50 Best Cocktail Bars near Dana Point

“I'm giving it a 5 for the staff. I briefly looked at it, thinking it was an independent rooftop bar, not realizing it was connected to the hotel.Our drinks were ok, prices were average. If you were staying at the hotel, this would be a great experience. If you were bar hoping or anything of that nature, I would go here if everything else was packed.Again, staff was incredibly nice and we stayed for them ?“

“This restaurant is a hidden gem. The food is incredible, the service is amazing, and we love the live piano music. There are so many restaurants in the area to choose from, but we find ourselves always choosing Luxe.“

“I was immensely grateful to step into a stunning restaurant that exuded elegance, with an impeccable standard of service provided by the professional waitstaff. The warm welcome from the owner at Homeslice Dana Point was truly heartwarming, setting the tone for a memorable evening. As I perused the menu, I was pleasantly surprised by the affordability of the exquisite cuisine. Every bite felt like a culinary journey through Europe, and the ambiance was akin to a cozy evening abroad, with fellow diners basking in the joy of a Saturday night well spent.Thank you .Fahim Fazli“

“Always enjoy staying at the Waldorf Astoria. Nice escape, great location, attentive staff. Perfect getaway.“

“The service provided by the staff, from the front desk to valet parking and restaurant waiters, was exceptional, with a remarkable level of attentiveness.“

“Great service, Jack was super welcoming and made sure we were enjoying the time there.“

“👍 Great food and drinks. A locals favorite. 😍“

“The food? IMPECCABLE. I went with a large group of friends and we decided to try just about everything, sharing around the table. Yum! Best. Idea. Ever. The Ambiance was just as we had hoped - ideal for us to comfortably hang out and yap a bit. It was a perfectly fun and inviting atmosphere. The service? AMAZING. We had Mikey as our server. He was so fun, so attentive, so friendly. You'd think he was just one of our group. He made us feel welcome and watched over. I can't wait to come back to Salt Creek! And, Yes! We are asking for Mikey! So should you!“

“I will definitely be returning. I'm very happy to say that this restaurant is worth the price tag. The food was excellent, one of the best steaks in Southern California, atmosphere great, and service outstanding. I don't feel there's anything you can go wrong with on their menu, from the bread service, to the Mac n cheese, to the aged rib eye, and smoked old fashioned I left more than satisfied.“

“The foxx is the best If you want a good place This is it“

“Tuesdays if is Allie, excellent bartender. I recommended go on Tuesdays, she is very Attentive and always has great atmosphere, the vas has Pool tables ,fun place to enjoy time with friends when is a nice bar tender. The bar Do No sell food . But allow you bring your food.“

“Good times had by all . Skeleton crew played and they were great as usual. Beer is ice cold bartenders are super friendly“

“My wife's and I favorite spot in all Laguna, we've been to all the bars, taverns n this saloon by far is THEE BEST...every year we make it a must stop spot.....I'm a photographer at heart and this classic saloon is AWSOME, the coziness, ceiling n decor, flooring, masonry and the patina bar. Nothing else comes close.“

“Had dinner reservations for 4 with my sister who was here from out of town. Seated very promptly , our waiter Jason and Manager were outstanding, very attentive yet not hovering. The food was delicious, the meatloaf was outstanding a combination of three different meats, so flavorful, and tender. My sister's chicken piccata and the shared appetizers amongst us were over the top good“

“excellent food atmophere and service!“

“Came for lunch with my gran about a month after my grandfather passed. It was my gran's first outing since the funeral and i was worried but our server was this adorable silver haired woman named Rebecca. She had my Gran laughing the whole time. We ordered combos and the suggested jalapeño watermelon margaritas, which were spicy and refreshing. We needed a nap afterwards because we were too stuffed! My gran won't stop asking when we can go back. Thank you South of Nicks for lovely meal, and Thank you Rebecca, for helping a family member feel normal after tragedy. You are in our prayers“

“Had a wonderful evening out with my wife at Ironwood Cellars in Laguna Hills. We had reservations for 5:30 p.m. and arrived early. We were greeted by Joe, the manager on duty, who was very kind, professional, and welcoming. Art was our server and is amazingly gifted in customer service professionalism and overall people skills. Yes, showing the love. We started with tequilla drinks from the bar, and we each had a wedge salad. Joe sent us over a wonderful Agnolotti appetizer as well, which was more than kind. The ambiance was positive and upbeat, perfect for the evening. Sergio was also quite attentive in making sure our table was serviced properly. We ordered our entrees with my wife having the halibut dinner, and I had the famous giant meatball dish. Both meals were hot & tasty and presented well. We had a terrific time, and Art surprised us with a complimentary dessert 🍨 with berries. The restaurant is so nice and offers an outdoor patio and bar seating as well. The wine list is extensive, as are the craft beers. Highly recommended.“

“It was my first time here, and the food is delicious. Love the simple & quaint decor. Definitely will be back!“

“Oh goodness. Why did it take us over a year to find out about this place??

