If you're looking for a place in Anaheim to eat, relax, listen to music, let the kids play, and experience something different from the usual tourist attractions, I highly recommend the Anaheim Packing House and the surrounding Packing District. I recently visited with my family, and it reminded me why this remains such a popular destination for both locals and visitors, lively atmosphere, endless food choices, families everywhere, live music playing, and plenty of comfortable places to sit.
One thing I'll tell you upfront: parking can be a real challenge. During our recent visit we drove around three or four times without finding a space in the main area. I'll share my local workaround for this later in the article.
What Is the Anaheim Packing House?
The Packing House is one of the most interesting places to visit in Downtown Anaheim. The building was originally constructed as a citrus packing facility in 1919 and has been beautifully preserved and transformed into a two-story food hall, now the centerpiece of the larger Anaheim Packing District, which also includes Farmers Park, the historic Packard Building, and the MAKE Building. What I love about it is that it doesn't feel like a typical food court, the building has real character: historic architecture, multiple levels to explore, small food businesses, unique restaurants and bars, and communal seating throughout.
Why I Like Bringing My Family Here
The biggest advantage is that everyone can find something they want. Kids don't have to sit through an entire meal, they can walk around and explore, including at Farmers Park, a two-acre public space that's part of the district and hosts community activities and events. For families, the combination of food, open space, music, and activities turns a meal into an actual outing.
The Atmosphere
It can get busy, especially during lunch and dinner, but that's part of the charm. Seating is scattered throughout the building, which works well when your group wants different things: one person gets Mexican food, another Indian, someone else pizza, ramen, fish and chips, grilled cheese, or Mediterranean, then everyone sits together. That's what makes a food hall like this fun.
Live Music and Entertainment
The district is also known for live entertainment, music, DJs, and special performances depending on the day. During my visit the music genuinely extended how long we stayed. Don't think of this as just a lunch stop, check the district's events calendar before you go, you might catch something that makes the visit even better.
The Food: So Many Choices
The current Packing House directory includes 206 BCE, ADYA, Black Sheep GCB, Blue Bowl, BXCR, The Chippy Fish & Grill, El Chamango, En Cultura, Georgia's, Hammer Bar, Hans' Homemade Ice Cream, Le Parfait Paris, Mangal, Marrakesh, Mini Monster, Pique-Nique, Randy's Donuts, Rolling Boil, SEED People's Market, Sumo Dog, The Blind Rabbit, The Iron Press, The Kroft, Urbana, Wildflower Co., Zabon Ramen and Rolls, and ZeroZero39 Pizzeria, and that's before counting the wider district. Here's what's worth knowing about each:
- 206 BCE Noodles — Vietnamese and Cajun influences, noodles, pho, and creatively presented Cajun-style seafood. Best for something a little different.
- ADYA — Indian street-food-inspired dishes like chicken tikka masala and tandoori chicken.
- Black Sheep GCB — A grilled cheese bar turning a childhood favorite into a real meal.
- Blue Bowl — Build-your-own superfood bowls, good for something lighter.
- The Chippy Fish & Grill — Crispy fish and chips and British-style comfort food.
- El Chamango — Mexican antojitos and fruit-based treats.
- En Cultura — Mexican barbecue with a smoky, casual outdoor feel.
- Georgia's Restaurant — Southern soul food: fried chicken, chicken and waffles, mac and cheese, greens, cornbread.
- Mangal — Mediterranean and Middle Eastern shawarma and falafel.
- Marrakesh — Moroccan cuisine with a more immersive, entertainment-driven dinner experience.
- Pique-Nique — A cheese and charcuterie bar for sharing rather than a full meal.
- Rolling Boil — Hot pot with your choice of broth, meats, and vegetables, good for groups.
- Sumo Dog — A Japanese-inspired twist on the hot dog.
- The Iron Press — Craft beer and pub-style food.
- The Kroft — Comfort food: hearty sandwiches, burgers, poutine-style dishes.
- Urbana Mexican Gastronomy — Award-winning contemporary Mexican, gourmet tacos and handcrafted cocktails.
- Zabon Ramen and Rolls — Ramen and sushi.
- ZeroZero39 Pizzeria — Straightforward, solid pizza.
Don't Forget Dessert
You don't have to stop after the meal. Hans' Homemade Ice Cream for a classic scoop, Le Parfait Paris for French pastries, Randy's Donuts for the familiar SoCal name, Mini Monster for boba, and Popbar for gelato-style frozen pops. Especially fun with kids, turning a meal into a full food adventure.
