50 Best Cocktail Bars near Dana Point

“From the host to the server, Sam to the kitchen team and bar staff, the service was impeccable and the Happy Hour, "Before 7" promotion was AMAZING. For two of us with 4 craft cocktails, and a shareable/appetizer, our bill was only $70. WOW! The view was stunning right at sunset and the outdoor patio was such a VIBE. I highly suggest this spot! Again the service was top notch and working in the event industry, I have higher than usual standards/knowledge of service and Sam especially was so personable and went above and beyond. Thank you! I'll be back!“

“Had two meals here because the first was so good. The presentation and portion size is great. The flavours were great, clam chowder, Lobster Carbonara and my wifes seafood salad were beautiful. The staff were all friendly but a special shout out to Joe whose cocktails are the best and who is a really nice guy. Highly Recommend“

“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“

“Really enjoyed my stay! The rooms were quiet and comfortable, the hotel bar was fantastic, and the room service was excellent. Loved the thoughtful little amenities—they really made a difference.“

“Amazing stay, gorgeous views and incredible hospitality! Loved it all and highly recommend!“

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

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

“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!“

“The food was DELICIOUS, starting with the crab and chorizo corn chowder, the pasta-less beet ravioli was a neat and tasty dish too. Our steaks were cooked exactly as ordered and were flavorful and portioned nicely. Mashed potatoes and Mac and cheese were top notch too.
Service was exceptional, everyone seemed to love their jobs - lots of pride and professionalism. Absolutely satisfied and will be back.“

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

“excellent food atmophere and service!“

“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.“

“Annie is an incredible lady who makes you feel like family from the moment you walk/roll in. Thank you for being amazing, Ann!“

“We stayed in Laguna Beach for the Ohana Festival this year and this was the spot we hit every night when we got back. Killer drinks, killer bartenders and super friendly guests. This will be the first place we come back to next time we are out west. GO TO THE SALOON!“

“Randi made my visit exceptional from the moment I walked in. As soon as I stepped into the bar she welcomed me with such a warm and genuine smile that I immediately felt comfortable. She was friendly, attentive, and took the time to talk with customers, making everyone feel welcome. Her positive attitude and outstanding customer service really stood out. Thank you, Randy, for your kindness and professionalism. I'll definitely be back.“

“I suppose we were limited by the lunch menu - the entres were all lighter. I was hoping for a blackened filet of halibut but they only had ore-battered filets and did not have any entres in that vein.

I ended up with a bowl of clam chowder and a couple of crabcakes - and a caddilac Margherita! The combination hit the spot.

As for the atmosphere - if you find a table on the verandah over the beach - you can be sure Hawaii has nothing more to offer!! And we were to be in San Clemente! Who needs the aggravation from tsa and a 5 hour flight!!

Service was top notch. My company had egg allergies and they made sure that his poke bowl was put together with nothing that had been near anything to do with an egg. Very thoughtful.“

“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“

“I think the food is very good and love the atmosphere. My only gripe (been two times) is that the cocktails are weak. It’s like they follow some sort of exact liquor measurement. When you’re paying this for a cocktail, take a page from Nick’s or Mastro’s and be generous with the pours. My recommendation would be to just stick with beer or wine.“

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

“Great food! Great vibe! Great time!“

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

“You are paying for the quality of the food, and the atmosphere. My wife and I celebrated our first anniversary here, and it was a wonderful evening. The food was made with detail and care - the quality was evident in the taste.

Carson was our waiter, and he was very friendly and attentive.

The hostess was respectful and helped us with a great seat with the gorgeous view of the ocean. The sunset is a site to behold.“

“Everything we ordered was amazing. From appetizers to desserts, all perfect. Highly recommend this restaurant.“

“Had a blast here, great food, service was awesome, and the atmosphere was incredibly fun. They have a great bar and amazing rooftop with a view. Anytime we are in town this is our new go to. Of note, the owner was walking around talking to everyone, he’s an amazing person who is passionate about creating a great experience for everyone! Shout out to Lori, she kept those glasses full, cheers!“

“We came because we saw it is a relatively new place and had good reviews. Unfortunately, we did not find the food to be very good. I would say for price to quality, it was pretty average at best. In my opinion, the pizza was below average. It was a strange combination of the pretty good cheese and chicken combined with a horrendous crust. The shrimp pasta was alright while the carbonara was probably the best thing the table got. Additionally, while our server was great, they were spread so thin across all the tables in the front and back that it was tough to really ask for anything. I will come back another day and chalk it all up to just being an off day for the restaurant.“

“I went here after a long beach day and everything was a 10/10! the service was great as the staff was very nice and welcoming. The food came out timely and was absolutely delicious. AND the drinks were fantastic. I love that they have vegetarian options for my friend as well. I also went to another location on a sunday afternoon and the live music offered truly added to the experience. I cant wait to find a reason to go back“

“Excellent service and the food is incredible. Highly recommended if you enjoy a good steak and incredible drinks.“

“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!“

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

“SARAH IS THE BEST IS THE WEST. after we got kick out of goodies. bc they thought our nevada id was fake (which btw turned out to be real bc we called the police and they scan it) sarah listened it our sob story even thought she didn’t have to. and everyone was so kind and accommodating. this place is a greatness for a chill vibe, if you’re looking to turn up. it’s not really the spot but to chill and drink and again have a chill cool night it’s totally fine. it would be cooler if they just offer a touch tunes to kinda set the vibe of the people
coming in. but again SARAH WAS THE BEST request her. <3“

“Everything was amazing. Every aspect from all of our meals was absolutely cooked to perfection. The Bolognese was amazing as was the short rib. I make it a point to get duck when I go out because it's not something I often cook for myself and I was blown away by the flavor and textures. I highly recommend this place for a special occasion.“

