Pacific Commons is Fremont’s most beloved shopping center. Irvington students know it as the ultimate destination for lunch: proximity to the school, along with a number of popular fast food spots — including Chick-Fil-A, Panera Bread, In n Out, and Chipotle — make it ideal for student drivers and their friends. But to truly experience all that Pacific Common has to offer, with diverse options for shopping, dining, and entertainment, you need to visit on a day off from school. I’ve planned your vegan-friendly day at Pacific Commons. Clear your schedule and call your friends, because the itinerary is packed!
The first priority is the newly-opened MINISO, because it’s imperative to beat the lines. But those who require caffeine for an early start to their day are in luck, because Tamper Room Café and Art Gallery is within walking distance. Tamper Room is best known for their croffles, which took social media by storm, but their vegan croissant is a hidden gem. Buttery, flaky, and warm, it serves as the perfect breakfast companion to a seasonal earl grey matcha or specialty pistachio nougat latte — with oat milk substituted in for a dollar, the drinks are perfectly sweet and creamy. Once you’ve filled up, you can happily spend the rest of your morning debating which blindbox to buy at MINISO. The MINISO storefront is expansive and inviting — inside, glowing red lettering, string lights, and statues of Snoopy and Stitch create a playful, aesthetic atmosphere; walls of plushies and products from popular Asian make-up brands, like Canmake and rom&nd, and shelves of blindboxes and general supplies, draw you and your wallet towards them. MINISO embraces both familiar, nostalgic characters, from Sanrio and Disney, and new sensations, including the crews from KPop Demon Hunters and Stranger Things. MINISO’s product design team manages to render the most mundane household items — from shower slippers to band-aids — adorable.
After MINISO, snag the early-bird discount at Century Theatres, which is available until 1 PM. Pick between the latest movie — this February, the choice might have been between “Goat” and “Wuthering Heights.” Before you settle down on the luxury loungers, though, run to Target. You can stop by Bullseye’s Playground to look at some of the dollar-items; at this time of year, Spring and Easter items, like bunny-shaped figurines and pastel organizers dominate the shelves. But what you’re really there for is snacks: skip the overpriced movie popcorn and ICEEs in favor of cans of soda or juice, bags of candy, chips, or pretzels, and fresh fruit.
Next on the agenda is lunch at HaiDiLao Hot Pot. The bulk of the shopping has yet to begin, and you’ll need to fuel appropriately. HaiDiLao offers a protein-dense selection, even for vegans; their fresh tofu is beautifully soft, and soaks up the spicy and savory broths. Veggie lovers will appreciate their vast selection of mushrooms and greens, and every diner will be pleasantly surprised by the unlimited snacks — including rice crackers and barbeque chips — and dessert bar with red bean and peanuts, as well as refreshing mango and lychee jellies. Complimentary hair ties, facial wipes, and bibs, comfortable heating, and attentive service enhance the experience; it’s a bit pricey, but worth it if you come ready to eat.
After lunch, the walk across the street to Costco should be sufficient to rebuild your appetite, because your arrival will coincide with prime sample hours. Have your parents take you in with their membership card, or bring a gift card, to gain exclusive access to bulk discounts; try out a sauna, which you might find on sale for just under $2,000, or a recliner — not quite better than Cinemark’s seating, but comfy nonetheless — before loading up on fruits, snacks, and chocolates. Take advantage of the pieces of fruit, shots of juice, and mini helpings of snacks in paper sample cups throughout the store, but be respectful and only take one from each station.
After Costco, you’ll be heading over to the other side of Pacific Commons, across Christy St., to get to DSW, Old Navy, Burlington, and Sephora. At DSW, browse the latest sneaker designs — they get bolder by the day. Maybe purchase a jibbitz or two to elevate your Croc game. Old Navy and Burlington both have affordable, seasonal clothing. Burlington has massive racks of clothes and also huge sections dedicated to cosmetics, footwear, and home furnishings; Old Navy’s clear signage might be easier to navigate, but skilled hunters should look to Burlington for the best deals. At Sephora, the staff, well-versed in makeup and skincare, will help you find the perfect shades for your spring looks — and also be very complimentary, offering confidence boosts to those in need. Products are conveniently and aesthetically organized by brand, so either zip through the store and refill your essentials, or take the opportunity to switch up your style.
At this point, if you’ve spent your day right, you’ll be exhausted. Wind down with a Mediterranean dinner at Dish n Dash. Full, fresh, and colorful wraps, pitas, and salads come in generous portions, and the plant-based highlights, falafel and mushroom shawarma, are packed with flavor. The restaurant has cozy booths, but the outdoor seating has the perfect ambiance on a warm night. Savor your dinner, and then take a to-go box if needed, because you’ll want to save room for dessert at Meet Fresh. Meet Fresh has options for every weather. Customize a dessert to share; conversation over the silky-sweet tofu pudding or refreshing grass jelly-based bowls, which can be served hot or cold, is the perfect way to end your day.
The itinerary above covers the major bases, and yet still only scratches the surface of all the things to do at Pacific Commons. Perhaps a week at Pacific Commons would be more appropriate…
