White House Restaurant
Presidents, dignitaries, and celebrities the world over have dined here. In 2018 celebrated philanthropist chef/owner Bruno Serato reopened the historic restaurant’s doors after a grizzly fire reduced the mansion to rubble. Like a phoenix rising from its own ashes, this place is even better than before! Stop in at the newly renovated bar, grab a drink, and get to know some of the interesting people that have made the White House restaurant so iconic.
Orange Hill Restaurant
Perched above Orange County with an unrivaled view of Catalina Island, Downtown Los Angeles, Disneyland’s magical firework show, and the gorgeous California coastline, you’ll be sipping on your handcrafted co*cktail, looking over Southern California, and plotting world domination. If wine is preferred, check out the wine list that was curated by Master Sommelier Michael Jordan. Yeah, you read that right.
Pelican Hill
The calming effect of a beautiful Newport Beach sunset never gets old. If you’re looking for the best seat in town, a Pelican Hill Resort Bar is the place to be. Find a cozy spot next to the arched floor-to-ceiling windows to soak in the stunning ocean views. The Pelican Hill Resort is quite likely the classiest hotel in all of Orange County; be sure to walk the grounds and appreciate the luxurious setting.
Duke’s, Huntington Beach
No, it doesn’t have marble floors or priceless art lining the walls but it was here that Duke Kahanamoku, the legendary Hawaiian surfer introduced surfing in 1925, and the sport’s popularity quickly spread along the California coast leading to Huntington Beach earning its nickname as Surf City USA. After a Duke’s Mai Tai, step out onto the world-renowned beach and soak in the sunset just feet from the crashing waves. Keep the night rolling by checking out the numerous bars at the upscale shopping center, Pacific City, just walking-distance down the street.
Habana
Spice up your evening at this romantic, candlelit, Cuban inspired restaurant with two locations. One at the Irvine Spectrum, the original in Costa Mesa. The outdoor patio in Costa Mesa offers maybe the most unique dining experience in Orange County when considering the upscale yet true-to-culture environment combined with unique dishes, craft co*cktails, and live entertainment. No matter the occasion, it seems you can’t go wrong with this spot.
The Fifth
Orange County’s #1 rooftop bar located in the heart of Anaheim offers stunning views, live music, great co*cktails, and the best seat in the house for watching Disneyland’s nightly firework show! Heads up, on Fridays and Saturdays there is a $10 cover charge according to their website.
The Lobby Lounge
The Lobby Lounge at Montage Resort in Laguna Beach is the perfect place to get together for any range of professional meetings. Stunning views of the beach, plush-comfortable seating, and a glass of fine whiskey make me want to hunker down and write the next great-classic American novel. For all you piano bar lovers, their resident pianists usually start playing about 3:00 pm or 4:00 pm on any given day!
The Cellar Restaurant
Orange County’s best hidden secret, this romantic rendezvous was conceived, designed, and built by artistic craftsmen from Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean. Soft lighting, chandeliers, structured arches, cave-like walls, and two cozy fireplaces evoke the feeling that you are in a private house of royalty. Take a stroll down the dimly lit stairs leading to the basem*nt of Fullerton’s historic Villa del Sol, you won’t be disappointed.
The Blind Rabbit (Hidden)
The Blind Rabbit is literally hidden somewhere within the Anaheim Packing District. Reservations are required, can be made on Yelp, and are accepted up until 2:00 pm the same day. Due to the unforgettably intimate nature of the experience, party sizes are limited to no more than 6 persons and there is a strict dress code enforced. When you walk through the hidden door you will be taken to an entirely different world; say goodbye to sunny southern California and hello to 1920’s prohibition, old sport.
The Bungalow, Huntington Beach
Your wealthy parents who own a spacious beach house along Pacific Coast Highway are out of town for the weekend and you’re about to throw the party of the century! This is easily going to be the most lively bar on this list, don’t worry though, you won’t stick out wearing a button up. A relatively younger crowd, live DJ’s playing everything from oldies to current pop hits, and a bachelor-pad atmosphere make this one of the most sensational nightlife options in the OC.
