The best bars & nightlife in Santa Ana

Twisted Tiki brings a playful bar stop to Santa Ana, with arcade games nearby at McFadden Public Market. It’s a good pick when your plans call for a drink and a little friendly competition, preferably with someone who won’t take the high score personally.

From the Orange County newsletter, November 10, 2026

The Fuzzy Cork brings guided, personalized wine tastings and lessons to your home, led by certified sommelier Steve O’Connor. Choose a wine adventure focused on a country of origin or tailor a party to your group, with wine know-how and a relaxed, fun approach.

From the Mission Viejo newsletter, November 11, 2026

Good Times Billiards brings 26 pro-grade tables, leagues and tournaments, plus a relaxed sports-bar vibe with wall-to-wall screens and a rotating kitchen pop-up. Whether you’re chasing a better break or just here to hang with friends, there’s room for every skill level and plenty to keep the evening rolling.

The Kroft brings handcrafted comfort food to Long Beach, with slow-braised meats, house-made sauces, signature sandwiches and sides that give the classics a little extra oomph. A solid tip for when a regular sandwich just isn’t bringing enough to the table.

From the Long Beach newsletter, November 10, 2026

My Sports Bar & Grill brings a modern Irish-pub feel to Lakewood, with a varied food and drinks menu and room for family lunches, game nights, or catching up with friends. It also hosts karaoke, trivia, whiskey-themed gatherings, and DJ sessions, so there’s more than one way to settle in.

From the Lakewood newsletter, November 10, 2026

Bigshots Billiards Bar & Grill brings together competition-size pool tables, fresh homemade food, drinks, live music, and country line dancing under one barn-sized roof. It’s a fun Lake Forest spot for a friendly game or a night out, with the occasional dance step you may want to keep among friends.

From the Lake Forest newsletter, November 10, 2026

Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales turns target practice into a horror-movie-themed outing, with 13 games, interactive projection targets, and a lineup that includes knives, hatchets, a combat shovel, and a big axe. After your session, settle in at the cabin-in-the-woods bar for craft beer, cider, or a mocktail.

From the Costa Mesa newsletter, November 11, 2026

Green Cheek Beer Co. in Costa Mesa is a good pick when your usual pint needs a little competition, with everything from Czech-style pilsners and California lagers to West Coast and hazy IPAs. There’s a kitchen, too, so you can make a proper outing of it instead of calling a bag of chips dinner.

For charcoal-grilled BBQ, crispy fried bites, and warming soups or ramen, NOLZA brings plenty of Korean comfort-food choices to the table. Pair your pick with cold soju or beer, and you’ve got a solid excuse to turn “just one dish” into a spread.

American Legion Post 354 welcomes the public and has been a gathering place for veterans since its charter in 1930. It’s a good Buena Park spot to enjoy a drink, catch community events, and support a place rooted in service to veterans and the community.

From the Buena Park newsletter, November 10, 2026

Lively, family-friendly regional chain known for its BBQ, burgers & happy-hour deals at the bar.

Contemporary bar & lounge offering a full bar, DJs, dancing & a slate gray color scheme.

Laid-back stop for ample craft beers taps & wine, as well as pool tables & a jukebox.

Mexican eats & craft brews are the draw at this intimate eatery with a patio.

Trendy food hall & bar with a vintage-chic feel, communal tables & 1980s video arcade games.

Cozy tapas joint serves up Latin & Spanish small plates, plus creative cocktails, in a small space.

Below-ground bar with lots of beer poured in rustic digs with freestanding fireplace & live music.

Small taproom stand with draft beers & ciders by the glass, both locally-made or imported.

Chain for gourmet burgers & other American comfort fare.

Traditional Mexican eats plus a bar space with a dance floor & a variety of drinks & cocktails.

Longtime hangout featuring burgers & American comfort eats plus beer & TV sports in relaxed digs.

Irish bar serves pub fare while entertaining crowds with regular live music & soccer games on TV.

Informal, modern setup offering build-your-own poke bowls with various proteins, sauces & toppings.

Lively establishment with a huge projection screen in a comfy space with booths & couches.

Chain for gourmet burgers & other American comfort fare.

