There is nothing, and we mean nothing, greater than a happy hour above sea level—an aerial aperitif if you will. The air up there is just crisper, and so are the cocktails. And while we might not be rooftop-rich down here in Orange County, what we lack in quantity, we make up for in quality. From treehouse bars to ocean-view hideaways, these 12 sky-high rooftops in Orange County will have you feeling like you’re on cloud nine.
RISE Rooftop Lounge
Sometimes, you just need to stop and embrace the little things in life—like the POV from RISE Rooftop Lounge, Anaheim’s fashionable sky-high social club. Post-sunset reservations are the house specialty, offering guests a bird’s eye view of Disneyland’s nightly fireworks display from the top floor of The Westin Anaheim Resort. Don’t be fooled, though, as the food is equally stunning! Buttery whites pair perfectly with shareable plates, like grilled sourdough, loaded hummus and their oysters Rockefeller dozen. Fill in the gaps of your social calendar with their Weekly Specials, from Wine and Cheese Wednesdays to Sushi and Sake Sundays.
Location: Anaheim
Jolie
We’re still not over the spicy tuna crispy rice that quickly made its way to the top of Jolie’s best-selling list after the restaurant’s debut in June of this year. As if those pickled cucumbers and housemade crispy rice aren’t enough, keep an eye out for teasers of the beachside gem’s new rooftop deck! If you’re looking to boost your social feed, this PCH staple doubles as a photo op hot spot. Take in 180-degree views of the waves and pier as you clink glasses and let your phone eat first. Hoping to hold onto the warm weather a bit longer? The Japanese 75 and Blueberry Watermelon Margarita are like summer in a glass!
Location: Huntington Beach
Top of the V
Talk about feeling on top of the world! Bringing a little bit of Spain to the California coastline, 12th-floor views, an exhibition kitchen and elevated tapas is what awaits diners at this Orange County rooftop. Top of the V’s menu is a vacation in itself, guiding guests on a culinary journey from Galicia to Andalusia. Small plate pintxos like the Toy Box Squash will prep your taste buds for main evening events, like the European sea bass and Galician beef striploin. Of course, it’s kind of a given to order at least one variety from their charcuterie of cheeses—will it be manchego, tronchon or cabrales?
Location: Anaheim
AhbA
She’s cute, she’s tasty and she’s now taking reservations in Costa Mesa! If you haven’t seen the countless reels of OC locals Instagramming their dinner at AhbA, try the famous smash burgers for yourself at their new location at The CAMP. Reminiscent of the ‘70s era, the restaurant’s trendy backyard-style patio has become the go-to WFH spot to answer emails over a matcha latte. Visiting after work hours? The Sweeeeet Papas and Ahba Spritz are probably what you’re searching for. Oh, and the pink staircase? That would be your entrance to the rooftop speakeasy perched above the cozy cottage. Cheers!
Locations: Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach
Parkestry Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Parkestry Rooftop Bar & Lounge is the tallest rooftop bar in Anaheim, and its roots are planted in health and wellness. Emulating a garden party aesthetic, their on-site garden supplies chefs and mixologists with a fruitful abundance of kale, strawberries, basil and more, 11 floors above the city. Sophisticated and stylish, this rooftop in Orange County was modeled after the countless creatives who left their mark on LA’s flourishing arts scene—a mission tangibly visible in mosaic tiles and positive affirmation mirrors. Staying on theme with florals and produce, the strawberry shortcake, green chickpea hummus and Transformation cocktail are perfect paradigms of their foodie philosophy.
Location: Anaheim
Skyloft
From the same people who brought iconic restaurants like Mozambique and Rumari to Laguna Beach comes Skyloft. Located just steps from Main Beach, Skyloft is a modern fusion of American cuisine set in an upscale, vibey setting. We recommend heading up to the third level to catch an incredible OC sunset, then popping down to the second floor for some live music, which takes place Wednesday through Sunday. Hot tip: Every Tuesday at Skyloft, diners can enjoy 50% off BBQ plates and BBQ sandwiches all day long!
