5 minute read
Toast the Nightlife
WHAT’S BETTER THAN A COCKTAIL BY THE SEA? ONLY HAVING A MYRIAD OF PLACES TO ENJOY THEM
WHETHER YOU ARE IN THE MOOD for a romantic oceanfront lounge in the heart of downtown or an out-of-the-way speakeasy, Surf City USA® has it all with countless breweries, distilleries, and wine bars to imbibe in style.
Speakeasy Peasy
400 Club
Situated in a Huntington Beach warehouse, 400 Club is a cozy take on a traditional cocktail bar. Its menu is a mix of seasonal cocktails and core drinks like barrel-aged Manhattans, crafting a unique experience for all guests. The bar is reservation only, which you can make through the website. Bottles of vodka, gin, and whiskey are also available for purchase. 18421 Gothard St., Huntington Beach, 714-584-7501, 400clubhb.com
Graceland Speakeasy
HQ Gastropub’s newest addition is a fully furnished hideaway with comfortable lounge seating, nostalgic music, custom craft cocktails, and gourmet cuisine. Located in the heart of downtown, Graceland features spectacular views of the ocean and Pier, and it is within walking distance to other restaurants, bars, and hotels. 155 5th St., Huntington Beach, 714-951-9215, hqgastropub.com
LSXO
This intimate 28-seat restaurant is hidden within another restaurant, Bluegold— behind an unmarked door adjacent to the wine room, guests are transported to District 5 (China Town) in Saigon. Recognized on the Michelin Guide California list, LSXO is a love letter to the culture, heritage, and lineage of Vietnam. 21016 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714-974-0083; dinebluegold.com/lsxo
The Whiskey Lounge
Tucked behind a discreet bookshelf inside Kai Modern Japanese Bistro, the exclusive lounge seats only 10 people at a time. Whether you’re in the mood for Japaneseinspired cocktails, sakes, wine, or beer, you won’t be at a loss for options. The space also doubles as a private, 18-course omakase-style dining experience; just call ahead for reservations. 21058 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 657-259-0010, kailounge.com
THE BEER SCENE
Beachwood Pizza & Beer
A nice addition to HB’s growing brewery population, Beachwood takes pride in creating rare and unique first-rate beers, and the beer menu is constantly being refreshed. 5205 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach, 657-301-2063, beachwoodbrewing.com
Green Cheek Beer Co.
The small, independent brewery in Sunset Beach is passionate about craft brews. There are so many signature IPA offerings to choose from—nearly 24 taps pour a rotating selection of beers, plus food is served in the tasting room. 16685 Pacific Coast Hwy., Sunset Beach, 562-2965435, greencheekbeer.com
Flashpoint Brewing Company
A return to classic brewing and timeless beers, Flashpoint’s mission is to produce delicious beer using only the best ingredients and serve customers with excellent service. With a spacious outside patio, the taproom is open seven days a week. 7302 Autopark Dr., Huntington Beach, 714-4652088, flashpointbrewingco.com
Four Sons Brewing
Founded in 2014, this brewery is truly a family-run business. With a laid back, welcoming vibe, everyone that visits will feel like family, including dogs. The brand has extended to nearby locales, featuring a taproom and hot chicken joint. 401 Main St., Huntington Beach; 7821 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, 714-902-1721; 18421 Gothard St., Huntington Beach, 714-584-7501, foursonsbrewing.com
Golden Road Brewing
Located in Peter’s Landing, the L.A.-based brewery showcases brews inspired by sunny California. Along with the core beers, its brewers are constantly experimenting with the freshest ingredients through a collection of rotating, seasonal, and limited-edition selections. Golden Road also has a full menu of food including burgers to go with gorgeous views overlooking Huntington Harbour. 16390 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 562-588-3880, goldenroad.la
Riip Beer Co.
From a small home operation in Sunset Beach to an awardwinning nano brewery, Riip Beer Co. continues to make waves—it won at the Great American Beer Festival and the San Diego International Beer Festival. You’ll want to stop in for its impressive selection of brews, including IPAs, DIPAs, Belgian saisons, American red ales, and more. You can also enjoy Riip Beer at its new pizzaria. 17214 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714-248-6710; 19171 Magnolia St., Huntington Beach, 714-660-7447, riip.beer
DON’T STOP WINING
Black Trumpet Bistro Tapas & Wine Bar
For a low-key night in an intimate, jazz-inspired atmosphere, this wine bar specializes in Mediterraneanstyle tapas from Spain, Greece, Morocco, Italy, and France. Full-size entrees include a Mediterranean-style fish stew and a pan-roasted duck breast. Remember to order the homemade sangria and desserts.
