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Best Beach Bars In Orange County

Sandy's restaurant bar huntington beach
(credit: Sandy's)

If a bar is good, then a bar on the beach is even better. After all, you can enjoy two of the great things in life: a nice adult beverage and an amazing view of the ocean. That's basically like having a vacation without leaving the country. Try these places for great food, great cocktails and views that will make all your non-California friends jealous.

the-deck-at-pacific-edge-hotel-photo-visit-laguna-beach
(credit: Visit Laguna Beach)

The Deck On Laguna Beach
627 Sleepy Hollow Lane 
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-6700
www.deckonlaguna.com

Lots of bars in Orange County have a great location. But it's hard to imagine that any have a better location than The Deck. In addition to a stunning view, The Deck also has great food and cocktails. The food ranges from delicious poke to the house burger. Among the specialty cocktails, you'll find a Kentucky Sun-Ryes. This is a cocktail that is surprisingly refreshing for a whiskey drink. This is a great spot for a casual date night.

sandy's huntington beach
(credit: Veronica C./Yelp)

Sandy's Beach Grill
315 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 374-7273
www.sandyshb.com

It's tough to beat Sandy's for location right on the sand on Huntington Beach. Sandy's is also pretty tough to beat as a place to enjoy happy hour. Every Monday from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., you can enjoy discounts on Sandy's burgers, fish tacos and more. You'll also find good drink specials. That being said, anytime is a good time to enjoy some drinks and good food here. Sunset is a particularly enjoyable time to make your visit.

The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove
(credit: The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove)

The Beachcomber
15 Crystal Cove
Newport Coast, CA 92657
(949) 376-6900
www.thebeachcombercafe.com

The Beachcomber is a great place to enjoy a meal and the amazing view the place affords. One of the great things about this place is that you can start your day with breakfast if you like. You'll find everything you want on the breakfast menu, from healthy options like oatmeal to egg dishes and pancakes. For dinner, you'll find lots of great seafood options. Of course, if you go there for dinner at the right time, you'll be able to catch an amazing sunset from The Beachcomber.

Related: Best Bars With Tropical Drinks In OC

Mutt lynches
(credit: Mutt Lynch's)

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

If you think there's nothing quite like a beach party, then Mutt Lynch's is the place for you. Mutt Lynch's is right by Newport Pier and the atmosphere is always like an indoor beach party. If that's not good enough, it opens at 7am which means you can get some breakfast, including their great breakfast burritos. Or, you can get some hair of the dog if that's what you need. Known for big drinks, it only helps contribute to the party atmosphere.

driftwood kitchen
(credit: Ben C./Yelp)

Driftwood Kitchen
619 Sleepy Hollow Lane
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 715-7700
driftwoodkitchen.com

Laguna Beach's Driftwood Kitchen is a charming beachside restaurant with walls covered with dark wood paneling that compliments its great drinks and food. When you go here, you'll have a great view of the ocean whether you sit at the bar or on the covered patio, which is perfect for watching the sunset. Driftwood opens for breakfast at 9 a.m. every day, and you can enjoy your breakfast favorites like French toast crusted with granola and topped with irresistible maple butter. Great cocktails are available all day — including a couple variations on the Moscow Mule. Come here for a great breakfast, lunch or dinner, and a great cocktail or two.

Related: Best Mixologist Bars In OC 

Gary Schwind is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
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