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Best Places To Grab A Drink Near The OC Airport

drink alcohol cocktail liquor
(credit: David Silverman/Getty Images)

Need a place to unwind with a cocktail after battling fellow travelers in the baggage claim? Here's a list of five dining and drinking destinations perfect for taking the edge off before or after a long flight. These wonderful watering holes extend the list of bars provided in last November's Best Airport Bars In Orange County, offering even more options for chillaxing after traveling.

Nightlife & Music Happy Hour, Ten Asian Bistro
(credit: Ten Asian Bistro via Facebook)

Ten Asian Bistro
4647 MacArthur Blvd.
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 660-1010
www.tenoc.com

The Ten Asian Bistro is an Asian fusion and sushi bar serving up stellar food and drinks to refuel and relax, either prior to departure or after arriving at the airport. From 4pm to 7pm on Monday through Friday, the Ten's happy hour pairs small food servings with incredible cocktails in a hip, swanky lounge atmosphere. Travelers with a larger appetite can help themselves to the full-service sushi bar, where master chefs masterfully create edible art before your eyes. Relax before your flight with a couple of cocktails in a chic Asian ambiance, conveniently located within walking distance of the John Wayne Airport.

PERU-GASTRONOMY-MALABAR
(credit: Cris Bouroncle/Getty Images)

Aura Bar And Grill
18800 MacArthur Blvd.
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 833-9999
www.hilton.com

Just a 15-minute walk from the airport is one of Orange County's most elegant hotel lounge destinations. The Aura Bar and Grill, located within the Hilton Hotel in Irvine, offers thirsty visitors a signature smokey Manhattan, made with top-shelf bourbon, maple syrup and liquid smoke. Travelers wanting a drink that's a little more down to earth can grab a Pabst Blue Ribbon tall boy to take the edge off after a long flight. In addition to drinks, the Aura provides a breakfast buffet, as well as lunch and dinner menus with soups, salads, sandwiches and tasty entrees like its cider-brined half chicken plate.

Mojito
(photo credit: Thinkstock)

Mick's Karma Bar
2010 Main St.
Irvine, CA 92614
(949) 851-6316
www.mickskarmabar.com

For a refreshing drink of the herbal variety, visit Mick's Karma Bar. Conveniently located less than 10 minutes from the airport, Mick's offers a unique selection of uplifting teas, including a mojito iced tea and the Purple Palmer - lemonade blended with pomegranate, hibiscus and cranberry iced tea. In addition to these beneficial brews, Mick's serves burgers, fish tacos and tasty appetizers like the jalapeno and cilantro hummus served with pita bread. For a healthy, earth-conscious way to re-energize after a long flight or prepare for departure, Mick's Karma Bar is the best place around.

Related: Best Hotels In OC With Spas

United States Bartenders' Guild And Diageo World Class Present The U.S. World Class Finale
(credit: Anna Webber/Getty Images)

Hobie Sand Bar
Gate 12, Terminal B
18601 Airport Way
Santa Ana, CA 92707
(949) 252-6125 ext. 15
www.hobie.com

Once inside the airport, travelers can get a taste of the California lifestyle at the Hobie Sand Bar, a self-proclaimed “nice place to run aground.“ Surfboards and a relaxing beach atmosphere allow visitors to forget about dealing with security checks, baggage claims and delayed flights. Sip a beer and grab a bite while you kick back and soak in the surf memorabilia from one of Orange County's surfing legends – Hobie Alter – surfboard shaper extraordinaire. Grab a beer, margarita or bloody mary and fill up on its famous quesadilla barbacoa. You'll leave the airport with some truly good vibrations.

Related: Best Spots For A Night Out In Santa Ana

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

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