31 Best Cocktail Bars in Costa Mesa

“Great exhibits educated team on floor ! Cool And calm environment ! Lots of refreshing recharge snacks beverages etc“

“Very delicious food ❤️Friendly staff❤️“

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

“Great food! Warm and very friendly greeting at the front. Best dining service provided by the staff.“

“Calo K's ceviche is delicious.“

“Food was so delicious recommended for who hasn’t tried it , and great service as well my first time. I would come back, but I’m too far. I’m from San Antonio Texas. Thumbs up 👍 👍“

“We had such a great experience at Yuzu Sushi! The service was outstanding—Ann P. was an incredible host who truly took care of us with kindness and attention. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, making the whole dining experience even better.

The sushi itself was absolutely top-notch—fresh, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. What I loved most is that it wasn’t greasy at all, just pure, clean taste that makes you want to keep eating more.

Highly recommend this spot to all sushi lovers—you’ll definitely leave satisfied!“

“Could not ask for a better dinner spot to end the day!!!“

“Fantastic place Great food and atmosphere“

“The service was fantastic. Sat at the bar with friends. Food was great, however my friend said her shrimp dish was a bit lite on the crustaceans.
The cocktails were fantastic.
They eat there all the time. It was my first, but will be heading back for sure“

“The cheeseburger was AMAZING!!!“

“Food was great and service was quick“

“Love the Chilaquiles and the protein pancakes. Great service of Lucia �“

“Great food !! Had no chance to take a picture of the food but I got the chipotle rice bowl! Delicious, big portions. Dad got the pull pork he said it was yummy ! The desserts were AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS! Will definitely be back out next trip to Cali. You will also see the owner greet every table, I think that’s amazing! Makes you feel well taken care of. Thank you !“

“Me and my husband felt like going somewhere fancy the other night so we went to the Guild. We sat at their bar and had a few drinks. The service was impeccable and I can't stop thinking about their Espresso Martini, it was one of the best ones I had in my life. My husband loved Riserva Paper Plane the most. We will be back for sure!“

“Ceviche was crazy good #asianpacificfoodtaste event“

“Absolutely amazing burritos“

“I go to this bar more than I like to admit and I’ve found that it’s not just because the drinks are cheap, the people are weird, or that’s it’s always a fun night. I find myself going back because the service is top notch. Kari is always on top of it and Rory is always holding down the fort. Hats off to you both and I’ll see you next weekend“

“Great place for a quiet lunch. Attentive service and good recommendations for wine“

“I went to Palenque by Mezcal twice last week — once on Thursday with my fiancé, then again on Saturday with friends. Safe to say: we were hooked.

Thursday night: My fiancé had the Torta Cubana (he LOVED it) and a beer. I went with the shrimp tacos and a Paloma cocktail. The tacos were tasty but spicier than expected — I had asked for no spice, so that was a small miss. However, the real surprise was dessert: the tres leches with lemon and blueberries — absolutely delicious! Not too sweet, refreshing, and such a nice twist on the classic.

Saturday: We came back with a group and ordered a variety to try — carne asada tacos, birria tacos, and grilled octopus. Everything was solid, but the octopus? Next level. Perfectly cooked and packed with flavor. It stole the show.

Prices are on the higher end, especially for Riverside, but honestly… YOLO. The vibes are great, the food is elevated, and it feels like a special night out without leaving town.“

“This outdoor cafe in the middle of the performing arts center is convenient and reasonably priced. The drinks are certainly cheaper than inside. Also the bartenders are excellent and will make you any cocktail they have the ingredients for. The food menu is updated regularly. Currently they have a nice mix of sandwiches, flatbreads, and salads.

Parking: Free parking is nowhere near by“

“10 out of 10 for me best burger I've ever had so juicy and the Mac and cheese is to die for. They always have great seasonal drinks as a well as a full bar so you can quite literally get whatever you want. Great music and chill vibes not to far off the beach“

“Amazing food! This is what you do. Get the Ahba burger and the hazy ipa. Drink half before the food promptly arrives. Enjoy the other half with the best smash burger you’ll ever have. Each pillowy bite will make you feel like you’re just sinking into heaven. Oh and the sweet papas and lebneh are just as great!“

“the food has always been great. Service was really good. Hope to get back there soon.“

“Absolutely love this place, come with an appetite though. We generally just have appetizers and salad for lunch and even splitting appetizers they are huge. We had a dessert last time after checking they were small, well they weren't. The food we've had us delicious, the service is really good and although a tight space it's not too noisy. A little spendy but it's worth it, and hey, you're at south coast plaza!“

“Had a delicious brunch and great service. They do a fun birthday dessert too! Thank you!“

“Food & Drink:
We visited Ruin Bar for a nightcap..they were both bold, creative & full of character. The presentation was fun & the flavors layered, making each sip into a little adventure. I loved the detail behind each drink.

Service:
The bartenders were friendly & welcoming despite the crowd. They made sure orders were correct & helped guide us through the menu when we asked.

Ambiance & Vibe:
Ruin Bar is eclectic, quirky & moody in the best way. It feels like stepping into a vintage curiosity shop with artsy touches, hidden corners & unusual décor. The indoor-outdoor setup at The LAB adds to the charm. It’s definitely atmospheric. There was a line around 10pm even on a weekday, & seating is limited, so it can feel energetic and a bit chaotic—but that’s part of its appeal. You order at the bar, grab your cocktail, & then find a spot or stand.

Value & Price Point:
For craft cocktails in a unique space, the price felt reasonable. Given the vibe, creativity & attention to detail, it felt like you’re paying for the whole experience, not just a drink.

Overall Impression & Tips:
Ruin Bar is a must for anyone who loves a drink with personality. Come with patience (there might be a wait), get there early if you want a seat, & be ready to enjoy somewhere that feels more like a hidden world than just a bar.“

“Had an amazing time last night (8/27) at Cowboys & Poodles! Both Mo & Chris were attentive and welcoming; making it feel like home and a place where I can be myself! Cocktails were delicious and perfectly crafted/balanced. There was a pop up cowboy show that happened out of nowhere, which caught me by surprise, it was so much fun and entertaining to be part of! Definitely something new and unique I’ve seen done at a cocktail bar. Needless to say I will definitely be back for the good vibes and amazing drinks! 🤠🤙🏽“

“One of my favorite Costa Mesa restaurants. The atmosphere is very professional and perfect for lunch event.“

“Can’t wait to come back try other things on this fantastic menu!“

“Gran ambiente y atención un lugar muy bonito“