22 Best Cocktail Bars in Irvine

“Dj was playing some great early 00's R&B. Had ceviche, and the game changer was the hot honey sweet potato fries with blue cheese! I wish they were open later for a Saturday night (close at 12) but definitely a unique spot in Orange County.“

“It's worth your while to come and experience it.“

“Very few places are as "on task" as these guys. If you're looking for executable innovation this might be your place.“

“The is was our second trip to NEP and was as good as the first! Both the shrimp salad app and the squid and mango salad were so well balanced and tasty. The garlic noodles and shaking beef were sooo good. Nothing was too spicy but really flavorful. The shaking beef was so good we ordered another one! The cocktail that night was a raspberry sour and too was perfectly prepared. For a casual restaurant, these guys really put out the effort. Oh, and the sticky rice/mango desert was the topper. Not too sweet and the mango was perfect! Will be back sooner than later. Well done NEP.“

“The restaurant also has complimentary bread 🥖 with olive oil.“

“Went to Cozy Pine for date night and we enjoyed it. Really feels like you are in a different place, inside a restaurant. Decor, cocktails and food were all great. Definitively worth stopping in.
Food is mostly “snacky” compared to Bacchus outside. We did not have a reservation and we’re still able to get seated, likely because we arrived early in the evening.“

“Delicious food friendly staff best pizza and affogato I have ever had. Looking forward to the opening of the Ocean Ranch Restaurant!“

“Stopped here before my gfs departing flight and it was an amazing experience. The atmosphere was wonderful, the drinks were stiff and reasonably priced, and our bartender (Tucker) was the kindest and most efficient bartender I’ve ever had in my life. From now on, this place will be a mandatory go-to before flying out of SNA.“

“We got the out of sight out or mind or someone had a late night, service. Our server was nice but not really present. Sat outside and there were 3 other tables that were already eating. Not busy, but took 15+ min to get a menu and another 20 min to order. The food was great & will give it another try.“

“Great food, highly recommend the fried chicken. Servers are fantastic.“

“The hotel is clean and hygienic. Quiet on vacation. Like🥰🥰“

“The taste of fresh fish with warm rice and crispy nori is unbelievable! If you want to try something different from hand rolls, try cryspy rice tartar, it's good. And my own lifehack for those taking care of calorie intake: I eat miso soup before my meal so I'm not that hungry anymore. Green tea is also a great drink because of its health benefits. Sometimes you have to wait for about a half of an hour to be seated, I believe you can check in on the website prior to arrival.“

“Great Food and atmosphere! Mosic was our server and he was awesome. Asked what we were into for both food and cocktails and his recommendations were spot on. The Panama Prescription was divine and I loved the shrimp and grits. My husband had the 12 hour short rib and I can’t tell you which was better. We will be back with friends!“

“Had a most excellent Italian cappuccino with macadamia nut milk. Espresso was so smooth - just perfect. Thanks for the ❤️ you put into your shop.“

“Made a reservation same day for dinner and everything was really good - I live in Ktown in LA and this place has better meat quality than most of the korean KBBQ places in LA. I would come back again!

Our server Ray/Roy was so friendly and nice to us. Grilled the meats perfectly. Man this place is good“

“Its been about 2 years since I went here and now they have so much more amazing dishes on their menu. I tried their new arrival dishes such as their bulgogi fries which were crispy with delicious meat. Would have wished for a different type of cheese, but not mad about it! Their stir fried udon was al dente, which I loved and their korean fried chicken had a nice crunch. The service was fantastic and had a dim interior which is great for a late night group gathering.“

“Tucked inside the Irvine Marriott, YNK Speakeasy is a cozy, stylish hideaway that feels more like an upscale living room than a bar. I came with five friends to celebrate my birthday, and we ordered just about everything: Smoked Old Fashioned ($21), Cactus Club ($18), Chakai Kyushikis ($27!), Momoe ($27!), Airbuzz ($18), Whiskey Sour ($18), and Smoke & Mirrors ($18). We also grabbed churro bites and a cookie skillet, which were tasty finger food options.

The drinks? Fantastic. Creative, well-balanced, and worth the hype. But with some cocktails priced at $27, the prices are on the steeper side, even for Orange County. That makes YNK a “special occasion” stop, not your regular Friday night spot.

The vibe is intimate, with comfy couches and high-tops, and the staff was warm and welcoming. One even shared that the menu rotates every few months, which is reason enough to return.

✅ Pro tip: Make a reservation for evening hours.
✅ Parking is paid, but the bar validates—bless them.

Overall, I’m thrilled this speakeasy opened, especially after the last one, which was in the backroom of their hotel kitchen, seems to have closed shop. While the price point keeps it from being a regular hangout, it’s perfect for a treat-yourself night. Cheers, YNK—you’re bougie, but I like you.“

“Great experience with excellent food! Always good!“

“I ordered the Baja fish tacos and the Watermelon Margarita. The tacos were amazing and the Watermelon Margarita was one of the best I have ever had! 😎“

“We went to Habana for dinner when we went to OC to visit family. The place was beautiful and ambience classy. The food and drinks were wonderful! My favorite was the pepper shrimp dish. Absolutely awesome! Also, try the flan — you wouldn’t want to share it even if you were so full from your entree already.“

“Amazing service and food was great!!“

“Nice place with friendly staff, large bar is you don’t want to be seated.. Order came up fast..“