2026 Surf City USA® Foodie Awards Best Happy Hour Winner: 25 Degrees
Named after the temperature difference between a medium-rare and well-done burger, 25 Degrees has been serving up its signature patty for nearly two decades. But in 2026, the Surf City USA® Foodie Awards brought an exciting twist. Its newest designation: the Best Happy Hour spot in Huntington Beach.
All About the Vibes
When someone says burger joint, it brings to mind a no-frills experience: plastic ketchup bottles, sticky booths, maybe a counter-service queue. The scene at 25 degrees couldn’t be further from that picture, making its Best Happy Hour moniker a fitting one. Instead, think intricate toile wallpaper, chandeliers, and an interior awash in shades of burgundy and dark woods.
25 Degrees has been a fixture of downtown since 2009, with an ideal locale. It’s situated close enough to Main Street to make it a convenient stop but still at arm’s length from the late-night revelry — just far enough to keep the atmosphere upscale, and more of an occasion.
The swanky spot oozes vacation vibes, offering a lively place to linger, sip, and catch up with friends. It’s a whole mood, one that’s part speakeasy hidden behind the black toile drapes, and part upscale cocktail den where you can dress to the nines. There’s also live music every weekend that makes staying past happy hour well worth your time.
When to Visit
At 25 Degrees, Thursday is the best day of the week. Happy hour runs from open to close, starting at 3 p.m. On other weekdays, happy hour is from 3-6 p.m.
And unlike other spots that knock a dollar or two off full-price drinks and call it a deal, 25 Degrees makes happy hour an occasion to celebrate. Drinks run from $3 to $10 (or $12 if you want a shot and a beer), and food starts at $6.
There are reasons to visit other days, too. What used to be Taco Tuesday has now been reserved for featured burger specials (but the perfectly crispy OG Birria are definitely worth a try), and Wednesday is for whiskey. With a collection of personal favorites and rare pours like Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve aged 23 years, Whiskey Wednesday hits different here. Especially when all whiskey and bourbon is 25 percent off, even the high-end sips.
What’s Good for Happy Hour
Signature house cocktails are a given, considering 25 Degree’s retro speakeasy vibe. The Redhead in Bed is a sweet sipper, and a steal at only $8 for happy hour. Served in a hurricane glass, it’s almost tiki-inspired in presentation and has a bright, citrusy zip that plays well with the strawberry puree. The spiked Grape Soda is another happy hour favorite — and you might be surprised to find that titular ingredient doesn’t factor into the mix. It’s so easy to drink, you could order two (and not break the bank at just $6 a glass).
Don’t sleep on the food, either. Happy hour is your chance to try some of the best bites for a great price, like a plate of truffle deviled eggs dusted with paprika and bacon (five for $9). Sprout-haters, take a seat. The crispy Brussels here glazed with a balsamic reduction will change your mind, and at $9 for a shareable bowl, it’s worth venturing outside your norm.
You can make a meal out of happy hour with apps and half-salad options, but the piece de resistance — the thing you absolutely can’t skip from the scratch kitchen — is the smashburger. It’s perfect in its simplicity with two juicy patties and American cheese sandwiched between buttery brioche, smothered in Thousand Island dressing and layered with tender caramelized onions. Add some fried pickles for the table, and you’ll leave 25 Degrees more than satisfied (and your wallet will be, too).
412 Walnut Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92648
