Have you ever wondered about the story behind your favorite restaurant? At Who Song & Larry’s Cal-Mex Cantina, located in Orange, California, the tale is as intriguing as the menu itself. Inspired by the fictional adventures of two globetrotting friends, Who Song and Larry, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience rooted in friendship, travel, and a passion for great food and drinks. Let’s dive into what makes Who Song & Larry’s a must-visit destination.
Located in the Century Promenade near the Honda Center, Who Song & Larry’s has transformed its space into a visually stunning and welcoming environment. Previously home to Acapulco Restaurant, the redesign is striking, featuring beautiful chandeliers that add a touch of elegance. The atmosphere is now artsy and sophisticated, characterized by warm, rich walls and comfortable furnishings, perfect for a relaxed yet upscale dining experience.
Guests at Who Song & Larry’s can choose from a variety of seating options to match their mood. The main dining room offers a vibrant and engaging setting, while the indoor/outdoor bar and lounge area provides a more casual and social atmosphere. For those who prefer the open air, the outdoor patio features charming beach palapas and a cozy 10-foot fire pit, ideal for enjoying the California weather. Regardless of where you choose to sit, a fun and delicious time is guaranteed at Who Song & Larry’s.
A Worldly Menu Crafted by Expert Chefs
The culinary heart of Who Song & Larry’s is its globally-inspired menu, expertly crafted by Executive Chefs Johannes Bernau and Loreto Alcala. Chef Johannes, with his diverse Japanese, Dutch, and Indonesian background, brings a unique perspective to the menu’s eclectic mix. His impressive culinary journey includes working alongside world-renowned chefs like Wolfgang Puck and Jose Andres, adding a layer of expertise and innovation to the dishes at Who Song & Larry’s. This blend of international influences results in a menu that is both familiar and adventurous, promising something for every palate.
Starters to Share: Dips, Chips, and Heavenly Shrimp
Begin your culinary journey at Who Song & Larry’s with their delightful Dips and Chips. This starter features freshly made, thin and light chips served with two types of homemade salsa – a classic regular salsa and a daily special salsa, alongside a flavorful bean dip. On a recent visit, the special salsa was a vibrant ‘Tropical Salsa’, adding an exciting twist. The bean dip, with its distinctive BBQ smoke flavor, offers a unique and delicious alternative to typical restaurant dips.
For an appetizer that truly stands out, don’t miss the Jalepeño-Bacon Wrapped Shrimp. These grilled wild Mexican shrimp are elevated to another level with the addition of bacon, roasted jalapeños, and manchego cheese. The combination of smoky bacon, spicy jalapeños, and rich manchego is simply divine. Finished with a BBQ Jam sauce that is so irresistible you might want to take some home, this appetizer is a must-try at Who Song & Larry’s.
Signature Drinks and Margaritas
Who Song & Larry’s boasts an impressive drinks menu, expertly curated by Bar Manager Fabian. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic margarita or something more adventurous, the bar has you covered. Try the Sorta Skinny Margarita, a lighter option made with Herradura Blanco, X-Rated Vodka, fresh lime and orange juice, Fresca, and a hint of Grenadine. For a fruity twist, the Mango Margarita, crafted with Dobel Diamond Tequila, mango, fresh lime juice, and a handmade sour mix, and rimmed with Chile Pequin, is a perfect choice. Other enticing options include The Traveler, a blend of Don Julio Blanco, Grand Marnier, prickly pear, and handmade sour, and the unique Strawberry Moon Shaker, featuring Strawberry Moonshine, White Lightnin’ Moonshine, strawberry, and lemonade. Each drink is carefully crafted and bursting with flavor, making the bar at Who Song & Larry’s a destination in itself.
Fresh Salads and Innovative Sushi Rolls
For lighter fare, the Seared Tuna Salad at Who Song & Larry’s is a standout. Featuring sushi-grade tuna, kale, fennel, crispy avocado, cashews, and a pepita-cilantro dressing, this salad is both healthy and satisfying. The seared tuna is cooked to perfection, with a delicate sear on the outside and a tender, silky interior. This dish is so good it could easily be enjoyed as a main course.
Sushi lovers will appreciate the creative rolls at Who Song & Larry’s. The Mexi-Crunch roll, with crab, chicharron, chipotle sauce, avocado, and cucumber, offers a unique and flavorful combination. Another interesting option is the Surf + Turf roll, featuring spicy tuna and carne asada. While both are worth trying, the Mexi-Crunch is particularly noteworthy for its innovative blend of textures and tastes.
Social Eats and Taco Variety
The Charred Mussels, listed under ‘Social Eats’, are an excellent appetizer to share. Penn Cove mussels are cooked with onions, garlic, jalapeños, celery, carrots, wine, and butter, served with grilled bread. This dish is rich in flavor and perfect for sharing among friends.
Taco enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice at Who Song & Larry’s, with ten different taco options on the menu. A sampler of seven tacos, including Braised Pork Belly, Carnitas, The El Dorado, Carne Asada, Beef Short Rib, Camaron Silvestre, and Dirty Bird, showcases the incredible variety and quality. Each taco is beautifully presented and packed with flavor, making it impossible to choose a favorite.
Main Course Highlights: Ribs, Enchiladas, and Chicken
For a satisfying main course, the BBQ Ribs at Who Song & Larry’s are a must-try. These tender Frenched pork ribs are glazed with a chipotle BBQ sauce and served with fries. The ribs are thoughtfully prepared, frenched for easy eating, and the chipotle BBQ glaze strikes a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
The Lobster Mac & Cheese Enchiladas are a unique and indulgent dish. This grown-up mac & cheese, made with muenster, manchego, gruyere, and Oaxaca cheeses, is rolled into enchiladas, topped with buttered panko and cilantro. This creative twist on classic comfort food is worth exploring and deciding for yourself if it’s a hit.
If you’re looking for a lighter yet flavorful option, the Lemon & Herb Chicken is an excellent choice. Mary Pitman’s organic free-range chicken breast is pan-seared with lemon, herbs, and seasonal vegetables. This entree is light, refreshing, and thoroughly enjoyable, even making for a great leftover lunch.
Don’t miss the EPIC Burger, though it may not always be listed on the online menu. Inquire about it, as it truly lives up to its name. Considered by some to be one of the best burgers ever, it’s a must-try for burger aficionados.
Sweet Endings: Avocado Split and Apple Pie Tacos
To conclude your meal, the desserts at Who Song & Larry’s are equally delightful. The Avocado Split, a creative take on the banana split, features fresh avocado, dulce de leche ice cream, pecan brittle, and XO sauce. For a comforting classic with a twist, the Apple Pie Tacos, filled with sautéed apples, cinnamon crumble, and whipped cream, give traditional apple pie a run for its money.
Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Who Song & Larry’s Cal-Mex Cantina invites you to explore a world of flavors in a vibrant and welcoming setting. Visit them at Century Promenade in Orange, CA, and experience the unique story and exceptional cuisine for yourself.
Who Song & Larry’s Cal-Mex Cantina
1535 W. Katella Ave.
Orange, CA 92867
(714) 639-9550
