What better way to unwind than Happy Hour? Here’s your local’s guide to the best specials and bites in Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, and Laguna Beach—whether you’re after oceanfront cocktails, family favorites, or hidden neighborhood gems.
Dana Point
French 75 Cocktail © Yelp
Salt Creek Grille
Address: 32802 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629
Happy Hours: Tues–Fri, 4–6 PM
- Since 1996
- From-scratch cooking
- Custom menu items
- Locally sourced ingredients
- Fresh, hand cut seafood
Pro Tip: Order the French 75 during happy hour—they’ll even adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Why I love it: The booths are extra comfy, and there’s often live jazz on Thursdays—perfect for relaxing.
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The Point
Address: 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629
Happy Hours: Tues–Fri, 4–6 PM
- Since 2014
- Inventive pub food
- Friendly, local vibe
- Sports on big screens
- Dog-friendly patio
Pro Tip: Arrive right at 4pm for the freshest draft selection and patio seating.
Why I love it: The casual, social energy makes it the spot to meet friends after work or catch a game.
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House Moscow Mule © Yelp
Craft House
Address: 34094 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629
Happy Hours: Mon–Tues, 4–9 PM; Wed–Thurs, 4–6 PM; Fri–Sat, 4–5 PM & 9–11 PM
- New American cuisine
- Craft cocktails at the bar
- Fresh seafood from Dana Point Harbor
- Established in 2016
Pro Tip: The happy hour oysters go fast—arrive early for the best selection!
Why I love it: The staff always greets you by name and remembers your usual order.
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Sangria & pomegranate Martini © Yelp
Brio Tuscany Grille
Address: 24050 Camino del Avion, Dana Point, CA 92629
Happy Hours: Mon–Fri, 4–6:30 PM
- Family-owned & operated
- Sophisticated cocktails
- Wide-ranging menu
- Quiet & lively atmosphere
- Established in 1994
Pro Tip: Try the house-made sangria during happy hour—it’s the owner’s family recipe!
Why I love it: The old-world charm makes you feel like you’re in a European village.
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Famous Bloody Mary Meal © Yelp
Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern
Address: 25001 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629
Happy Hours: Mon–Fri, 3–6 PM
- Indoor-outdoor atmosphere
- Traditional American fare with an artisanal twist
Pro Tip: Their famous Bloody Mary is practically a meal—add a slider on the side for the full experience.
Why I love it: The harbor view and laid-back setting make it a must for weekends or after the beach.
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Beer Taster, Dip Trio © Yelp
Station Craft
Address: 34150 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629
Happy Hours: Mon–Fri, 3–6 PM
- California cuisine
- Fresh beer
- Excellent service
Pro Tip: The Dip Trio is a must—pair it with a beer flight for the full experience.
Why I love it: The open-air vibe is perfect for a sunny OC afternoon with friends.
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50 International wines © Yelp
Whitestone Restaurant & Bar
Address: 34212 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629
Happy Hours: Tues–Fri & Sun, 4:30 PM – Close (Bar only)
- Handcrafted cocktails & wine list
- Contemporary cuisine
- Award-winning chef
- Founded in 2019
Pro Tip: Sit at the bar for special pours—ask for their wine pairing recommendations.
Why I love it: Their chef’s tasting menu always surprises and delights, plus the wine list is top-notch.
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Margarita with Pineapple and Chiles © Yelp
Coastal Kitchen
Address: 34195 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629
Happy Hours: Mon–Fri, 3–6 PM (holidays excluded)
- Friendly, comfortable atmosphere
- Established in 2016
- Original hobby surf shop
- Best Taco Tuesday
- The best Happy Hour in town
- Founded in 2020
Pro Tip: Try their Taco Tuesday specials—locals line up early!
Why I love it: Surf photos and relaxed crowd make you feel like you’re always on vacation.
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Stillwater Spirits & Sounds
Address: 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, CA 92629
Happy Hours: Mon–Fri, 3–6 PM
- Wood-fired pizza
- Locally sourced upscale meals
- Founded in 2013
- Syrups and infused liquors made in-house
Pro Tip: Check their event schedule for live music—Thursday nights get packed!
