Take Your Drinking and Dining Experiences to New Heights
There is nothing, and we mean nothing, greater than a happy hour above sea levelāan aerial aperitif if you will. The air up there is just crisper, and so are the cocktails. And while we might not be rooftop-rich down here in Orange County, what we lack in quantity, we make up for in quality. From treehouse bars to ocean-view hideaways, these 18 sky-high rooftops in Orange County will have you feeling like youāre on cloud nine.
JolieĀ
Jolie is the rooftop star of Pacific City in Huntington Beach, and yes, she understood the assignment. Channeling serious French Riviera energy, this chic coastal hideaway blends ocean views with sultry ambiance, complete with scalloped umbrellas, breezy linens, and golden hour lighting that feels like a filter IRL. The menu is trĆØs magnifique, featuring lobster pasta, steak frites, and market-fresh seafood like whole branzino grilled to perfection. Cocktails? Think French 75s with flair and rosĆ© that flows. With live DJs and weekend vibes that stretch into the night, Jolie is part rooftop lounge, part beachside soirĆ©e, and 100% main character energy.
Location: Huntington Beach
RISE Rooftop Lounge
Sometimes, you just need to stop and embrace the little things in lifeālike the POV from RISE Rooftop Lounge, Anaheim’s fashionable sky-high social club. Post-sunset reservations are the house specialty, offering guests a birdās eye view of Disneylandās nightly fireworks display from the top floor of The Westin Anaheim Resort. Donāt be fooled, though, as the food is equally stunning! Buttery whites pair perfectly with shareable plates, like grilled sourdough, loaded hummus and their oysters Rockefeller dozen. Fill in the gaps of your social calendar with their Weekly Specials, from Wine and Cheese Wednesdays to Sushi and Sake Sundays.Ā
Location: Anaheim
RH Rooftop Restaurant
If your ideal rooftop involves chandeliers, manicured olive trees, and cloud-like couches, RH Rooftop Restaurant in Newport Beach is your elevated escape. Located above the Restoration Hardware gallery at Fashion Island, this ultra-chic rooftop feels like stepping into a design magazine. Thereās no ocean view, but you wonāt miss it; every detail is curated for comfort and style, from the marble tables to the perfectly plated burrata. The menu is classic and polished: truffle fries, lobster rolls, and shaved vegetable salads all make an appearance. We recommend coming for lunch, lingering into the afternoon, and ordering a Bellini for the full effect.
AhbAĀ
Sheās cute, sheās tasty and sheās now taking reservations in Costa Mesa! If you havenāt seen the countless reels of OC locals Instagramming their dinner at AhbA, try the famous smash burgers for yourself at their new location at The CAMP. Reminiscent of the ā70s era, the restaurantās trendy backyard-style patio has become the go-to WFH spot to answer emails over a matcha latte. Visiting after work hours? The Sweeeeet Papas and Ahba Spritz are probably what youāre searching for. Oh, and the pink staircase? That would be your entrance to the rooftop speakeasy perched above the cozy cottage. Cheers!
Locations: Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach
Treehouse on PCH
Situated at the beautiful PasĆ©a Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach is the newly renovated Treehouse on PCH. Itās giving āLion Kingā vibes, and we are here for itāhakuna tequila. Speaking of, their margaritas always hit the spot. Feeling sober-curious? Their mocktails are also pretty magical, like the Green Room, which features Ritual alternative tequila, lemon, honey, cucumber and elderflower tonic. Pair any of your drinks with their birria fries, tempura fish tacos and tuna poke, and youāll be good to go. Soak in the ocean views and that dreamy California breeze as you cozy up in one of the cabanas or by the fire pit. This is also an excellent spot for a little pregame before popping over to The Bungalow next door.
