Where to Dine and Donate during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Now is your chance to do a bit of good in the world by simply eating. That’s right. Skip your home-cooked meal and head out to one of these local eateries. During the month of September—aka National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month—a slew of restaurants will be donating a percentage of their proceeds from select days to the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation for the “Dine & Donate” program. So without further ado, here’s a list of the many delicious ways you can make a sliver of a difference.

Hopdoddy | Sept. 25, 5:00-9:00 p.m.

Even though you’ll spy salads on the menu, burgers are the main focus here. Nestled inside Fashion Island, this place prides itself in churning out handmade buns—crispy-edged, whole-wheat, seed-flecked, you name it—and patties you won’t soon forget. From hulking beef-and-smoked-bacon stackers to both turkey and plant-based options, there’s something for every kind of burger lover.

Zov’s Newport Coast | Every Saturday and Sunday on September, 8:00 a.m. -2 p.m.

Zov’s is a place with deep roots— thanks to its beloved chef Zov Karamardian, who cultivated a menu that celebrates Mediterranean cuisine with a contemporary, Californian lilt. Here, you’ll find things like tahini chicken tacos, spiced lamb burgers, perfectly grilled kebab and of course, Zov’s famous golden lentil soup.

Muldoon’s Irish Pub | Sept. 24, 11:30 a.m. -8:30 p.m.

Don’t wait till St. Patrick’s Day. Muldoon’s is the kind of worn-wood neighborhood watering hole you can duck into any time of year, particularly if you’re craving solidly good beer-battered fish and chips, shepherd’s pie or a helping of Irish stew. But it’s more than just the food that’ll speak to you. With two pubs and a patio under one roof, Muldoon’s touts an elaborate, authentic ambiance you’ll soon come back for.

Avila’s El Ranchito | Sept. 25, 11:00 a.m. -9:00 p.m.

If you like unfussy Mexican comfort food and all things served with a guac, you’ll love this family-run Newport Beach institution. While traditional, tried-and-true staples are present—crispy carnitas, sizzling fajitas and a bevy of tacos—it’s dishes like the shrimp Mojo de Ajo and Mamá Avila’s soup that makes our hearts sing. (Also not to miss: the house margarita, which is made with a 40-year-old recipe).

Chipotle | September 28, 10:45 a.m. -10 p.m.

There are a few reasons why, year after year, Chipotle caps the list of our favorite fast-food joints to grab lunch. Offerings accommodate both carnivores and veg-heads and can be dressed up or down as much as you’d like. Oh, and there’s the reassuring fact that what’s waiting for you under the aluminum foil lid is always reliably delish. Every single time.

Written By: Mariam Makatsaria