Best Bars By Neighborhood In Orange County
Whether you're meeting friends for happy hour, going on a date, or enjoying a night on the town, Orange County is full of diverse bar establishments that are sure to quench your thirst! We've rounded up a list of the single best bar in each OC neighborhood just for you!
Javier's Cantina and Grill
45 Fortune Dr
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 872-2101
www.javierscantina.com
Spice up your nightlife with a visit to Javier's. This isn't your typical Margarita Monday destination. Instead, all south of the border inspired cocktails are carefully crafted, using the finest liquors. Javier's serves up hand-shaken, delicious margaritas, as well as huge selection of tequila as well. Just take a look at their gorgeous bar display to see how many options they have! If tequila isn't your thing, try one of their whiskey cocktails or unique martini concoctions. Any drink you chose will have you saying, "Ole!"
The Stag Bar + Kitchen
121 McFadden Pl
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 673-4470
www.stagbar.com
Wanna know what history tastes like? Grab a drink at one of the oldest bars in Southern California. Built in 1908 and opened officially as a bar six years later, The Stag Bar has since seen many transformations. During the prohibition era, the establishment was home to rumored illicit operations, and later remodeled as an art deco martini bar. Just this month, The Stag Bar reopened their doors with a revamped look and menu. Maintaining their historic integrity, including keeping their 100 foot-long original mahogany bar, the venue also boasts an impressive list of beverage options, including local craft beers and wine, and over 75 premium whiskeys – the largest selection in Newport Beach! But wait, there's more: happy hour is from 8am to 7pm. And no, that's not a typo.
Haven Gastropub
190 S Glassell St
Orange, CA 92866
(714) 221-0680
www.havengastropub.com
If you enjoy trying new and local craft brews, then consider yourself dead and gone to haven. At Haven Gastropub, beer and wine enthusiasts can find a wide selection of premium, and tasty, offerings. Featuring seasonal selections from local California craft breweries, a carefully curated selection of wines from boutique wineries, as well as hand-crafted cocktails – there's something to quench everyone's thirst! And with all that drinking, you'll want to try some eats off their creative gastropub-fare menu, which includes a variety of late night snacks. A refreshing craft beer accompanied by a hand-twisted pretzel? Yes, please!
The Blind Rabbit
440 S Anaheim Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92805
www.theblindrabbit.com
The Blind Rabbit is more than just a bar – it's an experience. Providing a well-kept mystery surrounding the venue deep within the Packing District, the main entrance is rather hidden, and you must have reservations to enter. Upon entering, you will be transported back to prohibition times, with a small and dimly lit space and a staff that knows a thing or two about making excellent drinks. The Blind Rabbit's cocktail menu is incredibly creative and well worth the price. A favorite among visitors is the Bacon Old-Fashioned. Can't decide? They offer a bartender's choice option too. If you leave The Blind Rabbit with one feeling, it will be impressed. A great spot to take a date or a friend who is appreciative of a good cocktail...or two.
Don the Beachcomber
16278 Pacific Coast Hwy
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
(562) 592-1321
www.donthebeachcomber.com
Okay, so there's a lot of bars in Huntington Beach. But if you're looking for a truly unique experience that you wouldn't find anywhere else in town, then you must check out Don the Beachcomber. Located on the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, stop here for a tiki-riffic good time. Specializing in tropical drinks, order up one of their famous mai tais. If you're a rum fan, then you're in luck – they have over 20 different kinds to choose from! Along with the fun, kitschy atmosphere, the venue also has great island-inspired eats and live music! So grab your grass skirt and get ready to hula on down!
Wayfarer
843 W 19th St
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949) 764-0039
www.wayfarercm.com
What goes perfectly with a few drinks? Some live music, of course. Costa Mesa's hip spot for hearing new tunes is the Wayfarer. With live performances, as well as food and drink specials served daily, the Wayfarer promises a good time. Check out their Roots Reggae Tuesdays, featuring $3 Red Stripes and music from some of the best reggae artists in Southern California. If you're looking for good brews, their daily happy hour includes craft drafts for only $5! Sweet deal! Make sure to visit their website for a schedule of upcoming live music and events.
Stateroom Bar
619 Sleepy Hollow Ln
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 715-7700
www.driftwoodkitchen.com
If you're a Laguna Beach local, or even a visitor, you know that one of the best parts of the city is the incredible oceanfront views. And what better way to enjoy the sights of the coast than with a few drinks seaside. After grabbing a delicious meal at the adjacent Driftwood Kitchen, head on over to the nautical Stateroom Bar. Located within the former library of old Hollywood actor Slim Summerville, the bar captures a historic feel, mixed with contemporary charm. It's cozy outdoor patio is the perfect location for enjoying a sunset and cocktails. And speaking of cocktails, the bartenders here are known for creating excellent ones.
Central Bar
2493 Park Ave
Tustin, CA 92782
(714) 258-8161
www.address.com
Located in the center of Tustin's Union Market is a little gem called Central Bar. Whether you're out and about shopping, or grabbing a drink after work, this small bar offers Instagram-worthy crafted cocktails. Using fresh ingredients to infuse drinks, you'll notice the quality in both taste and presentation. Try a refreshing Moscow Mule with freshly pressed ginger! Happy hour is weekdays 4-7PM, offering a selection of $7 cocktails, as well as craft beer and wine. Due to its location, hours at Central Bar are unfortunately short, closing at 11PM on Friday on Saturdays. Nevertheless, this is a great place to enjoy a couple drinks before a date or meeting up with friends.
The Cellar
305 N Harbor Blvd
Fullerton, CA 92832
(714) 525-5682
www.cellardining.com
The Cellar looks much like a movie set – the dimly lit dining area, cozy, secluded booths, and old school bar. Established in 1969, The Cellar was designed by the imagineers behind Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean – pretty cool! Their cuisine is divine, including luxurious entrees such as chateaubriand and truffle mac and cheese, and their selection of libations is equally intriguing. The Cellar boasts a massive collection of wines - over 1,400 selections of European, Californian and other fine wines from around the world! Priding themselves on top-notch drinks, they also have beautiful crafted cocktails, made by friendly, expert mixologists. Enjoy a fine wine or cocktail with their late night bites, including fine selections such as escargot, charcuterie, and bone marrow. This certainly isn't your average bar - no fries and mozzarella sticks here! The Cellar is nothing but class, class, class.