My son recently completed phase 1 (or early interceptive treatment) which is orthodontic treatment such as expansion, active retainer or partial braces that is done before all of the permanent teeth have erupted and often occurs between the ages of six and ten.
This past week my son had his expander removed as well as the eight braces on his bottom and top four front teeth. To celebrate we wanted to take him out for somewhere fun to eat so he could enjoy all the foods he wasn’t supposed to eat for 12 months.
Here is a list of the best places in Orange County to eat at after you get your braces off!
1. Famous Dave’s BBQ
Corn was the #1 thing on this boys list so we took him to Famous Dave’s BBQ. I mean, who wouldn’t want to sink their teeth into sweet corn on the cob after getting braces off? No more cutting the kernels for a while. And ribs? We ordered enough spare ribs for an army. They were meaty, lean and tender and the selection of sauces to choose from was awesome!
They also have some really great appetizers. Start with the rib tips for something unique as they are served with onion strings, spicy pickles and onions. Or you could try their brisket nachos. My son had a hard time with tortilla chips when he had braces so these nachos were a nice treat for him.
If you want something a little heartier, try one of their brisket burgers with bacon. And don’t forget their Wilbur beans. Oh my gosh, they are incredible! They are loaded with smoked pork, brisket, hot link sausage and jalapeño peppers. To wash it all down try one of the signature cocktails. You won’t be disappointed.
2. Lucille’s Barbeque
Lucille’s Barbecue is well known for their southern hospitality and their made from scratch entrees, particularly their biscuits. Once you get your braces off you can sink your pearly whites into some tender brisket, delicious pork ribs, crunchy coleslaw, and decadent desserts like a snickers pie. There is a brand new Lucille’s in San Ana that recently opened at MainPlace Mall.
3. Powell’s Sweet Shop
Powell’s sweet shop is a dream come true for any kid who just got their braces off! Any kind of sticky, ooey-gooey candy you want is here just for you! Have some salt water taffy, chewy caramels, ju-ju-bees, Laffy taffy or jawbreakers. They even have homemade gelato. Just don’t go too crazy or you’ll get a belly ache!
4. Sonic Drive-In
(credit: sonic of sun prairie)
They say not to chew ice when you have braces so right after you get yours removed, head over to sonic and get a giant cup of their awesome nugget ice. These cool little nuggets are so refreshing and fun to chew on. You could even get a slushie with rainbow candy in it.
5. Boudin’s Bakery
(credit: Christina C./yelp)
Crunchy french bread is a must when you get your braces off. Try one of Boudin’s Baguette burgers with Ninan ranch beef, toasted sourdough baguette, lettuce, tomato, onions and choice of aged cheddar or swiss cheese. Or get a bread bowl and dip some of that crunchiness in creamy clam chowder. No matter what you choose, it’s guaranteed to be delicious, because: Bread.
Cute!