Anaheim Must-Try Foods Before My Race Day

We had to taste test some of Anaheim’s Must-Try Foods before our 2025 Halloween Half Marathon. Since we have a day to explore before our race, we decided to try a bunch of different food recommendations and viral spots. From a deliciously hot bowl of pho, to some of the best Korean pork soup I’ve ever had, here’s all of Anaheim’s Must Try recommendations we could fit into our schedule before our race!

What I Ate in Anaheim Before Race Day

Hi guys, we are finally here in Anaheim after a few hours of driving. LA traffic is no joke. This time, we’re in Anaheim for Dom and I’s first half marathon event together: the 2025 Disney Halloween Half Marathon. We haven’t been to Disney since 2017, so I’m so excited that we’re back and doing the half marathon together. 

Since we only have about 48 hours before our big race, we’re looking for race-safe foods that won’t upset our stomach. I’ve also gotten so many recommendations for must-try food spots in Anaheim, we had to try a few.

In-N-Out (10/10)

Our first stop in Los Angeles had to be In-N-Out. Don’t hate me for this, but I used to not get the hype when it comes to In-N-Out. It has been such an iconic California spot since 1948, and I’ve never come to LA without grabbing a meal of these yummy burgers. But, the experience always felt a little rushed to me since they’re always so popular. This time, we went to a much more local spot so there’s no hour-long line.

We had to get the double double with grilled onion ($6.10), exactly the way I like it. Wow, the burger was so, so fresh. The lettuce was so crispy. The tomato was juicy. The patty was perfectly seasoned straight off the grill. If you’re ever at In-N-Out remember to get those grilled onions! For the first time ever, I think I finally understood the hype. This trip was off to a very, very good start with this very good first meal. It’s a definite 10 out of 10. 

Phoholic (9/10)

Phoholic is one of 3 top locations recommended when I asked Instagram for Anaheim food recs. Since we’re craving pho, it’s the perfect time to taste test! If you have never been to LA, let me tell you that they have some of the best Vietnamese food out here, and this spot completely blew our minds. 

We ordered a Steak Pho and a Brisket Pho, both at $14.50 each, served with fresh bean sprouts and herbs. The broth was so rich and flavorful, comforting, like it had been simmering for hours, but still super clean. Paired with tender beef, chewy noodles, and the super fresh herb, every bite feels like the perfect warm hug. The balance was absolutely perfect.

This was an amazing first meal here in LA. Honestly, I think I could eat this every single day. The best part? We were in and out of there in just 20 minutes. So, if you see a line, don’t worry. It does move very, very fast and it’s 100% worth the wait. 

Disney 2025 Halloween Half Marathon Expo

At the Disney Halloween Half Marathon Expo, I picked up my race bib and wandered through rows of Disney running gear and accessories. Being surrounded by thousands of other runners getting ready for the big weekend made me feel more excited. The whole place felt like a celebration of the race before it even started.

One of the treats they were serving was a special lime Dole Whip in a Halloween half marathon souvenir cup ($10.25). There was also a float version with tequila ($18). The flavor caught me off guard. It’s super sour at first, but it gets better the more I ate. Honestly, it tastes just like a super sour Sprite. It was a fun little break in the middle of all the excitement of the expo.

Jinsol Gukbap (9.5/10)

We’re getting Korean food today at Jinsol Gukbap. It’s the day before the race, and we’re having a super chill day of eating, relaxing, and sleeping early. Since this is our first ever time traveling for a race, we were definitely very nervous about what to eat. Because let’s be real, the scariest thing that can happen on race day is an upset stomach. So, we played it safe for one of my all-time favorite pre-run meals, Korean pork soup.

Buchujeon Korean Leek Pancake ($6.95)

They say you can judge a Korean restaurant by banchan. Every dish here felt like a true home-cooked meal, especially the Korean Leek Pancake ($6.95). It is an absolute must order!

Bibimbap($20.95)

We also couldn’t resist ordering the sizzling bibimbap ($20.95),with rice, vegetables, beef, egg with gochujang and sesame oil too! If it’s on the menu, I have to get it. The combo of seasoned veggies, crispy rice, spicy sauce, and a runny fried egg all mixed together is just perfection. 

Gukbap – Korean Pork Soup ($18.95) 

But the real star here was the pork soup. Rich, savory, packed with gelatin, and so much flavor, yet somehow still so clean and light at the same time. I keep wanting another bite, along with the blood sausages here.

This might be a bold statement, but it was one of the best Korean foods that I have ever had, better than some of the spots that we had in South Korea. Even editing this right now, I wish I can jump back and have another bowl of that delicious pork soup. Safe to report back, this meal 100% fueled our race the next day with no stomach pain. 

Don Churros 

Don Churros is one of the best surprise finds on this trip. Around the corner from our hotel, there’s a really yummy churros place I want to go check out the moment I noticed it. With freshly fried churros served out of the parking lot, this dessert truck is truly a gem. In fact, Don Churros has been selling these delicious old fashioned treats for 56 years.

The recipe is from the owner’s grandparents, who came from the Highlands of Jalisco. Everything is made in-house the same old fashioned way their grandparents did, completely by hand. The churros come out super fresh and delicious. You can order them alone, or grab them with ice cream ($9.25) like us. They’re coated with the most delicious cinnamon sugar, then paired with homemade ice cream and Mexican caramel.

Honestly, Don Churros completely ruined Disney churros for me forever in the best way possible. They completely changed how I think about churros! The staff were so fun, so passionate and welcoming. It’s definitely a 10 out of 10. If you’re in this area of LA, this spot is an absolutely recommended must try. 

Read About My 2025 Halloween Half Marathon Experience!