Seasonal Neapolitan-style pizzas served in a low-key place with a terrace & happy-hour specials.

Burgers, tacos & salads, plus a variety of drinks, in a chill lounge with TVs, pool & live music.

Festive hangout offering American grub, TVs for sports fans, pool tables, darts & happy hour deals.

Congenial Irish bar & restaurant offering pub grub, weekend karaoke & trivia nights in casual digs.

Sports pub offering American eats & craft beer along with pool tables, darts & other bar games.

Serving a diverse menu of microbrews, this heavily decorated bar exudes kitsch.

Hip, well-hidden shopping-plaza lounge with trendy, unpretentious ambiance & handcrafted cocktails.

Chic locale featuring creative comfort food, specialty cocktails & a regular line-up of local bands.

Family-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex & American fare in a Southwestern-style setting.

Victorian-style gay & lesbian bar draws guys & gals for themed nights, happy hours & pool tables.

Wallpaper-covered saloon with swinging doors for cocktails & salty snacks, plus options for kids.

Relaxed brunch restaurant serving fusion dishes, as well as creative cocktails, beer & wine.

Retro bar offering specialty cocktails, craft beer & live music in upbeat digs with comfy decor.

Edgy speakeasy with eclectic decor dispensing potion-themed cocktails in a cool atmosphere.

Low-lit setting for traditional French bistro fare in an art-lined space with a wall of wines.

Compact hangout with an upbeat vibe for drinks & American grub amid skateboard decor & DJ music.

Marlena Long Beach pairs Mediterranean-leaning plates with unexpected wood-fired flavors and a drink list that leans seasonal, making it a solid move for weeknights or date nights. Brunch and happy hour keep it extra local-friendly when you want quality without the fuss.

From the Long Beach newsletter, October 9, 2026

Relaxed Montage Laguna Beach hotel eatery serving seafood, sandwiches & salads by the pool.

American appetizers, sandwiches & drinks in an intimate venue with evening comedy, music & dancing.

Riip Beer Co. Brewery & Taproom is where HB hop fans post up for award-winning pours, with 20 rotating taps brewed steps from your seat. Expect a deep bench of West Coast IPAs, hoppy lagers, and hazies, and bring your own eats or grab pizza and a double smash burger next door.

From the Huntington Beach newsletter, November 1, 2026

If you want a neighborhood spot in Belmont Shore where the TVs are always tuned to the big games and the vibe is easygoing, DOGZ Bar and Grill nails it. Think all-day breakfast, legit hot dogs, wings, Mexican favorites, rotating daily specials, plus cold beer and cocktails... bring friends, bring the dog.

From the Long Beach newsletter, September 19, 2026

C. Branaghan's Irish Pub and Restaurant serves made-from-scratch favorites like Guinness-slow-cooked Irish beef stew, fish and chips, and shepherd’s pie, plus a carefully poured pint of Guinness. Drop in for weekend brunch, a game on the screens, or a proper pub meal that doesn’t require a transatlantic flight.

From the Long Beach newsletter, October 31, 2026

Whether you're in the mood to belt it out or just let the screens do the entertaining, The Silver Fox is the neighborhood gay nightclub with a huge stash of music and comedy videos, plus reliably rowdy karaoke nights that make a Tuesday feel like a weekend.

From the Long Beach newsletter, September 14, 2026

Legends Restaurant & Sports Bar pairs bistro-style burgers, pub favorites, and a full bar with an enormous projection-screen setup built for watching the big game. It’s a longtime Long Beach sports tavern with weekly specials, so you can focus on the score instead of figuring out what to eat.

From the Long Beach newsletter, November 1, 2026

Riip Beer & Pizza keeps it local with award-winning house beers poured next door to their brewhouse, plus pizza by the slice and that famous double smash burger that sneaks up on you. If you want a laid-back spot with real HB flavor, this is it.

From the Huntington Beach newsletter, October 27, 2026

Laguna Canyon Winery is Orange County’s original urban winery, pouring award-winning, Napa and Sonoma-sourced reds and whites in a relaxed tasting room. Think flights, bottle finds, blend-your-own sessions, and lively first-Friday parties with food and music... a very low-stress way to upgrade your weeknight glass.