7041 Yorktown Ave., Huntington Beach, 714-842-1122, theblacktrumpetbistro.com
Brightwaters Wine Bar & Restaurant
Come for a glass of wine and you’ll end up finishing the whole bottle as you linger over a charcuterie plate or flatbread pizza. This charming downtown eatery provides a welcoming spot to uncork a bottle from an expansive wine list or sip a classic cocktail. Brightwaters also hosts special pop-up tastings and a monthly pub run. 180 5th St., Huntington Beach, 714-465-9803, brightwaterswinebar.com
Main Street Wine Company
As the only premier retail wine store and bar in the downtown district, one can relax with a glass of wine or flight, as well as take a couple of bottles home. Beer lovers can choose from five rotating taps or craft beer flights while doing some serious people-watching on the outdoor patio. 301 Main St., Huntington Beach, 714-969-7400, mainstreetwinecompany.com
STILL MIXING Surf City Still Works
Founded in 2017 by a small team of locals, the distillery has a clear purpose in mind: to bring craft distilling to Huntington Beach, celebrate the art of mixology, and support local artists. When visiting, you’ll find a tasting room flanked by an entire wall of aging whiskey barrels and a view of the distillery equipment. Enjoy a nice selection of spirits, canned cocktails, and seltzers while gazing at the artistry on the labels. Surf City Still Works also hosts private events, tours, and cocktail classes. 16561 Gemini Ln., Huntington Beach, 714-369-2348, surfcitystillworks.com
Lounge Around
Henry’s Coastal Cuisine
Keep it classy at Henry’s in The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel, where drinks are best savored out on the open-air patio with a stunning coastal view. Enjoy a high-end wine by the glass, bottle, or flight—or your favorite craft cocktail—paired with an elegant culinary dish; Henry’s also has cigars, kept fresh in a humidor, for puffing away on a nearby patio. 21100 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714-845-8000, waterfrontresort.com
Offshore 9
Located at The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel, Offshore 9 offers stunning panoramic views from Orange County’s highest coastal rooftop lounge. Enjoy a unique menu of small plates, hand-crafted specialty cocktails, and a selection of high-end wines and champagne by the glass. 21100 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714-845-8460, waterfrontresort.com
Pacific Hideaway
Located inside Kimpton Shorebreak Resort, the scenic restaurant serves up flavorful dishes inspired by surf cultures around the Pacific coastal region, along with a menu of inventive and creative cocktails. Enjoy live acoustic guitar on the terrace overlooking the beach every Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. 500 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach; 714-965-4448; pacifichideawayhb.com
Watertable
The signature restaurant at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa unites rustic and refined, appealing to guests’ evolving palates. The menu features innovative contemporary American fare paired with a distinguished selection of vintage world-class wines, artisanal cocktails, and local brews.
21500 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714-845-4776, watertablehb.com
Keep It Casual
Aloha Grill
A favorite for visitors and locals alike, Aloha Grill’s island menu includes pupus (Hawaiian appetizers), fresh fish, fantastic island-style sandwiches, and lots of Hawaiian specialties. Cool off with its world-famous rainbow frozen cocktail out on the second-story patio. 221 Main St., Huntington Beach, 714-916-0454, alohagrillhb.com
The Bungalow Huntington Beach
Drawing inspiration from the local, laid-back style of the California beach and surf culture, The Bungalow is the perfect place to grab a drink with friends while enjoying a majestic view of the ocean and nearby Pier. 21058 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714-374-0399, thebungalow.com
Captain Jack’s
Opened in 1965 in Sunset Beach, the legendary family-owned business is famous for its Alaskan king crab legs, prime rib, and seafood, paired with every possible cocktail. 16812 Pacific Coast Hwy., Sunset Beach, 562-592-2514, captainjackssunsetbeach.com
Cruisers Pizza Bar Grill
The go-to sports bar in downtown HB, Cruisers is known for handmade craft cocktails in huge schooners, ice-cold beers, traditional Chicago stuffed pizza, and more. Choose from a couple dozen big-screen TVs and three different viewing areas to watch your favorite sports teams, while sipping on delicious drinks and food. 210 5th St., Huntington Beach, 657-301-2200, cruiserspizzabargrill.com
Triple Crown Tavern
Nearby downtown HB, the tavern serves local craft beer and wine with delicious fresh food options including flatbreads, salads, and appetizers. All meats and cheeses are sliced in-house, dips and pesto are made fresh daily, and fresh ceviche is served on weekends. 714 Adams Ave., Huntington Beach, 714-465-9041, triplecrowntavern.com