The Most Delicious Lounges in Santa Ana

Oga's Cantina

★★★☆☆ 3.1 • $$

"You're in Disneyland, looking for a Cocktail before 5PM...no problem my dear Yelp Review Reader head on over to theStar Wars Galaxy's Edge area where similar to on the Planet Batuu you'll recognize Oga's lookin at bit like the Mos Eisley Cantina (original Star Wars film). Although R-3X (Droid) is in the DJ's booth ...Oga Garra (Owner/Bartender) isn't present. You'll be mesmerized by the authentic feel/look of the establishment....as the Star Wars "eye-candy" themed atmosphere surrounds you. We had reservations and I would recommend them...standing outside forever in a long queue of Nerf Herders, Bounty Hunters, Smugglers, Rogues and unsavory Riffraff just isn't worth it...ya never know what could happen.It is said that there is a 45 minute time limit, but to be honest....I felt no "push" by Staff to enforce this time limit on our party. We were ushered to the bar itself...and claimed our spot right at the very center of the Bar's U Shaped Apex. (Nice spot) Ordering was easy after scanning the circular Menu. Alyce (Bartender) was nice enough to explain everything we needed to know and had knowledge of the Drinks being served, we thank her for her galactic customer service. Our order consisted of several Cocktails: a Takodana Quencher (5/5 - mighty "green", but yummy), a Yub Nub (4/5 - love the rum and citrus, looked like orange juice), a Fuzzy Tauntaun (5/5 - yellow, yummy and the "foam head" might surprise you), an Outer Rim (3/5 - least favorite at the table) and an order of the Garlic-Cheese Five Blossom Bread (5/5 - this was just plain YUMMY, if ya like that sorta thing). Terrific stuff , but then a restroom " break" was needed. Come to find out from the Cantina Staff...no restroom "in the house" , ya gotta go outside brother! What? Isn't a restroom required if you have indoor "seating" and for the price I'm payin! Evidently not on Batuu!Alrighty then...that cost ya the 5th Star. All in all though...on this occasion, in this Yelper's opinion, Oga's Cantina is a local Disneyland "Watering Hole" that comes "highly recommended" for a visit and this 4 Star review."

Magdalena Kitchen & Bar

★★★★☆ 3.6 (42)

"It is a very cute and trendy restaurant. It is the perfect spot for work meeting or just getting together with friends. It is a nice spot for your first date, anniversary and wedding. Their drinks are strong. I like the whiskey and you can have it smoke. Their bartender is nice and I like to sit closer to the bar. The food portions are huge their clam chowder is a must try. I also like their steak the lobster. The strawberry salads is fruity and delicious. Don't forget to try their house made dessert. Parking is free in the parking structure. I highly recommended this spot for a night out."

Nara Bistro Mediterranean Cuisine & Hookah

★★★★☆ 3.9 (384) • $$

"Nice place, the outdoor area and bathroom are aesthetically pleasing. The service was good and I enjoyed sitting by their fire pits under heat lamps as well. I stayed warm throughout my hookah session with my best friend. The down side is they have these paper thin cushions to sit on their marble seating and after thirty minutes, it becomes uncomfortable to sit there. We wound up gathering a few cushions of stack on top of each other just to relieve the pain. I hope they buy new cushions for their outdoor patio. The hookah flavor was picked by the worker because we couldn't make up our mind and it was good. I will probably return again if I'm in the area."

i Tango Restaurant & Lounge

★★★☆☆ 3.1 (59) • $$

"Pretty good brunch food for a hidden cafe in side a hotel.The inside layout are spacious unlike other in the area. The servers here work with care and polite, handsome...Now we start to talk about the food. It been a long time since I have eat a full flavor, well seasoning canh bún ( not with the whole MSG bag in it), the broth was cook with love & savory, that normally with others restaurant I always asking for extra fermented shrimp sauce bc it was tasteless. In my pictures below you can see the topping inside that bowl are generous, specially the Vietnamese ongchoy that i usually paid extra for it, the riêu was soft well blended, not overly strong fishy taste and no hard lump shell in it. And did i mention about how big of the piece is.."

