32 Best Bars in Costa Mesa

“Love it here! Music is always on point m! 😍“

“Was pretty blown away by the ambition and quality of the drinks. Definitely experimental. Healthy sized menu with quite a bit of variety. Some very bold combinations that basically work.

Atmosphere wise, it's not that loud given how tiny the space is.

Edit came back a year later. Too sweet mist though ok“

“We were in town, visiting family members. It turned into a full-blown nightmare for my son and I. To erase the negativity, our hotel clerk recommended this jewel of a bar across street...from the moment we stepped into this place, it turned into an awesome experience and made our last night in town, fun and relaxing. Pool, music, people...genuine. The lovely, energetic and experienced bartender, was absolutely on-top of ensuring not just us, but that all the clients, were taken care of. If you want to distress and wipe off the negativity, this is the place to be!“

“Perfect place to hang and catch up“

“Discovered this spot while grabbing a bite between client meetings in Huntington Beach — a colleague had mentioned it and I'm glad I checked it out. The Guild Club James has a great vibe, nice cocktail program, and a kitchen that clearly takes the food seriously. It's a solid option for a more casual but still elevated dining experience in the Huntington Beach area. I've started recommending it to clients relocating to the HB corridor who are looking for neighborhood spots with personality. The crowd skews young and energetic which gives the space a great energy. Will be back and will definitely bring clients.“

“This is a good place to bring someone who is new to the area. I feel that if you live near this restaurant, as I do, that there are other places that are better for tacos, honestly. That being said, their presentation and food is very good,“

“Hit the mark, prices ok, 24/7 Willy Wonka on TV👍“

“This place is a hidden gem! The food will exceed your expectations. The only improvement I would love to see is beers on tap.“

“The staff was very kind and attentive to customers. They had a great beer selection and some cocktails that were fun to try. I got 2 flights and sampled several options. All tasted great. Best beer on tap, best Japanese beer in Orange county.“

“Okay, OC, buckle up — if bars could slide into your DMs, blow you a kiss, and then mix you a drink that makes your knees weak, Kitsch Bar in Costa Mesa would be the smooth operator doing exactly that.
I sashayed in thinking “just one drink” and left feeling like the entire lounge had been personally trying to court me all night. That brand-new walk-around bar? It’s straight-up seductive architecture — you literally circle the flirtation while the low red lights kiss everything in sight, the plush booths give you a warm hug, and the disco ball throws sparkly little winks like it’s in on the game. TVs for the sports, weekend entertainment that keeps the vibe bouncing (karaoke nights, house beats, throwback hip-hop), and a whole atmosphere that screams “stay a while… or forever, we’re not picky.”
Major shoutout to the absolute rockstar behind the bar (didn’t catch your name, gorgeous, but if you’re the one pouring with that effortless charm and trouble-making smile, this review is blowing you a kiss). This legend built my cocktail like it was a flirty love note — perfectly balanced, dangerously delicious, and just spicy enough to keep the conversation interesting. Happy hour 6-8pm with $6 wells and $5 beers? I felt like I was being spoiled rotten on a first-date budget. Service was white-glove quick, zero attitude, all playful banter that had me giggling into my glass and ordering round two before I could even pretend to play hard to get.
In a world of boring lounges that ghost you after the first sip, Kitsch Bar is serving full rom-com main-character energy with a wink, a stir, and pours that flirt right back. No pretentious nonsense, just pure, delicious mischief wrapped in velvet vibes and good times until 2am.
10/10. I’m already counting down to my next rendezvous — probably tonight. Bring your best flirty energy, your favorite smirk, and zero plans after midnight. This spot doesn’t just reciprocate… it escalates. 😏🍸
(Pro tip: Slide in during happy hour, grab a stool at that magical walk-around bar, and let the night do its thing. You’re welcome in advance.)“

“Oysters are always super delicious and fresh! The list of oysters is extensive and ever changing. The salads are so filling and the clam chowder is the bomb! Staff is always friendly and the service is great.“

“Love the atmosphere, everyone that walks in just wants to have a drink, a good time and make friends... Best little dive bar in Costa Mesa and Penny is the coolest bar tender :-)“

“I don't think they serve food but the drinks are stellar! The Boulevard is a great local spot with a range of options from crafty fresh squeezed cocktails, top shelf shots or white claw... and everything else - they have it all. The pool table in the back is nice, there are large TVs and great tunes playing. They also have cozy interior booths for date night lol.

