20-Plus Top Summer Restaurant Specials 2022: Orange County

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Keep the summer vibe alive with seasonal dining deals. Check out some of the best, splurge-worthy offerings from restaurants throughout Orange County, along with some budget-friendly freebies and discounts.

Among the options: free guacamole and chips for National Avocado Day (July 31); and watermelon sips and salads for National Watermelon Day (Aug. 3).

Peruse the list, and find what appeals to you and for all tastes and budgets.

And don't miss the photo slideshow at the top of this post for some visual inspiration .

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A+O RESTAURANT & BAR AT BALBOA BAY RESORT: Swing by this summer for sips & snacks at the newly opened Tequila Bar at the waterfront restaurant. Unique, house-made bar bites, including dehydrated pineapple, shaved dark chocolate with tandoori masala and caramelized popcorn with peanuts & bacon, all pair well with tequilas & mezcals. Bar is open Fridays & Saturday 6p.m.-10 p.m. & Sundays 4p.m.-8 p.m. Details. At 1221 West Coast Hwy., Newport Beach.

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BAR LOUIE: This summer's limited-time menu is tropics-themed, with a Lu-au Burger (topped with barbeque pulled pork, grilled pineapple, macadamia slaw on King’s Hawaiian buns), Tropical Loaded Donut Holes (with lime cream, pineapple, toasted coconut) & Island Hopper mocktail. The new Aloha Punch summer cocktail features Bacardí Tropical, orange, passion fruit, guava & pineapple wedge — and for each one sold, $1 will be donated to World Central Kitchen. See website here. Locations include The District in Tustin.

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BJ'S RESTAURANT & BREWHOUSE: Cool off this summer with sweet and tart, sour fruit beer "Yuzu the Dragon" on tap through mid-August, while supplies last. The limited-time brew hails from a BJ's partnership with New Belgium Brewing Co. Find locations throughout Orange County. Website.

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BLACK ANGUS STEAKHOUSE: "Ranch Hand Plates," offered at a discounted $20.22 through Sept. 1. Choose from ribeye or salmon, with broccoli & wild rice. Plus, Prime Club Members can score a $10 gas gift card through July 31 when they spend at least $50. Website here. Locations include Buena Park, Fountain Valley, Santa Ana.

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CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN: Celebrate the season with CPK's new summer menu highlighting seafood & fresh berries. Among new dishes: seafood cioppino, a flavorful stew; the California Fields Salad with watermelon, strawberries & California-grown pistachios; and a piled-high strawberry shortcake. Summer beverages include fruit sangria & sparkling watermelon cooler. Website. Find restaurants here.
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DEL TACO: Snag a BOGO deal through July 31: Buy one Crispy Chicken Taco and get one free when ordering via the Del Yeah!™ Rewards app or online. And on July 31, National Avocado Day, rewards members can score free regular chips & guac or queso with $5 purchase. One per customer. Plus new limited-time items, including Queso Crunchtadas, $3 BreakFiesta & Strawberry Piñata Shake made with M&M’S, just hit menus. Website here.
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DUNKIN': Stay cool with the Brown Sugar Cream Cold Brew, part of the chain's summer offerings. Also on menus for a limited time are the Mango Pineapple Dunkin’ Refresher, Cake Batter Signature Latte, Butter Pecan Iced Coffee & Sunrise Batch Iced Coffee. Everything Stuffed Bagel Minis — served warm — are back for the season, along with Tomato Pesto Grilled Cheese, Omelet Bites & Cornbread Donut & MUNCHKINS Donut Hole Treats. And DD Perks members can earn 3X points on Iced Espresso beverages through July 31. Website here.
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EL POLLO LOCO: Celebrating National Avocado Day on July 31 with a free small chips and guac with purchase of $1 or more. Offer is for Loco Rewards loyalty members. For more info or to join rewards program, visit this link. Locations listed here.
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HABIT BURGER GRILL: New to menus for summer dining: the Chargrilled Peach Salad, from Habit's Executive Chef Adam Baird. Salad features chargrilled peaches and chicken, pickled red onions & diced tomatoes. Find locations here. Details.
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ISLANDS FINE BURGERS & DRINKS: Toast summer with limited-time, watermelon margaritas, featuring Sauza Hacienda Silver Tequila, Triple Sec, watermelon juice, agave nectar & lime juice. Also on summer menu: the Heat Wave Burger, a 1982 original menu item with jalapeños, ortega green chilies, pepper jack cheese, spicy mayo, lettuce & tomato. Website. Find area locations here.
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JAMBA: Enjoy a sweet deal Aug. 3, National Watermelon Day, with $5 medium Watermelon Breeze Smoothie at participating stores. Use promo code ‘MELONDAY’ online or in-store at checkout. Plus Jamba Rewards members can score a $5 medium Classic or Plant-Based Watermelon Breeze smoothie every Saturday & Sunday through Aug. 21 — valid once per day, per guest at participating shops. Info. Location finder here.
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KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN: Budget-approved, $5 Mac & Cheese Bowls are back for a limited time. The dish features cheddar mac & cheese topped with KFC’s crispy popcorn chicken & three-cheese blend. Or turn up the heat this summer & order Spicy KFC Mac & Cheese Bowl, featuring KFC’s spicy, smoky Nashville Hot sauce. Details here.
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KHAN SAAB DESI CRAFT KITCHEN: The Michelin Bib Gourmand award- winning, Halal eatery has launched summer happy hour — featuring crafted, alcohol-free mocktails through September — with deal to buy one & get one 50 percent off Mondays through Thursdays, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Drinks include: Tower of Peshawar with Seedlip Garden 108, cucumber, basil & elderflower tonic; Mango Mojito with mango nectar, mint, jaggery & lime; and Smoked Negroni, with Seedlip Spice 94, rose syrup, Palo Santo bitters & served under smoke-filled dome. At 229 East Commonwealth Ave. in downtown Fullerton. Info here.

