Bars in Huntington Beach

Dark and dingy (in the best way), Johnny’s embraces its rep but ups the ante with a punk rock/country party that promises a wild good time. It’s a rare gem off Beach Boulevard, where the randomness of walls laden with lipstick kisses, music from Disneyland rides, and Johnny Cash murals just work. So beloved by locals, the rumored closure of Johnny’s — an epic April Fools prank — once drew lines wrapping around the building. You’ll come for the atmosphere and incredible whiskey selection, but stay for the pizza. The saloon operates a not-so-secret pizzeria with old-style, rustic pies available to order at the bar.

There’s perhaps nothing that screams bar louder than a neon-lit sign proclaiming “Cocktails” are sold here. Behind ivy-covered walls is a wacky bar that’s also a storied slice of Sunset Beach. John Wayne allegedly drank at Turcs, and the bar has remained relatively unchanged since the 1950s. A fish tank, tiki stools, thatched roof, and even a fireplace create a chill environment for enjoying some jukebox tunes and a game of pool with friends.

This no-frills biker bar in Sunset Beach is located conveniently off PCH — you can’t miss the red, white, and blue facade done up in a likeness of the American flag. Open Friday through Sunday, Mother’s is a dimly lit watering hole plastered with dollar bills from floor to ceiling scrawled with visitors’ names. Get your live music fix every weekend, as well as a pint or pitcher of ice cold beer.

Expect big screens and big welcomes from this neighborhood hangout, tucked in the corner of a quiet strip mall off Bushard and Garfield. A great place to grab a pint while watching an NFL game, O’Connell’s is the quintessential sports bar lit by the glow of more than two dozen TVs circling the bar. In addition to ice cold beer and cocktails, there’s a traditional pub menu with plenty of fried apps, burgers, sandwiches, and even a few dinner specials.

Another downtown mainstay, Perq’s is a throwback to 1974. Day or night, find dim lighting, a fully-stocked bar, and TVs tuned to the biggest games inside a historic building overlooking Main Street. It’s a packed house on weekends, when there’s live music Friday and Saturday nights. Don’t miss karaoke every Thursday — you’ll want to take advantage of the cheap drafts and strong pours, whether you’re grabbing the mic or just hitting the dance floor.

Pool, darts, a jukebox, and a 150-inch TV wall: What more can you ask for from a boozy night out at the local bar? At the corner of Warner and Springdale on the north side of town, it’s far enough removed from downtown to get a taste of the true Huntington Beach. Here, bartenders will treat you like you’ve been coming for years as they make sure your glass never runs dry. Weekends rotate between special events like fight nights and live entertainment, but you can come by any night of the week for grub like award-winning wings and pizza made from scratch.

Think West Coast casual, but with the congenial charm of a classic British pub. While this isn’t a spot where you’ll be eating cold fries wondering if it’s midnight or noon (try the charcuterie board or a flatbread), this hidden gem off Adams Avenue checks other important boxes. With ales, lagers, stouts, and more on tap, a good gathering of locals, and games playing on several TVs, is a great place to pass the time in a low-key setting.