The service is the best - friendly and quick. The drinks are moderately priced normally a good deal but I also suggest going during happy hour from 5-7pm. They have fun decorating for Halloween and the holidays too which adds to the vibe. I definitely recommend stopping by The Boulevard for an adult beverage with atmosphere.“

“1. Atmosphere

* The atmosphere is out of this world—it feels like stepping into a portal blending different eras.
* A unique mix of cowboy, 80s, and vintage themes, including 1800s-style carts you can sit in.

2. Space & Crowding

* The space is fairly tight and gets very packed, especially during busy hours.

3. Cleanliness

* Bathrooms are well-maintained, clean, and presentable.

4. Beer Quality

* The pilsner is decent, but it doesn’t quite deliver the distinct flavor expected from a true craft beer.

5. Overall Experience

* A good spot overall with a very unique vibe—worth visiting and easy to recommend.“

“Delicious Italian cuisine! Stylish interior of the Restaurant!“

“overall, it was a good experience. I went there with a couple of friends to have some beers and play some pool. warm and cozy. people were nice. I would probably give it a five star if they had a cocktail waitress to make it easier to get drinks.“

“Shout out to the entire team. Xavier did a stellar job as our host: attentive, responsive, fast, and very friendly. My whole family felt welcomed.
From making a reservation to getting seated and the actual dinner my experience was great. I will definitely return.“

“The most notable featurr of this bar (with good food & apps) is the bartenders also work the floor as servers and they are all pretty. But their efficiency and professionalism is equal to their looks, so the women customers, accept them. I know that last sentence was terrible, but it's true and I'm too tired to re-word it.“

“Amazing food and atmosphere. We sat at the bar and have to give our bartender/waiter Jake a huge shout out. He was the best! Definitely going back again.“

“LOVE the GOAT‼️♥️ 1st place I headed on my last day to begin my RETIREMENT‼️ Life is good‼️😃“

“Service was top notch -extremely nice and informative on menu. Food was ridiculous good I recommend the grapefruit salad with chicken“

“Food was delicious champagne was nice we also enjoyed the music“

“Great Chips & Salsa! Chilaquiles are THE BEST EVER! Portions are huge! Great margaritas! The staff is THEE BEST! Highly recommending casa for dining in or catering your next event! The fiesta packs will feed a small village! Great for parties or get togethers when you just don’t feel Like cooking!“

“It was chill, not too crowded, great music. I didnt eat anything, just came for the music.“

“Great work by this group, every year! Fun stuff!“

“Happy hour before OC Fight Night!“

“We stayed at the Hilton in Costa Mesa and had coupons for complimentary Continental breakfast 2 mornings. The first morning we upgraded to hot buffet breakfast that included scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage, oatmeal. The eggs were powered, the sausage tasted like cardboard and bacon was so-so. The oatmeal was homemade and was good! This breakfast cost $18.00 + tax. The second morning we ordered off the menu and was better choices getting fresh cooked food. My wife had omelet with hash browns and toast and I had eggs Benedict with hashbrowns and tomato slice and coffee. We both enjoyed these menu options!“

“Great place to watch the games good food“

“I had a great experience at The Social in Costa Mesa. The atmosphere was beautiful, with a very aesthetically pleasing design that made the entire experience enjoyable from the moment we walked in.
What really made the evening stand out was the service from the bartender, John. He was charismatic, friendly, and genuinely enjoyable to talk with. His recommendations were excellent, and everything he suggested exceeded our expectations. The drinks were crafted perfectly, and his attention to detail and customer service made a great experience even better.
I highly recommend stopping by and, if you can, asking for John. He truly helped make our visit memorable.“

“Roberto is the best cook! The staff was extremely friendly and accommodating. The best part was the breakfast Saturday morning! Roberto made the best cuisine, the servers Roberto (another) and Adrianna were the most friendly and warm welcoming staff!“

“We went for Sunday brunch and it did not disappoint. Our server Roberto was super kind and always made sure to check in on us. The food was good for a brunch buffet. They had freshly made tortillas for the taco bar and the made to order omelette at the omelette bar was delicious! The complimentary pancakes were also super yummy! The servers were always walking around to be sure the bottomless mimosas were being refilled. Super great experience and we'll definitely be back.“