Fresh Air and Fresh Food Make for the Perfect Outing
If you haven’t yet heard, Orange County has closed bars again and implemented restrictions on restaurants in response to a spike in COVID-19 cases over the past few weeks. Indoor dining may be a bit risky at the moment, but a meal enjoyed in the fresh air is a great way to stay safe and continue to support local restaurants. Here is a list of some of Orange County’s best open-air dining options and why we love them! Outdoor Dining Orange County
Rock & Brews Outdoor Dining Orange County
Location: Tustin
Cuisine: American
Why We Love it: A beer-lovers paradise with an up-beat rock n’ roll vibe
Silver Trumpet Restaurant & Bar Outdoor Dining Orange County
Location: Costa Mesa; inside Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa Hotel, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Cuisine: Gastropub
Why We Love it: A gorgeous lakeside eatery serving local cuisine
Avila’s El Ranchito Outdoor Dining Orange County
Location: 13 Orange County Locations
Cuisine: Mexican
Why We Love it: 50 years of traditional family recipes!
Craft House Outdoor Dining Orange County
Location: Dana Point
Cuisine: American
Why We Love it: A focus on local sourcing and sustainable seafood in a woodsy, open-air atmosphere
Descanso Restaurant Outdoor Dining Orange County
Location: Costa Mesa
Cuisine: Mexican
Why We Love it: Brings the flavor and charm of the beloved Mexican taco stand into a full-service restaurant setting
Fish House Market and Grill
Location: Orange
Cuisine: Seafood
Why We Love it: A fast-casual spot with fresh seafood staples
Helmsman Ale House Outdoor Dining Orange County
Location: Newport Beach
Cuisine: Brewpub
Why We Love it: Ice-cold beer, chicken wings and a heated patio, need we say more?
The Country Club
Location: Costa Mesa
Cuisine: American
Why We Love it: A restored 1950’s watering hole with posh sporting decor and delectable drinks
Playa Mesa Outdoor Dining Orange County
Location: Costa Mesa
Cuisine: Mexican
Why We Love it: Homestyle mexican food and cocktails served in a bright, breezy setting
Mozambique
Location: Laguna Beach
Cuisine: South African
Why We Love it: Rooftop restaurant and bar serving wood-fired steaks and seafood
Skyloft
Location: Laguna Beach
Cuisine: Upscale Tavern Fare
Why We Love it: Rooftop ocean views and specialty cocktails in the heart of Laguna Beach
Pacific City
Location: Huntington Beach
Cuisine: Variety of Restaurants
Why We Love it: Breathtaking views and an assortment of open-air places to eat, drink and shop
Tanner’s Restaurant
Location: Huntington Beach; adjacent to Paséa Hotel & Spa
Cuisine: Coastal
Why We Love it: A whimsical treehouse setting that boasts gorgeous ocean views
Rancho Capistrano Winery
Location: San Juan Capistrano
Cuisine: American
Why We Love it: The perfect place for an afternoon sip with a shady, pet-friendly patio
SOCIAL Kitchen + Craft Bar
Locations: Huntington Beach
Cuisine: California Coastal
Why We Love it: An insta-worthy vibe with fresh, crafty cocktails
The District at Tustin Legacy
Location: Tustin
Cuisine: Various
Why We Love it: Order food from one of the many food stalls and enjoy your meal at the common areas or patios around The District
Wild Taco
Location: Newport Beach, Laguna Beach
Cuisine: Baja-inspired
Why We Love it: Al pastor, Mexi-cauli and lobster tacos for the win
Cafe Sevilla
Location: Costa Mesa, Long Beach
Cuisine: Spanish
Why We Love it: Spanish tapas, small plates and an authentic Spanish ambiance make for a fun and flavorful dinner experience!
Five Crowns
Location: Corona del Mar
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Why We Love it: Dine under the twinkling lights and you’ll feel transported to an English country garden
Nirvana Grille
Location: Laguna Beach
Cuisine: American Fine Dining
Why We Love it: Innovative, seasonal menu and plenty of elevated, outdoor seating
The Rooftop Lounge
Location: Laguna Beach
Cuisine: Casual California cuisine
Why We Love it: Panoramic views of the big blue, exceptional service and flavorful fare!
Malarky’s Outdoor Dining Orange County
Location: Newport Beach
Cuisine: Irish Pub
Why We Love it: A friendly staff and a new open-air patio with shaded picnic-table seating
Habana Restaurant
Locations: Irvine (Irvine Spectrum Center), Costa Mesa (LAB Antimall)
Cuisine: Cuban
Why We Love it: Cuban dishes and mojitos in a rustic-chic, candlelit garden patio.
Matador Cantina
Location: Fullerton
Cuisine: Mexican
Why We Love it: Delicious margaritas and Spanish-fusion bar bites
Anaheim Packing District
Location: Anaheim
Cuisine: Think grilled cheese, vegan comfort food, sushi and tacos…that’s right––a little bit of everything!
Why We Love it: A foodie heaven that satisfies everybody’s taste buds.
Orange Hill Restaurant
Hey restaurant-owners! Want to get your local business added to our list? Send us the name of your restaurant, the location and one way you and your team have supported the local community in this time of crisis. Email your submission to editor@localemagazine.com!
Note: Restaurant must be located in Orange County and offer outdoor dining.
