23 Mar Must-Try Spots to Catch the Fullerton Vibe, According to CSUF Students
For Cal State Fullerton students, college life is more than textbooks and classes. Housed within the diverse culture of Orange County, Fullerton is a hot area for trendy spaces to study, eat and relax between the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Titans were asked for their must-try Fullerton spots based on five criteria: student convenience, viral popularity, positive online reviews, location and menu creativity.
According to CSUF students, these are the latest locations to visit to catch that familiar Fullerton vibe.
1. Roll & Grill
Roll & Grill is a staple spot for CSUF students and locals looking for cheap and quick sushi in Fullerton./ Credit: Jessica Collins
Known for its low prices, sushi combination plates and beef bowls, Roll & Grill is THE standout sushi staple for CSUF students looking for more bang for their bucks.
With a 4.5-star rating on Yelp, this hole-in-the-wall eatery often draws lines out the door during lunch hour, even without any dine-in seating.
“Going to Roll & Grill was the hype thing to do my freshman year,” said third-year kinesiology student Sydney Pele. “As college students, we should have cheap options like [Roll & Grill] rather than going elsewhere and spending like $20. I recommend their crunch roll, dragon roll and spicy tuna roll.”
@grubwithgreg Roll & Grill in Fullerton has Sushi & more for 1980’s Prices! It’s not prepared by Chef Morimoto and it’s not Nobu in Malibu, but it’s good sushi for a fantastic price!🍣💵 Here’s Everything I Tried: Hawaiian Roll $8.00 Spicy Tuna Roll $4.50 California Roll $3.75 Chicken Bowl $6.00 📍ROLL & GRILL 1308 E Chapman Ave Fullerton, CA 92831
In addition to $9 bento combos, fresh sushi rolls under $11 and $3 hand rolls, Roll & Grill is known for its generous portions and fresh food quality.
“Let me just say: sometimes the best meals don’t come with a hostess stand, mood lighting, or a 45-minute wait,” said Candace L. on Yelp. “If you’re looking for ambiance, this isn’t it. If you’re looking for solid, fresh sushi that hits every time and doesn’t require a production? 10/10. Would absolutely eat in a parking lot again.”
Conveniently located just minutes from CSUF, Roll & Grill is a Fullerton favorite for low-cost sushi committed to variety and value.
2. Chicana Vegana
Chicana Vegana is a plant-based vegan restaurant that specializes in Cali-Mexican food for Fullerton locals. / Credit: Jessica Collins
Inspired by Cali-Mexican roots and passion for animal rights, the plant-based women-owned Chicana Vegana has turned a few heads, including those of CSUF students.
Boasting a 4.8 Yelp rating, the restaurant specializes in Mexican-American fusion dishes, ranging from wet burritos and burgers to pozole and tacos.
For fifth-year chemistry student Liam Ryals, Chicana Vegana’s commitment to cruelty-free plant-based dishes is what drew him in.
“I think that it’s really cool to see [Mexican] cultural influence on plant-based eating, especially since Mexican dishes are meat-heavy,” said Ryals.
@ahungryveganguy @chicanavegana My favorite restaurant the only 10/10 I’ve given because it is just too good to not. #vegan #vegantiktok #vegano #ahungryveganguy #orangecounty
Ryals recommends the Cali Dreamin’ Burger for its vegan twist on a classic bacon avocado burger. Offering vegan classic Mexican desserts, a spin on Jack in the Box tacos and even hotdogs, Chicana Vegana’s menu has no limits.
“I think eating healthy can be intimidating,” said Ryals. “But even if you’re not vegan, you won’t be disappointed in what you get.”
Whether looking for a quick downtown escape during the school week or craving an ethically sourced burger, Chicana Vegana is your go-to.
3. The Classic Cafe
Located in a remodeled 1920s house in Fullerton, this vintage-themed cafe offers cozy vibes for locals to study and chill. / Credit: Jessica Collins
With a following of over 16,000 followers on Instagram and 4.6 rating on Yelp, The Classic Cafe is a unique Fullerton gem for coffee and ambient study corners.
The vintage family-owned Korean cafe is located inside a remodeled historic house from the 1920s, creating a peaceful ambiance for customers looking to escape busy student life and commitments.
Second-year business student Genevieve Tung says she first sought out the place to find a cozy “third space” to study outside of campus and busy mainstream coffee shops.
“I think a lot of students have been wanting to find third spaces to study,” said Tung. “The way I think about Classic Cafe is that it’s not a cafe but more a comfortable place to be and hang out.”
@laoceats 📍 The Classic Cafe 419 W Commonwealth Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832 #restaurant #orangecounty #coffee
For others, it offers an ideal getaway to grind and be productive.
