The Best Orange County Bars

S H
In the huge area of Orange County, there are many places one could choose to kick back and have a drink (or a few). However, depending on what it is you're looking for, some are better than others - here are a select few of the very best.

ESPN Zone

1500 S. Disneyland Dr.
Anaheim

Open Monday - Thursday 11am-11am, Friday 11am-12am, Saturday 9am-12am, Sunday 9am-11pm

ESPN Zone is part sports bar and part arcade, coming together in a massive fun area with adults in mind. TV screens fill up every empty spot (including the bathroom stalls!) and broadcast just about every sport you've ever known - but THE screen to be in front of is the huge 16-footer in the screening room.

Drink prices are a bit high, but they are made wonderfully and pretty strong. The menu is small, but the food is tasty! The staff is made up of friendly, helpful people.

Though the focus for this funzone is on adults, it's also very family-friendly - the arcade is a great place to bring the kids.

Save some money by buying a $20 game card to get at additional $5 bonus.

Website

Goat Hill Tavern

1830 Newport Blvd.
Costa Mesa

Open Monday - Friday 12pm-2am Saturday - Sunday 11am-2am

The best thing about the Goat Hill Tavern is its selection of foreign and domestic beers on tap - around 140 of them in all! Enjoy discounts on the domestic beers during the daily Happy Hour from 12-7pm. A very limited food selection is also offered, mostly snacks like popcorn and pretzels, but you are allowed to bring your own food if you wish. Prices are also very cheap.

The weekends here get pretty busy, so if you're not up for crowds, it's best to come during the week. Pool tables, foosball and shuffleboard provide nice entertainment in this laid-back atmosphere.

Service is nice and efficient - bartenders don't like to talk much, but they are very professional.

The Gaslamp Restaurant and Bar

6521 E. Pacific Coast Hwy
Long Beach

Open daily 5:30pm-1am

Something is always going on at this fun establishment - whether you come for the yummy, expensive dinner, the fine drinks and dancing, or specialty nights (everything from Karaoke Night to weekly wine tastings and live music take place here) there is surely something for anyone to enjoy.

It's the people who create a very kick-back atmosphere at the Gaslamp, which is a great place to go out on a date or just hang out with friends. Great music compliments the ambiance. The staff provides friendly and excellent service, with bartenders who know what they're doing.

One of the best things is there there is no cover charge - ever!

Website

Danny K's Billiards and Sports

1096 N. Main St.
Orange

Open Monday - Thursday 11am-1am; Friday - Saturday 11am-2am; Sunday 9:30am-1am

This huge sports bar has four big-screen TVs (including the 13-foot projection TV) and 30 others, all displaying all kinds of sporting events - even pay-per-view boxing. The full bar provides great drinks at low prices and a menu full of Italian and Mexican cuisine. 22 professional-grade pool tables, along with shuffleboard, darts, foosball and arcade games, ensure that there is always something to do.

The staff is very friendly and attentive, even when things get very busy.

Website

Oasis

12745 Garden Grove Blvd.
Garden Grove

Open daily 6am-2am

Upon first site of the Oasis, one may have doubts about ever entering - the outside looks pretty shady and uninhabited, but take a chance of looking in and your thoughts will change. Professional pool tables and dart games galore, the patrons of this establishment are in for a fine time. A full bar is amidst it all, and the atmosphere that is created here is a warm and inviting one. If you're up for more of a crowd, come on Friday or Saturday when local bands take to the stage and the dance floor gets going.

Website

Published by S H

I have always loved to write and finally decided to venture into freelancing. Aside from writing, I love to read, take photographs, and listen to music.  View profile

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