Why I love it: Best wood-fired pizza and the friendliest bartenders in town.
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Laguna Niguel
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The Original Patsy’s Irish Pub
Address: 28971 Golden Lantern St, Ste 108, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Happy Hours: Mon–Sun, 4–6 PM
- Established in 1984
- Known for Corned Beef Tacos
- South OC’s Best Irish Pub
Pro Tip: Come on Thursdays for live music and the best Guinness pour in OC.
Why I love it: Cozy, friendly, and always buzzing with regulars—a real community staple.
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Hendrix Restaurant and Bar
Address: 32431 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Happy Hours: Everyday & Weekend, 4–6 PM
- Owned & run by Sentinel Restaurant Group
- Outstanding wine dinners
- Established in 2017
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the rotisserie meats and happy hour wine flights.
Why I love it: Upscale but comfortable, and the patio is perfect for sunset drinks.
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Creme Brûlée, Coconut Cake, Tiramisu, Espresso Martini © Yelp
The Bistro K
Address: 30100 Town Center Dr, Ste M, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Happy Hours: Mon–Thurs, 4–6 PM
- Patio dining
- Live entertainment Fri–Sat
- Italian with a New World twist
- Catering available
Pro Tip: Save room for dessert—their tiramisu is legendary.
Why I love it: A local date night favorite with plenty of live music and charm.
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Mangia Bene Cucina
Address: 27281 La Paz Rd, Ste I, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Happy Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM–6 PM
- OC landmark for 20+ years
- Italian fare, desserts, burgers, pizza
- Catering, beers, wines, spirits
Pro Tip: Take advantage of the all-day happy hour—try the margherita pizza and a glass of wine.
Why I love it: Family-friendly, welcoming, and always generous with portions.
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Great Craft Beer Selection © Yelp
Knolls Restaurant
Address: 29971 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Happy Hours: Tues–Sat, 3–7 PM; Sun–Mon, All Day
- Best Pizza 2016–2017
- Casual American cuisine
- 16 craft beers, specialty cocktails
- Pasta, steaks, seafood
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the Happy Hour pizza specials—they’re a local secret!
Why I love it: The patio is dog-friendly, and there’s always something for everyone.
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Butterfly Pea Flower Ice Tea © Yelp
Rangeen Kitchen
Address: 28241 Crown Valley Pkwy, Ste G, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Happy Hours: Daily, 3–6 PM (dine-in only)
- Indian-Cali cuisine
- 10% off apps, 20% off drinks at HH
Pro Tip: Try the samosas and Butterfly Pea Tea for something truly unique.
Why I love it: Creative menu, healthy options, and wonderful owners who remember you.
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Bar © Yelp
Bricco
Address: 28083 Moulton Pkwy, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Happy Hours: Mon–Sun, 4–5:30 PM
- Beers on tap, wine bar, pizza
- Established in 2017
- HH: $1.5 Off beers, $2 Off wine
Pro Tip: Their margherita pizza and a glass of Chianti is a happy hour steal.
Why I love it: Upscale atmosphere, friendly staff, and great for a quick, casual bite.
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Salt Creek Wine Company
Address: 30100 Town Ctr Dr, B-2, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Happy Hours: Daily, 3–6 PM; Thurs, 3–Close
- Family-owned, casual setting
- Large wine selection
- Founded in 2003
Pro Tip: Thursday night tastings feature new bottles from California and beyond.
Why I love it: Friendly, welcoming owners and always a new wine to discover.
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WR Kitchen & Bar
Address: 28061 Greenfield Dr, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Happy Hours: Mon–Fri, 3–6 PM
- Best BBQ in SoCal
- Prize-winning BBQ, tacos, snacks
- Established in 1992
Pro Tip: The BBQ sliders are a happy hour staple—try them with the house sauce.
Why I love it: No-frills, family-friendly, and consistently delicious.