Poppy & Seed at Farmers Park
Just across from the Packing House at Farmers Park is Poppy & Seed, a chef-driven farm-to-table restaurant set in a greenhouse and garden setting, known for shareable plates, handcrafted cocktails, and brunch. It's a completely different, quieter experience from the busy food hall. Best for brunch, date nights, and special occasions.
En Familia at the Historic Packard Building
I personally ate here with my family and had a great experience. En Familia focuses on modern Mexican cuisine inspired by Valle de Guadalupe, plus steakhouse-style dishes, brunch, and cocktails in a lively setting. This is one I'd recommend if you want a proper sit-down meal rather than counter service, and the space itself is beautiful. Best for Mexican-inspired cuisine, steak, brunch, and special occasions.
The MAKE Building and Monkish Brewing
The MAKE Building is another transformed historic space nearby, currently home to Pali Wine Company, Unsung Brewing Company, Stone Groove Stillhouse, and Union Burger Society, worth exploring if you have time. The Packard Building area also includes Monkish Brewing, a popular craft brewery with a beer garden feel, a good spot for adults looking to relax with a beer while exploring the district.
Farmers Park: Great for Families
If you're visiting with kids, don't just stay inside the Packing House, walk over to Farmers Park. The open outdoor space, playground, and nearby food make it easy to spend several hours: let the kids play, grab food, then return to the park. I've visited many times with my family, and that flexibility is exactly why I like this area so much.
The Biggest Problem: Parking
During our most recent visit we drove around three or four times and never found a space in the main lot. The Packing House area gets genuinely busy during peak meal times and weekends, and the district itself acknowledges parking can be challenging then. Valet is available near the Packing House, $9 during my visit, though rates can change, so check current pricing when you arrive. If you don't mind paying for convenience, it saves the frustration of circling.
My Local Parking Tip: City Hall
Because I live nearby, I know an option many visitors don't consider: City Hall parking. The City of Anaheim provides public parking structures around the Civic Center and downtown area, including the City Hall structure at 225 S. Philadelphia Street, listed among the city's free parking options for downtown events. There's also free two-hour parking on the first level of the structure adjacent to Anaheim West Tower. If you don't mind a short walk, parking near City Hall and walking over can save you the frustration of circling the Packing House lot. Always check posted signs, since rules vary by facility and event.
My own routine: park near City Hall, let the kids play, walk to the Packing District, eat, explore, listen to music, then walk back. It turns the walk itself into part of the experience rather than wasted time circling for parking.
How Long Should You Stay?
I'd allow at least two to three hours with children. If you want a sit-down meal, the full Packing House, Farmers Park, and some entertainment, easily four hours or more. For a quick food stop, obviously less, but I wouldn't rush it. Part of the experience is just walking around and discovering things.
A Perfect Family Visit
Start at Farmers Park and let the kids enjoy the playground and outdoor space. Walk to the Packing House and take time exploring the building. Let everyone choose their own food, one of the biggest advantages of a food hall like this, then find a communal seating spot together. Stay for the music if there's live entertainment. Finish with dessert, ice cream, donuts, French pastries, or boba. If you have time, walk the rest of the district: Farmers Park, the Packard Building, or the MAKE Building.
A Perfect Date Night
This district isn't just for families. Start with dinner at En Familia or Poppy & Seed, walk through the Packing House, stop for a cocktail or wine, listen to live music, and finish with dessert. There's enough variety here to build a full, relaxed evening without driving between separate restaurants.
A Few Tips Before You Visit
- Come hungry, the variety makes it easy to want to try more than one thing.
- Check the entertainment schedule before you go.
- Expect crowds during lunch, dinner, weekends, and events.
- Plan your parking before you arrive, this is probably my most important tip. Consider City Hall parking if you don't mind walking.
- Bring the kids, Farmers Park makes this a genuinely good family destination.
- Give yourself time. The Packing House is only one part of the larger district.
Final Thoughts From a Local
I've lived near Anaheim for years, and the Packing District is one of those places I keep coming back to. On my most recent visit with my family, we ate, walked around, enjoyed the atmosphere, and watched the area come alive with families and visitors, music, plenty of seating, endless food choices, and a genuinely relaxed community feeling. The one real challenge was parking, we circled three or four times before giving up on the main lot, which is exactly why local knowledge matters here. If you're visiting for the first time, you might not know about the City Hall structures or the other nearby options.
My advice: plan your parking before you arrive, then don't rush once you're there. Explore the Packing House, walk through Farmers Park, let the kids play, try food from a few different vendors, consider Poppy & Seed or En Familia for a sit-down meal, and stay for the music. If you're visiting Anaheim and looking for something beyond Disneyland, the Anaheim Packing District is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.