From the Aliso Viejo newsletter, October 24, 2026

Irish-style pub chain serving breakfast, bar bites, burgers & more in a casual, traditional space.

Irish-style pub chain serving breakfast, bar bites, burgers & more in a casual, traditional space.

Baddeley's Pourhouse is that neighborhood spot where the beer pitchers keep pace and the pool table stays busy. Periodic food trucks roll through, and the crew tends to remember your drink order... which makes a quick stop turn into overtime.

From the Long Beach newsletter, October 11, 2026

Bustling eatery & bar with American & Irish staples plus events like live music & karaoke nights.

Port City Tavern keeps it simple, with well-made cocktails, a solid beer and wine lineup, and a calendar of low-key happenings, including karaoke every Monday night. Easy spot to roll in with friends, swap stories, and make a random Tuesday feel oddly celebratory.

From the Long Beach newsletter, October 25, 2026

Webb's | Distillery & Brewery is where Aliso Viejo does spirits right, from Golden Republic Bourbon and Butterball Whiskey to Grove Gin, Vaquero Rum and more than a dozen beer styles, plus cocktails and global comfort food outkicking typical pub fare. First-Friday tours and tastings seal the deal.

From the Aliso Viejo newsletter, October 27, 2026

When you're in the mood for an easygoing game watch and an almost comically long beer list, Murphy's Pub At the Belmont delivers. Over 70 beers, wine for the hop-averse, solid pub grub, and a chill patio make it an easy weeknight standby for Long Beach locals.

From the Long Beach newsletter, September 26, 2026

Family-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex & American fare in a Southwestern-style setting.

Veteran eatery & watering hole offering pub grub, live music, pool & games in a comfy, woody space.

, then backs it up with sharp cocktails, thoughtful wine, and local beer. Slide by this week for morning espresso and pastries or a low-key dinner that feels special, all fed by their urban garden and a menu that changes with what’s growing.

From the Inglewood newsletter, October 15, 2026

Family-friendly chain outpost pairs familiar pub fare with an extensive list of house brews.

Chain eatery serving up inventive pizzas, plus pastas & salads in a modern setting.

Family-friendly chain outpost pairs familiar pub fare with an extensive list of house brews.

Franco's Famous Laguna Hills is all about generational Jalisco flavors from the Franco family recipe collection, with tacos de puesto, carnitas Jalisco, and bacon-wrapped jalapeños leading the charge, plus real-deal margaritas and tequilas. Put it on your this-week list, Aliso, your taste buds will thank you.

From the Aliso Viejo newsletter, November 1, 2026

Family-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex & American fare in a Southwestern-style setting.

OC Wine Mart & Tasting Bar nails the neighborhood trifecta with a serious wine selection, tasting events, and Boar’s Head deli sandwiches that actually hit the spot. Pro tip, that BTS breakfast burrito is worth getting up for, then grab a bottle for dinner.

From the Aliso Viejo newsletter, November 12, 2026

Just a short hop from Tustin, Cerveza Cito Brewery keeps their downtown Santa Ana tasting room buzzing with new releases and easy hangout vibes. Grab a pint, catch the Sabor Cito food truck, and if your crew is big, remember they host private events for up to 100.

From the Santa Ana newsletter, October 14, 2026

Everywhere pours a lineup that actually keeps the group happy, from the award winning Branching Out modern pilsner and easy going Beautiful Something helles to punchy West Coast IPAs like Clarity and Happy Place, plus a soft hazy called All Green Lights. The Orange taproom is an easy hop from Santa Ana.

From the Santa Ana newsletter, September 23, 2026

Vault Cocktails is that easygoing neighborhood hangout for well-made drinks and cold beer, plus the kind of bar games that turn into friendly rivalries. Drop in this week, catch up with your crew, and let the bartenders mix something strong while you forget what day it is.

From the Whittier newsletter, October 18, 2026

Hangar 24 Orange County keeps it easy with burgers, tacos and wings alongside a deep tap list, from Orange Wheat and Daily Bread Lager to Betty IPA and Warfighter Hazy IPA.

