50 Best Cocktail Bars near Laguna Hills

“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.“

“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“

“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.“

“excellent food atmophere and service!“

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

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

“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 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.“

““Pinocchio never lied about good cocktails.”

Our group of 10 tiki enthusiasts had an amazing time at Belly of the Beast inside The Stowaway Tiki Bar. David was on it from the very first email—super helpful and made sure our big group was taken care of. Once inside, Danny gave us top-notch service and kept the fun rolling. The cocktails are creative and delicious—highly recommend “When You Wish Upon a Star.” The Pinocchio (not Disney) theme is fun and clever, with great low-light ambiance that fits the speakeasy vibe perfectly. Food was also tasty, which is a big plus for a tiki spot.“

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

“#SuperBowlSundayBrunch 🌷🤙😜🥳😎“

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

“Not sure I understand the vibe here or what this place is trying to be but I like the outdoor area to watch planes land or takeoff at SNA.

Service is always decent enough. The selection is adequate but prices are but egregious for what you get.

Either way cool and very chill spot to grab a quick drink.“

“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?!“

“Nice view and not crowded on normal days. Nice for locals wanting a view without the crowds or parking hassles in Dana Point.

Food: Decent variety of standard bar food

Drinks: Beer and wine offered are mainly mass available - disappointed since there are good local options they could offer; but there's a full bar

Service: My wife and I had outstanding service from Randi; it wasn't busy but she knew the menu well and was friendly & accommodating

Interior: Full bar with sitting area facing away from the ocean; many tables and some front rail seats; view of the ocean is compact due to Doheny trees but still nice; furniture is lower end and dated

Exterior (Location): Great for walking access from Doheny and the harbor

Parking: On site valet is complimentary with purchase, very prompt“

“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.“

“This place is great for friends to gather and chat. The service is excellent and the food is quite good. The garlic noodle with shrimp is slightly spicy and quite delicious. Crab toast is also a good choice. recommend to friends and come back again.“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“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“

“We had such a great experience at Harvest! We had a party of 7, including our 3-year-old, and the staff was incredibly friendly from start to finish. They really made us feel like old friends, which I know sounds cheesy, but it honestly felt that way.

Everyone ordered something different, and we all loved our food. Our server, Sal, was fantastic. He knew the menu inside and out and could tell us not only what was in each dish, but how everything was prepared. His recommendations were spot-on. (Pork chop, Seared Ahi Tuna, Scallops, Swordfish, and Short ribs)

He was also amazing with our 3-year-old. He remembered his name, made him feel really special, and even brought him a little gift at the beginning of dinner. That was such a thoughtful touch.

We were there celebrating our mom's birthday, and Harvest went above and beyond. They brought her a small dessert with a candle, and even brought our 3-year-old his own little dessert with a candle. Those small touches made the night feel really special.

We left feeling like we got every bit of value out of the experience. Great food, great service, and a team that genuinely seemed to care about making our night memorable. Huge thanks to Sal and everyone at Harvest. We'll definitely be back next time we're in Laguna Beach!“

“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.“

“Living in the boonies of San Diego Co has benefits…(no traffic jams)…but few awesome perks…(like Tiki bars!!) Luckily the gods aligned, in Orange Co, and our last stop was the Stowaway. Intriguing, dark-painted, one small door marked the front of a strip-mall establishment… hmmm…sorta scary…but not really!! But there were two of us, and we had researched this place…so… The doorman looked at us, said a few things and unlocked a chain. We walked through curtains into the darkest bar I had ever been in, and shuffled toward the green lit bar…which turned red, then blue. The girl bartender handed us a card which we couldn’t read…it was really dark inside. From the shadows, up walked a bearded guy wearing a black shirt with hibiscus’s, smiled, extended his hand and said, “Hi, I’m “WILL”…can I explain anything to you? We had lots of questions…about drinks, Tiki ceramics, glassware, appetizers…and WILL cheerfully explained everything…He was fun, cheery, smart, and So Nice!! He brought us amazing drinks (a Tropical Margarita, a Cococano and totally fun ceramic sculptures from which to drink…an Angler Zombie Fish with a light, and Carved Volcano mug that had a flame show-by WILL, included!! Awesome!!) Totally wonderful décor…lights, bamboo furniture, comfy stools, the Skull Cave and waterfall, starry night ceiling, cool pool tables with lotsa room around them…everything thought through perfectly!!! We are definitely going back…VERY soon!!!! Thanks so much for everything, WILL!!“

“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!“

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

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

“Delicious and very nice set of menu“

“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.“

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

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

“Absolutely loved this place. The food was amazing, and every dish we tried was packed with flavor. I also really liked the atmosphere, it felt modern, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed.

The hidden speakeasy concept is such a fun and unique touch. It makes the experience feel much more memorable than just going out for dinner.

It also seems like it may be Asian-owned, and I’d love to see more businesses like this. Great food, creative ideas, and excellent execution. I’ll definitely be coming back and recommending it to friends!“

“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“

“Great food! Great vibe! Great time!“

“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!“

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

“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“

“The course is clean. Easy to score and play the ball. Love it.“

“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!“

“A strip mall bar, that is exactly what it should be. Locals at the bar, cheap drinks and a jukebox playing. Will return for the drink prices alone and I'll stay for the good vibes.
Also the beer selection was excellent. Just good ol' reliable classics. Not a whole lot for the beer nerds but this isn't really that kinda place.“

“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!“

“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.“

“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!!!“

“Everything was excellent! Service was top notch as well.“

“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“

“You know a Korean barbecue place is good when they cook everything for you, and this place does just that. The staff are so efficient and friendly, preparing the meat right in front of you just the way you like and letting you know when you can dig in. All of the side dishes are wonderful too. The Kalbi experiences are the way to go, giving you everything you need for a complete and satisfying meal. The quality of the meat is evident and this is the first place I have been to that switches the type of grill for different meats. Excellent attention to detail. Very clean and well organized interior as well.“

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

“Wow!! The amount of care and service they provide even during a rush is astounding! The cooks were working together to get meals out timely and the front counter crew were restocking, taking orders, and neatly plating the food. My partner and I watched in awe. Despite a few people being a bit impatient (I mean you can look at their packed screens) they handled it phenomenally. Food was amazing, perfect amount of toppings on the tacos, tortillas were at a great temp, really good guacamole with our chips, and at a really great price! Hope to try out some more items from the menu! Cheers to the crew here at Lupe’s Mexican Eatery in Lake Forest! You are the best!!“

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

“There were so many items on the menu I wanted to try, but I'd have to settle for coming back because my order of ComboB exceeded all expectations!
DIY rice balls (warm rice) 5* perfectly refreshing flavors.
Cheese buldak 5* cheese and chicken? Genius!
Fried chicken + Fries 5* juicy boneless chicken w perfect seasoned batter. Fried just right!
Clam soup 5* warning, can be spicy. Don't let th clear broth fool u!

Service was 5* we chose to sit outdoors cuz we brought our dog, and they set up a table on their patio for us (w a fan, cuz hot outside! That's service!)

Highly recommended. I didn't have any alcohol, but it would go great with food. They offer soju bombs w a beer tower.. how fun is that!!!

Can't recommend enough. Will be back to try other dishes.“