The Market Place — Attraction in Tustin

Where went at The Market Place was Famous Dave's BBQ. The pic is of mostly empty platters because, well, we ate everything except for the platters, and even the platters looked good. It's a little bit of a drive from Crown Valley and Puerta Real, but not awful. It's what mom wanted for her 85th birthday. When you add in that she's confined to her wheelchair (if you can call all the places we take her 'confined'. The woman does get around) she must love Dave's.

We got a couple of platters, which come with chicken, ribs and tri-tip. We had corn on the cob and beans for our sides. The only thing that wasn't excellent was the corn, and it wasn't bad. Just not done at home, so it was kinda overcooked. Restaurant corn usually is, and it didn't detract from the meal one bit. I was after the beans anyway.

You can get Dave's relishes and pickles from the store if you like them. Check before you make a special, hair raising trip to the market at 2155 because your market closes at 2200 and you gotta have pickle chips for tomorrow's lunch. I get it. Sometimes you need some spicy, delicious crunchiness in your life.

There's plenty of parking and as you know it's wheelchair accessible. The staff was friendly and efficient with our large party. They were masked, so you can feel comfortable about that.

This is a very good place to satisfy your BBQ craving whether you have a party of two or twenty. I shouldn't write about BBQ this close to dinner. I see a big, delicious sandwich in...

I don’t even know how to describe The Marketplace in Tustin—half the time I’m just there for REI, and the other half I’m wandering around wondering how I ended up 45 minutes deep in a random gourmet peanut butter store. It’s massive. Like, why is this place on both sides of Jamboree kind of massive. But somehow, it works.

REI's always solid—gear, snacks, overpriced jackets that make you feel like you’re about to hike Everest but really you're just driving home. But once I leave there, I somehow get sucked into this weird shopping vortex. You want groceries? Got 'em. You want five different kinds of tacos? Sure. Want to accidentally spend $100 at a place that sells candles made from recycled ocean dreams? Yup.

The crowd is a mix of fitness moms, couples power-walking with smoothies, lost dads, and people like me who are just trying to figure out where they parked. It gets busy, yeah, but it never feels sketchy. Parking can be chaotic during peak times, but whatever, that’s OC for you.

Bottom line: it’s got everything. It’s loud, it’s random, and it’s kind of fun in a “what am I even doing here again?” kind of way. You won’t find peace and quiet, but you will find a boba tea, a tent, a steak, and probably someone doing yoga in the grass at 3pm. Worth a visit? Definitely. Just don’t go in with a plan—you’ll...

The Market Place in Tustin, California is a go-to spot for just about everything. Stretching across a huge area along Jamboree Road, it’s packed with a mix of big-name stores, local gems, and more food options than you could ever need in one day. Whether you’re running errands or just out to browse, there’s something for everyone.

For shopping, you’ve got places like Nordstrom Rack, Best Buy, Target, and HomeGoods—all in one place. There are also plenty of specialty stores, from Total Wine & More to Ulta Beauty and REI, making it easy to check off your whole list in one trip.

But what really makes The Market Place stand out is the food. You can grab a quick bite at spots like In-N-Out, Chick-fil-A, or Chipotle, or sit down for a nicer meal at Urban Plates, Taco Rosa, or Texas de Brazil. Craving dessert? There’s Handel’s Ice Cream, and even a Yogurtland for something lighter.

With wide open walkways, plenty of parking, and a relaxed vibe, it’s a perfect place to spend the afternoon or swing by after work. The Market Place truly feels like a one-stop destination for shopping, dining, and just...