By: Lindsay Garbacik, Haley Bosselman By: Lindsay Garbacik, Haley Bosselman | May 16, 2023 | Food & Drink, Lifestyle,
Finding the right bar to please your whole crew and keep them partying can be tricky. Everyone should feel comfortable wherever they choose to go to drink, dance, let off steam, and enjoy their free time, so we’ve rounded up the best LGBTQ bars in Orange County that you must try.
See also: 7 Celebrity Whiskeys For A Star-Studded Bar Cart
Website/ 719 W 19th St. 92627
Hailed as Orange County’s “premier queer venue,” according to their Instagram, this is a spot you can count on for dancing, energetic nightlife, and lots of colorful strobe lights. Open Thursdays through Sundays, each night has a theme. The club is perhaps best known for its Sunday drag brunches.
Website/ 1796 S Coast Hwy 92651
This historic bar has a trendy, Instagrammable bar and a curated selection of wines, microbrew beers, craft beers, and beautifully-plated bar cuisine. The Seahorse first opened in 1946 and is “unofficially known as Laguna’s first gay bar,” according to its website.
Website/ 752 Saint Clair 92626
Head to this chic lounge for a drink or a night, complete with red plush banquettes, velvet embossed walls, and dim lighting. The bar has two smoking patios and frequently hosts events ranging from live music to lit bingo nights. Keep up with the bar’s latest cocktail creations on its Instagram page.
8112 W Garden Grove Blvd 92844
The perseverance of Frat House is impressive given that there once used to be 15 gay bars in Garden Grove. Now it’s the lone gay bar on the inland OC city, offering a much-needed spot for dancing, drag shows, playing pool and sipping a cold one.
Website/ 330 Pine Ave 90802
Now, we know Hamburger Mary’s is just outside Orange County, but its proximity to northern OC makes it a must-include on our list. That and it’s always a good time. Whether you post up on the weekend for a bottomless mimosa-filled brunch or make it in for a few drinks, Hamburger Mary’s puts on the most fabulous show in town.
Website/ 1435 E Broadway 90802
Because Long Beach is home to an entire gay district, we couldn’t mention only one LBC establishment. Just about five miles from Seal Beach, this neighborhood gem has been a lively, local bar since 1996 and is the perfect spot for dancing (check out inside) and kicking back with a drink (take a look at the lush patio).
You're guaranteed a fun night out at any one of these places.
Photography by: Julian Mackler/ BFA.com