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Fresh Air and Fresh Food Make for the Perfect Summertime Outing

Written By: LOCALE Editors Outdoor Dining Orange County

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!

Silver Trumpet Restaurant & Bar Outdoor Dining Orange County

Photography Provided By: Avenue of the Arts

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

Photography By: Jennifer Chong

Location: 13 Orange County Locations
Cuisine: Mexican
Why We Love it: 50 years of traditional family recipes!

Craft House Outdoor Dining Orange County

Photography By: Rod Foster

Photo By: Roberto Cerini

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

Photography By: Anne Watson

Photography Provided By: Descanso

Photography By: Lee Walters

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

Photography Provided By: Helmsman Ale House

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

Photography By: Dan Dobi

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

Photography By: Dan Dobi

Location: Costa Mesa
Cuisine: Mexican
Why We Love it: Homestyle mexican food and cocktails served in a bright, breezy setting

Mozambique

Photographed By: Carlos Valle

Location: Laguna Beach
Cuisine: South African
Why We Love it: Rooftop restaurant and bar serving wood-fired steaks and seafood

Skyloft

Photography By: Niki Cram

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

Photography Provided By: 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

Photo By: Mathew Martinez

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

Photo Provided By: 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

Rock & Brews

Photography Provided By: Rock and Brews

Location: Tustin
Cuisine: American
Why We Love it: A beer-lovers paradise with an up-beat rock n’ roll vibe

SOCIAL Kitchen + Craft Bar

Photography Provided By: Raquel Dorsey and Ace Agency

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

Photographed By: Jennifer Chong

Location: Newport Beach, Laguna Beach
Cuisine: Baja-inspired
Why We Love it: Al pastor, Mexi-cauli and lobster tacos for the win

Cafe Sevilla

Photography Provided By: 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

Photography by: Anne Watson

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

Photography By: Daniel Barrett

Location: Laguna Beach
Cuisine: American Fine Dining
Why We Love it: Innovative, seasonal menu and plenty of elevated, outdoor seating

The Rooftop Lounge

Photography Provided By: 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

Photography Provided By: 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

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.