“This is my all-time favorite cafe to co-work from Fullerton! There’s cozy seating, outlets for charging your devices, strong WiFi, wonderful staff, and amazing lattes,” said Sally T. on Yelp. “Their A/C has also come in clutch throughout the heat waves these past few weeks.”
From whimsical fairytale decor, handcrafted Einspanner lattes and Korean-fusion paninis, The Classic Cafe’s Victorian charm and unique menu offer students a peaceful escape to wind down.
4. Habibi’s
Habibi’s offers a variety of menu options including their fig vanilla matcha latte. / Credit: Jessica Collins
Featuring matcha and lattes inspired by the Levant region, Habibi’s is Fullerton’s newest Arabic food and drink cafe.
Opened in July 2025, the cafe blends Middle Eastern and American culture to create specialized menu options, including their orange blossom matcha, manaeesh (flatbread) and pistachio honey labneh (yogurt).
“I highly recommend trying the house latte, karak chai, or any of their refreshers,” said ASI President Haneefah Syed. “Their manaeesh flatbread is especially delicious and makes for a perfect lunch choice.”
@justjewelvibes this is for all the cal state fullerton students! Habibi’s is a welcoming cafe that serves up food and drinks! My friend and i had a great time here and would want to come again! drinks: 🍊orange blossom matcha ☕️butter pecan latte food: 🥪chipotle chicken melt 🫓basterma flatbread 📍2720 Nutwood Ave B, Fullerton, CA 92831 #food #drink #ocfood #matcha #orangecounty
With a 4.9 on Yelp, many note the hospitable staff and accessible student space.
“For college students attending classes (specifically CSUF students), this is the perfect place to get a quick, filling meal in between classes, considering it is right across the university,” said Leah D. on Yelp. “I also want to shout out the people who work there! Every interaction I’ve had, everyone has been so, so friendly and lovely, the service is exceptional.”
Habibi’s is a convenient and accessible choice for any student looking for a unique dining break from campus.
5. Vivot Craft Cafe
Vivot Craft Cafe offers patrons their strawberry matcha latte with house-made strawberry syrup. / Credit: Jessica Collins
Calling all matcha lovers! According to students, Vivot Craft Cafe is Downtown Fullerton’s hit matcha spot for specialty grade matcha, artisan teas and viral matcha flights.
Derived from the Cambodian word meaning “to evolve,” Vivot’s mission is to inspire others to become the best versions of themselves through their community spaces.
@itzia.i.a Ube foam 🤯Who else can’t resist a good quality matcha fix!?🧋 @vivot.craftcafe 📍115 E Commonwealth Ave Unit A, Fullerton, CA 92832 #MatchaAddict #FullertonEats #DrinkLocal #VivotCafe #DowntownFullerton
“I recommend their strawberry matcha. I really like that they use strawberry syrup instead of strawberry milk,” said fourth-year public health major Masa Kassih. “Their matcha is also very authentic and their cream foam is really good too.”
The cafe’s matcha flights, unique cold foam creations and minimalist-interior draw in students all over the Fullerton area.
“I love that they’re open late. It’s honestly hard to find cute café spots in OC that don’t close super early, so Vivot automatically wins points for being the perfect late-night yap + dessert spot,” said Shallom L. on Yelp.
6. MADE Coffee
MADE Coffee gathers students and locals for a quiet study space and custom coffee creations. / Credit: MADE Coffee
Serving coffee communities across Fullerton, Yorba Linda and Costa Mesa, MADE Coffee is considered a go-to spot for high-quality drinks. From slow bar special pour-overs to creamy cortados, the coffee shop offers reliable study spaces and quality drinks.
With Gen Z redefining the coffee and tea scene, it’s no surprise that places like MADE Coffee have become favorites among CSUF students.
@bbrycenate lots of outlets with wifi & drinks came out fast—MADE COFFEE in downtown fullerton 8.5/10. #fullerton #coffeeshop #matcha #vlog #fyp #review #orangecounty #oc #thingstodo #jesuslovesyou
Fourth-year graphic design student Justin Baizas frequents the Fullerton location as a dedicated coffee lover.
“They have two signature drinks, their Spanish latte and their oat milk cereal latte,” said Baizas. “Their coffee is super creamy, and whatever milk and beans they’re using are so good too.”
Baizas says MADE Coffee is superior to other coffee shops in Downtown Fullerton due to its quiet ambience, multiple store locations and simple menu options and adjustments.
“I go to all the locations, the people there are dope; they definitely know what they’re doing,” said Baizas.
7. Roscoe’s Famous Deli – Fullerton
Roscoes interior is approachable, exciting and complements the lively atmosphere. / Credit: Roscoes Fullerton
Study, coffee, nightlife- repeat! CSUF students enjoy their fair share of fun as well.
A top recommendation for nightlight to unwind after finals is Roscoe’s Famous Deli in the heart of the downtown strip.
