Laguna Beach Welcomes a New Restaurant That’ll Transport You to Paradise

Take a Trip to the Tropics Without Leaving SoCal

After years of anticipation, Rum Social has opened their doors to the Laguna Beach community. This rich oasis embodies the town’s laid-back luxury, but what makes Rum Social so special is definitely the vacation vibes. As you slide into one of their sexy suede seats and catch an earful of the tranquil tunes, you’re instantly transported to the tropics. Rum Social Laguna Beach

Credit: Kevin Tackett

What was once home to the beloved Watermarc has been transformed into an upscale Hemingway hideaway. This eatery is an escape from the real world and a safe space to gather with friends, indulge in exotic foods and drink all the rum you please! “The idea was to take guests on a tropical journey outside of our country,” explains developer Ken Ussenko.

“[We wanted to] make it like a Hemingway speakeasy and elevate the experience.” Rum Social Laguna Beach

You can choose to dine downstairs with an ocean view or head upstairs for drinks at the Treehouse Bar. And thanks to their collaboration with Malahat Spirits, Rum Social’s cocktails are one-of-a-kind. “Malahat makes excellent spirits, let alone some amazing rums. We did tastings with them and focused on four specifically to do our private label series with,” says Food and Beverage Director Jered Adams. Their fresh ginger rum can be found in the Mojito Smash, but if you’re a whiskey lover and looking to broaden your palate, their cabernet barrel reserve is definitely worth a taste. Not only is this special-edition rum a staple on their cocktail menu, it’s also an important ingredient on their food menu too.

“The Black Tea Rum is actually in quite a few things; we use it to braise our Beets by Rum Social and our short ribs, which is a generous portion of incredibly tender prime beef,” Adams says. The rum aspect might shine bright in the spotlight, but it’s their colorful cuisine that really steals the show. Whether it’s the bright Brussels sprouts or sleek scallop tataki, heads will turn in awe as each plate passes by. Their menu concept is influenced by the world’s most tropical destinations—from the Caribbean to Southeast Asia and everywhere in between. Rum Social Laguna Beach

Credit: Kevin Tackett

“The chef has designed the menu to be a social experience as well. It’s not this typical coursed out menu; you are going to sit down with your friends, order four to five things and all share together,” expresses General Manager Jean Steger. Rum Social was brought to life by a dream-team of restaurant connoisseurs who have been working hard and waiting patiently to share this sanctuary with others. Now that the moment is here, they are eager to give locals a new place to revel in.

@localemag #Rumsocial #lagunabeach #laguna #localemagazine #lagunabeachcalifornia #lagunabeachhiddengem #ocfoodie #ocdateidea 🎥: @LA|OC Foodie Explorer ♬ Ooo Baby Baby – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

“Laguna Beach is such an established, tight-knit community,” shared Steger. “We are going to be an exciting place to dine for people visiting, but I think we are going to get to know a lot of familiar faces and become a staple in the community.”

So the next time you find yourself fantasizing about a tropical vacation, avoid the airport and take a trip to Rum Social for an exotic escape!