50 Best Bars near Lake Forest

“We were visiting from Scotland, having previously lived in NYC for many years, and were desperate for a nice Italian meal like we used to get when we lived in the States. We could not have been more impressed with the food and the service, and made sure we got a second visit in before we returned to Scotland - I just wish we could have gone back a third time… and fourth !!!! Highly recommend !!!“

“This is a great new place. The owner is very nice. You can reserve tables. They have live music playing on Fridays and Saturdays and videos on the screen in between. I had a great flatbread. I will be returning to check this place out again.“

“Absolutely wonderful food and service. Never fails!“

“Been coming to Rush for years! I love it here and it feels like family. The wings are amazing and I’ve brought my son in here a couple times for lunch and he loved it. The karaoke on Tuesdays and Wednesday is awesome 😎“

“Eurie was amazing!

In fact all staff was super attentive, fast , and clean to attend

Eurie has a very child type vibe that invites everyone and anything to the conversation and ambience while serving!

Great spot to eat sushi and half rolls to get best of both worlds of different types of Sushi combos 🍣 🍱“

“Well Julie & I Love Dance Together At Bigshots Billiards. My Favorite Food Is A Cheese Pizza & Julie Loves Salad.“

“Cooks is a staple in the biker community of So Cal. The food is awesome and beer is cold… Almost always live music too.“

“Each dish is spectacular. Love the calamari ….can be an appetizer to share or eat on your own with a salad. 230:Forest Avenue never disappoints!!!“

“We just tried Bardega for the first time and absolutely loved it! The fun ’80s vibe made the whole experience feel upbeat and unique, and the servers were incredibly friendly and welcoming. The cocktails were great, too!

But the real star of the night was the Reuben sandwich—it was hands down the best Reuben I’ve ever had! Everything was so delicious and perfectly put together. We had such a fun experience and will definitely be back!“

“Had a nice evening at Dominicos on the lake this evening. My wife and I had reservations and were fortunate to ask Kory for a patio table which he accommodated. Michael took us to our table and was very kind and professional. Pedro came by with our bread and water and said hello. He is one of the hardest working individuals at the restaurant. Eddie our server came by and took our orders with a bottle of Austin Hope and bread to start. My wife ordered a chicken breast salad and I had the chef's special stroganoff which was amazing. Unfortunately my wife's salad came out 30 minutes after my stroganoff which was a cardinal sin in the restaurant business and we mentioned it was not acceptable. Eddie apologized and we also had Steven, the GM, come by and also apologize and ensure the salad would be out shortly. The salad was delivered, of course after I ate my entree and Steven dropped off and apologetic gift certificate for an appetizer during our next visit. We also ordered an additional beef stroganoff plus an order of meatballs to take home for tomorrow. We undertake things happen and it's certainly nice to see the restaurants busy again but a party of two receiving their entrees 30 minutes apart is not conducive with quality service. I am guessing the chef either misplaced the order or overlooked the obvious and we hope next time we will not have such issues as the restaurant is very good and in a fantastic location. Michael also came back around and stated he was concerned about this mishap and would look into this. As a retired government administrator and former restaurant manager in my college days I expect the simple things like entrees being delivered at the same time to be in sync with quality service and dining. We will be back and see if in fact this was an isolated incident. Good food and ambiance plus. As a writer for Trip Advisor, Yelp and Google I am graceful in my comments and specific in areas needed improvement. Thanks you.“

“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!!“

“Shannon is a sweet & smiling server who made my visit for a quick drink special.“

“Intimate 50 guest pub w exceptional appetizers and entrées at reasonable prices..“

“Hi from down under (Sydney Australia). We visited Laguna beach in January and loved your town and this venue, plus the brewery down the road. Will definitely be back. Please come and visit us on the northern beaches of Sydney - very similar vibe to LB 🙏“

“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.“

“It was my first time here, and the quality of the drinks, food, service, and prices all blew me away. The bartender was so friendly, made my drink perfectly, and she was running the whole bar and seating area without breaking a sweat. You can tell they use fresh garlic and parsley for their garlic fries, and a 50 cent pool game is the lowest I've ever seen. It seems like a great local spot, I was surprised how full it was for a Monday night. I 100% want to come back here the next time I'm staying in town. :)“