First: you can either park along el Camino or parking is along Avenida De La Estrella located right above restaurant. There is a stairwell that brings you right down to it.

Be sure to go on Tuesday… taco Tuesday… where they have a phenomenal/affordable menu! Honestly the best shrimp taco I have ever had. I’m just sorry I filled up on chips.

They are only opened for lunch on the weekend.

The best part… PET FRIENDLY PATIO!!!!

Update: Doug and I have gotten to know our waitress amber. Bless her.. she waits on the whole outside and she hustles. Food and spirits all so good. Thanks Amber for always remembering 2 ice cubes and being an outstanding server.“

“I have been going to this hotel since the 1980s. It’s the best. My husband and I spent three new years eves there. We usually stay a week. Love it. I’ll be so happy when the rooms are available again. I can hardly wait. Love everything about it. The food is delicious. The patio is very enjoyable. And just a few steps to the beach. Love it. Thank you. I’m. Beverly. Anderson.“

“I recently had the chance to go to The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar with my husband, and I absolutely loved it. From the start, the oceanfront atmosphere made the whole experience so special — nothing beats enjoying a good meal while listening to the waves in the background.

I ordered the Salmon BLT, and it was simply delicious. The bread was fresh with the perfect texture, the salmon was juicy and well-seasoned, and the avocado, lettuce, and tomato balanced everything beautifully. The crispy bacon added the perfect touch. The side of mushroom rice was flavorful yet light, which paired really well with the sandwich.

My husband went for the classic Fish and Chips, and he was just as impressed. The fish was perfectly golden and crispy on the outside while tender and fresh on the inside. The fries were hearty, and with a squeeze of lemon and the dipping sauce, it was spot on.

I enjoyed a chilled glass of white wine with my meal, which rounded out the experience perfectly.

Overall, it was a delicious lunch with spectacular views and very good service. I left feeling so happy to have shared such a wonderful moment with my husband. We’ll definitely be coming back soon.🙊🫨💃🏻🙌🏻“

“What a great place for taco Tuesday! They have two types of Tuesday menus and I had the fish taco that ended at 5:30. I had two different ones and they were fabulous. Drinks go on all night and they were very good too. I will definitely be back.“

“Food wasn’t bad, the A5 Wagyu burger was underwhelming, however blue cheese burger and wings and Truffle fries were good
Be careful you automatically get charged 3$ if you just touch the iPad
Though it is written on it however we didn’t know that just by trying a silly tik tak tok game just twice for fun we were charged 3$ on the bill!!!
It didn’t feel right at all!!“

“What a fabulous place. Went there to celebrate mutual birthdays with my BFF. I loved everything about this restaurant. Our bartender was fabulous, our meal, Branzino.. delicious, eye appealing, beautiful presentation and enough to split We met the owner who spent ample time with us as we asked questions about his journey opening the location, his background and the concept/vision for the restaurant and we met the GM. I loved the ambiance, open and welcoming and they have a mercado with authentic product. Next time I'm going to the pizza bar with some more birthday girls!“

“Okay, full disclosure: with four kids, a date night that doesn’t involve drive-thru fries or someone asking for ketchup is already a win—but Jane in San Clemente? Total glow-up moment for us.

From the moment we walked in, the vibe was chef’s kiss. Dim lighting, gorgeous design, cozy but elevated—like Pinterest and a speakeasy had a very classy baby. It felt grown-up and cool without being pretentious (because let’s be real, I still had a Paw Patrol sticker on my shoe).

The cocktails? Don’t even get me started. These are not your average drinks—they’re the kind you sip slow, admire the garnish, and then immediately plan your next visit so you can try another. I had one with gin and lavender that was dangerously good. My husband kept raving about how smooth his bourbon cocktail was. We felt fancy. We felt alive.

And the food, though a smaller menu, is incredible. Small plates, yes, but big flavor. Everything was well thought out, beautifully presented, and packed with flavor. It’s not a place for giant portions, but it’s perfect for sharing and savoring between sips and conversation.

Bottom line: Jane is date night perfection—whether you’re escaping the chaos for a few hours or looking to impress out-of-town friends. It’s moody, delicious, and full of that “we need to do this more often” energy. We’ll be back. Probably with a babysitter already booked.“

“Splashes restaurant which is located in the, wonderfully renovated Surf and Sand Hotel, is just a marvelous place to have breakfast lunch or dinner. Overlooking the Pacific, the restaurant is bright and crisp and offers both inside and outside seating. The menu is extensive without being overwhelming, the service is excellent and the food moderately priced and wonderful, The restaurant is located on the lower floor of the hotel, just above the beach, so as you dine you hear the waves breaking on the shore and breathe in the fresh air of the Pacific. Absolutely perfect, a great place to dine whether you're staying at the hotel or visiting. (FYI, if you're visiting, remember to get your parking validated.)“