Location: Huntington Beach
Skyloft
From the same people who brought iconic restaurants like Mozambique and Rumari to Laguna Beach comes Skyloft. Located just steps from Main Beach, Skyloft is a modern fusion of American cuisine set in an upscale, vibey setting. We recommend heading up to the third level to catch an incredible OC sunset, then popping down to the second floor for some live music, which takes place Wednesday through Sunday. Hot tip: Every Tuesday at Skyloft, diners can enjoy 50% off BBQ plates and BBQ sandwiches all day long!
Location: Laguna Beach
Topside
Topside might be one of the trendiest rooftops in Orange County. Touted as Newport Beachās only rooftop bar, this hotspot located atop the Lido House hotel attracts a swanky and cool crowd and gives way to sweeping views of the Balboa Peninsula. They have a strict dress code of no tank tops or board shorts and encourage reservations to ensure they can seat your party. Only open Tuesday through Sunday, Topside is known for its snacks and sips like the signature Topside Margarita, which is garnished with a seasonal popsicle, their crispy Petaluma chicken skewers or the trio of dips: avocado spread, hummus and baba ghanoush. Other cocktails we love are the Devil to Pay, the Lady Guava and the Celery Sunset.
Location: Newport Beach
Top of the V
Talk about feeling on top of the world! Bringing a little bit of Spain to the California coastline, 12th-floor views, an exhibition kitchen and elevated tapas is what awaits diners at this Orange County rooftop. Top of the Vās menu is a vacation in itself, guiding guests on a culinary journey from Galicia to Andalusia. Small plate pintxos like the Toy Box Squash will prep your taste buds for main evening events, like the European sea bass and Galician beef striploin. Of course, itās kind of a given to order at least one variety from their charcuterie of cheesesāwill it be manchego, tronchon or cabrales?
Location: Anaheim
Edge Rooftop Bar
Perched at the top of VEA Newport Beach, Edge Rooftop Bar brings coastal luxury with a twist of modern cool. This rooftop stunner delivers panoramic views of the Pacific, sleek cabanas, and fire features that light up the night. Itās an after-dark destination for locals in the know and hotel guests looking to level up their staycation. The cocktail menu leans Mediterranean with a coastal California accent, featuring cucumber-mint spritzes, smoked Old Fashioneds, and shareable plates that pack a flavor punch. Live DJs bring the vibe on weekends, while weekday sunsets feel more intimate and mood-lit. Ocean views, luxe seating, and a golden-hour crowd? Edge is the moment.
Location: Newport Beach
Orange Hill
Orange Hill isnāt new, but this mountaintop favorite still reigns supreme when it comes to rooftop views in inland OC. Sitting high above the city, it boasts sweeping panoramas from Anaheim to Catalina, especially jaw-dropping at dusk. While we canāt compliment the indoor dining room enough, the outdoor patio is where the magic happens. String lights, crackling fire pits, and a menu filled with prime steaks and fresh seafood turn dinner into a whole scene. Sunday brunch here is iconic, with carving stations and bottomless mimosas. Whether youāre toasting a birthday or just elevating date night, Orange Hill is as timeless as it is stunning.
Mozambique
Mozambique is a Laguna Beach institution that has been serving up South African specials for nearly two decades. With happy hour every day and sweeping views of Pearl Beach, this multi-level spot sets the scene for date night. They serve up surf and turf with flairāthink seafood ceviche, prosciutto-wrapped scallops, and signature steaks with dreamy sides. Head upstairs to Ivanās House, their new live music venue, for good vibes and even better acoustics. And on Mondays? Locals and industry insiders score 25% off the full menu all day long. Fun fact: Mozambique also has a specialized Halal menu that highlights its Middle Eastern offerings.
Location: Laguna Beach
Hive & Honey
Hive & Honey, situated right down the road from the Irvine Spectrum, is all the buzz with their delicious drinks and shareable bites. Dragon wings? Delish. Sliders and skewers? Sign us up. Poke? Perfection! And their sweet treats are all absolute musts. Cinnamon rolls, churro bites and The Mallowāoh my! Donāt even get us started on the signature cocktails. The Spectrum Sunset is on theme for the rooftop setting, and the Classic Literature will have you feeling extra sophisticated. They have live DJs Friday through Sunday and a rotating lineup of events and entertainment. Not to mention, the sunset views from this rooftop in Orange County are pretty iconic.