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Bar Area © Yelp
Board & Brew – Laguna Niguel North
Address: 27000 Alicia Pkwy, Ste B, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Happy Hours: Tues–Fri, 3–6 PM
- Genuine California lifestyle
- Founded in 2016
- Craft beer & signature sandwiches
- Relaxed beach setting
Pro Tip: Grab a classic Turkado and a local brew—they go fast at happy hour!
Why I love it: Laid-back, fast service, and a true OC beach town hangout.
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Laguna Beach
Cocktail Line-Up © Yelp
Oak Laguna Beach
Address: 1100 S Coast Hwy, Ste 202, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Happy Hours: Tues–Fri, 3–6 PM
- Live DJ
- Diverse cuisine
- Rustic modern ambiance
Pro Tip: Best spot for happy hour: the bar near the windows—ocean glimpses and great people watching.
Why I love it: A mix of locals and LA weekenders means there’s always good energy and conversation.
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Hibiscus Margarita © Yelp
Reunion Kitchen + Drink
Address: 610 N Coast Hwy, Ste 102, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Happy Hours: Weekdays, 4–6 PM
- Cocktail creations
- Contemporary comfort food
Pro Tip: Try the hibiscus margarita and split the meatloaf sliders—they’re huge!
Why I love it: Plenty of booths, easy parking, and fast, friendly service.
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Mango Sunburn © Yelp
The Cliff Restaurant
Address: 577 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Happy Hours: Mon–Fri, 3–6 PM
- Live music
- Oceanfront dining
Pro Tip: Grab a table on the outer patio for an unbeatable sunset view.
Why I love it: One of the best places in OC for live music with a salty breeze.
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Starfish Laguna Beach
Address: 30832 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Happy Hours: Daily, 3–6 PM (“Opium Hour”)
- 90-item menu
- Family-style service
- Asian fusion cuisine
Pro Tip: The lettuce wraps and coconut mojito are a happy hour favorite.
Why I love it: You can try something new every visit—the menu is massive and always creative.
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Mission Fig Margarita © Yelp
230 Forest Avenue
Address: 230 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Happy Hours: Mon–Fri, 2:30–5:30 PM
- Fresh seafood
- Established in 1995
Pro Tip: Their poke is a happy hour exclusive—get it with a fig margarita.
Why I love it: Historic, always lively, and great people-watching by the big windows.
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Hibiscus Margarita © Yelp
Coyote Grill
Address: 31621 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Happy Hours: Mon–Fri, 3–6 PM
- Delicious food, peaceful views
- “Best Margarita,” “Best Burrito”
- Featured on Rachel Ray’s “$40 a Day”
Pro Tip: Try a margarita at the outside bar, then walk across PCH to watch the sunset.
Why I love it: Super casual, affordable, and their breakfast burritos are legendary.
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Las Brisas
Address: 361 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Happy Hours: Mon–Fri, 3–6 PM
- Coastal views, elegant patio
- Traditional SoCal cuisine
- Chef-curated menu, top service
Pro Tip: Get there early for patio seating—sunset drinks here are a Laguna tradition.
Why I love it: One of the most photogenic spots in OC—great for celebrations.
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Yard Bar © Yelp
Lumberyard
Address: 384 Forest Ave, Ste 10, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Happy Hours: Mon–Fri, 3–5 PM
- Casual but modern vibe
- Wine & cocktails for pick-up
- Limited menu for delivery/pick-up
Pro Tip: Their happy hour bar bites are a great deal—try the truffle fries.
Why I love it: The woodsy décor and staff make it feel like home, even on a first visit.
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Steak and Lobster © Yelp
Mozambique
Address: 1740 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Happy Hours: Mon–Fri, 3–6 PM; Weekends 3–6 PM
- Inspired by South Africa
- Largest event-oriented restaurant in OC
- Steaks, seafood, peri-peri prawns
Pro Tip: Rooftop lounge is open for happy hour—ask for the peri-peri prawns.
Why I love it: The live music and global flavors make it totally unique in OC.
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