Watch CBS News

Best Craft Beer Happy Hours In OC

tustin brewery 610 header
(credit: tustinbrewery.com)

Happy hour is one of those things that seems to have no downside. You finish a day at work, then you go to your favorite place where drinks and food are on special for a few hours. It's the definition of a win-win situation. If you're on the hunt for a great happy hour with great craft beers, try these places.

tustin brewing company bottling
(credit: Tustin Brewing Company)

Tustin Brewing Company
13011 Newport Ave.
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 665-2337
www.tustinbrewery.com

Tustin Brewing Company is one of those places that you return to repeatedly - and with good reason. You'll find some of the craft beers brewed on site as well as a good collection of craft beers from other breweries. An impressive selection of beers is always available on tap. In addition, the happy hour is from 3 until 6 p.m. every weekday and features great deals on food. A lot of the bar favorites like nachos are available - all for less than $7 - but the short-rib tacos might be the best item on the happy hour menu.

Hopscotch1 bar restaurant
(credit: Alan De Herrera)

HopScotch Tavern
136 E. Commonwealth Ave.
Fullerton, CA 92832
(714) 871-2222
www.hopscotchtavern.com

HopScotch is a place that believes in featuring craft beers, and doesn't apologize for it. In fact, this place has something called The Crap Tap for those who like fizzy yellow beers. The thing is, the person behind the bar probably can't even tell you with any accuracy what beer is on The Crap Tap. Happy hour here is from 3 until 6 p.m. every weekday, and is actually called Social Hour. All of the craft beers on tap are reduced by $2. There are also specials for food, including a bacon grilled cheese and the delicious crispy pig ears.

Craft Beer
(credit: Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/GettyImages)

Wild Goose Tavern
436 E 17th St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949) 722-9453
www.goosebar.com

At Wild Goose, you'll find some amazing menu items for $6 or less. Happy hour is from 2 until 6 p.m. every weekday, and during that time you can get menu items like fries topped with barbecued pulled pork or a bratwurst, and still have plenty of money left for beverages. The price of all craft beers are reduced by a dollar every day during happy hour, which is truly a bargain here.

Related:  Best Craft Beers In OC

beer craft
(credit: Shutterstock)

Harlow's Fine Cuisine & Cocktails
31111 Rancho Viejo Road
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 240-8100
www.harlowscuisine.com

With a terrific selection of craft beers, all of which are $5 during happy hour, Harlow's is a great place to stop by for happy hour. The $5 beer during happy hour is a great deal because you could drink your fill for less than $20. However, make sure you save some room for food too. Among the menu items you'll find on the happy hour menu are short-rib flatbread and bacon-wrapped dates. Happy hour at Harlow's is from 3 until 7 p.m. (drink specials begin at 3 p.m., food specials begin at 4 p.m.) every weekday and Saturday from 4 until 7 p.m.

BRU GRILL Beer
(credit: Humberto P./Yelp)

BRU Grill
23730 El Toro Road
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 305-5757
www.brugrill.com

BRU Grill always has a great selection of craft beers with styles that span the beer spectrum. During happy hour, all of those craft beers on tap are $1 less than the regular price. In addition, you'll find some amazing menu items on special including a variety of flatbreads and bacon-jalapeno tater tots. Happy hour is every day here: 2 until 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 2 until 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Happy hour every day is reason enough to visit this place.

Related: Best Gastropubs In OC

Gary Schwind is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.