Treehouse on PCH

★★★★☆ 3.9 (184) • $$$

"This Entire hotel is absolutely Beautiful from top to bottom and phenomenal customer from pulling up to Valet to all departments you are warmly welcomed & greeted & acknowledge by far such exceptional customer service & hospitality. We came here to enjoy the roof top bar/ restaurant/ lounge area upstairs . They do have lunch & happy hour specials along with music on Fri & Sat from 7pm-midnight . I honestly wanted to check out the view .. but since it was Xmas themed it was covered in an igloo due to weather conditions. It was just decorated so festive with holiday decor & they had fake snow and there were so many great area you can hang out with plush cushioned couches with pillows & warm blankets & fire place . Overall the servers were pleasant & food was great ... and the atmosphere was mixed crowd from different age groups very hipster / casual . I would definitely like to come back again when the seasons change . But I'd highly recommend this hotel with all its excellent amenities. Definitely worth the visit to dine in and chill & grab a drink and appetizers or staying in to relax or whatever you are comfortable with definitely hands down the best experience no matter the caliber . Yes , to valet your vehicle it makes it so much easier and they will validate your ticket ."

Streamliner Lounge

★★★★☆ 4.2 (144) • $$

"Don't let my 3-star rating mislead you--Streamliner Lounge isn't bad. However, nothing really wowed me, and I wouldn't choose to come here on my own.My colleagues and I arrived around 6 PM on a Friday. There were about 20 of us, and we were seated within 10 minutes, which was impressive for a large group. We ordered all the appetizers, and I managed to try all but one. Although I didn't catch our server's name, she was sweet and clearly did her best to accommodate us, along with her other tables.Spicy Fried Cauliflower: 4/5Probably my favorite of the bunch. Light, airy, and flavorful, with a surprising crispness that held up even after sitting out.Mini Street Tacos (pork): 2.5/5Pretty dry. The flavor wasn't really there, but they were passable.Slider Duo: 2.5/5These were your typical sliders--nothing to write home about. The fries, however, were pretty good and had a great crisp.Sriracha BBQ Wings: 4/5Good flavor! They were almost too salty for me, but I still enjoyed them.Buffalo Wings: 4/5A classic buffalo wing. They might not be the best you've ever had, but they'll satisfy your craving.Overall, if you're looking for a "traditional" American dining experience, Streamliner Lounge could be a good choice. My preference leans more towards ethnic foods, which might explain why I wasn't overly impressed. But if traditional American fare is your thing, you'll likely enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere, live music, and (decent) food."

Club 616

★★★★☆ 4.4 (119) • $$

"Came here to celebrate November birthdays with some coworkers. Super cool to have visited an establishment that has been "serving Santa Ana since 1928".We arrived around 9p, so there wasn't a line outside. The security staff were friendly and welcoming (humbled to still get carded...LOL!). I could only imagine how cool this place must have looked like back in 1928, so fast forward to 2024, the interior was very inviting, dimly lit, with plenty of table and booths inside. There is a spacious patio outside with a DJ playing good music, taco guys serving up some delicious grinds, and a talented local artist doing her thing!The drinks were refreshing and overflowing! Awesome seeing a diverse crowd in there with the common denominator being a great time! Would definitely come back here again!CHEERS till next time!"

949 Grill Lounge

★★★★★ 4.6 (16)

"WOW! Hands down the best Chinese restaurant in the area. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! Would even rate it 15 out of 10.I've ordered the Beef & Pork Belly Skewers, Egg Fried Rice, Pork Short Rib Noodle Soup, and Small Glutinous Rice Balls from here and EVERY single dish here far exceeded every expectation I've had. I've been struggling to find good authentic Chinese food in the area that meet my standards, but this restaurant completely hit the nail on the head. Everything tastes exactly like all the amazing Chinese dishes I had growing up and reminds me so much of home! Not to mention the portion sizes and prices are very good.My heart and stomach are always full after eating from here. Will be supporting this restaurant over and over again!"

