MORE EATERIES:

Sonic Drive-In, 15640 Brookhurst St., Westminster, and 1632 N. Lemon St., Anaheim. Both open Sundays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to midnight; Fridays and Saturdays till 1 a.m. (714) 531-8000. Nearly every aspect of this drive-in is perfect. From the Texas-size drinks (even the straws are big) to the bodaciously hot-to-handle onion rings and juicy hickory burgers. Pull in underneath the turquoise-and-white canopy, park next to a squawk box and order up.

Las Barcas Mexican Restaurant, 21032 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (714) 536-2616. Oversized portions, the hodgepodge decor and a colorful variety of local folk make this tiny eatery a beachside winner. The food is good and cheap, featuring ranchero-covered burritos, fresh snapper tacos and homemade tortilla chips. Be prepared to take out, though, there’s always a crowd.