Eat, Drink and Two-Step at These Local Country-Lovin’ Hotspots

If you thought the OC was all sunshine and surfboards, think again. This SoCal region is channeling its inner cowgirl with boot-stomping bars, Western boutiques, country bars in Orange County and wild, wild experiences that’ll have you saying “yeehaw” in no time. Whether you’re looking to ride a mechanical bull, sip on a saloon-style cocktail or catch a country flick under the stars, we’ve rounded up the best of Orange County’s country scene. So grab your boots, rally the crew and let’s dive into the local spots that are bringing a little bit of the Wild West to the West Coast.

 

Ride a Bull at Westwood Coast

Itchin’ for a night straight out of Nashville? Westwood Coast is where OC gets its country on. This steakhouse-meets-country-music-lounge is where cowboy culture thrives—complete with hearty bites, live music and, of course, a mechanical bull. Order up a sizzling ribeye, sip on a top-shelf bourbon, and watch (or join) the fearless few who take a turn on the bull. Whether you stay on for 2.7 seconds or tumble off with a laugh, it’s all part of the fun. If dancing is more your speed, Westwood also hosts weekly line dancing lessons, making it one of the top spots for line dancing in Orange County.

Location: Costa Mesa

 

Snag a Pair of Boots at Tecovas

Every true cowgirl or cowboy needs the right boots, and Tecovas at River Street Marketplace is the place to find them. This Austin-based brand is all about quality craftsmanship, offering handcrafted boots that are as stylish as they are durable. Whether you’re looking for a sleek leather pair for a night on the town or something rugged for the ranch, Tecovas has you covered. Bonus: River Street Marketplace itself is a must-visit destination, packed with chic boutiques, dining hotspots and plenty of country charm.

Location: San Juan Capistrano

 

Get Your BBQ Fix at Gee’s BBQ

If there’s one thing that pairs perfectly with country culture, it’s barbecue. And Gee’s BBQ in Santa Ana is delivering the goods with mouthwatering, slow-smoked meats that taste like they’re straight out of Texas. From tender brisket to housemade sausages and fall-off-the-bone ribs, this spot is a carnivore’s dream. Every bite is complemented by tangy housemade sauces and classic Southern sides. This makes Gee’s one of the best barbecue spots in Orange County and the ultimate place to fuel up before a night of country fun.

Location: Santa Ana

 

Kick Up Your Boots at THE RANCH Restaurant & Saloon

Can’t resist a good two-step? THE RANCH in Anaheim is Orange County’s go-to for line dancing, country concerts and all things honky-tonk. Start the night with a steakhouse dinner in the restaurant (hello, cowboy ribeye), then head next door to the saloon, where the real fun begins. Complimentary line dancing lessons in Orange County happen every Thursday and Saturday night, so whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, you’ll be spinning across the floor in no time. 

Local Insight: Check the calendar of events  for more honky-tonk fun!

Location: Anaheim

 

Sip Saloon Cocktails at Capo Leisure House

Nothing says “country cool” like an expertly crafted cocktail in a laid-back setting, and Capo Leisure House in San Juan Capistrano has mastered the art. This stylish new indoor-outdoor saloon is all about quality drinks, easygoing vibes and Western-inspired mixology. Whether you’re sipping on a smoky mezcal concoction around the fire pit or a classic margarita at the bar, every drink is designed for slow sippin’ and good times. Kick up your boots and enjoy the rustic charm of this River Street Marketplace destination in San Juan Capistrano.

Location: San Juan Capistrano

 

Customize a Trucker Hat or Charm Necklace at BLSSD the Label

Looking to hone your Western look? Giddy up on over to BLSSD the Label in Corona del Mar! This boutique is home to the ultimate Trucker Hat Bar, where you can build your own custom hat with thousands of patches, charms and colors. Prefer jewelry? Their Charm Bar offers a wide selection of gold and silver chains and charms to create a one-of-a-kind piece. Whether you walk in or book a private party, it’s a shopping experience that’ll have you saying, “Yeehaw!”

Location: Corona del Mar

 

Catch a Western Film Under the Stars

Nothing beats a classic cowboy film under the open sky, and No Brand Cowboy delivers with Western Movie Nights. These pop-up events feature small business vendors, great food, and timeless Western films for an unforgettable evening. Meanwhile, screenings at locations like the restored Swanner House in San Juan make it a perfect way to enjoy cowboy nostalgia. Grab your popcorn, bring a blanket and get ready for a cinematic experience like no other.

