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“

“Overall a great experience. Perfect for a date night. We were given an option of a lively or quiet experience. We chose the first option. I personally have never eaten a place like this before so it was an experience in itself. Food was good! Plenty of options. Shout out to Rafael our server! He was exceptional, & made us feel comfortable.“

“excellent food atmophere and service!“

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

“There are many restaurants in this neck of the Orange County woods. However, Bloom stands head and shoulders above them all. The menu is chock full of unique dishes, the food is always delectable, and the service is top notch. We try other places thinking we'll find another place like Bloom...but there's no place like Bloom. Bloom offers a truly stellar dining experience. Thank you.“

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

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

“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.“

“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?!“

“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.“

“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“

“Fantastic experience. Enjoyed the tasting menu with pairing. Our server, Carson, was attentive, professional and very knowledgeable. The food was creative, and we enjoyed it very much, especially the scallop and bisque. Ahi tuna could've been a bit more tender, but flavor profile was superb. The crashing waves at our balcony table made for a very entertaining night! Loved it snd will come again.“

“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 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.“

“#SuperBowlSundayBrunch 🌷🤙😜🥳😎“

“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!“

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

“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.“

“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“

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

“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!!“

“Our dinner at Harvest at the Ranch was exceptional from the moment we walked in until the moment we left.

The experience started at the bar with Carlos, who took the time to let me taste a wine I thought I wanted before gently steering me toward a Chardonnay, knowing I’m typically a Chardonnay drinker. He was absolutely right—it was delicious and set the tone for the rest of the evening.

Even though we hadn’t reserved an outdoor table, one became available within minutes, and we were able to enjoy one of the most beautiful views imaginable.

Our server, Crews, was outstanding. His knowledge of both the menu and the property made the evening so much more enjoyable. Every recommendation was spot on, and when we ordered something he suspected we wouldn’t love, he was already prepared with an alternative that ended up being even better. He never steered us wrong.

Sal, the sommelier, stopped by our table and completely elevated the experience. He shared fascinating stories about the wines in a way that was entertaining for everyone at the table. Even our 15-year-old son was completely engaged, which says a lot!

Irvin, our busser, was equally impressive. He was attentive without ever being intrusive. When a piece of silverware accidentally hit the ground, he seemed to appear out of nowhere with a replacement before we even had to ask.

Between the incredible food, breathtaking setting, and one of the best service teams we’ve experienced anywhere, this was a truly memorable evening. Hospitality like this is rare, and every member of the team made us feel genuinely cared for. We can’t wait to come back.“

“The Terrace at Rancho San Joaquin is a wonderful place to enjoy a delicious meal in a beautiful and relaxing setting. The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented, while the service was warm, attentive, and welcoming from start to finish. The peaceful atmosphere and scenic golf course views made the experience even more enjoyable. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for great food, excellent service, and a memorable dining experience. Definitely a 5-star visit!“

“Delicious and very nice set of menu“

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

“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!“

“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.“

“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“

“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!!!“

“Great food! Great vibe! Great time!“

“me and my boyfriend saw a sign for some cool cocktails and were drawn in. the avocado egg rolls are so good! the costumer service was very professional and welcoming. the star was the bison burger! so tender, just melts in your mouth & for only $16?! an absolute steal. would DEFINITELY recommend for a little date night or a night out with friends!“

“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.“

“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!“

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

“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!“

“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.“

“Kalbi Social at Irvine Spectrum is a great spot if you’re craving bold Korean BBQ flavors in a modern, casual setting.

The food really delivers—especially the short rib (kalbi), which is tender, well-marinated, and grilled perfectly. The meats come out sizzling and flavorful, and the banchan (side dishes) are fresh and a nice complement to the meal. The rice bowls and shareable plates are also solid if you’re not going full BBQ.

The drinks are surprisingly good for a BBQ spot. They’ve got a fun mix of cocktails and soju-based drinks that pair well with the smoky, savory food. Nothing feels too heavy or overly sweet, which makes it easy to keep ordering another round.

The vibe is lively and stylish—definitely more of a social, hangout-type restaurant than a traditional BBQ house. Great for groups, date nights, or grabbing food before or after walking the Spectrum.

Overall, Kalbi Social is a strong addition to the Irvine dining scene—great flavors, fun atmosphere, and an easy go-to when you want Korean BBQ with a modern twist.“

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

“Came here for an impromptu double date mid-day during lunchtime. We got in queue via Yelp, and the wait was roughly 45 min. I got the chirashi and a blue crab handroll, and both were excellent. The chirashi is a satisfying flavorbomb that makes it hard to take a pause. When you get towards the end of your bowl, they pour a little crab broth into our remaining rice as a finisher. It is simply divine and something that makes me want to keep coming back for more. The blue crab handroll is great. It's a really nice creamy starter if you're looking for a quasi appetizer to the chirashi.“

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

“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“

“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.“

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

“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“

“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.“

“Excellent and creative food. I love the Oceanside taco with octopus and shrimp. Also they have a cilantro cream sauce that is amazing! I often buy many burritos for my customers and they always package them up nicely in a box making them easy to carry into offices and job sites.“

“Being from North Texas we are very picky about our Mexican food and this place is very tasty, clean and friendly. Thank you for the wonderful food. See y’all soon“

“Pretty cool restaurant to chill at and catch the sunset. Food prices are inflated, obvious you are paying more for the venue and the view, not the quality of the food. Had the cinnamon roll skillet and it was okay, nothing special but the good service and atmosphere made up for this. Wouldn’t mind coming back in the future.“