From the Irvine newsletter, October 21, 2026

Golden Road Brewing Anaheim is pouring SoCal classics with character, including Mango Cart wheat ale made with real mango, Ride On 10 Hop Hazy IPA, Ride On West Coast IPA, and the lime and salt kissed Street Cart Cerveza. Worth the Hemet-to-Anaheim cruise this week.

From the Santa Ana newsletter, October 8, 2026

Reno Room serves up old-school cocktails, pool-table bragging rights, and plenty of TVs for the game in a vibe that feels like your favorite corner bar, because it is. The pro move, grab Mexican eats from the adjoining Cocorenos and settle in like a true Long Beach local.

From the Long Beach newsletter, September 22, 2026

Placentia tasting room is now open, so Broken Timbers Brewing Company is an easy hop from Yorba Linda for fresh pours and a laid-back hang. Keep an eye on their events, join the Beer Club, or snag the space for private gatherings if your crew needs a local HQ.

From the Brea newsletter, September 7, 2026

Tustin Brewing Company pairs a laid-back, sports-watching atmosphere with a diverse lineup of house-brewed beers, wood-fired pizzas, signature burgers, salads, and sandwiches. It’s a friendly local pick for a casual meal where the food has range and the beer has its own brewmaster.

From the Tustin newsletter, November 3, 2026

Beachwood Brewing Steelcraft Garden Grove keeps the tap list varied, from hop-forward IPAs and crisp Japanese-style lager to barrel-aged sours with cherries, huckleberries, or strawberries and herbs de Provence. Even the non-beer drinkers have options, including gluten-free hard seltzers.

From the Orange County newsletter, November 1, 2026

Brew Crew is now BRÜE CRÜE, a Riverside taproom with 24 rotating taps, 100-plus cans and bottles, live local music, and plenty of screens for catching the game. Add cornhole, darts, and a laid-back neighborhood-bar feel, and you may need to set a reminder before “one more round” turns into the whole evening.

From the Riverside newsletter, November 4, 2026

Japanese cocktail bar featuring old fashions, corn dogs, sushi, wagyu skirt, shaved ice desserts and wasabi fries.

Since 1941, Frolic Room has kept things simple and strong, a no-frills bar with movie-star portraits, classic cocktails, and cold drafts. Grab a stool, let the jukebox pick the mood, and remember why unfussy drinks in a friendly room just hit different.

From the Los Angeles newsletter, September 9, 2026

Mint Julep Bar brings a New Orleans-inspired touch to Anaheim, with refreshing non-alcoholic mint juleps, fresh Mickey beignets and soft drinks. It’s a fun stop when a sweet treat and a minty sip sound more appealing than another ordinary snack.

From the Yorba Linda newsletter, November 3, 2026

Upscale Californian cuisine, vast wine list & Craftsman decor in Disney's Grand Californian Hotel.

Steady Brewing keeps it easygoing with fresh, handcrafted ales, lagers, and seasonal pours in Long Beach, where you can bring the kids, the dog, and takeout from next door. They’re the Official Brewery of Formula Drift Long Beach, and they host live events featuring local artists.

From the Lakewood newsletter, September 22, 2026

Familiar bar offering beers, cocktails and pub grub, plus pool tables.

Family-friendly chain outpost pairs familiar pub fare with an extensive list of house brews.

Highland Park Brewery’s spacious second taproom keeps the list deep with house beers, from crisp Timbo Pils to Fresh LA Lager. Go for a couple pours, stay for the Mexican snacks, and leave plotting which friends to bring next time.

From the Los Angeles newsletter, October 3, 2026

Back To The Grind is a hip, airy Riverside hangout for coffee, sandwiches, and vegan grub, with concerts, art shows, and open mics adding a little creative spark to the mix. It’s a good pick when you want a bite and a place with more going on than just your caffeine level.

From the Riverside newsletter, November 9, 2026

Health-focused snacks & drinks stand at Hollywoodland in the Disney California Adventure theme park.

Death & Co Los Angeles brings serious craft to every glass, from bright, playful sippers to boozy heavy-hitters, plus thoughtful zero-proof options. Pair a round with oysters, shrimp toast, or chips with labneh and call it a weeknight win that feels like a mini escape from Lynwood.