“Great place love going there !“

“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!“

“OC Wine Mart & Deli is truly a special place! Laura, Pablo, Fernando and John go above and beyond to make every guest feel welcome. From the moment you walk in, you’re treated like family, and their hospitality goes far beyond just great food and drinks.
What really stands out is the personal touch and genuine kindness they show to everyone who comes through the door. They remember you, take the time to make you feel comfortable, and create an experience that feels warm, welcoming, and authentic.
The food is wonderful, but it’s the people that make OC Wine Mart & Deli such a memorable place. Laura, Pablo, Fernando and John have created an atmosphere where hospitality truly means something. You leave feeling like you’ve spent time with good friends and family.
Thank you all for making every visit so enjoyable and for sharing not only your food, but your kindness and warmth with your guests. ❤
Highly recommend OC Wine Mart & Deli—you’ll come for the food and stay for the wonderful people!“

“If you want a unique dining experience this is the place to go. The wait staff and servers they were all on point very attentive I never had to look around to look for anyone if I raised my head somebody was right at my table to find out what I needed or how they could serve me. Awesome awesome experience wonderful food. I will be back!“

“I visited my brother who lives locally. He took me and our other brother here because he loves this place and goes frequently. Being a wine lover, he let me pick our dinner wine. Came across an O’Shaughnessy Cabernet and had to stop right there. I know the product, had the pleasure of drinking this with Luke Russ when he did a wine dinner in northern Illinois a few years back. The owner saw the bottle on our table and introduced himself to us and we talked about Luke. Great moment. Fabulous food! Asparagus fries, halibut, deviled eggs, butter cake…. It was all fabulous! Look forward to returning!“

“Great little place to have a quick drink or spend a Friday or Saturday night. They have multiple TV sets for watching the game,two pool tables and an old school shuffle board .the place is clean and even they bathrooms were kept clean and fresh.The bartender was a beautiful young woman with an affectionate smile and was busy and still made sure to c g neck on her customers and make sure they were good.i would recommend this spot over any other in the Tustin area come down to nite it's always funn“

“Great dive bar. Pool and darts“

“Great service, great food!!👏“

“I sometimes stop by this bar after work — either to grab a drink or have dinner after picking up groceries. Great atmosphere, wide selection of drinks, and it’s very convenient being right inside the same building. Always a nice spot to relax for a bit.“

“Friday night Prime Rib is the best you’ll ever have...“

“Hi I love it miss this place so much good dancing“

“Drove over from the JW Marriott to watch the Saints game.
Street parking. Free sat & sun.

Nice group of people watching the game.

Very friendly.
The bartender even made me iced tea.

I brought a few things from New Orleans to share.
Krewe of Tucks.

This is a good finds. I will be back.“

“pasta , lasagna very friendly polite and helpful waiter“

“A great place to hangout with friends or the family. Friendly, fun and professional staff. Bar, BBQ Grills, Games, Gym, Lounge, Pool and more. Play some bocce ball, bbq, a friendly game of air hockey or skee-ball. Enjoy a glass of wie, cocktail or a beer from Left Coast Brewing. Indulge in a serving of Blonde Marvel or Trestles IPA. Karaoke was just added to the first Friday of the month events. Great food trucks on the first Friday of each month too. Jog, Walk, Drive or Golf Cart over for a great relaxing and recharging experience.“

“great NY vibe with good food“

“It’s a great place to have a beer.“

“My friends and I are staying here, and this evening we stepped out for a stroll by the ocean. We were feeling a bit peckish and wanted to make sure we had an interesting evening. We popped into our hotel lobby—and, as it turns out, there was live music playing! That’s right, folks: apparently, they have music here every single day. The atmosphere is actually very pleasant, and the music itself is excellent. We had a truly wonderful time. We weren't hungry, so we didn't order any food; they simply brought us some water while we sat back and enjoyed the music, along with the magnificent view of the ocean from the hotel balcony. I took a video and attached a photo so you could take a look.“

“restaurant worth together🥰🥰“

“This spot is a hidden gem inside Whole Foods. As a carnivore, I highly recommend their steak and eggs for when they offer breakfast, and the steak and frites for lunch. You really can’t go wrong with any of their food though. They have lots of good beer choices, and it’s a nice and clean ambiance inside.“

“The best restaurant with mussels in South Cali. Highly recommend!“

“Stopped in for lunch at the bar inside Whole Foods Market in Irvine and had a much better experience than I ever expected. This isn’t just a typical grocery store café—this is a legit spot for a quality meal and cold draft beer.

