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Living abroad is an awesome experience. It’s so awesome that I’ve been doing it for about the past 20 years. Returning to my hometown for a visit usually brings with it the usual rounds to favorite and familiar establishments in search of craft beer unavailable in Japan. This year’s trip brought me to a new, urban-esque communal space in Anaheim, California called The Packing House that was of course – wait for it – packed with good food, good beer, and open areas ideal for families and friends to gather and relax.
The Anaheim Citrus Packing House is a rich part of Orange County and Anaheim history. Originally built in 1919 on the edge of Downtown Anaheim, adjacent to the Southern Pacific Rail line, it acted as a hub of commerce for the area. The Citrus Packing House may be closed, but it’s not forgotten now that it’s been refurbished to maintain its historic structure, making it a great space to gather for the community.
According to their website, “The restored Packing House is a food hall reminiscent of the great public markets of South America and Europe. These markets serve as a resource for the neighborhood (daily food production) and a community gathering space (restaurants and entertainment). The two-level Packing House features a large central atrium with communal dining surrounded by cafes and kiosks of varying sizes as well as outdoor picnic gardens and a building-length dining porch overlooking the outdoor marketplace, Farmers’ Park.”
There is also a community kitchen, a backyard and outdoor venue with a fireplace, and an orange grove. They also feature live music on the Mezzanine State every weekend. The restored Packard Building and former showroom across from the Packing House is also home to an Umami Burger, the Anaheim Brewery, and Farmers Park.
Back inside the Packing House, next to the grilled cheese sandwich stall, is the Iron Press, a no menu, just-check-out-our-taps type of place. Every Tuesday, they host a tap takeover. On the night we were there, Stone Brewing had taken over their taps. You can drink at the bar of the Iron Press, at the tables outside on the patio or get a plastic cup (at no extra charge) and walk around the Packing House.
The other interesting spot within the Packing House is its speakeasy. That’s right. The second floor hosts a hidden door within a wall of sake barrels. Open the door using the bronze handle of a rabbit and step into The Blind Rabbit. The speakeasy has no taps, but there are bottles of craft beer and mixed drinks as well as a very cozy atmosphere.
If you bring the kids or just want to indulge yourself, there is also a make-your-own popsicle stand plus many other shops to stroll through with your plastic cup of artisan ale.
