50 Best Cocktail Bars near Lake Forest

“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“

“If you want a high quality taco or burrito you MUST try this place. Taco Tuesday saves $1 on most their selection. Grilled fish, surf n turf, carnitas and shrimp are all my families favorites. They even have some interesting seafood tacos no other place will have in their menu. Check them out once and you will be happy to habe found your new taco spot!“

“Selanne Steak Tavern in Laguna Beach offers a refined dining experience that combines upscale steakhouse cuisine with a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Located in a historic home just a short distance from the ocean, the restaurant feels both elegant and welcoming at the same time.

One of the first things that stands out about Selanne Steak Tavern is the attention to detail throughout the entire dining experience. The restaurant is beautifully designed, with warm lighting, polished wood accents, and comfortable seating that makes it easy to settle in and enjoy the evening.

The menu focuses heavily on high-quality steaks and classic steakhouse dishes. The steaks are cooked with precision and served with thoughtful accompaniments that enhance the overall flavor without overpowering the main dish. The kitchen clearly understands how to properly prepare premium cuts of beef.

Service here is polished and professional. Staff members are knowledgeable about the menu and provide helpful recommendations without being pushy. Timing between courses is well managed, allowing guests to enjoy a relaxed dining experience.

Another highlight is the outdoor patio, which provides a great setting for dining in the pleasant Laguna Beach climate. On cooler evenings the heaters keep things comfortable while still allowing guests to enjoy the fresh coastal air.

Selanne Steak Tavern has earned its reputation as one of the top dining destinations in Laguna Beach. Between the excellent food, attentive service, and beautiful setting, it’s a restaurant that consistently delivers a memorable experience.“

“The food was delicious and our server Ashton was incredible. We will be back soon❣️“

“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.“

“Really cute vibey restaurant tucked in a quiet corner. Has a very cute patio. The burger we had was EXCELLENT and especially the French fries were both crispy and airy. They were really tasty. This was on the happy hour menu and really cheap.
They also have dj nights and lots of Argentian wine. Very nice, affordable place. Will come again“

“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.“

“excellent food atmophere and service!“

“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.“

“Dj was playing some great early 00's R&B. Had ceviche, and the game changer was the hot honey sweet potato fries with blue cheese! I wish they were open later for a Saturday night (close at 12) but definitely a unique spot in Orange County.“

“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?!“

“Everything best food good service very nice staff. We are coming back soon!!❤️“

“The is was our second trip to NEP and was as good as the first! Both the shrimp salad app and the squid and mango salad were so well balanced and tasty. The garlic noodles and shaking beef were sooo good. Nothing was too spicy but really flavorful. The shaking beef was so good we ordered another one! The cocktail that night was a raspberry sour and too was perfectly prepared. For a casual restaurant, these guys really put out the effort. Oh, and the sticky rice/mango desert was the topper. Not too sweet and the mango was perfect! Will be back sooner than later. Well done NEP.“

“great place to eat. service was great“

“Best place for local Italian! Highly recommended...“

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

“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“

“In our first visit the owner Eddie took care of us. We went to watch the Euro Cup game. I asked Eddie can you put the sound so we can hear the game and he said of course. The place is very family oriented. Food is excellent. Everything about that place is excellent.“

“#SuperBowlSundayBrunch 🌷🤙😜🥳😎“

“Taco Tuesday was the bomb!! 💣 😋 🙌 We had crispy chicken and shredded beef... The service was sweet and friendly ❤️ 🕊 🌮 I will definitely be coming back again! The margarita 🍹 was tasty abd strong. Very happy Franco's! Thank you! 🙏“

“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.“

“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!!“

“Went to Cozy Pine for date night and we enjoyed it. Really feels like you are in a different place, inside a restaurant. Decor, cocktails and food were all great. Definitively worth stopping in.
Food is mostly “snacky” compared to Bacchus outside. We did not have a reservation and we’re still able to get seated, likely because we arrived early in the evening.“