Location: Laguna Beach
Treehouse on PCH
Situated at the beautiful Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach is the newly renovated Treehouse on PCH. It’s giving “Lion King” vibes, and we are here for it—hakuna tequila. Speaking of, their margaritas always hit the spot. Feeling sober-curious? Their mocktails are also pretty magical, like the Green Room, which features Ritual alternative tequila, lemon, honey, cucumber and elderflower tonic. Pair any of your drinks with their birria fries, tempura fish tacos and tuna poke, and you’ll be good to go. Soak in the ocean views and that dreamy California breeze as you cozy up in one of the cabanas or by the fire pit. This is also an excellent spot for a little pregame before popping over to The Bungalow next door.
Location: Huntington Beach
Topside
Topside might be one of the trendiest rooftops in Orange County. Touted as Newport Beach’s only rooftop bar, this hotspot located atop the Lido House hotel attracts a swanky and cool crowd and gives way to sweeping views of the Balboa Peninsula. They have a strict dress code of no tank tops or board shorts and encourage reservations to ensure they can seat your party. Only open Tuesday through Sunday, Topside is known for its snacks and sips like the signature Topside Margarita, which is garnished with a seasonal popsicle, their crispy Petaluma chicken skewers or the trio of dips: avocado spread, hummus and baba ghanoush. Other cocktails we love are the Devil to Pay, the Lady Guava and the Celery Sunset.
Location: Newport Beach
Mozambique
Mozambique is a Laguna Beach institution that has been serving up South African specials for nearly two decades. With happy hour seven days a week and sweeping views of Pearl Beach, this multi-level restaurant is the perfect date-night spot. They bring the surf and the turf with dishes like fresh seafood ceviche, prosciutto-wrapped scallops and signature steaks with a medley of sides. Pair your meal with live music at their all-new venue Ivan’s House on the second floor, and be sure to check out industry and locals night on Mondays, which means 25% off the regular menu all day. Fun fact: Mozambique also has a specialized Halal menu that highlights its Middle Eastern offerings.
Location: Laguna Beach
Hive & Honey
Hive & Honey, situated right down the road from the Irvine Spectrum, is all the buzz with their delicious drinks and shareable bites. Dragon wings? Delish. Sliders and skewers? Sign us up. Poke? Perfection! And their sweet treats are all absolute musts. Cinnamon rolls, churro bites and The Mallow—oh my! Don’t even get us started on the signature cocktails. The Spectrum Sunset is right on theme for the rooftop setting, and the Classic Literature will have you feeling extra sophisticated. They have live DJs Friday through Sunday and a rotating lineup of events and entertainment. Not to mention, the sunset views from this rooftop in Orange County are pretty iconic.
Location: Irvine
The FIFTH Rooftop Restaurant & Bar
Anaheim is so much more than just Disney and Ducks. Tinkerbell doesn’t have anything on the magic going down at The Fifth. They host events like DJ nights and themed days featuring special cocktails like Tiki Tuesday and Whiskey Wednesdays. We recommend going for happy hour, which is from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, to catch the sunset (and the loaded tots). Don’t sleep on the ahi poke tacos either. Oh, and you can see the Disney fireworks from up there, which is a way better vantage point than cramming yourself in with the masses at the theme park. When people ask us if this is our favorite rooftop bar in town, we plead The Fifth.
Location: Anaheim
The FIFTH Rooftop Restaurant & Bar
Rooftop Lounge is the OG poke spot. They did poke before poke was cool, and we have to give credit where credit is due here. This Laguna Beach rooftop is a locally loved institution and sports one of the best ocean views in Orange County. Sure, you’ve probably been there for a sunset sip, but have you ever experienced their weekend brunch? Everything comes with a side of salty air, and the food is simply *chef’s kiss*. Can’t get to the Amalfi Coast this summer? No worries—just order the Rooftop Hugo Spritz and you’ll feel like you’re prancing around Positano. We also love the Oaxacan Old Fashioned and, of course, the poke.
Location: Laguna Beach
Originally published in Locale
Text by Jane Adler and Lauren Goldblum
