The Best Places to Drink in Laguna Beach
LAGUNA BEACH, CA–Locals to the beautiful resort town of Laguna Beach, Calif., reserve the right to their favorite bars. They are a funny bunch, often called “Lagunatics.” However, if anyone knows where to go and to get drunk in Laguna, it’s the locals. So I trust them, and so should you…And, from these longtime residents, I have compiled an accurate “how-to” guide for the bars off the beaten path.
(Disclaimer: Having lived and worked in Laguna for almost five years does not make me a local. However, as an active member of the Laguna Beach restaurant community for the past 5 years, I feel qualified to direct you to the best places in Laguna to drink.)
The Saloon, located on South Coast Highway between the Cabana and Javier’s, is a perfect place to encounter an authentic, Laguna Beach experience. Locals have long called the bar “The Stand Up Bar” because few seats exist for patrons. The Saloon offers two signature drinks that are the stuff of legend: the Pine-O and the No Name Shot. Many locals and interesting characters stop by the tiny bar throughout the week from 11:00 am to closing. The Stand Up Bar represents one of the few bars in all of Orange County that offers a quirky taste of local culture, and the bartenders’ no-nonsense style will make you a regular.
Another great local spot in Laguna is Rick’s Partners Bistro, located next door to the Saloon. Partners is an upscale restaurant that advertises its cuisine as “Californian with a French accent.” The bar, however, is where you want to be–it features copper top counters and a dim-lit, romantic atmosphere. Live jazz and blue grass pulses through the restaurant Sunday through Thursday. Adam and Sean, the lead barkeeps for Partners, will lead you in your journey towards selecting the best single malt scotch or glass of fine wine to make your evening perfect.
A few blocks south of Partners is the Sandpiper, considered the “last stop” for locals. Popular bands, including the reggae group Common Sense, frequent the playlist. Sometimes, you will pay a cover, but it won’t cost you more than $5…and, the music will make up for the extra cabbage. Called “The Dirty Bird” by locals, the Sandpiper boasts a dance floor, great live music, and delicious cocktails.
The Saloon, Partners, and the Sandpiper represent my top three picks for Laguna Beach, however, many other worthy bars exist: the Marine Room, Hennessey’s, Laguna Beach Brewing Co., the White House, Cafe 230, French 75, and many more. But, if you need to start somewhere, start at the Saloon, and go from there… I guarantee you will drink, be merry, and experience the small town within the resort town. Good luck and good times.
