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Best Pubs In Orange County

O'Connell's Sports Pub & Grille 610 header
(credit: O'Connell's Sports Pub & Grille)

Orange County contains a plethora of pubs, but what exactly makes one watering hole stand out among the rest? In the OC, the best pubs offer relaxed, comfortable experiences with menus that go far beyond standard "pub food." A few even have a definite touch of the Irish in their food and attitudes. When it comes to beer and other libations, the more notable pubs have enough taps and bottle selections to keep Norm from "Cheers" occupied for a very, very long time. While spending time in Orange County, stop by one or more of the following locations.

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(credit: silkysullivans.com)

Silky Sullivan's
10201 Slater Ave.
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 963-2718
www.silkysullivans.com

Named in honor of Silky Sullivan, a thoroughbred horse known for making up lost ground, this Irish Pub is a popular Orange County destination. Established in 1984, their menu has starters like Cajun lamb chops and Irish pub crisps covered with cheese and scallions topped with corned beef or bacon. For something delightfully different, "Sullivan's Irish Sundae" is a baked potato filled with prime rib and mushrooms covered with melted cheese. With a full bar and Guinness on tap, Silky Sullivan's offers plenty of ways to wet your whistle, too.

Kelly's Korner Tavern
(credit: Kelly's Korner Tavern)

Kelly's Korner Tavern
907 E. Yorba Linda Blvd.
Placentia, CA 92870
(714) 961-9396
www.kellyskornertavern.com

To get a good sense of what Kelly's Korner Tavern is all about, just check out their main motto. Any Orange County pub that says closing time is "when it dies" is worth a visit. Regular patrons point to the comfortable atmosphere and good customer service as reasons to keep going back. With 37 taps to choose from, this also is a good place to try out a new IPA or a favorite beer or cider. One of these would go well with their notable "Yorba Linda Chicken Sandwich of Placentia." Good drinks, good eats and good people are three reasons to stop by for a cold one.

O'Connell's Sports Pub & Grille
(credit: O'Connell's Sports Pub & Grille)

O'Connell's Sports Pub & Grille
19047 Bushard Ave.
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
(714) 964-6741
www.hboconnells.com

Voted "Best Dive Bar 2010" and "Best Sports Bar 2012" by the OC Weekly, O'Connell's is a nice place to meet up with family, friends and co-workers. In addition to their regular food and drinks menu, this pub offers a robust breakfast special every Saturday and Sunday; the daily food specials are worth checking out as well. Sports fans can watch NFL, NHL and other sports and take advantage of the Saturday sports special from 1 to 5 p.m. Good food and drink coupled with a great staff keeps people coming back to O'Connell's.

Related: Best Sports Bars In Orange County

beers
(credit: Werner Heiber/shutterstock)

Playground DTSA
220 E. 4th St.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 560-4444
www.playgrounddtsa.com

In Orange County, Downtown Santa Ana (DTSA) has become the place to go for good food, drinks and entertainment. Within DTSA, the Playground definitely stands out. The chefs are extremely passionate about their food and the mixologists are devoted to creating the best cocktails ever poured. More than a gastropub, the Playground staff also cooks up their "Sunday Supper" using available ingredients and their own talents. You might come in for a drink and find yourself staying for the food and the excellent company.

Mutt lynches
(credit: Mutt Lynch's)

Mutt Lynch's
2300 W. Oceanfront
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 675-1556
www.muttlynchs.com

Claiming the title of Orange County's top dive bar, Mutt Lynch's puts the focus on fun. In Newport Beach, this pub is located "almost on the beach" and is known for their schooners full of beer and other libations. Mutt Lynch's definitely has a solid menu, but some patrons say that the breakfast offerings, especially their eggs Benedict, are their favorite dishes. With a robust beer list filled with ales, stouts, IPA's and lagers, Mutt Lynch's has something for everyone.

Related: Best Bars to Watch Premier League Soccer In Orange County

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Steven Bryan calls Irvine, California his home. A freelance writer for more than 20 years, he has interviewed a wide range of notable celebrities, including a variety of up-and-coming musicians and artists as well. Passionate about movies and comic books, he also makes an annual pilgrimage to the San Diego Comic-Con.
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