Downtown Buena Park
A vibrant hub with Korean-inspired shopping, diverse dining, arcades, and entertainment, offering a unique cultural experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, more events
Downtown Buena Park
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, more events
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant hub with Korean-inspired shopping, diverse dining, arcades, and entertainment, offering a unique cultural experience.
"It’s a place to go once again for family shopping, dining and entertainment."
🎯 Explore The Source
Dedicate several hours to explore The Source OC; it's a Korean mall with shopping, food, and entertainment.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Photogram at The Source offers fun, affordable photo booth experiences for couples and friends.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.3 · 3,734 reviews
Type
Shopping Mall
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Source OC
Multi-level complex
A vibrant Korean-inspired mall with trendy shops, diverse eateries, live entertainment, and a cinema. A true cultural hub!
Kawaii Klawz
Buena Park Downtown Mall
Test your luck at this arcade filled with adorable Sanrio characters and plushies. Fun for all ages!
John's Incredible Pizza Company
Buena Park Downtown Mall
An all-you-can-eat buffet combined with a massive arcade and rides. Perfect for a family fun day out!
The Cauldron
Buena Park
A unique witch-themed bar offering a spooky and magical atmosphere for drinks and socializing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating The Source
Family Fun & Entertainment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Explore The Source
Dedicate several hours to explore The Source OC; it's a Korean mall with shopping, food, and entertainment. +1
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Photogram at The Source offers fun, affordable photo booth experiences for couples and friends. +1
🍕 Pizza & Games
John's Incredible Pizza Company is a hit for families, but reviews suggest it can be messy and service varies.
🕹️ Arcade Fun
Kawaii Klawz at Buena Park Downtown Mall is a hit with kids for its claw machines and prizes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Explore The Source
Dedicate several hours to explore The Source OC; it's a Korean mall with shopping, food, and entertainment. +1
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Photogram at The Source offers fun, affordable photo booth experiences for couples and friends. +1
🍕 Pizza & Games
John's Incredible Pizza Company is a hit for families, but reviews suggest it can be messy and service varies.
🕹️ Arcade Fun
Kawaii Klawz at Buena Park Downtown Mall is a hit with kids for its claw machines and prizes.
☕ Coffee & Treats
Try unique coffee shops like Monday to Sunday for matcha or Auria Coffee for specialty brews. +1
✨ Themed Experiences
Check out The Cauldron for a spooky witch-themed bar or Pirates Dinner Adventure for a unique dining show. +2
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be challenging, especially at Porto's Bakery. Be patient or consider visiting during off-peak hours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Buena Park Downtown Mall is seen as a resilient community asset, offering a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment despite facing challenges. While some stores have closed, it remains a convenient spot for locals and visitors, with attractions like a large Walmart, fitness centers, and family entertainment venues. However, some areas, particularly the underground, are noted as being empty, and specific venues like John's Incredible Pizza Company have received mixed reviews regarding cleanliness and service.
"Glad to see this place returning so some sense of normalcy, with the so-called demise of suburban shopping malls in America!
Now after pandemic concerns, economic downturn and increased online shopping, it’s been an uphill battle for this medium sized mall!
I’ve often stopped by here after dropping off visitors to Disneyland, Knott’s, museums, shows and conventions, while waiting or before returning to get them. It’s also a convenience for visitors staying in the area!
Just as the internet took customers away from the malls, this mall can welcome them back! As it is a place to go once again for family shopping, dining and entertainment. Locals and visitors may opt to browse the physical stores for items while away from home, when doorstep deliveries may not be optimal.
Sadly Sears is closed, as is the other shops I used to go to, including GNC.
Fortunately, the 24hr Fitness Gym is still open and the biggest Walmart I know of, a quick stop for convenience items is here. Especially helpful when there’s few such store’s on the west side of LA!
We can’t forget the kids, with a My Gym workout to get started!
There’s unique speciality shops, good for holiday shopping.
Van’s and DSW shoe store’s are popular with the kids.
The Big Air Trampoline Park has several trampolines and other fun thrills, kids will love!
There’s a downstairs dining and entertainment center, John’s Incredible Pizza Company. They’ve got a buffet, game room and rides.
There’s also the Asia Buffet on the backside, with outdoor access.
The small outdoor area beyond the restaurant is the Krikorian Metroplex Theaters, front and center for the Krikorian Courtyard. The outdoor plaza is a nice addition to the indoor mall, with additional shops and restaurants.
