The O.C. has its perks—sunny days, active communities, and, let’s be real, a lot less traffic than big cities like L.A. or San Diego—but we’ve got one major issue: the serious lack of late-night food spots! 🍲 Whether you’re wrapping up a Halloween party this weekend, finishing a date, or just craving something tasty after midnight, finding a bite past 10 PM can feel like an impossible quest. Lucky for you, this week are focusing on late-night eats, so you won’t have to settle for drive-thru fries.

Our featured spot? A little, unassuming family-run restaurant in Lake Forest called Kabab Express. It’s a low-key gem serving up fresh, flavorful bites that’ll hit the spot! The best part? Their kitchen is open until 3am on Fri&Sat!

Let’s dig in! 😋

Everything in this Issue

• 🍲 Late-Night Eats in Lake Forest

• 🎃 Our Top Halloween-Inspired Nights Out (Adults O …

• 💡 Our Other Top Picks for Late-Night Eats

A Late-Night Gem Serving Flavorful Mediterranean Bites in Lake Forest

Imagine finishing a long night out or wrapping up a Halloween party and craving something better than drive-thru fries. That’s where Kabab Express in Lake Forest comes in. Unassuming from the outside, this family-run spot is a go-to for locals who know where to find authentic Mediterranean flavors at nearly any hour.

Kabab Express is open until 3 AM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (and 1am during weekdays) making it a standout in an area that notoriously starts winding down early. Walking in, you’re greeted by the warm aroma of spices, with the air filled with the scent of freshly grilled food, setting the stage for hearty, flavorful plates. From char-grilled kababs to richly spiced falafel, every dish is made with care and generous portions—perfect for satisfying that after-hours hunger.

We arrived just as the night was starting to quiet down, and Kabab Express was buzzing with people grabbing a post-night-out meal. I went for the Falafel Wrap, while my friend chose the Beef Kabab Plate. The falafel was perfectly crisp on the outside and soft inside, paired with fluffy rice, hummus, and fresh pita. It was comforting and packed with flavors without the heavy, greasy feel of typical late-night options. The wrap, meanwhile, was a burst of Mediterranean flavor wrapped up in a warm pita, filled with fresh veggies and aromatic spices.

Kabab Express is more than just a quick stop; it’s a find for quality, homemade Mediterranean eats that deliver on flavor and freshness. Whether you’re coming off a night out or simply craving something satisfying and flavorful, this Lake Forest spot is worth the visit—especially when you know their kitchen is open into the early morning. It’s the perfect answer to Orange County’s late-night food dilemma, and we’ll definitely be back to explore more of their menu!

What You Need to Know About Kabab Express

📍 Location: 24301 Muirlands Blvd Suite F, Lake Forest, CA 92630, Kabab Express Website

⏱️ Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 11 AM – 1 AM
Friday: 11 AM – 3 AM
Saturday: 8 AM – 3 AM
Sunday: 8 AM – 1 AM

🍲 Menu: A menu packed with Mediterranean classics—falafel, shawarma, and juicy kababs—plus vegetarian-friendly options like hummus and salads. Don’t miss their crispy falafel plate or a hearty shawarma wrap. Ideal for a flavorful late-night fix!

👪 Ok for Kids? Kabab Express offers a casual, family-friendly vibe that’s perfect for a quick meal with kids, especially during the day. After dark, it’s more of a late-night stop for those craving some late night snacks, but it should still be ok to bring kids.

👯‍♀️ Best For: Perfect for a late-night snack run, casual meals with friends, or anyone looking to fuel up after a night out in O.C.

📒 Reservations? No reservations needed! Kabab Express is a casual spot where you can drop in whenever you’re craving fresh Mediterranean flavors. Just be prepared—it can get busy on weekend late nights, so expect a bit of a crowd if you’re coming by after hours.

🎃 Our Top Halloween-Inspired Nights Out (Adults Only)

• Newport Beach Official Halloween Bar Crawl, Sat. 10/26

• Huntington Beach Zombie Crawl, Sat. 10/26 

• Halloween Swingthing in Costa Mesa, 10/24-10-27

💡 Our Other Top Picks for Late-Night Eats

Don’t get me wrong, In-N-Out is the best! We know we can always count on a hot order of animal fries to hit the spot on that late-night drive home… BUT… what if you’re looking for something different? What other options are there in Orange County after 11pm? Here are a few of our favorites…

🥞 Norms - The So Cal classic, Norms Diner is still very much a thing! They are open 24 HRS and a great option if you are on the way back from a night out in L.A. or Northern Orange County. Especially good if you are looking for a place that serves breakfast at any time. Check out the menu and all of their current locations HERE.

🫒 The Olives Branch - This delightful Lebanese restaurant is open until 1:30am on weekends and until midnight the rest of the week! Check them out after a play at the Camino Real Playhouse or after a movie night. You can see their full menu HERE.

🍷 Silver Trumpet Restaurant & Bar - The perfect spot for a late-night bite, especially after catching a show at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Located just steps away from the performing arts center, and open until 1am on weekends, they serve a wide range of elevated dishes including a wide range of sharables. Check them out HERE.

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