Whether you’re searching for the city’s most creative mixologists or a local haunt to head to with friends, these are our top picks for Orange County’s best bars.
The Saturn cocktail from Strong Water Anaheim; PHOTO BY SARAH KING
Co-owned by Ying Chang and Robert Adamson, this tiki bar in Anaheim has soared in popularity thanks to a James Beard Award nomination in 2024. Sip rum-forward mixed cocktails like the tropical Taro Colada, made with coconut, spiced rum, pineapple, and taro cream in a ship-wrecked setting. Pick up a bottle of house-designed Lost Voyage rum to bring the party home.
Settle into The Blind Rabbit’s dark yet cozy atmosphere for seasonal sips, classic cocktails and eccentric absinthe creations right in the heart of Anaheim. Be sure to keep track of the time; each party only has 90 minutes to imbibe since the intimate space houses just 30 coveted seats.
From the team behind Santa Ana’s Hopper & Burr coffee shop comes this intimate Costa Mesa speakeasy, which just toasted its first anniversary in October. In true speakeasy style, the hidden, dimly lit space stirs up some of O.C.’s best old-fashioneds, Rob Roys and Negronis, which guarantees you have more than one.
Located on Avenida Del Mar in San Clemente, Bar Jane invites imbibers to cozy up at its French-made granite bistro tables under lighting sourced from London and Austria. The no-frills menu lists its signature cocktails as No. 1 through No. 8, and we’re partial to the rye-forward No. 8—a Manhattan meets a cherry Coke. Stop by on Whiskey Wednesdays for a smash burger and malted cocktail.
Edge Bar at VEA Newport Beach; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
At VEA Newport Beach’s poolside bar, you’ll have two distinct ocean views: one of the sparkling Pacific and another of the bar’s interactive aquarium projected on its ceiling. The bar’s playfulness has proven to be a drawing point for locals, especially regarding the cocktails. Fan favorites include the Curious George, made with banana, gin and prosecco, and the mezcal-based Temple of Doom.
Tucked within Pendry Newport Beach, Bar Pendry’s scene is stylish and sophisticated, boasting an opulent circular bar, live entertainment and a wide range of first-class cocktails. Toast a night out with passion fruit and vodka-forward Shiso Prettys before graduating to cold brew and St. George Nola espresso martinis to keep the party going.
London’s calling! This iconic gastropub connected to Five Crowns restaurant brings the Old English countryside to Corona del Mar, serving just about every imaginable spirit, along with wines from Napa Valley to Bordeaux. To amplify the British experience, snag a seat by the fireplace and order the beloved prime rib sandwich.
Located behind white shuttered doors at The Lab Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa, this quirky outpost is all about eclectic finds and festive sips. Its crown jewel, the old-fashioned, is a full-bodied order for the whiskey connoisseur, while the Bees Knees featuring Barr Hill gin is a playful pick that blends sweet honey with citrusy lemon.
Unsurprisingly, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel’s beachfront terrace is one of our favorite places to sip and soak up 180-degree views of the California coastline. Grab a high-top table and watch the waves over sweet and citrusy tamarindo margaritas, hibiscus mai tais and passion fruit mojitos. Cheers to that!
Topside at Lido House; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Newport Beach’s only rooftop bar welcomes imbibers for upscale bites—think yellowtail ceviche and caviar French fries—and creative cocktails. Our suggestions? The signature Topside Margarita and the Beach, Please! made with raspberry Aperol and St. Germaine.
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