“Great location! The restaurant was a bit small but they had a nice patio set up. Plenty of umbrellas and heaters. We had a party of nine, but since they weren’t busy when we got there, they were able to accommodate us easily. I think if we were to come at a little bit busier of a time it would be harder for them to accommodate just because of the amount of tables that they have. I would suggest calling ahead if you have a group larger than six.
The menu was good, small, but a variety of options. Their margaritas were good, nothing special.
Service was great, and we didn’t have much wait time on anything. Drinks were refilled quickly and the server offered modifications that made ordering for kids easier. She also quietly and discreetly asked if we wanted dessert. We ended up ordering it, but it was nice that she said it quietly that way my boys didn’t here. It’s tough going out and not getting dessert but when my boys hear the server offering it that’s all they want. It was very kind of her.“

“Now El Matatan.

Elevated south of the border food and perhaps Laguna Beach's best burger - thick 8 oz patty with cheese, grilled onions, arugula and bone marrow mayonnaise. now available with a fried egg and bacon on top too.

I ordered it with a second patty for $15 extra and the dark purple Okinawa fries, which were next level - cooked crunchy for the most part, like chips! we ended up sharing the second patty... 12 oz of beef for both of us for less $$ than the 12 oz steak!

After we came the first time, I was CRAVING the Okinawa fries and I told several people about this place. Other friends have tried it and told me how good it was!

insane gluten free churro! wow. dreamy.

convenient location with street and several parking lots right nearby.

their menu is 95% gluten free without any substitutions! they make nearly everything in house. no generic sysco food here!

I am so glad this place opened. back a second time today to have the burger again!

the drinks are great and the prices are amazing! top shelf liquor at well liquor prices!“

“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 place to grab some good food and enjoy a cold beer with friends. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it a perfect spot to hang out, have a few drinks, and enjoy a casual meal together. Good food, good beer, and great vibes. Definitely worth checking out!“

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

“Building Skills That Last Beyond the Job Working at Snooze A.M. Eatery helps employees develop valuable, transferable skills that extend far beyond the restaurant industry. Team members gain experience in communication, time management, multitasking, and customer service—skills that are useful in virtually any career path. Employees learn how to work effectively under pressure while maintaining a positive attitude and high standards. These experiences help build professionalism and resilience, making Snooze a strong foundation for future opportunities. Additionally, Snooze emphasizes accountability and leadership at every level. Employees are encouraged to take ownership of their responsibilities and support one another as a team. This collaborative environment helps individuals grow as leaders, whether they remain in hospitality or move into other industries. By working at Snooze A.M. Eatery, employees not only earn a paycheck but also gain skills, confidence, and experience that will benefit them long after their time with the company For more articles like this please call Sean Sullivan at (657) 263-6082“

“Thea was an amazing server. She recommended the perfect spread for our tapas dinner. We loved every bite she suggested and she truly welcomed us to the area as new residents. Genuinely a fantastic & memorable experience. We felt like good friends upon leaving. Can’t wait to return. 5 stars!“

“We visited Momoku No Usagi in San Clemente, and the atmosphere was the first thing that caught my attention. The room is dimly lit in red and purple, with colorful Japanese umbrellas covering the ceiling and glowing lanterns along the bar. There are so many details to look at that it feels like a little discovery tucked away from the street. It’s a fun place to sit, take in the surroundings, and spend an evening with friends.

We ordered three hand rolls, each served separately on a square plate with a sheet of nori underneath. I liked the presentation because we could see each roll clearly and try them one at a time. The food fit the setting: small plates to enjoy while hanging out at the bar, with the colorful lighting making the whole experience feel memorable.

If you’re in San Clemente and want a bar with a distinctive atmosphere and hand rolls, Momoku No Usagi is worth checking out. I’m glad we found it!“

“Great coffee and breakfast croissants.. enjoyed on their patio 💕“

“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“

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

“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!!!“

“Very long wait times. Terrible customer service and overall, one of the worst dining experiences I’ve ever had in my life. The waiter messed up our order and argued with my wife about how he did not mess up the order and continued to argue with my wife, which further upset me and my parents. I asked the waiter to leave and requested to speak with the manager. I had explained everything to the manager and told the manager that because the food came out wrong and the waiter argued with my wife, that it was time to go because the waiter ruined our meal and our experience. After paying for 3 meals that we did not eat, the restaurant manager was extremely rude, told us to leave, and to never come back. We left very angry and upset. This restaurant ruined our entire afternoon. I do not recommend this restaurant because of the terrible customer service. If you make a mistake, own it, and make it right. Not the case here, they just want your money and send you on your way as fast as possible. If you’re looking for a nice dining experience there are far better options than this place.“

“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.“

“This restaurant has quickly become one of my top picks! The food is exceptional—each dish is crafted with high-quality ingredients and bursting with flavor. Their drink menu is equally impressive, offering a delightful selection at reasonable prices.​ The staff and new owner are warm and attentive, always ready to offer recommendations and ensure a pleasant dining experience. Adding to the charm, they feature live music that perfectly complements the atmosphere—ideal for both lively dancing and relaxed listening.​ Whether you're looking for a casual night out or a special celebration, this place is a must-visit.“

“Came in here on our wedding anniversary trip. My husband was a Marine so he wanted to show me around his favorite spots. And I can totally see why! Goody's was such a fun bar on a Tuesday night. We had the BEST, SWEETEST, and most attentive bartender, Holly. It was truly a delight getting to meet her and the other patrons that night. Definitely added to our special trip and we'll be making more trips back to Goody's :)“

“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.“

“Friendly front office receptionist & attentive valet parking attendants. This hotel is beautiful!“