While some are quick to criticize the mall for its vacancies and downplay its success despite the odds, it’s still an important asset for its value to the community!"
Jim Kara
"I haven't been there awhile since the last time i was 12 i went to buena park downtown. It was a great place but sad to say its losing stores the mall is empty underground. I was watching a video about there was a basement i didnt know there it looks nothing there. On the basement there was lots of junk I dont why its there. When will they add new stores or something. I hope Buena Park Mall will get a huge update putting new stores. I wish they put japanese stores like anime or sanrio something like that to get peoples attention they should put n arcade store too."
Curt Turner
"This place was sloppy and food was messy and dried out, salad bar lettuce was fresh but condiments looked old and stale. Customer service was poor, floors were filthy and their employees do not seem kid friendly, and are not much help. I expected positive service from John's Incredible Pizza place in Buena Park, but left unsatisfied. In the past I have been to the one in Bakersfield which is 80% better than this one."
Molly Cuellar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Downtown Buena Park is accessible by car via major freeways like the 5 and 91. Public transportation options include local bus routes. Parking is available at The Source OC and Buena Park Downtown Mall, though it can get busy on weekends. +1
Yes, both The Source OC and Buena Park Downtown Mall offer parking facilities. Be aware that parking can be challenging during peak hours and weekends. +1
The main hubs are The Source OC, a multi-level Korean-inspired mall, and Buena Park Downtown Mall, featuring a variety of stores and entertainment.
While individual shopping centers are walkable, getting between them might require a short drive or ride-share, especially if you plan to visit multiple distinct areas.
While not strictly in the downtown area, Knott's Berry Farm is nearby and accessible. For specific attractions like Pirates Dinner Adventure, check their direct transportation advice.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Source OC is a shopping mall and generally does not require tickets for entry. Individual attractions within The Source, like the cinema or specific events, may have their own ticketing requirements.
Buena Park Downtown Mall is a public shopping center and does not have an admission fee. Individual stores and entertainment venues within the mall will have their own pricing.
Window shopping, exploring the mall common areas, and enjoying the atmosphere are free. Some events or seasonal activities might also be free to attend.
Tickets for Pirates Dinner Adventure can typically be purchased directly through their official website or authorized ticket vendors. Booking in advance is recommended. +1
Operating hours vary significantly by venue. The Source OC generally has longer hours, while individual shops and restaurants will have their own schedules. It's best to check the specific hours for each attraction you plan to visit. +1
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Stores
The Source OC features a wide array of Korean-inspired shops, including fashion boutiques, beauty stores, K-pop merchandise, specialty cafes, and more. +1
Buena Park Downtown Mall has stores like Ross Dress for Less and TJ Maxx, offering a variety of apparel and home goods.
Explore specialty shops at The Source OC or check out Kawaii Klawz for Sanrio-themed merchandise.
Yes, Kawaii Klawz at Buena Park Downtown Mall is a popular spot for Sanrio merchandise and claw machines.
Kawaii Klawz and John's Incredible Pizza Company are big hits with children. Vans and DSW are also mentioned as popular choices.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Source OC boasts a diverse culinary scene with many Korean eateries, cafes, and dessert shops. Try authentic Korean BBQ at King Chang or unique drinks at Monday to Sunday. +2
King Chang offers premium KBBQ loved by celebrities, and The Source OC has numerous Korean dining options. +1
Chiu Quon Bakery is recommended for its baked goods, and Porto's Bakery is known for its cheesecakes, though parking can be an issue.
Pirates Dinner Adventure offers a dinner show, and The Cauldron provides a spooky, witch-themed bar experience. +1
Yes, Buena Park Downtown Mall has a dining and entertainment center, including John's Incredible Pizza Company and an Asia Buffet.
📸 📸 Photography & Entertainment
Photogram at The Source OC offers a unique photo booth experience. The witch-themed bar, The Cauldron, also provides a visually interesting backdrop. +2
John's Incredible Pizza Company with its arcade and rides, Kawaii Klawz for claw machines, and Pirates Dinner Adventure offer family entertainment.
Yes, The Source OC features a movie theatre, making it a complete entertainment destination.
The Cauldron is a witch-themed bar with a spooky and magical atmosphere, perfect for a unique night out.
Viva Photo Studio in Buena Park Downtown Mall offers Easter Bunny photo sessions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit