Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Orange County

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Orange County? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Drake in Laguna

4.9

4.9 (1475)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Laguna Beach

About the restaurant

We offer seating in 3 spaces,, including our Bar/Lounge, Dining Room/Chef’s Counter or Intimate fire-wall enclosed Patio. Due to space considerations, please contact us directly for larger tables of 6 or more guests.
Live entertainment is performed nightly on the main stage in our Dining Room. Tables are by reservation only, for dinner. Hours of Music; Su/M/Tu, 5:30-9:30pm Wed/Thu 6-10pm Fr/Sa 6:30-10:30pm.
All Tables in Main Room or Patio, Th/Fr/Sa, are subject to a $10 per person Live music charge, on top of dinner tab. Our dynamic musical line-up of Jazz, R&B, Soul & Contemporary artists, provides an interactive yet intimate experience, in an elegant yet relaxed setting.
The Drake features New American cuisine prepared by Award Winning Chef team Paul & Nick Gstrein. Seasonal offerings encompass an ever-evolving menu of unique small plates, steaks, chops, fresh seafood & desserts. Our curated Wine & Spirits selections serve to enhance the dining experience.
Meet us at The Drake!

Top review

StaceyVIP

Dined 5 days ago

BEST food!! Amazing band & singer. What’s not to love about this gem?! Truly what a dining experience should be!

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Salted Caramel Budino

Cruisers Pizza Bar Grill - Huntington Beach

4.9

4.9 (70)

$30 and under

Sports Bar

Huntington Beach

About the restaurant

Cruisers Pizza Bar and Grill is an award-winning sports bar in Huntington Beach, but we pride ourselves in being your Sports Bar. A place where you can always watch your team with your family, your friends, and with your fellow fans. We have 25 big screen HDTVs throughout the bar!

We have 3 different rooms in our bar and you should try all of them to get the full Cruisers experience. You can hear three different games in three different zones, and they don't conflict with each other. With such a vibrant and diverse atmosphere, it's no wonder professional athletes often stop by when they're in town. If you're here for a game you will have plenty of time to get your pizza fix with one of our Chicago Stuffed Pizzas. You'd have to visit Chicago to have anything else like it. What happens when there is a break in the action for halftime? Head out to the Party Patio where you can play beer pong, corn home and giant Jenga and still keep an eye on the highlight

Top review

Erin

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

First time here and as a niners fan in the SoCal area, the experience was amazing!!! Will definitely go back even during off season because the vibe is awesome!

Nirvana by Chef Lindsay

4.8

4.8 (1728)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

Laguna Beach

About the restaurant

We are an independent neighborhood restaurant in the heart of Downtown Laguna Beach, between Main Beach & the Historic Festival of Arts, owned by Laguna Beach native, Executive Chef Lindsay Smith. Inspired by Wine Country and California Coastal cuisine, our focus is on serving guests the way Chef Lindsay would feed her own family, in a warm, inviting atmosphere. We source the freshest ingredients, including free-range, organic poultry, sustainable seafood, antibiotic- and hormone-free meats, and seasonal, local produce. We strive to minimize our environmental impact and support the local community. Chef Lindsay, named one of the Top 10 chefs in Orange County and Top 5 in Laguna Beach, is dedicated to quality food, friendly service, and a memorable dining experience.

LUNCH: Casual table service, Counter service for Grab & Go (reservations not required)
DINNER: Table service (reservations recommended)

Top review

StevenVIP

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

We had our usual delicious meal and come back every time we visit Laguna Beach

Luxe Restaurant and Bar

4.8

4.8 (620)

$30 and under

American

Dana Point / Monarch Beach

About the restaurant

Luxe Restaurant & Martini Bar in Dana Point provides the perfect blended menu, featuring: seafood, steaks and classic Italian dishes. It has a large outdoor patio, rooms for private parties, and offers on and off-site catering.

Please find our menus at: https://www.luxefinedining.com/

Top review

Brent

Dined on Dec 21, 2024

Great food and atmosphere. Live music at an appropriate volume adds a classy touch.

Tempo Cantina - Anaheim Hills

4.8

4.8 (715)

$30 and under

Contemporary Mexican

Anaheim Hills

About the restaurant

*WALK-INS ALWAYS WELCOME*

Tempo Cantina brings Latin flavor to Orange County and Los Angeles from creative founder and owner MR.TEMPO.
Come for the atmosphere, but stay for the food. You will find all of your favorite Latin dishes infused with Asian flavors. Join us Happy Hour everyday, Weekend Brunch or Taco Tuesday for a dining experience like you’ve never experienced before!

Top review

La Keacsh

Dined on Oct 26, 2024

Great experience Still haven’t received the pictures I took , was supposed to send me the originals by text or email , after I purchased the ones in the glass frames

SandBar Huntington Beach

4.8

4.8 (111)

$30 and under

Mexican

Huntington Beach

About the restaurant

Sandbar Cocina y Tequila offers a variety of revamped Mexican food classics, vibrant cocktails, and an extensive range of international tequilas and mezcals.

Our food menu celebrates Mexico’s diverse ingredients through contemporary interpretations of classic dishes, as well as some nostalgic recipes.

The bar program features handcrafted margaritas and creative cocktails, an extensive tequila & mezcal list, including a selection of rare and classic international tequilas and many Mexican, craft and domestic beer selections.

Sandbar’s design incorporates custom materials, lighting, furniture and décor which will transport you to the beautiful coasts of Mexico. With our prime locations just blocks from the Pacific, Sandbar’s Mexican coastal design blends with laid SoCal beach vibes and modern Mexican cool.

Top review

Mike

Dined on Dec 15, 2024

The food was amazing. Rib eye enchiladas were so good! The rib eye melts in your mouth and it's full of flavor with that chimichurri. It was my wife's first time and she loved it! I definitely will be back for more date nights.

Sushi Roku - Newport Beach

4.7

4.7 (1294)

$30 and under

Sushi

Newport Beach

About the restaurant

Sushi Roku combines the finest, freshest fish from pristine waters around the globe with the kind of artistry that can only be provided by a mature sushi chef ensuring superlative traditional sushi, together with a splash of California innovation. Sushi Roku is a pioneer of contemporary sushi, incorporating diverse, non-traditional ingredients from Latin America (e.g. jalapeños) and Europe (e.g. olive oil) into its edible works of art. This unique culinary experience that bridges past and present is the result of an eagerness to embrace new ideas and a profound respect for tradition. Sushi Roku’s bold and diverse menu also offers an array of hot and cold specialty appetizers and an extensive selection of exotic entrées.

Top review

OpenTable DinerVIP

Dined on Dec 25, 2024

We love this location and the service is always stellar! Food never misses and great with GF needs!

Rock & Brews - Buena Park

4.7

4.7 (391)

$30 and under

American

Buena Park

About the restaurant

Situated in Buena Park, Ca next to Knott"s Berry Farm. With its charming, brick-clad indoor and alfresco dining areas featuring friendly picnic and striking fire-feature tables, expansive rock-inspired art collection, and flat screens showcasing some of the greatest moments in rock history, Rock & Brews Buena Park is a popular, multi-generational hangout. Guests can dine on Rock & Brews’ signature American comfort food while also enjoying a full bar with a broad selection of international and craft beers and an impressive wine and cocktail list. Keeping the entire family in mind, Rock & Brews Buena Park offers a kids menu and welcomes four-legged friends on the dog-friendly patio. For parties larger than 4 please call the restaurant for reservations at 714-266-0314.

Top review

Melinda

Dined on Dec 20, 2024

Service & food was great! The staff went above & beyond to take care of us, and make my daughter feel special on her bday.

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Experience

Game Day Blitz - Football Specials

Experience

Happy Hour at Rock & Brews

Experience

Kids Eat Free on Monday

YNK

4.7

4.7 (76)

$31 to $50

Speakeasy

Irvine

About the restaurant

YNK, a speakeasy that guides you on a cocktail journey through various global regions, eras and fanciful interpretations of an ever changing cocktail experience, where You.Never.Know where the journey will lead you to next.

Top review

Michelle

Dined on Dec 1, 2024

A really lovely experience. A hidden gem in a place as sanitized as Irvine. Have been here several times in my time in OC and had to make sure to go back one last time. Great vibes and lovely bar service. These guys really know their craft.

Station Craft Brewery + Kitchen

4.6

4.6 (163)

$30 and under

Californian

Dana Point / Monarch Beach

About the restaurant

Craft beer and food.

We take a craft approach to everything we do, and we have an overwhelming appreciation for all things Californian.

Station Craft Brewery and Kitchen, nestled in the vibrant Lantern District of Dana Point. We are the coolest spot in town, offering a unique experience that combines delicious craft beer with a coastal vibe. Voted the number one brewery in Dana Point, our eclectic menu and robust cocktails complete the perfect recipe for an unforgettable dining and drinking adventure.

Top review

Amy

Dined 4 days ago

Our first choice to watch games at. Love the staff; friendly and attentive even at their busiest times and food is always constantly good!

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