Shootz

When Rodeo 39 Public Market opened in Stanton back in 2020, Shootz was one of many small restaurants clustered in the left and back of the spacious food hall: a Hawaiian-style katsu and musubi specialist with a cute pineapple logo. Now occupying the largest restaurant space in the main hall – plus locations at Rodeo River Street, as well as Rodeo 72 and other locations outside of Orange County – Shootz is still serving the dishes that won fans years ago, just on a larger stage with dedicated seating.

The specialties – Kimchi Butter Katsu Chicken and Kimchi Butter Shrimp – are the sort of vaguely Japanese, ridiculously over the top treats that Hawaiian cooking tends to be known for on the mainland. For around $15 a serving, you get either a chicken thigh or six jumbo shrimp battered, then coated in a buttery, spicy Korean peppered sauce that is perfect for any spice fan, and only a little too much for the “keep it mild” crowd.