Location: San Juan Capistrano

 

Saddle Up to the Bar at Cowboys & Poodles

Saddle up, buttercup! Cowboys & Poodles in Costa Mesa is where country charm meets SoCal sophistication. This speakeasy-style lounge crafts cocktails in a space that fuses Western flair with retro glam. Expect velvet banquettes, horseshoe accents, and a confessional booth. Wednesday nights are for Wild West Wednesdays, where you can sip on $13 margaritas and old fashioneds. It’s the perfect spot for those who love a little bit of country with a whole lot of style.

Location: Costa Mesa

 

Enjoy a Wild Western Night at High Horse Saloon

If you’re looking for authentic country bars in Orange County, High Horse Saloon is where the Wild West comes alive. Located in Historic Downtown Fullerton, this old-school Western restaurant and saloon serves up hearty grub, handcrafted cocktails and plenty of Southern hospitality.

Start with a plate of BBQ spice-rubbed wings or a tri-tip burger. Sip a small-batch whiskey or a sarsaparilla-style soda as you relax in a tufted leather booth. Or, saddle up at the bar on one of the signature stool seats. After dining hours, the saloon transforms into a lively country nightlife spot. Expect a line-dancing crowd and live country music on weekends. Weekly happenings include Honky Tonk Happy Hour, Line Dancing Thursdays and Saddle Up Sundays. So whether you’re here for a country brunch or a late-night hootin’ and hollerin’ good time, High Horse Saloon delivers a true taste of the West in the heart of Orange County.

Location: Fullerton

 

Don’t Miss the 65th Annual Swallows Day Parade

Every spring, San Juan Capistrano comes alive for the Swallows Day Parade & Mercado Street Fair, set for March 22, 2025. This Old West-style celebration honors the legendary return of the swallows to Mission San Juan Capistrano. Expect a full day of cowboy culture, country music, and historic charm.

This year’s theme, Lassos and Lace, sets the stage for a true Western spectacle. Horse-drawn wagons, marching bands, equestrian groups, and cowboy-clad performers will fill the streets. The Mercado Street Fair adds to the fun with live entertainment, kids’ activities, and over 100 vendor booths. This is one of the biggest country-themed events in Orange County—so save the date and dust off your boots!

Location: San Juan Capistrano

 

Go Horseback Riding With Horseplay Rentals

Want to trade city streets for open trails? Horseplay Rentals in Huntington Beach offers scenic horseback rides through Huntington Central Park, complete with views of the lake and urban forest. Opt for a one-hour ride and grooming session to learn the ropes of horse care, or go all out with a gourmet picnic ride that pairs a scenic journey with a delicious outdoor feast. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider, it’s the perfect way to add a little ranch-style adventure to your OC weekend.

Location: Huntington Beach

 

Lace up for The RODEO RUN 5k/10k

Lace up to run wild at The RODEO RUN 5K/10K, Orange County’s most rootin’-tootin’ race of the year! This Western celebration features live country music, two-step lessons and cowboy corral fun from start to finish. Before hitting the trail, runners can warm up with line dancing, test their skills at the roping station and soak in the cowboy spirit. Along the course, real horses and country bands bring the Wild West to life, making every mile an experience. At the finish line, participants earn a custom cast finisher medal that doubles as a belt buckle, along with a Western-themed event shirt to commemorate the adventure. This is the perfect way to celebrate country culture in Orange County!

Location: Huntington Beach

 

Listen to Country Tunes This Summer at Sea Salt at the Beach

Imagine this: country music, an ocean breeze and great food all in one place. That’s exactly what Sea Salt at the Beach in Bolsa Chica offers, where Country Sundays bring live music, line dancing, and DJ sets. Meanwhile, this pet- and family-friendly event is the ultimate weekend hangout for country fans craving great food, good vibes, and dancing.

Whether you’re showing off your moves or just enjoying the music, it’s the perfect way to end a country-filled weekend.

Local Insight: Stay tuned for Sea Salt’s calendar of summer events and live music!

Location: Huntington Beach