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“

“Great ambience and service, but the food was the star. Had the black pepper and thyme loaf, grilled shrimp, wedge salad, rib eye, strip loin and loaded baked potato and all were excellent. Didn't have room for dessert, but we'll be back for the sticky toffee pudding.“

“excellent food atmophere and service!“

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

“A really great experience.
Friendly and knowledgeable servers paying attention to our needs and recommending dishes.
Excellent food with unique tastes....try the brussel sprouts appetizer with maple syrup, pecans, and raisins.
We plan to go back again even though it is 40 miles from home.“

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

“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.“

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

“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 ?“

“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.“

“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.“

“Such a wonderful experience! Service, atmosphere, food, drinks. Patrick was our server and he was so sweet! He even brought us free dessert for celebrations we were having. Everyone is so kind and accommodating. The brick chicken and rack was super yummy too! Would definitely come back and recommend everyone go! Oh! And the breathtaking view of course, right on the water.“

“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“

“#SuperBowlSundayBrunch 🌷🤙😜🥳😎“

“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.“

“Loved everything about this place- wait staff was great, and food was delicious. Loved all the colors, flavors and textures of the dishes. We had two kids with us (under the age of 8), so smart to get their food first, and they loved the crayons and coloring book. I got the Beef Belly Bowl and Calamansi White Peach NA drink. So good!“

“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.“

“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 food, especially for the price in Laguna.

This Finneys location is particularly enjoyable, being one of the only 'watering holes' in Laguna, comprised of 30% locals every night.

They have great bar tenders overall, however there is high turnover. You'll be lucky if Kelsie is at the bar to serve you. The group of locals that rack it up 6-7 days a week were extremely disappointed to learn that she is temporarily only working 1 day per week. She contributed greatly to building the community here and its unfortunate that I won't be seeing as many locals as a result.“

“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!!“

“This is my go to place afterwork with my colleagues! We love the food, ambience and to top it off , the owner is a Dodger fan so he always has the game on. They have a great happy hour. I need a place like this closer to home but till then, love coming here.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“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!!!“

“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.“

“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.“

“It’s a decent bar with reasonably priced food, but I found the final bill a bit steep once the service charge was added. That said, it’s actually quite standard for the area, after all, this is Laguna Beach. There’s an art gallery next door.“

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

“Love going to Morena‘s for lunch and brunch. The food is as good as any I’ve had in Southern California and the service is better than most places. Prices are acceptable. If you want a real experience go for brunch the staff is so friendly and warm. It’s hard to come away with a bad experience“

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

“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.“

“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 and very nice set of menu“

“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.“

“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 💕“

“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.“

“Spicy chicken feet is at the right level of spiciness. They don’t have boneless option, so you have to do your work. And if you decided to order spicy chicken feet, order with diy rice ball. Not because it’s fiery hot, but the portion of one order is def not enough for two people. So if you are hungry, combo menu will be the best. Me and my friend got combo A, and we got enough of various dishes ( chicken feet+diy rice ball+steamed egg+fried chicken). Also this place didn’t seemed to be overly busy even in the Friday night. No need for reservation.“

“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“

“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.“