The days are longer, the weather’s warmer, and the desire for a refreshing cocktail in the late afternoon is looming… But where do you go? With new restaurants and cocktail bars popping up left and right, choosing where to grab a drink can be daunting. But never fear - we’ve scoured the town looking for the best summer cocktail spots in Huntington Beach, and we think you’ll like what we’ve found:
LSXO
Tucked away in Bluegold, the modern, speakeasy-style, Vietnamese-fusion bar and restaurant LSXO is easily one of the best kept secrets in Huntington Beach. Make a reservation in advance (you can do so here), try a Jin & Julius (gin, coconut fizz, lemongrass, aperol, orgeat, and kaffir lime) or a Hattori Hanzo (Japanese whisky, pear, lemon, egg white), and watch the sunset over the ocean. Paradise!
Jan & Dean's Tiki Lounge
Did you know that there’s a tiki bar on the Huntington Beach Pier? We didn’t either. The second story of Ruby’s has been transformed into Jan & Dean’s Tiki Lounge - a tropical hideaway, complete with a lush ambiance and a special food and cocktail menu. Ask for a booth by the window, order a round of mai tais, and you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to Hawaii in no time!
Pacific Hideaway
Don’t let the fact that Pacific Hideaway is located in the lobby of the Shorebreak Hotel deter you, it’s not your typical hotel bar and restaurant. The ambiance is hip and coastal, and it truly is a “hideaway” just steps from the beach! The cocktails are as creative as they are tasty - be sure to try the Samurai Old Fashioned for a smokey, Instagrammable drink!
Captain Jack's
The laid-back Captain Jack’s has been a local favorite for over 50 years! While many flock here for its famous surf and turf and rustic atmosphere, we head to Captain Jack’s for its consistently strong cocktails. The service is friendly, the seats are comfy, and if you plan it just right you might even catch some live music! If you’re a Vodka drinker, you can’t go wrong with the “Captain’s Classic” or the “Build-Your-Own-Mule,” where you can pick the ingredients!
Offshore 9
If you’re looking for one of the best ocean views (if not THE best) in town, search no more. Offshore 9 is the new rooftop bar and lounge at The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel that is sure to make waves as word gets out. The “Summer Fling” cocktail is the quintessential summer beverage, with Nolet’s gin, strawberry spring shrub, lemon, and orgeat hibiscus.
Watertable
Located in the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, Watertable is another restaurant and bar that should definitely have a place on your summer hit list. The seasonal drink menu is one of the best in town, and you can’t go wrong with any of its rotating seasonal cocktails. Our current favorite? The “Bourberry Street,” consisting of Templeton rye, strawberry brandy demerara, blood orange, and Angostura bitters.
Tanner's Treehouse
Next door to Pacific City (and attached to Paséa Hotel & Spa), Tanner’s Treehouse is not only known for its glistening ocean views, but for its bustling bar and innovative cocktail list. This chic rooftop bar has plenty of seating (we love the swinging chairs), and plenty of options when it comes to the craft cocktail selection — try the “Tanners Old Fashioned”!
Surf City Still Works
Huntington Beach’s very own distillery, Surf City Still Works, is the coolest new tasting room in town. Specializing in gin, vodka, and bourbon, this intimate tasting room is the ideal spot to learn about the distilling process, all the while enjoying one of the thoughtful and inspired cocktails. One sip of the “Pierside Pie” (bourbon, lemon, and apple cinnamon), and you’ll be easily convinced to purchase a bottle (or two) of the signature Pierside Bourbon!
