27 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.“

“Really great food, great daily socials, large portions and fast/ friendly service. Plus live music nights and weekends plus karaoke“

“I go to Bru at least once a month for girls brunch. The owner is so nice and his staff is always friendly. If you like cats they are building a catio outside. I have almost tried everything on the menu and so far the loco moco is my favorite. They also have bottomless mimosa for $17 with entree. Their chocolate swirl espresso martini is go to.“

“Overall, the food was good, but they need to add dressing to the garden salad, so food would be 4.75 if that was an option. The portions and pricing were very good. The service was a bit slow, especially since there weren't many customers. The staff was friendly though.“

“Bigshots Billiards Are Really Cool. My Girlfriend Julie & I Are Dance Together. & Eat Food, Play Pool, & Live Music. It Was Really Awesome. We Got ID Cards For Bigshots Billiards. Julie & I Will Slow Dance & More Dances.“

“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!!!“

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

“OC Local Taproom is a great place for fabulous beer (more than 55 taps), wine and craft cocktails. The food is also fantastic. The best staff of any place we’ve been, with plenty of TVs for gem time and games for the kids. This is our go-to place. Highly recommend.“

“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!!“

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

“This small wine and deli boutique is located in a small strip just behind a gas station. Limited parking but there is handicap parking.They have metal tables outside the door for relaxing and consuming your meal.The door is covered with signage and rules but don't let that deter you from entering the establishment.The inside drink and wine area is clean and well-stocked. The organization of the products was great.  As I walked to the back, to my right was a wine tasting bar and to my left was a pretty nice deli. The young lady at the cash register greeted me upon entering.  When I walked to the back of this quaint deli/wine store I came to a cooler well stocked with local and imported drinks of all kinds. It's not just a wine bar. It's not just a deli. It's an experience.They had many sandwiches to choose from but I chose the sausage breakfast burrito. It was recommended by the clerk that I get some green sauce with it and she was right. The burrito was pretty big and crafted with care. With each bite, I had a taste of the eggs, sausage, cheese, and hashbrowns. Many burritos I encounter are just thrown together and rolled up where you get a different burrito in each bite. You could see the care even in the wrapping and cutting in half for easier consumption.The size of the burrito:The burrito is about as round as a Starbucks Venti cold cup and the length of a Venti Starbucks plastic straw. The breakfast burrito was cut in half for easier consumption.It took about five minutes for the burrito to be ready for me to take it to go. Total was $10.76 with tax as of 1/7/24 and was worth it.It was a lot of fun browsing the cold fridge drinks and entertaining myself with their clever names while I waited for my meal.I definitely recommend this secret wonder if you're ever in the Aliso Viejo, Ca area.“

“A Quinton Tarantino dive bar minus the foul smell, filled with retired Marines, contractors, cooks, bus boys, bikers, lawyers, real estate nerds, and college drop out made well types. True dive 101 super clean great music Elvise, Billy Idol, James Brown, Motorhead, Beastie Boys and fidlar, small atmosphere propper drinks, awesome bartenders and a buffalo. Ask about their world famous chili. Please forgive my grammar.“

“Great pub and restaurant run by a fantastic owner "Kim". I started going to the door in the 90s when I lived in Tustin and still go to this day even though I live 30 miles away. Kayla is the sweetest and most likable bartender in Orange County. She always tends to her patrons and makes everyone who stops by for a drink feel special. I love the experience and love this pub!“

“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.“

“The most incredible bar inside a grocery store I have ever been to. This place has a rotating selection of 30 beers and a spacious seating area. The service was great and all the beers were from the area/west coast, I believe. I can't wait to go back and see what they have on tap next time.“

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

“It's your typical neighborhood dive bar. A number of beers on tap and a good selection of cans and bottles. Daily specials are on point. The bartenders are all young and cute and everybody knows your name.There are two dart boards pool table and giant connect four.Plenty of flat screens are available to watch your favorite teams and a booming jukebox with all the jams!Parking is plentiful.The servers are amazing, especially Mckenna and Melissa.“

“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.“

“These guys have EVERYTHING and know exactly where it all is. Great service with flexibility. We always know where to go first.“

“Really fun rooftop lounge with a nice view of the ocean. Great place to grab a drink and some lite food and watch the sunset.

It can get a bit noisy and a little crowded during their busy time so be mindful of that. Also parking is a pain so build in some extra time and plan on walking a block or two.“

“Marine room is a staple in Laguna. It can be wonderful and also for the ladies. Sometimes the men there are VERY aggressive. Nothing Marine Room can do about that, just something to know. Most of the time they have a great band. Drinks are fairly priced“

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

“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.“

“It’s a great place to have a beer.“

“I thought that I had experienced hospitality prior to my stay at the Montage and my drinks at the Lobby Lounge. I was mistaken. I have felt more loved and at home at the Montage, and Lobby Lounge, than I have in my entire life. The staff here is the absolute best in the world, bar none. The level at which this staff operates is truly a blessing to be able to behold. Everyone was the absolute pinnacle of service, however, Sadie and Kris went above and beyond my wildest expectations. The warmth and hospitality that these employees provided was something I didn't even know existed in this world. I just got back from St. John a week ago, and that didn't have a damn thing on the staff here. This is the best bar in the world, with the best staff in the world, with the most lovingly crafter cocktails and conversation in the world. Bar none. I will frequent this establishment until the day I die. I'm personally agnostic, but GOD BLESS the staff at the Lobby Lounge and the entire staff of the Montage. Changed my life.“

“Such great service from this young man and will definitely return“