“The service, food, and drinks were all amazing. Alyssa was our server and she was so sweet and helpful. We asked the bartender, Sebastian, to surprise us with a cocktail, and he made the most beautiful drinks. The fun, whimsical atmosphere makes for the perfect date spot.“

“Food is usually superb as is the atmosphere. Service quality depends on the staff… possibly understaffed when we were there, but overall it’s a go-to place for brunch or a nice local time out. We often hit up the outdoor scene for live music, drinks, and the best ambience in town.“

“Such a great place. Nice addition to San Clemente.“

“This is the definition of a high end steakhouse. The service is impeccable, and the food is decadent. But….. there’s the prices. This place ain’t cheap. Nope. But it’s all about if you think an amazing dinner experience is worth the price. We do.
We ordered the Executive Board, a lazy Susan of sorts with an assortment of wonderful steaks. Each one better than the last. It fed 6 of us easily. The sides are family style. We ordered the potatoes au gratin. Probably some of the best I’ve tasted. The bacon, oh the bacon. About 1” think, and cooked in a sweet and spicy sauce. I want to go back just for that! Mac and cheese that was amazing. And you must order the Parker House rolls. For dessert, the Butter Cake was definitely the best I’ve ever tasted.
All good stuff, but nothing is perfect, including Rare Society…..
It’s noisy, if someone in your party is hearing impaired, they’re probably going to struggle with that.
IT IS EXPENSIVE. Check out the menu online.
If you’re in a hurry, this is an experience, and it is to be enjoyed slowly. And you can’t just walk in. Reservations are a MUST.“

“Best place for local Italian! Highly recommended...“

“Stumbled upon 237 in #LagunaBeach after a serendipitous encounter with the owner, who recommended her newly opened restaurant.

What a find! I just had the best burger of my life! . This place, formerly known as Breeze & Brew, is a culinary gem. If you're in the #California area this #LaborDayWeekend, make sure to experience their incredible food. Highly recommended for any food enthusiast!"

Burger 10/10 would recommend! ❤️

Dietary restrictions: Very accommodating for any food issues.“

“Loved breakfast here so much we came two days in a row. The breakfast burrito was the best my husband has ever had. Great pastry selection and really good lattes too. Customer service was wonderful!! Beautiful and huge seating area out front with ocean view.“

“Awesome place! Great food and drinks and a nice atmosphere. Watching my 49ers game. 🏈“

“Incredible food and service! My mew favorite place!“

“The atmosphere is a wonderful and relaxing change from the high tech look of too many restaurants today. It's softly lit and comforting. The food is excellent. The branzino was cooked perfectly, the side dish of french lentils was a treat and the apple pie delicious. It's a treasure.“

“Great food! Great vibe! Great time!“

“Very pleasing atmosphere calm peaceful elegant great peace of mind I enjoyed my food there and drinks are great as well“

“Great place to dive n drink“

“We live right up the canyon and had never visited. Highly recommend!! Great food, reasonable prices, our waitress, Cassidy was so great! She was efficient with everything and just had the nicest personality. We will be back!!!“

“This place is awesome, under new Ownership who they really know how to make it happen, their food is great, drinks are also great, their entertainment is by far the best in San Juan Capistrano and their staff is really second to none!!!! A must !!! So if you are looking for the best place in town, this is it.“

“Such a great atmosphere and delicious food thoughtfully made with great taste, love and presentation.“

“We celebrated an early Mother’s Day Saturday evening. Outstanding👏😎flavors, presentation, dessert, cocktails/ vibes..And our waiter(Luca) was personable , fun.“

“Food was fabulous, the Rock of Ages Band was fabulous, and our waiter, Zach, was fabulous. Such a wonderful night out.“

“4.5 actually. Cool decor. Great concept--a speakeasy sushi bar (actually upstairs from a Goonies inspired speakeasy). Friendly staff. Very nice cocktails. And quite good food, but I wish there were larger portions offered (my only complaint). Definitely worth a visit or revisit.“

“Great food in a great location. Would definitely go back.“

“We popped into Goody’s for a couple beers this afternoon and had such a great time! The bartender, Heather, was fabulous!!! We were visiting for the day from San Diego and because of the hospitality, we felt like locals! We got to sit at the bar with our pup too so that was a major plus! Any time we are in San Clemente, we will definitely stop back in for a couple drinks! 10/10 recommend!“

“Great time .. and the most amazing food .. dubble bubble shot is a must here never in my life anything like this .. but the best ohh and the cabbage wrap Thai style is the best“

“Great spot! View and food were great!!“

“Pure Burger is a top notch spot, that has always focused on providing amazing service. I’ve been there countless times, and each time leave satisfied with the best quality burger around. Super grateful to have them as part of our local community!“