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LUCILLE'S SMOKEHOUSE BAR-B-QUE: The limited-time-only Chicken Shack menu returns this summer, featuring such specials as Bone-in Smoked Fried Chicken with County Fair Corn Pudding & watermelon, ‘Bama Chicken Salad Sandwich with pecans, dried blueberries & bacon on Texas toast and Southern Tomato Pie. Info. Find area restaurants here.
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MIGUEL'S JR.: Drop in this summer for specials and happy hour offers. For a limited time, a new Burrito Box combo, with Original Burrito (with choice of chicken, chile verde pork or beef), chips, guac & beverage, is $8.99. And "Summer Happy Hour Menu," offered 2 p.m. - 5 p.m., features $1 off six drinks, tostadas (carne asada at additional cost) and taquitos. Details. Find locations throughout Orange County.

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MOD PIZZA: Limited-time summer offerings include the Cheesy-Backyard-Burger Pizza (Spiceology-seasoned ground beef, cheddar & mozzarella cheeses, tomatoes, pickle chips, arugula & drizzle of Roma ranch) & return of customer-favorite – the Strawberry Summer Salad (greens, strawberries, cucumbers, gorgonzola crumbles & pickled red onions, vinaigrette & balsamic-fig glaze.) Both available through Sept. 11 at all sites. Location finder here. See website here.
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NOODLES & COMPANY: Noodles Rewards members can take 50 percent off all zucchini "Zoodle" dishes, including Zucchini Grilled Orange Chicken, Zucchini Pesto with Grilled Chicken, Zucchini Roasted Garlic Cream with Grilled Chicken & more, from Aug. 5-8. Plus, diners who sign up for Noodles Rewards for first time will receive free, small entree after first purchase using the Noodles Rewards app, valid for 30 days. Area locations include Cypress and Orange. Website here.

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PHILLY'S BEST: This summer's menu star is the new Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteak, packing sweet, smoky "Nashville Hot" heat with steak or chicken & melted cheese on authentic Amoroso’s rolls brought in from the East Coast. Info here. Locations throughout Orange County.

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POLLO CAMPERO: Turning up the heat this summer at the Guatemala-founded chain is the new spicy chicken sandwich with zesty habanero mayo, fried or grilled chicken & sweet pickles on brioche bun. For a limited time, guests can buy one Spicy Chicken Sandwich Meal & get second meal free. Locations. See website.
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QDOBA MEXICAN EATS: Citrus Lime Shrimp is the summer star on the chain's limited-time menu at participating sites. New dishes include: the Surf & Turf Burrito or Bowl with the shrimp, adobo steak, guacamole, chile crema, cotija cheese over rice & black beans; and the Citrus Lime Shrimp Burrito or Bowl (an online exclusive), with the shrimp, chile crema, pico de gallo, rice, black beans & cotija cheese in flour tortilla or in a bowl. Website here. Location finder here for O.C. area.
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RED LOBSTER: It's the perfect time to indulge in "Seafood Summerfest" —a limited-time, line-up of special dishes & summer cocktails. Among the deals: BBQ Bacon Grilled Shrimp ($18.99), including soup or salad & starter, and the new "Summer Sangarita," a blend of sangria and margarita. Website here. Locations here.

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RED ROBIN: Running through July 31 at participating restaurants are $10 Gourmet Meal Deals, with burger, bottomless steak fries & bottomless beverage. Burger options include: Gourmet Cheeseburger; Whiskey River BBQ Burger; & Banzai with teriyaki-glazed patty & grilled pineapple. Dine-in only. Find locations, and confirm participation.

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RUBIO'S: Rewards members can enjoy free chips and guacamole on National Avocado Day, July 31. To score the offer, sign up for Rubio’s Rewards here, or download the app by Saturday, July 30. Then place order online, through the app or scan in-app QR code at the register. And through Sunday, July 31, delivery is free with minimum order of $15. Locations found on website.
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IN OTHER AREA RESTAURANT & DINING NEWS ON PATCH:

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