Walk into the Anaheim Packing House on a Saturday afternoon and the first thing that hits you isn't the smell of gourmet poutine or the sound of a live jazz band. It’s the light. Honestly, the way the sun pours through those massive clerestory windows, hitting the pale wood and the hanging greenery, makes the whole place feel less like a mall and more like a greenhouse that just happens to sell incredible cocktails.
People call it the "Ol Packing House" or the "Old Packing House," but its official name is the Anaheim Packing House, and it's basically the crown jewel of the Anaheim Packing District. It isn't just another food hall. We've all seen those sterile, modern food courts in converted warehouses that feel like they were designed by a corporate committee. This isn't that. This is a 1919 citrus packing plant that actually kept its soul.
It's loud. It’s crowded. Sometimes you’ll spend twenty minutes circling for a parking spot like a hawk over a field mouse. But the history here is real, and the food—if you know where to look—is some of the best in Orange County.
The History Most People Just Walk Past
Before it was a place to get "Dragon's Breath" liquid nitrogen cereal or artisan grilled cheese, this building was the literal lifeblood of Anaheim. Back in the early 20th century, Orange County actually lived up to its name. The Sunkist orange was king.
The Anaheim Packing House was built by the Anaheim Citrus Fruit Association. It sat right on the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks. Think about the logistics for a second. In 1919, this was a high-tech facility. Farmers would bring in wagonloads of Valencia oranges, which were then washed, graded by hand, and packed into wooden crates to be shipped across the country.
If you look closely at the architecture today, you can still see the bones of that industrial past. The sawtooth roof isn't just a "vibe"—it was designed that way to let in natural north light so workers could see the true color of the fruit without the heat of the direct sun.
Why It Almost Disappeared
By the late 1950s, the orange groves were being ripped out to make way for suburban sprawl and a little theme park down the road called Disneyland. The packing house became obsolete. It sat there, essentially a giant, hollowed-out shell, for decades.
👉 See also: 3000 Yen to USD: What Your Money Actually Buys in Japan Today
It took a massive effort by the City of Anaheim and the developers at LAB Holding—the same folks who did the CAMP and the Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa—to bring it back. They didn't just paint the walls and call it a day. They spent years on a historic restoration that earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Layout: Navigating the Chaos
The building is split into levels, and if it’s your first time, it’s kinda easy to get overwhelmed. You walk in through the main doors and you're immediately on the upper level, looking down into a central "sunken" atrium.
There's a wooden boardwalk that wraps around the interior. It feels like a pier. Most people gravitate toward the center, but the real gems are often tucked into the corners or down on the bottom floor.
Pro Tip: If the main seating area is full (and it usually is), head outside to the "Farmers Park" area. There’s a nice grassy stretch between the Packing House and the Packard Building next door where you can actually hear yourself think.
Where to Eat (The Non-Negotiables)
You can find everything from Indian street food to Japanese crepes here. But because there are so many options, people often fall into the trap of ordering the first thing they see.
- The Kroft: This is where you go for poutine. They do a short rib poutine that is, frankly, aggressive. It’s heavy, it’s salty, and it’s perfect.
- Popbar: You’ve probably seen these on Instagram. Handcrafted gelato on a stick. It’s a bit of a tourist magnet, but the quality is actually there.
- Georgia’s Restaurant: Real deal soul food. The corn bread is non-negotiable.
- Urbana: This is a Mexican gastronomy spot with a "Day of the Dead" theme. Their tacos are solid, but the atmosphere is the real draw.
The Secret Spots and "Hidden" Bars
Everyone knows about the food, but the Anaheim Packing House has a few layers that casual visitors miss.
✨ Don't miss: The Eloise Room at The Plaza: What Most People Get Wrong
Take The Blind Rabbit, for instance. It’s a legitimate speakeasy. You won’t find a giant neon sign pointing to it. You have to look for a wall of crates. If you haven't made a reservation weeks in advance, your chances of getting in are basically zero. They have a strict dress code and a "no cell phone" policy that they actually enforce. It feels like stepping back into the 1920s, which fits the building's age perfectly.
Then there’s Hammer Bar. It’s right in the middle of the action on the top floor. It’s open, airy, and serves some of the most inventive cocktails in the city. If you want to people-watch, this is your home base.
Beyond the Packing House Walls
The "Packing District" is more than just this one building. A lot of people eat at the Packing House and then leave, which is a mistake.
- The Packard Building: Just across the park. It used to be a luxury car dealership in the 1920s. Now it houses Anaheim Brewery and Monkish Brewing. If the crowd inside the Packing House gets to be too much, grab a pint here.
- MAKE Building: A short walk away. This is a refurbished 1917 marmalade factory. It’s home to Pali Wine Co. and some great BBQ. It’s much quieter and has a more "local" feel.
- Center St. Promenade: About a ten-minute walk. This is the "old downtown" Anaheim. It’s got a great library, more food spots, and a very cool vibe that’s totally different from the tourist-heavy areas near the park.
The "Tourist Trap" Debate
Is it a tourist trap? Kinda.
On the weekends, it is packed with people visiting Disney or locals looking for the "cool" spot. Prices are higher than what you’d pay at a standalone restaurant down the street. Parking is a nightmare—honestly, just use the valet or find a spot in the structures on Broadway.
But calling it a "trap" feels unfair. The quality of the food is generally very high, and the preservation of California’s citrus history is handled with a lot of respect. It’s a place that celebrates the fact that Anaheim existed long before the mouse moved in.
🔗 Read more: TSA PreCheck Look Up Number: What Most People Get Wrong
Technical Details for the Visitor
If you're planning a trip, keep these logistics in mind.
Hours of Operation:
Generally, the building opens at 9:00 AM for coffee and breakfast items, but most food vendors don't start serving until 11:00 AM. They usually stay open until 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM, with bars staying open later.
The Transit Options:
Don't drive if you can avoid it. The FRAN (Free Rides Around Neighborhood) is a fleet of electric vehicles that will pick you up and drop you off at various points around downtown Anaheim for free. You just download the app and request a ride. It’s way better than fighting for a parking spot.
Accessibility:
The building is fully ADA compliant, with elevators connecting the floors. However, because the aisles are narrow and the crowds are dense, navigating a wheelchair or a large stroller can be a bit of a workout.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
Don't just wing it. To get the most out of the Anaheim Packing House, follow this sequence:
- Check the Calendar: Look at the Packing District website for live music schedules. They often have local bands playing on the Mezzanine stage.
- Make a Speakeasy Reservation: If you want to see The Blind Rabbit, book it at least two weeks out.
- Divide and Conquer: If you're with a group, have one person scout for a table while the others jump in different food lines. The lines move at different speeds, and nothing is worse than having a tray of hot food and nowhere to sit.
- Start at the Bottom: Most people enter at the top and stay there. Start on the ground floor (the "Garden" level) and work your way up.
- Visit the Packard Building First: Grab a beer at Anaheim Brewery to ease into the vibe before tackling the crowds of the main house.
- Walk the Promenade: After you eat, walk off the calories by heading down to Center St. Promenade to see the rest of what downtown Anaheim has to offer.
The Anaheim Packing House is a rare example of urban renewal done right. It’s a bridge between the agricultural past of Orange County and its culinary future. It’s loud, it’s busy, and it’s beautiful. Just remember to bring your patience—and maybe a backup plan for parking.