Best Bars In Anaheim
Taking their cues from the craft beer movement that developed organically in San Diego, Anaheim has emerged as another hub of locally brewed beer. With revered breweries like Noble Ale Works, Bottle Logic Brewing, and The Bruery all calling Anaheim home, it would be only fitting that such a prevalent beer culture also has at least a few notable watering holes. Though the touristy element remains king within the city limits, North Orange County does have some cool corners to sneak away to for a conversational round of cocktails. From grand scale thematic experiences to the friendly neighborhood dive, here is a rundown of some of Anaheim's best bars.
Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar
Disneyland Hotel
1150 Magic Way
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 781-3463
www.disneyland.com
Based on the Disney attraction that has long been a staple of Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom, Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar manages to capture all the wonder and delight of the magic fountain and singing animatronic parrots while dousing your liver with generous amounts of rum. Complete with Tiki gods, moving barstools, jungle mist and the occasional roll of thunder, the island-clad bartenders hammer out tropical concoctions in ceramic tiki heads over finely crushed ice in a way that suggests this fun environment is taken very seriously. With an ambiance best described as meticulously magical, Trader Sam's indulges the child in everyone and delivers a healthy buzz to boot.
The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon
1025 E Ball Rd.
Anaheim, CA 92805
(714) 817-4200
www.theranch.com
Located in the adjoining room of the applauded Ranch restaurant, traditional country music and the occasional two-step are propelled by a cocktail program that that gets creative with the hits. In much the same way The Ranch nails a sear on a choice cut of steak, the bar staff show they are no slouch with twists like their Carolina Peach Julep or the whiskey laced bliss of their signature Moonshine Margarita. Pouring drinks with the kind of detail, finesse, and flavor that exude elegance, the Saloon at the Ranch retains a rustic charm that couples comfort with a few cocktails. Augmented by a wine list that ensures there is always something to pair with the food you are no question going to eat, The Ranch is without question a culinary gem in Anaheim.
The Blind Rabbit
440 S Anaheim Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92805
www.theblindrabbit.com
A somewhat hidden speakeasy themed bar and restaurant should already be a pretty easy sell, but if that wasn't enough to pique your curiosity, maybe a green tea infused Old Fashioned appropriately called the "Early To Rye" will do it. Bookshelves that double as revolving doors, dimly-lit brick walls, bartenders suited in vests and ties pouring incredibly artistic, hand-crafted cocktails make this place so much more than novelty cool. Coupled with a kitchen that cranks out a small, but succinct selection of eats that compliment the drinks, Blind Rabbit fully embraces the intricacies of the historic speakeasy with all the modernity and meticulousness that fits the Anaheim Packing House.
Healthy Junk
Unit B, 201 W. Center Street Promenade
Anaheim, CA 92805
(714) 772-5865
www.thehealthyjunk.com
A growing contingent of drinkers are looking for vegetarian and vegan friendly options when bellying up to the bar. The Junk Bar at Healthy Junk has earned a reputation for being pretty darn discerning when it comes to delivering for their patrons both from the kitchen and behind the bar. While Junk only has a beer and wine license, the options are interesting enough to make an evening of it. Vegan friendly micheladas, house made white and red sangria, and a rotating list of IPAs, Stouts, Ales, and seasonals that would make even the biggest beer snob take notice, Junk Bar is quickly becoming a destination for those looking to keep things green when boozing.
The Doll Hut
107 S Adams St
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 533-1286
www.facebook.com
An institution not only in Anaheim, The Doll Hut has played an instrumental role in fortifying Southern California's unique punk rock identity. Band slike The Offspring and Social Distortion have graced the stage at The Doll Hut that is no bigger than a middle class family home. Bottled beers, tall cans, and a few staple tap handles, The Doll Hut serves wine, but isn't that kind of place. When defining punk rock dives, Doll Hut is the standard. Loud music, hard drinking, one wall unit air conditioner, and thousands upon thousands of band stickers tell the story of a watering hole that has been standing for nearly 100 years. Though the place has nearly closed a few times in recent years, the Doll Hut remains sentimental for anyone that has ever walked through the front door…or snuck in to catch a show.