Location: Irvine
Rooftop Lounge
Rooftop Lounge is the OG poke spot. They did poke before poke was cool, and we have to give credit where credit is due here. This Laguna Beach rooftop is a locally loved institution and sports one of the best ocean views in Orange County. Sure, youāve probably been there for a sunset sip, but have you ever experienced their weekend brunch? Everything comes with a side of salty air, and the food is simply *chef’s kiss*. Canāt get to the Amalfi Coast this summer? No worriesājust order the Rooftop Hugo Spritz and youāll feel like youāre prancing around Positano. We also love the Oaxacan Old Fashioned and, of course, the poke.
Location: Laguna Beach
180blu
This oceanfront gem clings to the cliffs of Dana Point, delivering exactly what the name promises: a 180-degree coastal view that makes jaws drop and phones come out. 180blu at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel is an upscale yet relaxed venue. Picture cozy couches, flickering fire features, and small bites that beg to be shared. The food skews fresh and coastal, featuring grilled octopus, tuna tartare, and market oysters that pair perfectly with their crisp cocktail lineup. Come during golden hour and youāll get ocean breezes, acoustic tunes, and maybe even a dolphin sighting. Itās effortlessly romantic, endlessly scenic, and your dream Instagram backdrop come to life.
The Blue Beet
The Blue Beet is an OG on the Newport Beach bar scene, and its rooftop Sunset Patio is your go-to for unfussy fun with a salty breeze. The building dates back to 1912, giving it a gritty charm you wonāt find anywhere else in town. Upstairs, youāll find a relaxed rooftop with string lights, picnic tables, and ocean peeks just steps from the pier. Thereās live music almost every nightāblues, rock, reggaeāyou name it. Pair that with a killer burger, some fish tacos, and an ice-cold beer, and youāve got yourself a laid-back coastal hangout that doesnāt try too hard. Thatās the point.
Longboard Rooftop Lounge
Tucked above Dana Pointās harbor inside the Wind & Sea Restaurant, Longboard Rooftop Lounge is the kind of place you discover once and immediately add to your summer rotation. The views are postcard-worthy. Picture sailboats bobbing in the marina, golden light bouncing off the Pacific, and pelicans gliding by like extras in a surf movie. The vibe is casual cool with island nods. Try poke nachos, coconut shrimp, and strong tiki drinks poured in colorful glassware. Youāll find locals posted up for sunset, visitors in flip-flops, and even the occasional live band adding to the laid-back energy. Donāt forget your sunnies, this oneās a scorcher.
The FIFTH Rooftop Restaurant & Bar
Anaheim is so much more than just Disney and Ducks. Tinkerbell doesnāt have anything on the magic going down at The Fifth. They host events like DJ nights and themed days featuring special cocktails like Tiki Tuesday and Whiskey Wednesdays. We recommend going for happy hour, which is from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, to catch the sunset (and the loaded tots). Donāt sleep on the ahi poke tacos either. Oh, and you can see the Disney fireworks from up there, which is a way better vantage point than cramming yourself in with the masses at the theme park. When people ask us if this is our favorite rooftop bar in town, we plead The Fifth.
Location: Anaheim
Parkestry Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Parkestry Rooftop Bar & Lounge is the tallest rooftop bar in Anaheim, and its roots are planted in health and wellness. Channeling a garden party vibe, their rooftop fuels chefs and bartenders with kale, strawberries, basil and more ā 11 floors up. This chic Orange County rooftop draws inspiration from LAās iconic artists, made clear in every mosaic tile and affirmation mirror. With floral flair and seasonal produce, their strawberry shortcake, green chickpea hummus and Transformation cocktail all embody that edible ethos.
Location: Anaheim
This article is brought to you by one of the many talented writers associated with Locale Magazine! We are a group of locals (whether born and raised or transplanted) who love this county we now call home!
