23 Things People From Irvine Can’t Live Without

1. Strawberry Basil Lemonade From Mick’s Karma Bar

Visitors wouldn’t even know that Mick’s Karma Bar existed, but Irvinites know why they should head to the hole in the wall in a business district: Strawberry. Basil. Lemonade. Mick’s burgers are great, but this sweet, summer treat is hands down amazing.

2. Their Giant Orange Ball

Irvinites know they’re home when they see the giant, orange balloon from the 5 Fwy. For $10 you can ride up into the sky and get a breathtaking, panoramic view of the city. They liked it better when it was free, but it’s still a majestic site than can sometimes be confused with a harvest moon in the right light.

3. The County’s Biggest Indie Theatre Right In Their Backyard

Residents know they’ve got it good with a great independent movie theater. The Edwards University Town Center Cinema is six theaters showing all indie movies seven days a week. And yet, despite the theater’s attraction, it’s never too crowded.

4. Bragging About Their Late Night Food Options

Irvine may not have the best nightlife, but they do have some amazing options for late-night dining–something that can be very hard to find in Orange County. No matter what hour, Irvinites can always chow down at BCD Tofu House.

5. Mourning The Loss of Their Favorite Vietnamese Coffee

Lee’s Coffee used to be a hub for UCI students to get yummy sandwiches and delicious Vietnamese coffee–they key words here being “used to.” Last year, the Irvine Company decided to tear down the community spot and replace it with a Chik-Fil-A. UCI students are still pretty bummed about losing Lee’s.

6. Having More International Grocery Stores Than Your City

Irvinites never have to travel far to prepare a favorite ethnic dish. They have more international food stores than they know what to do with.

7. Riding Bikes In OC’s Most Bike Friendly City

No matter how you look at it, Orange County is simply not conducive for riding bikes. Unless it’s along the beach or river trail, bike paths are too skinny and quite fond of abruptly ending in the middle of the road. But Irvine cares about its cyclists and has expansive and consistent bike paths throughout the city.

8. Being Able To Beach And Bar Hop In A Matter Of Minutes

Irvinites might get bored some nights, but all of the action in Orange County is never far away. Irvine is centrally located to the beach, golf courses, museums, and nightclubs.

9. Knowing It’s Easier To Get Great Thai Than It Is To Get McDonald’s

The diverse population means authentic, ethnic food everywhere. Irvinites never have to put up with unsatisfied cravings—whether it’s for dim sum, curry, or Mongolian BBQ.

10. All Things UCI

It doesn’t matter if you’re actually a student at the University of California, Irvine–the city and its people revolve around the school. They’re proud of being part of the tight-knit community and making way for some of the smartest adults that will soon enter the workforce.

11. The Coolest University Bar Ever

Of course, just because UCI students love to study doesn’t mean they’re that perfect. It’s hard to resist a drink after class when your university bar is so cool that even non-students want to go. Anthill Pub & Grille has a great happy hour menu, wide selection of craft beers, and the amazing, secret Stoner Tots.

12. Exclusive Sushi Delivery

Something about food that’s delivered to your door makes it extra delicious, especially when it’s exclusive food that can only be delivered to you. Ippo Sushi delivers fresh rolls until 2 a.m. but only to residents in the UCI area.

13. Buying The Freshest Produce At Their Farmers’ Market

Irvine doesn’t just have a park, it has a Great Park, and that park has a great farmers’ market. This certified farmers’ market is more than just local fruits and veggies. There’s live music, health services, and sometimes a car show.

14. Slurping Up All The Tapioca Balls

Boba is a pretty hard thing not to love, but Irvinites really love their boba–like insanely love their boba. Residents often can’t go a week without slurping down a refreshing tea with those tapioca balls. Good thing there’s boba in most shopping centers.

15. Eating Better Chinese Than You

Yu’s Garden serves Irvine with some of the best, authentic Chinese food from their cozy location. It’s a real challenge to find authentic Chinese in Southern California, but Irvinites don’t even have to leave their city limits for it.

16. Living In A City So Safe That It’s Borderline Boring

Safety is a huge factor in why people move to Irvine. It’s literally the poster child of new age suburbs. You can walk the streets alone at any time of night and know, without a shadow of a doubt, that you are safe. Granted, this also means that Irvine isn’t the most exciting place to live.

17. Uniformity And All Its Comforts

Irvinities don’t roll their eyes at the master planned community, they kind of like it. The city streets are an organized dream that easily flow in and around each other. Plus, it looks really cool from an aerial map. Plus, they think it’s funny how outsiders always get lost and run the risk of never returning from the East Yale Loop.

18. A Little Bit of Peace and Quiet

It doesn’t matter where you live in Irvine; it’s going to be calm and quiet. Chalk it up to the complete and utter lack of nightlife, but there’s no shortage of relaxation going on.

19. The Awesome Village Vibe

Even though Irvinites can take care of all their shopping at mega centers, they love the ease of access at their home “villages.” Part of Irvine’s master plan was that every neighborhood would have an adjoining shopping center with a grocery store and all the necessities.

20. The Warming Experience Of Hot Pot

Irvine residents love getting together to have a meal with friends over a steaming hot pot. Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot is a definite favorite. Fresh noodles, shaved meats, and bright spices open up the sinuses and fill the belly with happy.

21. Not Having To Deal With The Horror That Is LAX

The Los Angeles International Airport doesn’t have nothin’ on John Wayne. The cowboy legend’s airport is the easiest to get in and out of, has low wait times, and is located conveniently on the fringe of Irvine.

22. Being Smarty Pants In A Highly Technological And Scientific City

Irvine is full of smart people. Scientific and technological industries boom in the city and they even have their own co-work space, PeopleSpace, just for techie minds to get together and create. If you need electronics fixed in Irvine, chances are you can just ask your neighbor.

23. Still Getting Back to Nature

Shopping, movies, and foodies aside, Irvinites still know when to unplug and head out into the trees. The city has a handful of beautiful parks from grassy, family friendly ones, to the more rugged variety for all levels of hiking. What’s something in Irvine you can’t live without? Tell us in the comments below!