VIEW Restaurant & Lounge

★★★★☆ 4.1 (57)

"We are back w friends of mine this time to celebrate my anniversary and Christmas. I told my friends about the breakfast quality and flavors when we experienced the foods in February for my B day.There are lots of people waiting for the tables during holiday season. Busy busy everywhere outdoor pool area, the VIEW restaurant, and Edge bar.I planned to have dinner just husband and I on Sunday. The menu is quite simple. Not much selections for the dinner but I liked croquettes w gruyère as an appetizer, then chose rigatoni bolonaise for the entrée.It took lots of time to have our first appetizer. I was starving to the death after swimming. Not many chefs are working at night????Sooooo slow!But the croquettes were so tasty, crunchy, full of potatoes w gruyère cheese. Loved!For the rigatoni, obviously took a long time....I asked the staff when can I have our rigatoni bolonaise.Wow!!! So slow!!!However, rigatoni was well cooked, flavorful, well balanced w brocollinis.That was our dinner experience on Sunday.Next morning we planned to have breakfast together at 10:15. Waiting for the party of 4. I noticed immediately the breakfast menu was updated. I wanted the same Denver Omelette but not anymore on the menu, replaced w omelette Lorraine.For me, I am ok to take other omelettes as long as the omelette w ham, bacon, cheese, and some veggies including tomatoes.My friends and my hubby had the same 2 eggs, sausages, wheat breads w regular coffee.They all said so fresh and good.Thank God!! They liked the breakfast at the VIEW. I recommended this restaurant so many times.To be honest, last time I had wheat breads in my omelette plate. And French marmalade and Fraise (raspberry) confitures were on the table.I couldn't find any preserves on the table this time. No where.... nothing.I asked the server, can I get the French preserves like orange marmalade many times.Wow!!!I can't think about the Tartine without the butter and preserve in the morning. So weird!!Overall, the foods were good but I wanted to have the same Denver Omelette, wheat breads w orange marmalade.I know the menu is always changed, updated by season, but almost same ingredients to cook the omelette. I have no idea....only one option for the omelette. Why???I didn't ask for the wheat breads but should come together w omelette thou.When I recommend some restaurants, I was so happy about the foods, services, then I wanted to come again to try my fave foods.Hopefully the menu will be added Denver Omelette w breads, of course, French or English preserves too."

Mi Vida Loca Bar and Lounge

★★★★☆ 4.1 (57)

"Always a fun time! Love the vibe and the music. Drinks are always great tasting too.Bartenders are always friendly and security guards are always looking out! My go to place for a fun time!"

Grappa Lounge

★★★★☆ 3.6 (12) • $$

"We we're looking for a nice place to drink after a long convention.Our hotel (Marriott)was packed and after making the mistake of going to the Palm tree cafe (another review) We find this little gem!This is a very laid back bar with a great bartender and drinks that were strong. We were amazed at the buffalo wings. One of the best I've had in Socal!!! We will be back soon!"

The Rooftop Lounge

★★★★☆ 3.7 • $$

"I've been coming here for years with friends, family, bfs and parents. The food is always great and the drinks even better... I'm not much of a drinker either. It would be really cool if they had mocktails but the cocktails are on par. Basically anywhere you sit they'll have a nice view for you. But if you want to sit next to the glass call ahead and make a reservation. Service is quick but they use a service elevator to bring your food up from the kitchen so I can see how it could take a while if they are busy. Definitely worth it though."

Kababji Grill

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (7)

"Best Lebanese food I've had in California. It makes me feel like I'm back in Lebanon. They need to just work on a better serving system. They seem overwhelmed. I love that you guys are always busy. It's still new so they need to figure out a system that works for them. Just advice for management. I want to see kababji thrive because the food is incredible and the ambiance is great but If you are not staff no should go behind the counter especially kids. Make it a little more professional you guys will be the most successful restaurant."

Haus Lounge

★★★★★ 4.8 (68)

"The taste and atmosphere are wonderful, and I appreciate the staff's kindness. The seafood nurungji soup is rich in flavor, featuring shrimp, flower crab, and mussels. I crave it again today!"

JOEY Newport Beach

★★★★★ 4.6 • $$$

"My friend and I had the most wonderful dining experience here! Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by the hostess with a bright smile and a glass of complimentary champagne while we waited for our table. The restaurant was beautifully adorned with bouquets of fresh flowers, really elegant!We ordered the following to share: sake glazed fish, sushi taco, and chicken lettuce wraps. The food presentation, quality, and taste were superb. I highly recommend this restaurant!"

