What better way to get a taste of your favorite restaurant than by going out and enjoying it? Happy Hour is the time to escape from work and unwind with friends. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a few drinks or have an early dinner, Happy Hours come in many forms in Orange County.
Here’s our guide to where and when to go for drink specials, discounts, and bite-sized snacks:
Dana Point
Address:
32802 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629
Happy Hours:
Tuesday – Friday, 4 PM – 6 PM
More information:
- Since 1996
- Provides “from-scratch cooking”
- Custom-made menu items
- Ingredients sourced locally
- Fresh seafood, hand cut
Address:
34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629
Happy Hours:
Monday – Friday, 3 PM – 6 PM
(Excluding holidays and special events)
More information:
- Craft beer
- Food is grown locally
- DJ at Midnight
- Full Bar
- Founded in 2012
Address:
34094 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629
Happy Hours:
Monday & Tuesday: 4 PM – 9 PM
Wednesday & Thursday: 4 PM – 6 PM
Friday & Saturday: 4 PM – 5 PM & 9 PM – 11 PM
More information:
- One of Orange County’s best restaurants
- New American cuisine
- Craft cocktails at the bar
- Seafood freshly caught in Dana Point Harbor
- Established in 2016
Address:
24050 Camino del Avion, Dana Point, CA 92629
Happy Hours:
Monday – Friday, 4 PM – 6:30 PM
More information:
- Family-owned and operated
- sophisticated cocktails
- Wide-ranging menu
- Both a quiet and a lively atmosphere
- Established in 1994
Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern
Bloody Mary Meal
© Yelp
Address:
25001 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629
Happy Hours:
Monday – Friday, 3 PM – 6 PM
More information:
- Inviting indoor-outdoor atmosphere near Dana Point Harbor
- Traditional American fare with an artisanal twist
Address:
34150 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629
Happy Hours:
Monday – Friday, 3 PM – 6 PM
More information:
- California cuisine
- Fresh beer
- Excellent service
Address:
34212 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629
Happy Hours:
Tuesday – Friday & Sunday, 4:30 PM – Close
(At the bar area only)
More information:
- Handcrafted cocktails and a carefully selected wine list
- Award-winning chef Anthony Celeste
- Contemporary Cuisine
- Founded in 2019
Address:
34091 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629
Happy Hours:
Monday – Friday, 3 PM – 6 PM
(Holidays excluded)
More information:
- Friendly, comfortable atmosphere
- Established in 2016
Address:
24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, CA 92629
Happy Hours:
Monday – Friday, 3 PM – 6 PM
More information:
- Wood-fired pizza
- Upscale meals made with local ingredients
- Founded in 2013
- Syrups and infused liquors made in-house
Address:
34195 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629
Happy Hours:
Monday – Friday, 3 PM – 6 PM
More information:
- Original hobby surf shop
- Best Taco Tuesday
- The best Happy Hour in town
- Founded in 2020
Laguna Niguel
The Original Patsy’s Irish Pub
Address:
28971 Golden Lantern St, Ste 108, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Happy Hours:
Monday – Sunday, 4 PM – 6 PM
More information:
- Established in 1984
- Known for its Corned Beef Tacos
- South Orange County’s Best Irish Pub
Address:
32431 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Happy Hours:
Everyday – Weekend, 4 PM – 6 PM
More information:
- Owned and run locally by Sentinel Restaurant Group
- Established in 2017
- Outstanding wine dinner
Address:
30100 Town Center Dr, Ste M, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Happy Hours:
Monday – Thursday, 4 PM – 6 PM
More information:
- Dining on the patio
- Live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evening
- Traditional Italian dishes with a New World twist
- Catering
Address:
27281 La Paz Rd, Ste I, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Happy Hours:
Every day, 11:30 AM – 6 PM
More information:
- Orange County landmark for over 20 years
- Traditional Italian fare
- Desserts, pasta dishes, burgers, pizza, steaks, and appetizers
- Catering services are available
- Various beers, wines, and spirits
Address:
Laguna Niguel Plaza
29971 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Happy Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday, 3 PM – 7 PM
Sunday – Monday, All Day
More information:
- Orange County’s Best Pizza 2016 – 2017
- Casual American cuisine
- Offers a great wine list, 16 craft beers, and a variety of specialty cocktails
- Serves pizza, wings, pasta, salads, steaks, and seafood
Address:
28241 Crown Valley Pkwy, Ste G, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Happy Hours:
Every day, 3 PM – 6 PM (dine-in only)
More information:
- Indian-Cali cuisine
- Happy Hour Special – 10% off on all appetizers, 20% off on all beverages
Address:
28083 Moulton Pkwy, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Happy Hours:
Monday – Sunday, 4 PM – 5:30 PM
More information:
- Established in 2017
- Beers on tap, homemade desserts, pasta dishes, a wine bar with chilled wine dispensers, and hand-tossed pizzas
