50 Best Cocktail Bars near Ladera Ranch

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

“I love this place! Bri and Alana make us feel like we are at our own personal “Cheers” every time we are there!“

“✨ Five-Star Birthday Dinner Experience! ✨ From start to finish, my birthday dinner was absolutely perfect! Our waiter, Rafael from Puerto Ricoooooo, was truly the highlight of my night warm, attentive, and full of great energy that made the evening extra special. I loved being seated in the lively area, just as they recommended perfect for people-watching and soaking in the fun atmosphere. The music selection was on point, setting the perfect vibe as we celebrated the night away with beautifully crafted, divine dishes. To top off this exquisite dining experience, the dessert selection was outstanding, and the thoughtful gesture of a personalized birthday note from the team meant the absolute world to me. I've never felt so genuinely celebrated and appreciated on my birthday. Thank you to the entire team for such a wonderful evening l you made my birthday truly unforgettable! 🎉💛“

“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.“

“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 ?“

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

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

“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.“

“Lovely sitting next to the open windows on a Sunday morning. Our food was cooked to perfection and very flavorful. Though the cinnamon roll put us over the edge and we couldn’t finish our meals. It was a lot of food which is good when restaurant costs have gone up so much. I got the pork belly Benedict and it was really 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!“

“Feels like you’re in a NY loft bar and privileged to have the only rooftop view of south Orange County. Bartenders are top notch and make you feel welcome. Food is well planned with a cultured menu emphasizing the Asian diversity of the area. I cannot get enough of the calamari and the Spectrum Sunset cocktail. Also, a lovely hostess named Sasha greets you upon arrival which just sets the mood.“

“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.“

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

“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.🙊🫨💃🏻🙌🏻“

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

“This place is adorable. We've been here a few times now. Food is good and drinks are great. I mean who wouldn't like googly eyes on their sandwich bun and coconut drink?!“

“A wonderful evening at Todos Santos with my wife. We were greeted by Daniel the owner and chef extraordinare who took us to a very nice table in the outside patio. We started off with drinks which were made by one of our favorite bartenders Jaime! The other bartender of choice is Francisco who had the day off. Kenya was our waiter and was superb, very personable and professional. We each ordered the appetizer salad which were so good. We spoke with Daniel about the fresh fish and decided on the Sea Bass for my wife and I ordered the Salmon and lobster plate. These two dishes were amazing upon presentation and even tastier than they looked lol. I must say since we began dining at Todos Santos from when Daniel took over this place has blossomed this restaurant into the best Mexican cuisine in Orange County. With multiple awards to his credit Daniel has new menu items that he creates regularly and now opens after hours on Tuesdays and Fridays with a DJ and dance floor. On Saturday and Sunday the restaurant serves breakfast from 10 am to 2 pm and the dishes are delicious. Make a reservation and ask for Daniel. Let him know George sent you. Great place, great food and amazing people! Highly recommended“

“#SuperBowlSundayBrunch 🌷🤙😜🥳😎“

“We stumbled upon this hidden gem in Laguna on our last day there. Can’t believe we missed it! After visiting Finneys in Santa Barbara, we were expecting a lot, but this place totally exceeded our expectations. It’s right off the beach, with an incredible selection of beers. The service and food were also top-notch. If you’re looking for a great spot to grab a bite or a drink, definitely check them out!“

“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.“

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

“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!“

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

“This has turned into a locals hang out. Waitresses seem to know the clients well. The outside dining is perfect for happy hour as the sun starts to set and the afternoon breeze sweeps in. Umbrellas keep you in the shade earlier in the afternoon. I LOVE the FLAUTUS. Light and crispy on the outside with a moist protein topped with a generous portion of guacamole. The bar is a fun place to hang. Bartenders are busy but friendly enough. This place has patrons with the San Clemente friendliness.“

“Excellent smash burgers and service.
The whole restaurant is like a piece of art, beautiful and well put together. Great rooftop deck and outdoor patio. I’m sure this will become an extremely popular San Clemente establishment given the food, vibes, and location.“

“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.“

“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.“

“We knew the view would be the main star, but the quality of food, as well as the service, was truly outstanding! We could not decide on which of the twelve appetizers to get do we got them all! The four of us shared the 12 appetizers (plus two desserts) and treated our evening like a tasting menu. The chef and server enjoyed it as much as we did. Some of the highlights included the octopus with white bean hummus, lobster bisque, the Harvison cheesecake, and the corn and crab risotto! The desserts were very special as well! See pictures! When the breeze hit a little cool but we didn't want to close the view of the ocean, the staff brought us blankets for our laps; a very nice touch! We chose a Bordeaux wine to accompany our dinner which was a 2015 La Grave which was an exceptional wine with great value as well. A lovely evening.“

“Love this restaurant. Always excellent service and great food. However, yesterday I ordered the new eggplant sandwich and was very disappointed. It was really soggy, too much sauce. The sauce should be served on the side or minimal sauce should be placed on the sandwich. I have never ordered something I didn't love, until yesterday.“

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

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

“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.“

“Wifey suggested we make it to the Sawdust Festival so while in town we decided to get some dinner. Located near all the hot spots Tango offered convenience with outdoor dinning. First off Niko was our server. Very nice gentleman who was very attentive and informative. Made us feel like we tourist in his homeland of Argentina. Now the food. My expresso Negroni well that was a let down. Not for me. Wifey had a sangria albeit that it’s called something else. Tapas were good. Highly recommended the asparagus wrapped with prosciutto. The steak skewer definitely. The issue and only issue I had was the traffic and the smell of fumes. Not much can be done about that maybe next time we will sear indoors.“

“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“

“First visit was on a quiet Wednesday. Immediately impressed with the greeting and beautiful upscale space. Were were seated upstairs with a nice view. Our server gave a good overview of the menu. I would characterize her as professional but not overly personable/friendly. We split a rib eye which was cooked perfectly and super tender and favorable. The Caesar salad was ok, it was kind of like a bowl of parm with some lettuce on the side. Probably would pass next time. Oh, my hot tip is get the meat board which provides several different cuts. We thought it was too much meat for just the 2 of us (server said about 20oz of meat), but the table next to us had it and they raved about it. Always doggie bags or good for e-4 people“

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

“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!!!“

“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.“

“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.“

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

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

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

“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.“

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

“Great food! Great vibe! Great time!“