Club 33

★★★★★ 4.5 • $$$$

"THE. MOST. AMAZING. EXPERIENCE.This is literally a once in a lifetime opportunity and i absolutely refused to let a visit to the very prestige Club 33 pass me up!! Shout out to the member who made reservations and allowed us access to all of this magical-ness!! Dinner reservations were set for 8pm and do plan accordingly, making sure to arrive on time. Our party of 3 heard through the grapevine that arriving a bit early would be okay in order to get in a few photos and soak in all the enchantment but that was not the case for our visit. Doesn't hurt to try, just no guarantees. Our hostess of the night was Amber- so sweet, so friendly, and so very genuine. She was the first glimpse of what Club 33 is all about!! The dining area is quite small in size but offers a balcony view overlooking the Rivers Of America [in Frontierland]. Menus are prix fixed, currently priced @ $175 per person, pre tax & pre tip. Here, you will receive Le Grand Salon's 4 course dinner. Menu offerings periodically change. Alastair assisted in our dinner service. This gentleman was amazing from start to finish, giving impeccable service throughout the meal. Being that it was our entire party's first visit, he happily shed some light on some very cool facts/details. Food:Between our party of 3, it just so happened to work out where we each chose completely different items. That resulted in an assortment of food pictures- YOU'RE WELCOME. Appetizers:-sautéed diver scallops-roasted chicken red bell pepper envelopes-salad of green apples, pecans, American cheddar fritters. The most enjoyed was 100% the scallops- cooked well, flavors married nicely. 2nd Course:-hand crafted dungeness crab ravioli-sage pappardelle pasta -braised wagyu beef cheek risottoBest dish was the braised wagyu- beef so tender it melted in your mouth. Risotto was fantastic.Entree:-sustainable fish of the day [alaskan wild caught sea bass] -grilled free range veal chop-duo of ribeye [pan roasted & braised]The sea bass was my highlight which says a whole lot given the fact that I am not a huge fan any kind of fish aside from sushi. Fish tasted clean, dish was not heavy, and the tomato broth it sat in was delish. Finale:-fig streusel tart-nostalgic chocolate silk meringue pie-diligently selected cheese My top pick for dessert was the the assorted cheese. No lie, it was un-BRIE-lievable!!! I only wished I wasn't already so full from the meal before.5/5 Stars!!!! No wonder Club 33 is considered one OC's coveted & top picks when it comes to 5 star restaurants. The entire club runs seamlessly & flawlessly. Staff is prompt, upbeat, and extremely patient. This visit to Club 33 has exceeded all of my expectations & made for such a memorable girls trip!!! Abiding all of the many mandatory rules was 100% worth the experience."

Port Restaurant & Bar

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (481) • $$

"Found this hidden gem with the most amazing gnocchi!! Absolutely delicious with sautéed spinach, mushrooms and sun dried tomatoes. The creamy sauce was nothing like I've ever tasted. There's a cool bar on one side and a place to sit and eat. They also had live music which was someone singing a wild variety of old and newer classic good music. His voice was amazing! It was such an enjoyable night to have a delicious meal and entertainment. I'll definitely be returning"

BXCR Underground

★★★★☆ 4.3 (222) • $$

"This is the small little bar we found you can barely see it but the door was open and they had these old cases used as tables to set drinks on loved it. Kind of a dark small cute inviting little bar. The bartenders were super sweet, it was also kind of busy for a Wednesday night which was kind of cool! I definitely want to come back, I had the espresso martini and my friends got the Big Lebowski drink which was also very good. The espresso martini was amazing I loved it! I really enjoyed our girls night, was nice to get out and enjoy some drinks and just be out enjoying the evening since I never go out. I hope to come back here again and I would highly recommend coming here for a drink and maybe some food! Loved it! Have a beautiful day :)Aloha"

Rise Rooftop Lounge

★★★★☆ 4.1 (351) • $$$

"Rise Rooftop Bar is a must-visit! The views are absolutely stunning, giving you a great view of Disney. You can see the fireworks and world of color show. The ambiance strikes a great balance between lively and relaxed, with stylish decor and cozy seating.The cocktails are top-notch!The service was excellent, too! The staff was friendly, attentive, and happy to offer recommendations, which made the experience even better.If you're looking for a spot with great drinks, good vibes, and breathtaking views, Rise Rooftop Bar should be at the top of your list. I'll definitely be back!"