From the Los Angeles newsletter, November 4, 2026

Small, old Hollywood hipster hangout featuring cocktails, dartboards & a jukebox.

Casual chain restaurant serving French & American staples in a rustic-inspired setting.

Roxanne's mixes serious craft cocktails with Latin flavor, a laid-back patio, and weekend DJs that turn a casual night into an actual scene. Between the three bars and standouts like the signature Pupusa Burger and Mesoamerican brunch at Marie’s, it’s an easy Lakewood-adjacent hang you’ll keep returning to.

From the Lakewood newsletter, September 7, 2026

Whether you're sneaking in before dinner or making it the main event, Bar Avoja is Chef Evan Funke's intimate cocktail and aperitivo hideaway tucked just beyond Mother Wolf. Expect meticulously made drinks with spuntini that channel modern Roman street food...

From the Los Angeles newsletter, September 28, 2026

Ambitious Ales keeps a tap list that swings from crisp lagers to juicy IPAs and playful seasonal experiments, brewed by folks who clearly obsess over flavor. If this week needs a reset, grab a pint with a friend and find a new favorite.

From the Lakewood newsletter, August 25, 2026

Whether your closet needs a reason to shine this week or you just want a night that actually feels like a night out, La Descarga delivers with bottle service, proper cocktail vibes, and a real dress code that keeps the scene sharp. Make a reservation and go be glamorous.

From the Los Angeles newsletter, August 25, 2026

Wine Lab nails the cozy wine-bar vibe with daily tastings, wines by the glass, a formidable list to explore, and small plates that lean cheese-and-charcuterie in all the right ways. Grab a curated bottle to go or settle in with friends and discover a new favorite.

From the Costa Mesa newsletter, October 23, 2026

Trendy and spacious with a social-club vibe, Killer Queens Social House is where you round up the crew for entertainment, solid bites, and cocktails that keep the evening lively. It’s the kind of spot locals claim as their weekend default, with room to dance when the playlist hits.

From the Riverside newsletter, October 10, 2026

Juicyladas Cantina is a family-owned modern Mexican spot where bold tacos meet Mexican-inspired sushi, with handcrafted cocktails and signature micheladas to match. Swing by when you want casual vibes that can quickly turn into a mini celebration with your favorite people.

From the Fullerton newsletter, October 7, 2026

High-end steakhouse chain with aged prime beef & classics such as lobster tails.

Beachwood Brewing & Distilling in Bixby Knolls brings grain-to-glass vibes with gin, vodka, and rum distilled onsite, plus house-made tonics, bitters, and fresh juices. Pair a thoughtful cocktail with food from the kitchen or explore 24 taps of locally brewed beer, then pretend you planned this all week.

From the Lakewood newsletter, September 5, 2026

Bike Shed Moto Co is a motorbike-themed bar, eatery, and cafe with an industrial vibe and a genuinely inclusive feel, even if you just love someone who loves motorcycles. Come for comfort food and cocktails, stick around for the clubhouse vibe, events calendar, and the on-site barbershop and tattoo studio.

From the Los Angeles newsletter, September 19, 2026

Equal parts classy and cozy, W. Wolfskill shakes up specialty cocktails and creative bar bites in a hip, midcentury-modern lounge that actually feels like a night out. If you want a spot that nails flavor and vibe without the fuss, this is your new go-to.

From the Riverside newsletter, October 17, 2026

Low-lit and cozy in all the right ways, Blind Donkey focuses on small-batch whiskey pours, solid draft beer, and unfussy vibes, making it a clutch move for a mellow date, a post-dinner nightcap, or catching up with friends when you just want good drinks.

From the Alhambra newsletter, September 10, 2026

Raymond Ave Brewing Company has been brewing since 2020 and keeps the taps fun with a Blonde Ale, Skoobie Snax Cream Ale, a juicy Hazy, the house Raymond Ave IPA, and a smooth Milk Stout. Swing by this week for rotating food pop-ups and the kind of taproom events that surprise you pleasantly.

