Travel Costa Mesa Blog
March Madness in Costa Mesa
From big games to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations there’s a lot to drink to in March. Costa Mesa is home to several unique bars that are great for a night out or a weekend brunch. Whether you want to watch the big game or enjoy happy hour with friends, you’ll find something perfect for you.
The Hall: Global Eatery
Although the food hall from Top Chef finalist Amar Santana and Ahmed Labbate has been the talk of Orange County, the bar is also making news. Beverage director Michael Rooney’s cocktails and wine selection takes inspiration from The Hall’s global concept. You’ll find everything from Japanese whiskey to Mediterranean wine, but we recommend trying one of his signature cocktails. Bonus: the bar now serves happy hour Monday – Thursday from 3pm – 5pm and 8pm – close, Friday – Saturday from 3pm – 5pm and 9pm – close and all day Sunday.
Playa Mesa
Last year, OC Weekly named the margaritas at Playa Mesa the best in Orange County. They weren’t kidding. There are 9 margaritas to choose from, but we recommend trying the Margarita A La Casa, the Spicy Cucumber Margarita or, our favorite, the Sandia Margarita with watermelon and strawberry. Their homemade chips and salsa are a must too. The bar is a great spot to watch a game or catch up with friends. They also serve brunch on the weekends from 9am – 2pm.
The Country Club
Step into The Country Club and you’ll feel like you’re in a mid-century, private club. Think Don Draper sipping an Old Fashioned at the bar. They offer seasonal cocktails, along with staples like the Ladybird, the Ron Burgandy and, of course, the Costa Mesa Old Fashioned. Bourbon fans have to try the Smoking Jacket, with bacon washed bourbon, maple syrup, pecan tincture and chocolate bitters. The showstopper is the smoking gun that gives the drink its name, along with their logo stamped on an ice cube. Don’t miss out on the hangar steak tacos while you’re there. The Country Club turns into a dance club at night and weekends include their boozy brunch.
Ruin Bar
The eclectic decor and location inside The LAB give Ruin Bar its kitschy feel. Enjoy craft cocktails like DunGINS and Dragons, Chiquita Banana or Lego My Ego. Have fun counting the number of cat objects or play the piano that’s built into the bar.
Hennessey’s Tavern
Spend St. Patrick’s Day at this popular Irish pub. Hennessey’s Tavern just opened their newest location in Costa Mesa. Cocktails include a signature Bloody Mary and Irish coffee. They offer a selection of mocktails as well. Their menu includes Irish classics like corned beef and hash, Shepherd’s pie, and fish and chips. You can also enjoy a number of California-inspired dishes such as their Cobb salad and Baja fish tacos.
Whatever you’re celebrating this March, enjoy the shopping, dining and activities that Costa Mesa has to offer with a weekend getaway.
Comments Off on March Madness in Costa Mesa
Your Guide to Costa Mesa Nightlife
Want to experience the best of Costa Mesa’s nightlife while you’re here? You’ll have plenty of opportunity! From one of the country’s best dive bars to electronic dance music venues and everything in between, Costa Mesa has a nightlife scene for just about any traveler.
Bars for Live Music
The Wayfarer brings some of the best local bands to the stage on Costa Mesa’s Westside. The venue offers up a laid-back bar vibe, with a full kitchen and bar making it the perfect place for a happy hour bite followed by a show.
On the Eastside of the city, The Country Club is an upscale bar and restaurant with a dedicated stage and dance space. Live music begins in the evening during the week and during brunch hours on Saturdays and Sundays. And if you’re feeling thirsty in the afternoon, daily happy hour starts at 2 p.m.!
Keys on Main at The Triangle offers an entirely different experience as one of Orange County’s most popular dueling piano bars. It’s the perfect place to grab a beer with friends or celebrate a party and enjoy a constantly changing, impressive show.
For jazz, head to Barley Forge Brewing Co. on Thursday evenings for a casual evening of jazz, brews and food in the brewery’s tasting room on the Costa Mesa Beer Trail.
Bars and Lounges for Dancing
If your goal is to dance the night away, there are plenty of venues in Costa Mesa that offer live DJs weekly. At The Triangle, Time nightclub offers a spectacular light show in a 13,000 square-foot space, in the look and feel of a Vegas club. Enjoy celebrity DJs, bottle service, and definitely come dressed to impress. Mansion OC is another spot in the trendy SoBeCa district, including a pool table and outdoor lounge along with live hip-hop Saturdays. On a smaller scale, Casa, Commissary Lounge and Mesa all bring in live DJs to create the perfect night out atmosphere.
Laid Back Vibes
If you’re looking for a neighborhood bar kind of feel, try any tasting room on the Costa Mesa Beer Trail, Ruin Bar at The LAB, The Harp Inn or Goathill Tavern. Goathill is famous for its more than 100 beers on tap and its dive bar atmosphere, complete with peanut shells crunching underfoot.
Upscale and Modern
If your drink of choice is a martini, you might lean a little more on the upscale side of Costa Mesa’s nightlife. Silver Trumpet, Mastro’s and Water Grill are all perfect options for a subdued ambiance to relax with a date or friends while enjoying a perfect craft cocktail or high-end wine.
LGBTQ Friendly
This summer will bring a second LBGTQ-specific nightlife destination, Strut, to Costa Mesa Westside. Strut aims to be a completely inclusive playground for all while paying homage to one of America’s most colorful eras, the ‘80s. In the meantime, there’s always Tin Lizzie, Orange County’s premier gay bar with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
What’s your favorite spot for Costa Mesa nightlife?
Comments Off on Your Guide to Costa Mesa Nightlife
Posted in Misc