Pour Company

★★★★☆ 4.3 (594) • $$

"Great place to meet up with friends for dinner. There are 2 entrances. They allow dogs in their outdoor section.Parking is a little meh because it's street parking in a busy part of Downtown Fullerton, but you'll find something eventually.Food was pretty good overall and their menu has a lot of variety to it. Service was super friendly, especially with our dog!"

Mesa

★★★★☆ 3.7 • $$

"My friend took me here for my birthday and wow, it was very nice good vibes. they came out with sparklers. Singing me. Happy birthday, so cool. The food was delicious The steak was out of this world. They have a lounge area with couches& a back area if you want to smoke, which I don't, but I wanted fresh air, just a little too smoky out there, so I had to go back inside, other than that everything was top-notch, there's service and the atmosphere was off the chain. And I don't even want to talk about the DJ he was playing all party jams, just a nice variety the place is a touch pricey, but which place isn't pricey nowadays, but because the quality was so amazing. I really didn't mind paying. I can't wait to go back"

CIR Lounge

★★★★☆ 4.4 (329) • $$$

"Cute spot for cocktails. Very cute interior design. I tried:1. Old fashion 2. Haruka - Suntory Roku gin, cucumber, lime, mint3. Steak tataki 4. Baked cheese"

Westwood Coast

★★★★☆ 3.7 (104)

"My coworkers and I have been planning a night out of country line dancing for quite some time and then, it finally happened! This place was recommended by a friend of a friend. This was my first time here but ironically, I pass this place three nights a week on my way to work. Located in Triangle Square, you won't find issues with free parking either in the structure or across the street.You enter through the double doors directly below the amazingly huge American flag. The interior is warmly lit at night but open and airy nonetheless. We arrived a little after 8pm on a Thursday evening, so we ordered food and drinks while awaiting the dining area to be converted to the dance floor. Order up:1. Duck Wings, which were quite tender, prepared Korean style with gochujang, topped with sesame seeds, and garnished with fresh herbs. 2. Western Burger, with wagyu beef which my coworker enjoyed just as much. 3. Drop the Beet was our drink of choice, which was refreshing. All in all, we enjoyed our food and drinks even though their prices were comparable to those on the Las Vegas Strip...LOL! By the time we finished eating, it was perfect timing to burn off some calories and dance! Cheers and happy eating till next time!"

Parkestry Rooftop Bar

★★★★☆ 3.5 (244) • $$$

"Had an amazing time at the Parkestry bar! It is located at the JW Marriott which is next to the Anaheim Gardenwalk. TIP: park at the Gardenwalk and walk over to the hotel, you can enter the hotel from the Gardenwalk and you will save some $ on parking. There is a dedicated elevator right to the bar. Staff is super friendly, we were helped by an amazing server named Rogelio, he was awesome. One thing to remember that this is near Disney and you are on a rooftop, so the drinks are a bit more expensive, but remember you don't have to drink alcohol! They have a happy hour deal where the food is 20% off and they discount the drinks, so check ahead for that. Food wise we really enjoyed the slider burgers, they were delicious. The pork nachos were massive and feed a few people as well. I noticed on their website that they have a kids menu, I am not sure I would bring my younger kids here (definitely a bar/lounge atmosphere) but the view alone is worth it (looking forward to coming back during the fireworks show). If you arent drinking you can get in and out and not spend a large amount.Thanks!"

Pelican Grill

★★★★☆ 3.9 • $$$

"I recently had the pleasure of dining at Pelican Hills Grill in Newport Beach, and once again it was an exceptional experience from start to finish! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm smiles and a welcoming atmosphere. The interior is beautifully designed, with elegant decor that creates a cozy yet sophisticated ambiance. The view of the coastline from the outside dining area is absolutely stunning, making it the perfect spot for a memorable meal.The menu offers a fantastic variety of dishes, and everything we ordered was beyond delicious. We started with half a dozen of the raw Oysters and Crab Cake, both were fresh and flavorful. For the main course, I had their wood fire baked Pizza, which was very yummy. The BF had the Risotto which was packed with flavors. It was slightly undercooked but our server, Fletcher, was quick to make things right by offering to bring us a new one. The presentation of each dish was impeccable.The service from Fletcher was outstanding. He was attentive, knowledgeable, and made excellent recommendations. The staff went above and beyond to ensure we had a wonderful dining experience, and it really showed.Overall, Pelican Hills Grill is a true gem in Newport Beach. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a great meal with a view, this place is a must-visit. I can't wait to return!#PelicanHillsGrill #NewportBeach #DiningWithAView #DeliciousEats"