“Food at Splashes is always excellent. The server was knowledgeable and was happy to take the time to talk to us. I had texted the restaurant ahead of time to say that it was my husband's birthday and was told that a treat would be brought at the end of the meal. This didn't materialize, but, oh well, the meal was great!.“

“This place blew me away. First you are greeted with free valet parking. Next you see the stunning views of the luscious green mountains overhead. The staff are wonderful, very professional and greeting you by your last name. The texture of the menu is the best I have ever felt. The food is fantastic too, large portions and high quality. Be sure to walk around and enjoy the views after eating.“

“The food was delicious 😋 I had the crab cakes potato’s and sliced tomatoes, crab/shrimp cocktail and the clam chowder. The service was great and my server Ms Martha was so kind and always smiling. Thank you Ms Martha for giving me a great dining experience and for your service. I will definitely be back to The Crab Cooker in Tustin. I came over from Antelope Valley😊“

“Such a great atmosphere and delicious food thoughtfully made with great taste, love and presentation.“

“Delicious and very nice set of menu“

“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.“

“Tango is an incredible atmosphere, gorgeous design, thoughtful, with an attentive service team, and the food is phenomenal by the way. If this European tapas restaurant and bar was anywhere else, there would be a line at the door, so if you are anywhere near Laguna Beach or Orange County, you should make the trip down. It’s worth every penny. Heart and stomach is full. I recommend Tango Laguna to anyone that ventures near the area.“

“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“

“I have been going to this hotel since the 1980s. It’s the best. My husband and I spent three new years eves there. We usually stay a week. Love it. I’ll be so happy when the rooms are available again. I can hardly wait. Love everything about it. The food is delicious. The patio is very enjoyable. And just a few steps to the beach. Love it. Thank you. I’m. Beverly. Anderson.“

“Great food in a great location. Would definitely go back.“

“I went here with friends and had a great time. The service was great, the bar tender was extremely friendly and welcoming. The regulars welcomed is to sit with them and made us feel like we had known them for years. It is a great place with good people.“

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

“Omg! One of the best hand roll spots. My boyfriend and I were craving hand rolls after our San Diego trip and stumbled upon this place.

It's a cute small restaurant bar seating only in a U shape so be prepared for a wait but it's worth it!

Amazing customer service, shout out to (maybe the manager?) I asked if we can take our drink to go and she filled the to go cup partially to make sure we had a full cup to go.

The rolls were amazing, amazing flavors, everything was fresh. The uni toro roll was definitely my favorite. The uni was so delicious, and melts in your mouth.

The only downside if I had to give one is they don't substitute or make modifications based on allergies. I had said I was allergic to shiitake mushrooms because one of the rolls in the high roller set had it, but they can't modify. I still did the high roller and just took out the shiitakes. Other than that everything was great.“

“Food was fabulous, the Rock of Ages Band was fabulous, and our waiter, Zach, was fabulous. Such a wonderful night out.“

“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“

“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.“

“We ordered the Kalbi Starter Set and it was honestly the perfect portion. It’s $59 per person and comes with two signature cuts — the 48-hour aged center-cut kalbi was super tender and flavorful, and the American Wagyu brisket was rich but balanced. Everything is cooked tableside, which makes the experience feel elevated and stress-free.

The quality of the meat really stands out, and the shaken kimchi and sides made the meal even better. The space is modern, not overly smoky, and great for a date night or dinner with friends at the Spectrum.

Solid food, great vibes, and definitely worth coming back for.“

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

“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“

“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.“

“Amazing service and food was great!!“

“Great spot! View and food were great!!“

“We went to Habana for dinner when we went to OC to visit family. The place was beautiful and ambience classy. The food and drinks were wonderful! My favorite was the pepper shrimp dish. Absolutely awesome! Also, try the flan — you wouldn’t want to share it even if you were so full from your entree already.“

“Nice place with friendly staff, large bar is you don’t want to be seated.. Order came up fast..“