- Happy Hour Promo – $ 1.5 Off beers, $ 2 Off wine by the glass
Address:
30100 Town Ctr Dr, B-2, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Happy Hours:
Daily, 3 PM – 6 PM
Thursdays, 3 PM – Closing
More information:
- Casual and comfortable setting
- Family-owned and operated
- Large wine selection
- Founded in 2003
Address:
28061 Greenfield Dr, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Happy Hours:
Monday – Friday, 3 PM – 6 PM
More information:
- Established in 1992
- The best BBQ in Southern California
- A relaxed dining experience
- Full bar, prize-winning BBQ, snacks, and tacos
Board & Brew – Laguna Niguel North
Address:
27000 Alicia Pkwy, Ste B, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Happy Hours:
Tuesday – Friday, 3 PM – 6 PM
More information:
- Genuine California lifestyle
- Founded in 2016
- Craft beer and signature sandwiches
- Relaxed atmosphere
- A beach setting
Laguna Beach
Address:
1100 S Coast Hwy, Ste 202, Golden Lantern, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Happy Hours:
Tuesday – Friday, 3 PM – 6 PM
More information:
- Live DJ
- Diverse cuisine
- Rustic modern ambiance
Address:
610 N Coast Hwy, Ste 102, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Happy Hours:
Weekdays, 4 PM – 6 PM
More information:
- Cocktail creations
- Contemporary comfort food
Address:
Laguna Village Arts and Flowers
577 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Happy Hours:
Monday – Friday, 3 PM – 6 PM
More information:
- Live Music
- Oceanfront dining
Address:
30832 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Happy Hours:
Daily, 3 PM – 6 PM
(Called Opium Hour)
More information:
- 90-item menu
- Family-oriented method of service
- Carefully selected beverage menu
- Fusion of coastal Asian cuisine
Address:
230 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Happy Hours:
Monday – Friday, 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
More information:
- Fresh seafood
- Opened in the summer of 1995
Address:
31621 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Happy Hours:
Monday – Friday, 3 PM – 6 PM
More information:
- Delicious food
- Peaceful views
- “Best Bloody Mary” in the Orange County Register and “Best Fish Taco” in the Orange County Weekly
- Featured in 2003 on television programs like Rachel Ray’s “$40 a Day”
- Laguna Beach Magazine named “The Best Margarita” and “The Best Burrito”
Address:
361 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Happy Hours:
Monday – Friday, 3 PM – 6 PM
More information:
- Panoramic view of Laguna Beach’s coastline
- Traditional Southern California cuisine
- Elegant dining areas and a tranquil outdoor patio
- World-class service and a chef-curated menu
Address:
384 Forest Ave, Ste 10, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Happy Hours:
Monday – Friday, 3 PM – 5 PM
More information:
- Casual but stylishly modern
- Wine and cocktails are only available for pick-up (Order online)
- Currently only offering a limited menu for pick-up and delivery
Address:
1740 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Happy Hours:
Monday – Friday, 3 PM – 6 PM
Weekends – 3 PM – 6 PM
More information:
- Established in 2005
- Inspired by the vibrant seaside restaurants of South Africa
- South Orange County, California’s largest event-oriented restaurant.
- Vegetable or beef Samoosas, Chilean Sea Bass, Peri-Peri prawns, and other dishes are on the menu
Address:
422 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Happy Hours:
Monday – Friday, 3 PM – 6 PM
More information:
- Delicious and “down-home” ribs, smokehouse steaks, brisket, fresh seafood, creative salads, pasta, and sandwiches
- Handcrafted cocktails, local craft beers, and winery selections from the coast
- Taco Tuesdays and more
South Orange County is a place to fall in love, but also to start your new home!
There’s a lot more to do here than what meets the eye.
If you want to learn more about the area and our recommendations, please contact us at 949-841-5122.
One of the things I really appreciate about Laguna Niguel, is that it has so many hiking trails and parks to enjoy. Here are a few that are my favorite Laguna Niguel hikes and parks that I go to often with my family!
Laguna Niguel Regional Park
Laguna Niguel Park is a popular spot to go fishing, bike riding, and have a shaded picnic! This park is also a favorite for people that like to play volleyball and tennis since it has several courts. It also has one of my kids’ favorite playgrounds and lots of open space to play soccer. I love that they allow dogs and that there is a Whole Foods nearby to grab a smoothie after a long walk. However, the best part about the park is that it hosts the most beautiful fireworks shows on the fourth of July. My family and I always set up our picnic blankets and bring popsicles earlier in the day so we get a great spot watch!
Aliso Summit Hiking Trail
Another great place to enjoy nature is the Also Summit Hiking Trail. This hike has gorgeous scenic views of Laguna Niguel and Laguna Beach. It’s perfect to bring kids on and is dog friendly too! Whenever I go on this hike I pack a few snacks and drinks to enjoy at the end where you can see a panoramic view of the ocean.
