Where to Get Tipsy in Downtown Fullerton

tipsy where to get

in downtown fullerton Our five favorite buzz-worthy bars

Story by Wendy Chavez & Rivka Pruss Photo by Alyssa Almazan Design by Giselle Marquez

1. The Slidebar Rock-N-Roll Kitchen This is a go-to spot if your weekend isn’t complete without a concert. *Clink* your beer with friends on their wideopen patio while jamming out to live bands from punk rock to reggae. Former bartender Nicholas Baker says, “Slidebar brought a lot of those loves for music out of me that I’d actually never experienced.” There are two drink stands, by the main stage and in the back corner of the second room. You can go to town on their All-American menu with grub like their “World Famous Mac n’ Cheese”. Decked out with a red Cadillac previously owned by Travis Barker from Blink-182 plowing through the wall, Slidebar keeps the spirit of rock n’ roll alive in Downtown Fullerton.

Address: 122 E Commonwealth Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832 Entry Fee: $5 after 11:30 pm on Friday and Saturday

2. Bourbon Street

Named after New Orleans, this bar is just like the French Quarter.

“It’s always Mardi Gras here,” says bar owner Larry Houser. Bourbon Street has fun drinks like fish bowls and they offer 20 taps of Orange County craft beer, which you can drink in a tawdry plastic beer mug.

Get your selfie game on in the photo booth or dance your heart out to music spun by DJ’s from Thursday to Sunday. Come groove along to live jazz on Saturday evenings.

3. Matador Cantina

In this bar influenced by Mexican culture, you will feel like you walked right into a fiesta!

Shake your ass off to a mix of hiphop and reggaeton. If you have cash, use it. Matador’s bartenders seemed to take orders quicker this way.

Thursday is college night. You can get deals like the $4 Mexican lollipop shots, which are rimmed with Tajín or $6 Adios Motherfuckers, a strong drink like a Long Island Iced Tea except with an electric blue hue.

Address: 101 Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92832 Entry fee: Free on Thursdays (exception of a holiday event) Address: 111 N Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92832 Entry Fee: $5 on Thursdays after midnight, $15 on Friday and Saturday after 10 p.m.

4. Hopscotch Tavern

With low lighting and a slowerpaced atmosphere, having a conversation you can hear is rewarding. If whiskey is your spirit of choice, then you’re in for a treat with their selection of over 140 varieties.

Events Coordinator Nicole Robatian says their most popular drink is the Blue Collar: a beer with a shot of whiskey and a real tobacco cigar.

Or you can order the White Collar, which provides upgraded amenities with a top-shelf price.

5. 2J’s Lounge

This classic dive bar is your Fullerton spot to down dirt-cheap beer and jam to local bands.

During Monday Night Football, come cheer on your favorite football team and score a free bacon-wrapped hot dog with the purchase of beer donated from Dragon Dogs.

At 2J’s expect the unexpected. Bar manager Alex Alvarez even had an idea to start a 2J’s diary to keep track of the absurd anecdotes, bets, and dares he’s heard throughout the years.

Address: 136 E Commonwealth Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832 Entry Fee: Free all day, everyday Address: 120 W. Houston Ave. Fullerton, CA 92832 Entry Fee: Dive bar means no fee