Chick-fil-A
★★★☆☆ 3.2 (503) • $
"I was *so* close to giving 5 stars to this Chick-fil-A, an unprecedented maneuver from yours truly especially considering how rigid my standards may be perceived from the outside looking in, but such stringency on a few aspects was grounds enough to warrant a one star deduction.I had two rewards on my account: One from the LA Angels baseball promo, and the other from the Code Moo promo. For as long as I've been a customer of Chick-fil-A, I didn't even know multiple rewards could be redeemed in one transaction until the cashier, Alejandro, pointed it out to me, and it would have taken a special kind of attentiveness to even notice in the first place.This Chick-fil-A is in Costa Mesa on the southwest corner of Gisler and Harbor. It's literally right off the 405 that you can hop off and on without having to stray too far from the freeway. Even if you want fast food not named Chick-fil-A, there's also In N Out, Raising Cane's, McDonald's, and even El Pollo Loco in the vicinity. Also IHOP, Sonic Drive-In, and a Dave's Hot Chicken a little further south.There is plenty of parking around Chick-fil-A, and there's even a clearly defined drive-thru that shouldn't be interruptive to the flow of traffic around the lot. I parked in between Chick-fil-A and Seiwa Market before going inside to claim my free chicken sandwich courtesy of Angels baseball.It took a couple of minutes before Alejandro was ready to take my order. I had my phone out ready to redeem my sando reward, but he noticed I also had the Code Moo reward of a free brownie. He asked if I'd like to redeem both, which had surprised me because I thought only one reward could have been redeemed at a time. Nope, turns out I could redeem both in one transaction, so I figured why not?!I was originally planning to redeem the chicken sandwich reward that day and save the Code Moo reward for later, so I was totally unprepared for this. I thought I would have had to scan two different QR codes to redeem both rewards, but nope, one QR code sufficed, and Alejandro made sure both rewards would be accounted for on this visit.His attentiveness really impressed me because I'm not sure how many other cashiers would have even noticed I had multiple rewards on my phone! However, he faltered when I asked him about the sauce that resembles Chick-fil-A sauce, but comes in regular sauce packets. He pointed towards the list of sauces on top of the drink dispenser, but I immediately knew those were the sauces that traditionally come in the rectangular tubs. I had to explain again, and then he got my drift of Honey Roasted BBQ. That was really his only blemish at ringing me up.After getting my receipt, I noticed that my name didn't appear on it, so I almost thought the QR code didn't get scanned and that my name wouldn't be called. It only took a couple of minutes before I heard my name for takeout. During those couple of minutes, I saw a community board that advertised the Code Moo game, and on the bottom were the words "Rocky Road". I legit thought it meant Rocky Road ice cream, but when I asked an employee about it, he said it was in reference to a movie (or moo-vie) that can be viewed in the app. And here I was, thinking that all customers would be treated to some Rocky Road Ice Cream during this SoCal heat wave lol.After getting my takeout bag, I momentarily left the restaurant. I say momentarily because I realized I had forgotten to ask for a water cup! I asked that same employee from the previous paragraph, and he said I could go back to the counter to ask for one. I was hoping he'd actually go fetch one for me, but no biggie. I just asked another employee at the counter for a water cup, which was quite large in size compared to other water cups at other locations.The brownie was alright. Nothing too special about it. However, I think they had actually given me the Spicy Chicken Sandwich instead! Usually, the complimentary sando is the original, so this was a real nice change for once! I would have enjoyed it much more had the Honey Roasted BBQ sauce packets had corrugated rather than straight edges. Without a pair of scissors, I had no choice but to eat the sando as is; I did not want to go back inside to ask for a school supply lol.The spicy sandwich was much better than the original, though I've definitely had my fair share of the original. However, it would have been even better had I been able to open either of the Honey Roasted BBQ packets.This Chick-fil-A has been advertising Code Moo much harder than my usual location in Lakewood. I can tell because the wall is adorned with plenty of cute cow decor, including the characters from the Rocky Road movie in the form of small, but cute figurines. They're really doing everything they can to extinguish Circus Burger lol.Overall, a good solid Chick-fil-A to go to, especially on a road trip up or down the 405. If I lived in Costa Mesa, this would almost certainly be my go to for chicken sandwiches!"
"Ok In n Out. Nothing I mean NOTHING beats In n out for the amount of yums per dollar.For less than 10 bucks I get the freshest most filling burger and fries (yeah its not the best) but when its fresh its still tasty with some spread and ketchup.My go to order is: double double mustard fried with grilled onions and a whole raw onion with extra lettuce with light well fries.The service is friendly and quick despite the onslaught of students. The ambiance can be loud and hectic but it makes it fun in my opinion.This location is one of my favorites out of the 10 in n outs I been throughout California and if you haven't tried in n out. You are missing out on a cheap quick reliable and tasty meal."
"I hate to give away how good this place is but have to share...burgers are solid! Even a smidge better than In N Out. Only if they had the chili peppers...the fries are crispy and on the thicker side, a mile better than In N Out. You have to order the scoop of chili on the side and the dip the fries. Ranch dressing is delicious too!The space is clean and the service is quick and friendly. Even the bathroom was nice and clean! Drive through is convenient and well managed. I prefer to dine there and eat it fresh! But the chili doesn't travel well so try to dine in if you order that."