Niguel Botanical Preserve
Laguna Niguel also has a hidden gem above the Crown Valley Community Park. The Niguel Botanical Preserve that features 2000 plant species from five areas in the world and is 18.2 acres. I love taking peaceful walks in the preserve since it has four miles of trails lined with beautiful flowers. My favorite thing about the preserve is that attracts so many colorful butterflies and birds.
Crown Valley Community Park
The Crown Valley Community Park is also another great spot to spend time outdoors in Laguna Niguel. The park is almost done being renovated and now has a brand new outdoor amphitheater that is used often for different events during the year. There are also two new playgrounds and a variety of sports fields. A new sprayground has also been added to the park across from the playground. I can’t wait to take my kids there to cool off during summer!
Salt Creek Trail
Salt Creek Trail is the longest trail in Laguna Niguel with multiple locations to start and has both paved and dirt trails. My family and I love to start this trail at Chapparosa park for a family bike ride on the paved path. We do a turnaround ride right after the tunnel that goes under Niguel Road and we end back at the park where we usually hit the basketball court or playground after. It’s a leisurely easy ride or walk for our family and it’s also dog-friendly too so we can bring our pup Teddy.
I hope you can get outdoors and enjoy these Laguna Niguel hikes and parks!
To learn more about my other favorites hikes in OC check out the links below:
Top Corona Del Mar Beaches and Hikes
Laguna Niguel Hikes and Parks
Top Irvine Parks and Hikes
OC Hikes
Laguna Niguel Trails
If you are thinking of buying or selling your home in Orange County, I would love to take you to Plumeria Cafe to see how I can help!
Natalie Boyle 949.929.5727
Since I live in South Orange County, I have tried most of the best restaurants in Laguna Niguel. There are a few spots that I’m obsessed with and wanted to share with you!
Plumeria Café
Loco Moco, a contemporary Hawaiian cuisine dish
Plumeria Café is a place I go to frequently for breakfast and lunch! Normally before going into the office, I stop by Plumeria for a quick iced latte and my favorite dish, Loco Moco with eggs over easy and pork. When my kids aren’t in school they always beg to get some of their favorite pancakes from Plumeria. They go crazy for the Cookies and Cream and Banana and Cream Anglaise Pancakes!
High Tide Coffee
High Tide is currently my favorite coffee shop in Laguna Niguel! I love their seasonal menu which seems to change every month. I tried their Pot o’ gold, Lucky latte, and Raspberry Thyme Toast on their March menu, all were extremely flavorful and yummy! Great vibe inside and fun items for sale in the front of the store as well.
This place is amazing! They have a great selection of drinks for kids, coffee beans, and prepackaged food. Open daily! I hope you can drop by and visit this place! Highly recommend!
Stonefire Grill
Stonefire Grill just had its grand opening in April and I immediately stopped by to enjoy some of their delicious food. I’ve been searching for restaurants that have an outside patio so I can take my new puppy, and was so excited that Stonefire Grill has one.
The greeter at the front door was helpful, described dishes being featured, shared the most popular food at their other locations. I absolutely loved the Lemon Garlic Petite Chicken Breast with the Cartwheel salad and breadstick that I ordered! The chicken had a garlic sauce that had a fantastic flavor! In addition, my friend got the light and refreshing Petite Greek Salad with Salmon. I can’t wait to come here more often and try some new items on their menu!
Hendrix Restaurant and Bar
Hendrix Restaurant and Bar is another favorite of mine because of its juicy rotisserie meats. The most popular drink is their signature Hendrick’s gin and fever-tree tonic with juniper berries. Its definitely the best gin and tonic that I’ve ever had!
When I dine at Hendrix I love to order their flavorful Rotisserie chicken with fresh herbs and rosemary. For instance, the first time I tried it, I couldn’t believe how tender it was! For date night my husband and I also like to split the Three Meats Platter that includes Rosemary Lemon Chicken, Porcheta Natural Pork Roll, and the Leg of Colorado Lamb.
We can’t get enough of the melt in your mouth meat! At Hendrix I never skip dessert and have to order the warm berry bread pudding with Chantilly cream and berry compote!
Sanchos Tacos
Whenever I’m craving Mexican food the first restaurant I go to Sanchos Tacos. The chicken tacos have a mouth-watering marinade and their “chubby sauce” which is sweet tomatillo salsa. I also love the vegetarian Flaco Taco that has grilled artichokes, avocado, spinach, mushrooms, and Verde sauce.
My kids love their nacho fries with melted cheese, beans, sour cream, and steak! They always make a mess enjoying their nachos! After that, we order the quesadillas since they are a big hit in my family. Their drive-thru is so convenient especially on days that I have lots to do!
Thanks for reading about the best restaurants in Laguna Niguel! I’d love to hear about which spots are your favorites!
Below are some of my other favorite restaurants:
Corona Del Mar’s Best Restaurants
Top Restaurants in Newport Beach
Top 5 Restaurants in Irvine
Laguna Beach’s Best Restaurants
If Laguna Niguel is a city you are interested in moving to, I’d love to take you to Plumeria Cafe to see how I can help!
Natalie Boyle 949.929.5727