Anaheim Packing District
History, culture and seriously excellent cuisine await your group at the Anaheim Packing District, a historic landmark first opened in 1919. Today this busy Anaheim hotspot serves as an upscale food court and commercial gathering place, a newer yet highly influential part of Anaheim’s downtown. While the food court part of this site is new, the site itself is anything but, seeing its beginnings in 1919 when this area was opened up as a commercial and trading hub, mostly for oranges and other citrus fruits. The historic packing plants in this area tell the story of Anaheim’s economy, cultural roots, and natural landscape, as well as give a good clue as to how this particular spot is still so popular today.
The Anaheim Packing House itself is a 42,000 square foot gourmet food hall. Together with the neighboring Packard Building, the historic 1925 Mission Revival building, and the open-air farmers market, this spot congeals into what is known as the Packing District. The refurbished historic structures sit along Anaheim Boulevard and Santa Ana Street, with several more smaller/less historically influential buildings and businesses dotted throughout such as the Car Showroom, Cooks Chapel, Community Kitchen, and outdoor event area, The Backyard. You will find beauty and history mingled together perfectly in The Backyard, the atmosphere made such with a fireplace and orange grove backdrop.
Throughout the rest of the district, you will find over 20 artisan eateries, including several spots that will fit all budgets and culinary palettes. Try Rolling Boil, a popular hot pot spot serving locally fresh ingredients, or perhaps Orange Tei for some sushi and ramen. There is a speakeasy-themed joint, an excellent Indian eatery, and even a fan favorite of locals and tourists alike, the Iron Press, a relaxed restaurant serving local brews and waffles all day (well, 9 am to 12 am, when the district is open). Did we mention the live music on the weekends? Yeah, you’re going to want to visit the district while in Anaheim, that’s for sure!
