Seek Shelter From the Storm at One of These OC Whiskey Bars
As the nights get longer and cooler, SoCal locals are trading in fruity, frozen drinks for a glass of amber-hued heaven. Smoky, malty and smooth, whiskey is a complex spirit that evokes a feeling of warmth, relaxation and a craving for a comfortable armchair, a cozy fireplace and the pitter-patter of rain hitting the window. While it isnāt necessarily known for its dark and stormy weather, Orange County has a handful of whiskey bars that can fulfill your rainy day fantasyāeven when itās 76Ā° and sunny outside.
SideDoor
Nestled on the side of Five Crowns in Corona del Mar, SideDoor has become a local favorite for its cozy, tavern-style atmosphere, delicious, hearty food and of course, an eclectic and ever-growing whisky list. For no additional charge, you can join in and partake in SideDoorās Whisky Wednesday experienceāsimply pay for the cost of a flight of whisky! The flights consist of three 1-ounce pours that can range from $22 to $75, depending on which whiskys are being highlighted that week. āIn a casual and comfortable manner, you can learn about whiskey from all around the world from the experts who sell it,ā Beverage Manager Tracy Nelsen explains.
āSpecial flights are available each Wednesday with the whisky they are talking about that evening. Youāll get one-on-one attention and the opportunity to get all your questions answered.ā Feel free to ask your SideDoor bartender about new bottles that might not be in the beverage book yetāthe SideDoor team always has something new in the works!
Local Insight: Upcoming tastings include: Oct. 12 (Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey), Oct. 19 (Irish Whiskey), Oct. 26 (Kentucky Whiskey), Nov. 2 (Remus and Rossville Whiskeys) and Nov. 9 (Tullamore Dew).
Location: Corona del Mar
Craft House
We love Dana Pointās sunshiny views as much as the next guy, but looking out at the Lantern District during gray, rainy weather while enjoying some ādirtyā hand-cut fries and sipping on one of Craft Houseās old fashioneds is definitely a vibe that we canāt get enough of. Chef Blake Mellgren and his bar crew pride themselves on providing a unique and impressive whiskey collection that could please any aficionado. Boasting over 160 bottles of whiskey, bourbon and rye, Craft Houseās allocated bottles are so rare, they only receive one bottle per year and can only be served in single-ounce pours.
Location: Dana Point
4/17
The Blind Rabbit
No matter what the weatherās like outside, The Blind Rabbit completely transports patrons to a new place. Dark, mysterious, and maybe even a little magical, this neighborhood speakeasy draws in locals and visitors alike. Its moody, reservations-only den promises an intimate escape. Enter through the sake barrels and settle into your assigned seat for an unforgettable experience. They serve seasonal bites and expertly crafted cocktails with meticulous care. Whiskey lovers can chat with the bartenders to find the perfect pour or signature cocktail. As the drinks flow, itās easy to embrace your dark and stormy alter ego while sipping and people-watching.
Location: Anaheim
Bosscat Kitchen & Libations
Aside from its killer brunch, Irvine and Orange locals gravitate toward Bosscat Kitchen & Libations for its impressive whiskey bar. Here, itās easy to unwind and explore your favorite spirit. Choose to have it neat or mixed into a delicious cocktail. With over 300 carefully curated bottles of whiskey, bourbon, and Scotch from around the globe, the options are endless. Thereās always something new to try, making each visit feel like a fresh adventure. Having a tough time deciding on a whiskey to enjoy with your whiskey Brussels sprouts and Bosscat Burger? Ask one of Bosscatās whiskey specialists!
Locations: Irvine, Orange
3/5
Blinking Owl Distillery
Open Wednesday through Sunday, Blinking Owl Distillery serves up artisan libations alongside eats by Chef Luis Perez and Pie Maestro Eddie Perez. The bar and bistro, overlooking the distillery, blends effortless Art Deco-meets-Steampunk-chic vibes. Itās the perfect hideaway for stormy weather. But if youād rather stay cozy at home the next time OC gets a rainy day, plan ahead. Grab a few bottles of Blinking Owlās award-winning whiskey, like the California Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Small Batch Wheated Bourbon, or California Straight Rye Whiskey. All Blinking Owl spirits are distilled from 100% Californian grains. For those eager to dive deeper, the distillery also offers a Whiskey MBA Program (Making, Barrelling, and Aging).
Location: Santa Ana
Born and raised near the Pacific Coast, Jordan Nishkian is a California girl through and through. She graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a BA in Creative Writing and a BA in Anthropology, and her favorite place to be is curled up in a comfy chair with a book in her hand and a pen in her hair.
