Every experienced traveler knows that happy hours are one of the best ways to explore as many restaurants and bars as possible without breaking the bank. Some of the best happy hours in Costa Mesa also happen to be at a few of the most impressive establishments of the city’s growing culinary scene. We’ve listed a few of our recommendations below, but make sure to check out our bar and restaurant pages for more!
SOCIAL
You can catch one of the more extensive happy hour menus in town at SOCIAL Costa Mesa, Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. Happy hour menu items include ceviche tostada, Thai chili wings, the Drive Thru Burger, a slew of specialty cocktails and $2 off draught beer and $6 glasses of house wine. Stop by on a Wednesday, though, and it’s happy hour all night. Tuesday may bring seafood lovers joy with $1 oysters starting at 5 p.m.
Silver Trumpet
Silver Trumpet, located just steps away from Segerstrom Center for the Arts in the Avenue of the Arts hotel, offers a happy hour menu with $6 wines, $1 off beers, $6 well drinks and a menu of select cocktails like the Fig Fashioned and Strawberry-Basil Smash. We suggest an appetizer like the bacon-wrapped medjool dates or the mesquite grilled flatbread to round out the experience.
The Wayfarer
Monday through Friday, The Wayfarer on Costa Mesa’s Westside offers 50% off of all food and $5 craft beer draft from 5 to 7 p.m. But they also host specials throughout the week like Americana Wednesdays (BBQ ribs for $10), Thirsty Thursdays ($2 sliders) and Spaghetti Saturdays (all you can eat spaghetti & meatballs). Make sure to check their website for updates and a calendar of live entertainment.
Boathouse Collective
Tuesday through Friday from 5 to 6:30 p.m., one of Costa Mesa’s hippest spots Boathouse Collective serves up happy hour bites and drinks in a laid back atmosphere. Expect $2 off draft beers, $6 well drinks and house wines, and $8 select signature cocktails and a small collection of menu items like the Boathouse Burger and chicken katsu. Make sure to check their online calendar for live music or events before you go.
The Country Club
You can stop by The Country Club for a classic cocktail during the week from 2 to 6 p.m. The kitchen starts serving light bites like crispy French fries, hangar steak tacos, flatbread, burgers and charcuterie at 3 p.m.
Fireside Tavern
Located in the Crowne Plaza Costa Mesa, Fireside Tavern offers American fare including a daily happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. Grab a burger, bar wings, tacos and other bites for discounted prices to match $8 signature cocktails and $5 wines and draft beers.
La Vida Cantina
La Vida Cantina at The Triangle entertainment complex offers a happy hour Monday through Friday, from 4 to 6:30. Happy hour food at the bar includes carnitas sliders, empanadas, borracho fries, queso fondido, tacos and more. On Thursdays through Saturdays, a late night happy hour comes back around from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Wild Goose Tavern
This neighborhood spot touts a motto of “elevated pub grub” (need proof? See FOODBEAST’s Chomping Grounds video). Wild Goose’s happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 2 to 7 p.m. with a menu including pulled pork fries, grilled cheese, a classic burger and more to compliment discounted drinks.
Seasons 52
Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m., you can catch $5 small plates like caramelized grilled sea scallops, lamb lollipops, or two glasses of wine with a flatbread for $15 at Seasons 52. Specialty cocktails like the Prairie Mule or Grapefruit Negroni are $7; select beers are $4; and select wines by the glass are $5.
Le Chateau Garden Bistro
Le Chateau Garden Bistro offers a Costa Mesa happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Enjoy draft beers from $3.50 (premium draft beers from $4), wine by the glass for $4 and $5 well drinks in the relaxing Ayres Hotel courtyard.
Karl Strauss
Karl Strauss is arguably one of the biggest driving forces behind the Southern California microbrewery craze that’s swept across Orange County. Their Costa Mesa location is a great spot for a no-fuss happy hour Monday through Friday, from 3 to 6 p.m. Grab $5 beers, bites and flights.