We ordered two bacon cheeseburgers and were impressed across the board. The burgers were cooked just right, with thick slices of bacon, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, and perfectly melted cheese stacked inside a soft, glossy bun. The presentation was great—each burger served on a metal tray lined with custom Whole Foods wrap paper, paired with a mini fryer basket of hot, crispy fries and a stainless ramekin of ketchup. The fries were golden and fresh, with just the right amount of salt and a great texture.

There’s something satisfying about sitting at a clean, well-lit bar with natural light pouring through the windows and a long row of taps behind the counter. The beer selection here is impressive, especially for being inside a market. A wide range of local and craft brews on draft gave us plenty of choices. The pours were cold, crisp, and served in proper pint glasses with just the right head.

The bartender was courteous, quick, and knowledgeable—not just about the beer but also about the menu. Service felt personal and attentive without being overbearing. You can tell they care about maintaining quality here, and it showed in both the food and the way the staff treated us.

All around, this is a great place to sit down for a relaxing lunch or early dinner. Plenty of parking right outside, and you can grab groceries afterward if you need to. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area and want something casual but done right. Would absolutely return.“

“Went to O’Neill’s with a large group of 11, and we were lucky to have Lazz as our server! Not only was he incredibly attentive, but he also made the entire experience so much fun. His knowledge of the menu was excellent. We asked for recommendations, and every suggestion he made was spot on. The food was fantastic! He kept our drinks filled the entire evening and made sure everyone at the table was taken care of. Every single person in our group left happy. We can’t wait to come back!“

“We had brisket 7oz and it was delicious! love the rolls and peanut coleslaw. Our waitress checked with us frequently and provided excellent service. Thank you!“

“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!“

“Came Up To Work In The Area Today To Repair Some Horse Trailers And I Was Told By A Local Resident James Lacono Megan Coltrane And A Couple Of Others. What an Amazing Place. The atmosphere was incredible the outside seating area look very relaxing. It was busy when I was there so I chose to sit inside nice tables lots of TVs. The staff was amazing and the owner was a very nice lady. I apologize. I forgot her name but she thanked me and it was just a great time. I will definitely be back.“

“The food isn’t as wonderful as it use to be but it’s still very good. I’m sure they are doing the best they can under the circumstances!“

“This place was really good. We had a couple of the pork rice bowls and the portion of the meat was small. However, they ask you for your ID and card before you order (for context we say outside). The server said it was because we sat outside and wanted to avoid runners.
I would suggest maybe getting your customers to pay first if you are worried about that. I’m just a bit hesitant when I had to give my ID and credit card.“

“Didn't look like much from the outside, but inside is very nice. The couples tables tho, are way too close together and so cluttered. There isn't enough room for your plate and drink.....but....food was delicious!

I had the halibut with mango salsa. OMG.... Delicious!! My bf had the shrimp n pasta. He said it was very good but the halibut was better. You absolutely need to try the beet salad. So many flavors. For dessert we had the lemon cheesecake. It was mouth watering.

Service was too rushed. I got my beet salad and 4 min later I received my dinner plate.

Even though there were a few hiccups, we did have a pleasant evening and we'll be back.“

“Great food, great service, and great entertainment, especially the sax and guitar duo (Dave Rivera and Saxophone ONE)!“

“Un lugar muy lindo y muy bien atendiendo y con mucha diversión se los recomiendo“

“A bit disorganized service for larger groups (~10)
- wrong proteins delivered (chicken vs steak)
- had to ask 3 times to get water refill for the table
- visually neat place
- overall not a bad place to go especially if you are on outside patio“

“Love this place! Great burgers and fantastic cocktails. The best part about Eureka is the staff!!!“

“Great food, and awesome service!“

“Really enjoyed the hospitality and ambiance at Salt Creek Wine Company. Sean took great care of our group and besides serving us great wines, took the time to share his knowledge and thoughts. There are so many events and clubs going on here regularly, and I'm excited to come back and participate. This is everything I enjoy in a great local business. Thanks for making Laguna Niguel a great spot to live.“