Citrus Fresh Grill

★★★★☆ 3.6 (165) • $$

"Sam, our bartender, was awesome! We had the Margarita flatbread that he recommended, and it was very good. Light, thin crust with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar on top. My margarita was one of the best I've had! We also got the Cinco de Mayo special (crispy chicken tacos). They were delish but contained very little chicken. I actually opened mine up to see if it had chicken in it. All in all, a fun spot for weekend drinks and apps... enjoyed the live music as well!"

The Continental Room

★★★★☆ 3.5 (575) • $$

"I remember coming to this place years ago and it was a cool vibe. Red velvet casual music. Good drinks. Not so much anymore. It reminded me of a bar in TJ . Loud music. Disco lights and not loungy at all anymore. Sad. Service was fast and with a smile."

Shanghai'd Room

★★★★☆ 4.1 (257) • $

"Damn this place is dope AF!!! Been here a few times and wow impressed with the professionalism of staff and the decor and quality drinks. Everyday is a party at this place. It starts with the owners Dave and Jen. Got to meet them since they celebrate a lot of events here. HB family who lives in town and cares greatly about this business. The bartenders... Wow they are fantastic! Sam - Jameson fangirl who's amazing at concoctions ask her to make you one next time. Meow- the lady who sings, and can lay down and control any crazy times with a smile. Stephanie- sweetest lady you'll meet. Liz - down to earth and keeps it real. Karaoke no better place in OC. 7 days a week!Everyone who's anyone goes here!"

Detention 2.0

★★★★☆ 4.3 • $$$

"Went here for a girls night and i absolutely adored the ambiance and vibe of this place. The bartenders are extremely knowledgeable and skilled in their craft. The staff were so welcoming and friendly, i felt like i was visiting my friend's home. We had 5 different cocktails and i was blown away by each one!! Each drink is crafted with passion and perfection. Their cocktails are amazing, but don't sleep on their delicious food. We devoured the guac/ceviche and the rack of lamb. The unique twists and out of the box foods are definitely worth trying! Such a wonderful and fun experience, definitely can't wait to go back."

Juke Joint Bar

★★★★☆ 3.7 (252) • $

"Juke Joint Bar is sure to hit the spot. I had an amazing time here. Drinks were on point. They had a wonderful selection of beer. Bartenders were pretty attentive and they sure don't skimp on the booze. What stood out the most to me were the arcade games and billiards in the back of the bar. I think the pool games were a $1 each which is pretty cheap by today's standards. We probably spent a couple hours playing. There might be a line though. The dive bar vibe is definitely there though. A little gritty, a little quirky, but it adds to the charm. Definitely on the recommend list to hang out with friends."

Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge

★★★★☆ 4 (369) • $$$

"I met AR for an early, Wednesday evening dinner at the Sendero Marketplace, but we hadn't yet decided where to eat. We were limited to the nicer, sit-down restaurants, skipping over the casual spots like Jersey Mike's and In-N-Out. The two upscale options were Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge and Morena's Mexican Cuisine, both on the pricier side ($$$). Scarlet Kitchen, however, boasts a great Happy Hour, with a new "Reverse Happy Hour" every Friday from 8:30-9:30 PM. (AR mentioned it's usually packed here on Fridays. My guess is the evening Happy Hour.)Last time at the marketplace, AR & I dined at Morena's, where we had a fantastic evening of great food and service. So naturally, I assumed we'd be returning there. But AR surprised me with a curveball: she suggested trying Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge instead. Being the adventurous foodie I am, I was all in!We were greeted warmly by two hostesses and offered a choice of indoor or outdoor seating. The evening was cool, and outdoor dining seemed perfect, especially when the hostess brought out cozy throw blankets for us. AR quickly bundled up, and we chose a table away from another family dining outside, sitting side by side. It was a nice evening.Soon after, our waiter Nathan appeared with waters and an impressive spread of menus: Happy Hour menu, regular dinner menu, "Winesday" specials, and another drink menu - at least four or five menus in total.The menu is a creative fusion of American classics with a sophisticated twist. The variety of dishes showcase the chef's creativity and attention to detail. Decisions, decisions... With so many tempting Happy Hour choices, AR and I were both hungry, and everything looked amazing. After some deliberation, we finally placed our order but kept a few menus on hand - just in case we wanted to add more to our meal!Our order:Heart of Scarlet ($10) Happy Hour drink menuGluten free organic vodka, pomegranate juice, hibiscus, limeChefs Old Spirit ($11) Happy Hour drink menuBourbon, spiced apple syrup, cardamon bitters, dehydrated apple & cinnamon stick (Seasonal cocktail)Rueban Tacos ($17) Happy Hour menuSlow cooked pulled pork, sauerkraut, irish white cheddar, romaine, scarlet sauce, choice of corn or flour tortillaMediterranean Shrimp Risotto ($31.50) Standard menu; split orderWild jumbo shrimp, spicy white wine tomato sauce, portuguese linguica, parmesan risotto, parsleyChocolate Souflee ($12) Dessert menuRich chocolate cake, vanilla bean ice cream, fresh berriesGrand total: $88 (+tip)*See uploaded photosThe drinks were well-made. AR enjoyed her floral, Heart of Scarlet, describing it as both tasty and strong. I opted for the Chef's Old Spirit, a seasonal cocktail. It had good flavor but was a bit sweet for my taste (though the Spiked Apple Cider looked tempting as another fall option). The Reuben Tacos were a hit with both of us - great, smoky flavor and nice portions. AR & I also split the Mediterranean Shrimp Risotto. Our server, Nathan, kindly offered to have the dish split in the kitchen and brought out on two separate plates, to which we eagerly agreed. It saved us from the hassle of dividing it at the table - always a good thing for me, as I tend to make a mess. Truth. The risotto was creamy & delicious! I'm not sure if I've ever had risotto before, though I've certainly seen Chef Ramsey yelling about it on TV. AR was in the mood for it, and I'm always up for trying something new! I was pleasantly surprised to find linguica, a flavorful Portuguese sausage, in the dish. (Linguica is a staple in Hawaii, usually served for breakfast alongside eggs.)As we sipped our drinks, AR and I browsed the dessert menu and decided to split the Chocolate Soufflé - a perfect end to the meal.Overall, it was a fantastic dinner date with exceptional service. However, be prepared for a slightly higher price point, but for the level of service, atmosphere, and food, it's well worth it. (In all fairness, it seems the average lunch/dinner for two runs around $100 nowadays.) Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a night out, Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge is a fantastic choice in Mission Viejo. The staff was friendly, attentive and accommodating, frequently stopping by the table to check on the food, refill water glasses, and clear away empty plates.Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge in Mission Viejo is a hidden gem that balances modern flair with comfort. The ambiance strikes a perfect blend of cozy and upscale, with warm lighting and chic décor that set the stage for a great time. AR and I are already planning our return visit. She's eyeing the Lobster Mac & Cheese, while I'm keeping it simple--I just want to try a little bit of everything, especially the Eggs Benedict on their Sunday Brunch menu.Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a night out, Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge is a great choice!- Big Aloha!Food: 4Ambiance: 4Service: 5Value: 3+ (Good Happy Hour menu)"

The Vintage Cocktail Lounge

★★★★★ 4.5 (140) • $

"Friendly service and fun karaoke. A very neighborhood kind of bar.I will come back and so should you"

Broken Spell Lounge

★★★★★ 4.7 (21)

"Great little hidden gem inside the Disneyland Hotel! Happy to have another place to relax after a long day in the parks!"

Bar 1030

★★★★★ 4.5 (19)

"I really enjoyed the fries and the strong drinks exclamation the only thing is that it's more like a lounge, than a place to sit with a table. It's not really party oriented just a 2 person type of thing to do."

Kitsch Bar

★★★★☆ 3.9 (636) • $$

"Found this place on Yelp because it was one block from my hotel. I walk in and they have happy hour til 8 and karaoke too! Where do you get a bottle of beer for $4 in OC?! On top of that an amazing bartender named Britney who also sang great. A very cool small dive bar."