From the Fullerton newsletter, August 21, 2026

Stylish but mellow cocktail spot offers bar bites, extended happy-hour deals & a popular jukebox.

Slip into the 1930s at Observation Bar, the Queen Mary’s cocktail lounge where live music and well-made classics make any night feel like an occasion. Perfect for Long Beach locals who want a little history with their martini and a setting that always delivers conversation.

From the Long Beach newsletter, August 20, 2026

When you crave a breezy change of scenery, Florentín Rooftop Bar delivers Mediterranean-inspired small plates, artisanal pizzas, and inventive, fruit-forward cocktails in a relaxed, sun-soaked perch with just the right amount of DTLA edge. Perfect for catching up with friends without shouting over the city.

From the Moreno Valley newsletter, September 12, 2026

Long Beach’s low-key gem, The Grasshopper, leans into well-made classics and neat twists, with mixed drinks that actually taste like someone measured, cold beer for the simple joys, and a playlist that keeps the room humming. Easy spot to exhale, laugh with friends, and forget the group chat.

From the Long Beach newsletter, October 19, 2026

Highball is a Japanese-style “Authentic Bar” right here in Costa Mesa, where meticulous technique meets easygoing hospitality. Tell them what you’re into and they’ll dial up a perfectly balanced drink, from classic highballs to inventive pours that feel thoughtful, not flashy... the kind you’ll think about tomorrow.

From the Costa Mesa newsletter, October 18, 2026

Festive pub offering myriad beer options, wine & TVs tuned to sports, plus live music.

Cozy lounge offering up signature cocktails & live music in a subdued space with eclectic decor.

Neighborhood cocktail lounge offering beer, wine, and happy hours.

Beachwood Brewing 2nd & PCH is a Long Beach taproom for locally brewed beer, with taplists to explore and a brewery that gives sour beer its own spotlight. Stop in when you want to try something beyond your usual pour, or just need a good excuse to make beer plans.

From the Long Beach newsletter, October 27, 2026

TrustedGut keeps it simple, just well-made beer with zero pretension. When you want a fresh pint with friends and a break from gimmicks, this Long Beach area brewery delivers the kind of flavors you’ll actually come back for.

From the Long Beach newsletter, September 8, 2026

Spacious brick-walled cocktail bar with pool tables, live music, TVs & happy-hour specials.

Born in 1889 and once a historic American name, Pfeiffer Brewing Company is back, brewing with craft and character in a taproom along Anaheim’s La Palma Beer Trail. History vibes, fresh pours, and a simple mission to drink more Pfeiffer’s make this a fun excuse for a weekend beer run.

From the Apple Valley newsletter, September 5, 2026

Packinghouse Brewing Company keeps it low-key with a friendly pub-style taproom pouring samples, pints, and growlers of their own award-winning beers. When you want a fresh local pour and a chill spot to catch up after work, this is the kind of neighborhood brew stop that treats regulars right.

From the Riverside newsletter, October 13, 2026

Noble Ale Works is that industrial-area gem brewing a variety of full-flavored beers in a relaxed tasting room, ideal for quick after-work flights or a linger-with-friends pour. Swing by this week, trust your taste buds, and let a fresh pour fix your mood.

From the Garden Grove newsletter, August 24, 2026

Beachwood Blendery is Beachwood’s lambic-inspired playground, pouring oak-aged, gueuze-style and fruit-laced sours alongside crisp West Coast IPAs and the occasional hard seltzer. Chill among the barrels, rack up a game of pool or pinball, and let the rotating tap list surprise you.

From the Alhambra newsletter, September 2, 2026

Tustin Inn pairs cocktails and sports on TV with pool, darts, and shuffleboard, plus a jukebox for setting the soundtrack. It’s a laid-back pick when you want a drink and a little friendly competition, even if your shuffleboard skills are mostly confidence.

From the Tustin newsletter, November 11, 2026

Palenque Kitchen by Mezcal mixes Mexican small plates and hearty entrees with craft cocktails and DJ-driven energy in a colorful, art-packed room. Think campechano tacos with frijoles, steak and chorizo, great for date nights or catching up with friends when your group chat needs a plan.

From the Riverside newsletter, October 18, 2026