We Have the Full Rundown of Good Eats, Buzz-Worthy Bars and Live Music in This Coastal Town
Known for its crystal-blue waters, charming shops and restaurants, and overall quirky vibe, Laguna Beach has and always will be a town worth talking about. And while somewhat quaint, its nightlife scene is vibrant and unique. Local musicians and DJs grace the stages of everything from old-school dive bars to swanky upstairs restaurants. So grab your dancing shoes because this is our complete guide to a night out in Laguna Beach!
Ivan’z House at Mozambique (🏅Editor’s Pick!)
Credit: MozambiqueTo experience Ivan’z House in all its glory, make a reservation between Thursday and Sunday, when regional and national bands take the stage. The music genres here run the gamut, ranging from rock and roll tribute bands to jazz quartets, and on Sundays guests can enjoy jazz brunches and reggae performances.
Sandpiper Lounge
Sandpiper Lounge, or “The Dirty Bird” as locals call it, is all things grunge and timeless—two things we dig in a dive bar. This beloved watering hole has been a mainstay on Pacific Coast Highway since 1969, and patrons love it for its dim lighting, classic jukebox, dart board and live music seven nights a week, 365 days a year. Stop in for a no-frills night out and sip on a wide selection of craft beers and well drinks in a laid-back, hyper-local setting. If you’re up for some tipsy competition, check out the dartboard and foosball table located in the back!
Skyloft
Credit: Timothy KwonPerched on the corner of Laguna Avenue, just steps from Main Beach, Skyloft boasts a chic and elevated atmosphere with a touch of nighttime excitement. Its third-story rooftop setting provides breathtaking views and is perfect for a round of appetizers and a sunset cocktail. On the second floor, you’ll find dynamic live music performances (Wednesday through Sunday), which span a variety of genres, making Skyloft an ideal place for both a snazzy dinner and a night of grooving with friends. And while you’re there, be sure to check out Skyloft’s new speakeasy, Herb’s Place, which sits just beyond the orange curtain on the second story. Here, you can enjoy boozy milkshakes and play classic board games in a retro-cool setting.
The Drake
Credit: The DrakeLive jazz, anyone? Situated about 10 minutes south of downtown, The Drake is a retro supper club with all kinds of charm and swank. This lively venue features inventive cocktails and a cozy atmosphere that draws in a diverse crowd. With its talented musicians and accomplished Executive Chef and partner Paul Gstrein, this Laguna Beach hotspot will take you back to a bygone era of booze and brass. Whether you’re enjoying date night or simply just drinks, The Drake is a must-visit Laguna Beach nightlife destination. Be sure to make a reservation—the venue is intimate—and don’t skip on ordering the venison loin or umami mushroom-crusted Alaskan halibut as your main dinner entree.
Marine Room Tavern (🏅Editor’s Pick!)
The Marine Room is a staple in Laguna Beach’s nightlife scene and is renowned for its rich history, extensive whisky selection and live bands. Established in the 1930s, this classic tavern boasts a nostalgic vibe with its classic pool table, crackling fireplace, vintage photo booth and shelves upon shelves of whiskies. Guests can play a game of pool (that is, if the locals let you squeeze your name on the chalkboard) and belly up to the bar for one of their classic cocktails. We suggest the Paper Plane with bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino Quintessentia liqueur and fresh lemon juice. Come early on the weekends if you want to avoid the late-night crowds; this spot gets packed starting at 10 p.m.!
Brussels Bistro
Restaurant by day and nightclub by night, Brussels Bistro is the best of both worlds. During the daytime and dinnertime, the below-street-level concept presents an upscale ambiance and menu full of tasty Belgian beers and dishes like moules-frites, cheese croquettes, meatballs liégeoise and more. But come 10:30 p.m. on weekends, the restaurant flips over to a sultry, underground nightclub reminiscent of a European discotheque. The tables get stacked on the patio, making room for a crowd who loves a killer beat drop. Claustrophobic? Maybe. But a vibe? Most definitely.
Hennessey’s Tavern
Credit: Mike TavildariHennessey’s Tavern is a neighborhood Irish-style pub on Ocean Avenue with a menu of classic bar bites, beers on draft and plenty of TVs to catch a game on (hello, football season!). On weekend nights, however, the bar invites DJs to spin, and the upstairs transforms into a party with laser lights, bustling bartenders and a crowd who loves to get down. Come with a group of friends and order a round of green tea shots to get the party going, which doesn’t shut down until 2 a.m.
The Saloon
The Saloon rounds out this list of Laguna Beach nightlife destinations with its classic and intimate bar experience. Known for its strong drinks and quaint space, this local watering hole on Pacific Coast Highway offers a charming setting for a pre- or post-dinner drink and is often filled with Laguna locals (Take note of the sign that reads, “Be nice or go to Newport”). On any given night of the week, you’ll find regulars bellying up to the bar for a beer, cocktail or one of their famous Popo shots! These signature shots are coffee-based and served warm and are not on the menu, so be sure to ask the bartender.
Originally published in Locale Magazine
Text by Kaylin Waizinger
