1. La Vida Cantina
1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa; 949-612-2349; lavidacantina.com
If you want to get a feel for the Mexican Riviera, without the visas and vaccines, that is, then La Vida Cantina is a go-to choice.
“It’s a special atmosphere to be outdoors and soaking up the sun,” says Alex Petrosian, who bought the bar in 2020 and has transformed it to give it an authentic Mexican ambiance. “It’s so much better when you’re outside.”
Located at the incongruously named Triangle Square, La Vida has a large festive outdoor bar with five fire pits and several oversized palapas.
“The atmosphere is high energy,” Petrosian said.
Bringing it all together is a wide array of fresh fruit margaritas, which Petrosian says the Cantnia is known for.
Some of the flavor combinations were first concocted by bartenders at La Vida, and are made from scratch. Among the offerings, pineapple jalapeño and blackberry jalapeño, blueberry basil and watermelon mint. Blended margaritas include blood orange, cactus fruit, tamarindo, pineapple pomegranate, mango and strawberry.
La Vida’s also has a selection of specialty drinks made with fine tequilas. The namesake La Vida is made with Herradura Double Barrel Select Reposado tequila, Contreau Noir, triple sec and sweet and sour.
Other specialty tequila drinks are made with passion fruit, elderflower, guava puree and agave nectar.
La Vida also has a full menu, serving dinner with appetizers, soups, salads and entrees such as fajitas, carne asada and carnitas.
2. Macallans Public House
330 W. Birch St., Brea; 714-332-0006; macallanspubbrea.com
Describing itself as “Ready for all of life’s celebrations,” Macallans Public House certainly covers a wide swath from comfort Irish food and drink to high-end dinner-drink pairing events, such as a five-course meal offering of Mexican foods with seven kinds of tequila.
For those into more of the “bar” experience, there are more than 25 craft cocktails, including a dealer’s choice in which you name a spirit and let the bartender come up with a special drink, also a Big Baller top-shelf drink menu. There are 16 draft beers and wine varietals.
The more than 400 selections of whiskey is unmatched, including flights highlighted by a “Bucket List” of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon, Luis XIII cognac, and 30-year-old Macallan and Highland Park 30.
There is also an extensive menu of comfort foods, a brunch menu and a dog-friendly patio. Oh, and there’s a private-membership speakeasy for sipping and smoking through a “secret” door.
3. Surf Dog’s Sports Grill
5932 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach; 714-846-5700; surfdogshb.com
Owner Joe Syak has created a bar that blends a laid-back atmosphere with fun and good times.
“We’re known for being family-friendly and loyal. We have a lot of regulars,” said manager Amber Jean Garvey. “It’s very happy and relaxed.”
Natasha had been a regular customer for years, bringing her kids to live shows and just to hang out. She liked it so much, she became an employee at the bar.
There is live music most Friday and Saturday nights, as well as 17 screens including a 150-incher for big games and UFC bouts.
As for the bar itself, it features a nice variety, with a dozen drafts, 23 bottled beers, cans and ciders. There are 14 wines to choose from with craft and top-shelf cocktails, including a half dozen Hollywood-themed mixed drinks.
The is also a full menu featuring appetizers, entrees and the “best pizza and wings,” according to Garvey.