An upbeat deli and sandwich restaurant by day and live music bar at night, Roscoe’s is known for its quality sandwiches, live music and vibrant ambiance.
@haleypaigem Come with me to Roscoes in downtown Fullerton. #foodie #downtownfullerton #vibewithus
For third-year business-marketing student Olivia Ireland, the deli is her go-to for a great sandwich and a lively night out with her friends.
“I think the culture there is really fun,” said Ireland. “You see so many students that go to CSUF, and it’s a great place to mingle because they also have live bands playing too.”
Yelp reviewers often praise Roscoe’s as a triple threat, delivering on food, entertainment and overall vibes.
“They offer delicious food (incredible sandwiches), great entertainment (games & live music) and aesthetics (super cute interior)!” said Andrea G. on Yelp. “This place has it all, it’s whatever you want to make of your experience here!”
8. Bag of Cakes – Fullerton
@itspoolee Sooo many good pastries here, would def recommend the cruffins!! It does get busy during the weekend. 📍bag of cakes @Bag of Cakes in Fullerton,ca #matcha #cafe #pastries #bakery #pastry #koreancafe #oc #orangecounty
Opened in September 2023, Bag of Cakes in Fullerton is a hit Korean patisserie and cake shop that offers sweet baked goods and specialty drinks.
Unlike traditional American bakeries, Bag of Cakes adds a Korean twist, making its desserts lighter, fluffier and less sweet, often featuring airy sponge cakes and fresh whipped cream.
Third-year criminal justice student Madison Adams likes going with friends to study and enjoys its iced caramel latte and egg salad sandwich.
“I’m definitely a regular there now because of their food,” said Adams. “It can get busy, but they’re open pretty early each day.”
The cake shop with a 4.3 Yelp rating is known for its clean, white and yellow interiors where customers can order premade baked goods, and even full-sized cakes for special occasions.
Other popular items include banana pudding matcha latte, strawberry maritozzi pastry and matcha and early grey cruffin.
“[Bag of Cakes] definitely has way more food options than other cafes in the area,” said Adams. “I think they have a good variety.”
9. Tacos Los Cholos – Fullerton
@cfabianexplore Can verify these are authentic 🙌🏽🔥 #tacosloscholos #tacos #tacospot #oc #orangecounty #tacotuesday #taco #tacotime #tacolife
If there is one must-try taco spot for CSUF students in Fullerton, it’s Tacos Los Cholos, a staple name even outside OC.
With over 284,000 followers on Instagram and 4.6 on Yelp, the viral taco spot takes street tacos to the next level.
The spot gained popularity by elevating street tacos with high-quality steakhouse-level meats and grilling them over specialized mesquite wood for an extra spike of smoky flavor. From porkbelly, ribeye and filet mignon tacos, Los Cholos also has unique menu items like their Cholo pizza and papa lokas.
“It’s been a place where my friends and I have gone to bring a little bit of home to us,” said fourth-year cinema and television arts major Mercedes Avila. “I have always had a positive experience, and it’s made me feel more part of the community here at Fullerton.”
With Reggaeton, Bachata and classic Ranchera music lifting the space, students go for its approachable vibe and quality food.
“Their taco meat quality is really good,” said Avila. “If you’re looking for a sense of Hispanic culture here, then it’s definitely the place for you.”
10. El Fortin Restaurante
@trylocaleats Go eat local today at EL FORTIN. They serve some of the best Oaxacan food in Fullerton! #oaxaca #oaxacanfood #orangecounty #lunch #breakfast #dinner #mexicanfood #fyp
Last but certainly not least, CSUF students also have a recommendation for authentic Oaxacan cuisine.
Originally opened in 1999, El Fortin Restaurante’s mission is to create a restaurant on the rich cultural flavors of their Oaxacan heritage.
Offering an extensive menu of authentic dishes including tasajo, cafe de la sierra de Oaxaca and much more, the restaurant operates on 100 percent imported goods from Oaxaca and a made-to-order service to preserve freshness and authenticity.
Fourth year communications-journalism student Jenny Guzman and her family have been going to the restaurant for years because of its mission to preserve cultural authenticity.
“It’s honestly my favorite place to go because it has my comfort food,” said Guzman.
Her favorite thing to order is their tlayudas, an Oaxacan-style street food that many refer to as a “Mexican pizza.”
“My family and I have been going for years, and it’s my number one stop when I am craving a little taste of home,” said Guzman.
Honorable Mentions
Breaking away from the stress of academic life, getting out and exploring the local area is one of the best ways CSUF students can recharge and maintain their mental health.
From dreamy, whimsical café corners to authentic Mexican cuisine, the city of Fullerton is a hub of culture, creative finds and cozy must-try spots for students to immerse themselves in.