Grill City

Located inside of Seafood City Supermarkets in Anaheim and Irvine, Grill City offers a large collection of Filipino delicacies spanning grilled and stir-fried items, plus several dessert and drink choices.

Grill City’s Filipino barbecue is perhaps its biggest draw and easiest win for new visitors, turning over skewered pork, whole squid, chicken, multiple fish, and must-try longanisa sausages fresh off the large display grill. Noodle (pancit), adobo (pork or chicken), and vegetable dishes are numerous – likely to confuse first-timers and thrill Filipinos – including the famous Dinuguan (“chocolate” pork, an acquired taste) and Kare Kare beef.

None of the items we’ve ordered besides the grilled meats has struck us as equal to or better than what you’d get at a standalone Filipino restaurant. However, the prices here are lower, and you’re immediately served food that’s ready to go.

In addition to lime-like calamansi juice, melon juice, and sago at gulaman drinks, sweet caramelized banana Turons are available as footlong desserts, alongside Halo Halo, fruit and macaroni salads, and coffee/jelly cups.

Prior to recent inflation, the prices at Grill City were pretty aggressive, making the barbecued meats a great choice for lunches or even mid-day snacks. At this point, the prices are quite a bit higher, but the food is still good enough to justify an occasional visit.