From Romantic Dining Spots to Moody Speakeasies, These Orange County Restaurants and Bars are Worth Visiting This Fall
As soon as the temperature begins to drop (at least a few degrees) in SoCal, we’re ready to celebrate all things quintessentially comforting. Break out the sweaters and boots for a night out on the town because the crisp autumn air signaled alfresco dining to move indoors (or at least next to a heater). It’s time to get cozy and snuggle up at our eight favorite restaurants and bars in Orange County this season.
Lido Bottle Works
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Storefronts on Lido Marina Village celebrate the season with pumpkins galore! Find an autumnal oasis under the warm glow of string lights at Lido Bottle Works—fall vibes and waterfront dining make for the best of both worlds! Michelin-listed and one of Yelp’s “Top 100 Places to Eat in the US in 2022,” Lido Bottle Works now celebrates five years of culinary expertise with craft beers, wine and seasonal eats. Start with their signature Wipe Out cocktail, meddling flavors of fermented rum and pear for a fall elixir, and experience the autumn harvest at its peak with Chef Joel Gutierrez’s newly released seasonal menu. The tender short rib with creamy polenta and a rich demi glace is a must-try, and the honeynut squash panna cotta topped with candied walnuts is the perfect way to finish off the night.
Location: Newport Beach
A Restaurant
As you slip into a leather booth by the crackling fireplace at A Restaurant, you’ll be immersed in 20th-century sophisticated charm. Tones of warm wood and soft lamp lighting set the mood for a romantic November date night. From the cozy atmosphere to Chef Robert Gomez’s seasonally inspired menu, A Restaurant highlights the best of the season. For all the fall feels, start with a full-bodied wine from their curated selection of reds and a heartwarming bowl of wild foraged mushroom soup.
Location: Newport Beach
12/20
The Blind Rabbit
Anaheim’s first neighborhood speakeasy is where you want to be this fall! Inspired by the prohibition era, every nook and cranny of the low-lit bar is decked out with vintage decor. Find contemporary twists on comforting classics, such as the Earl to Ryes cocktail featuring Earl Grey Whiskey. Hungry? Go for the truffle-infused duck confit mac and cheese and thank us later. Oh, you’re probably wondering where to find this snug hideaway. Look for the sake barrel wall in the Anaheim packing district to go down the rabbit hole.
Local Insight: Reservations are required and are available two weeks in advance. Tables fill up quickly, so be sure to book!
Location: Anaheim
Mutt’s East Bluff
Looking for a place to bring the whole family? Mutt’s East Bluff in Newport Beach will help you feel right at home. This community-centered sports bar invites you in with craft beers and seats for the game. Nothing screams fall like football and beer! Let the good times roll in the friendly atmosphere finished with brick walls, a modern jukebox and a heated string-lit patio. Their infamous Pterodactyl Wings and made-to-order pizzas are great for sharing, but don’t miss out on their weekly specials like Trivia Tuesdays, football nights and weekend brunch!
Location: Newport Beach
12/24
Louie’s by the Bay
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Autumn always brings the most colorful sunsets, so grab a waterfront table at Louie’s by the Bay in Newport Beach as day turns to night. Honoring the owner’s longtime friend and World War II vet who inspired the film “Unbroken,” Louie’s by the Bay creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere for connecting with friends. Cheers to old times with glasses of wine and well drinks before diving into hot plates of authentic Italian pasta and steaks so tender you can cut them with a butter knife.
Location: Newport Beach
The Drake
The blue velvet booths and art deco details at The Drake in Laguna Beach pay tribute to its 1920s New York City namesake. The black exterior and stylish piano bar create a classy and intimate vibe for you to dine and relax. Sip and sway to live jazz or R&B with nightly music performances providing captivating entertainment that pairs perfectly with the chef’s modern American cuisine. Open with a Savage Manhattan before herb-crusted Alaskan halibut takes the stage; for the final act, finish the night with an affogato.
Location: Laguna Beach
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Ruin Bar
Located in The LAB Anti-Mall, Ruin Bar is perfect for after-dinner drinks! Enter through whimsical ivy walls and cottage shutters to access the piano-lined bar, where mixologists invent potion-like cocktails. The quaint and quirky decor includes countless cat-themed items and memorabilia collected from around the world. Try the bartender’s favorite cocktail, My Scherry—sweet and sour with Buffalo Trace bourbon, Peat Monster scotch, sour black cherry and lemon.
Location: Costa Mesa
CdM Restaurant
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Celebrate new seasons in the upscale atmosphere of CdM Restaurant. Blue hues and cozy velvet booths create a sense of calm as soon as you walk in. Kickoff the night at the marble bar with a blood orange sour branded by the iconic CdM logo floating atop the drink’s frothy foam. Fall is all about comfort food, and Chef Elvis Morales puts his own spin on heartwarming classics. Order the Dirty Pasta with duck, sage and creamy ricotta; we promise you won’t regret it!
Local Insight: For after-dinner drinks, look to the right of the main entrance to find Corona del Mar’s exclusive 1940s-style speakeasy, Under CdM.
Location: Corona del Mar
