Craft cocktails with a side of crispy fish tacos. A speakeasy hidden behind a pho shop. Bourbon flights paired with Korean fried chicken. These are the bars where the drinks dazzle and the food steals the show. Our guide to Westminster’s best bar restaurants proves you don’t have to choose between a great cocktail and a memorable meal—you can have both, often until the wee hours.
Hammer Workshop & Bar
$ | (714) 844-2450 | WEBSITE
Hammer Workshop & Bar is Westminster’s quintessential watering hole: the menu is stacked with inventive cocktails and plenty of classic options, though it could please almost anyone with any taste. We try the Zombie and the Class of ’98, and the Scam Pool Honey—the mezcal drink is smoky and balanced with a smooth finish. Hammer Workshop & Bar works whether you’re swinging by for a laid-back evening or just popping in for a quick drink in a noodle box pre- or post-night out.
Palapa | Ola Mexican Restaurant
$$ | (562) 430-0055 | WEBSITE
Tiki bar by night, marina-side hangout for sunset dinners––Palapa wears many hats, and they all fit. The large outdoor lamps and fire pit area conjure up the ambiance of a relaxed island getaway. But if weather permits, you’ll want to snag a table on the patio outside to soak up the stunning views of the Los Alamitos Marina. Start with the fresh guacamole or red beet & watermelon salad from their sister kitchen, Ola Mexican Kitchen.
Then dive into the ceviche or tacos, and order a strawberry-jalapeno margarita.
Outback Steakhouse
$$ | (714) 890-0130 | WEBSITE
One of the better steakhouse options in Westminster, Outback Steakhouse also has the best rib-eye anywhere in Orange County. Servers like Rick provide patient, helpful service in a lively dining room full of televisions showing sports games late into the night. Beyond the standard baked potato and broccoli sides, try the new Chimichurri Filet, a flavorful wonder, or the crisp-golden fries (served alongside complimentary bread and butter).
Round out your meal with a Cadillac Margarita from John’s bar and a Long Island Ice Tea for the table.
Cali’s Cocktails
$ | (714) 826-0570 | WEBSITE
Between the pool tables and the digital dartboards lining the walls, Cali’s Cocktails can feel more like a neighborhood rec room than a Cypress bar. While this spot is more hangout than restaurant—no kitchen, bring-your-own food, and plenty of locals chatting over drinks—their drink selection outshines standard dive bar offerings, and the karaoke machine is nice for livening up the night.
Sip a cold local beer while you watch the game on one of the many screens, the atmosphere laid-back and welcoming with a friendly buzz. Don’t get too attached to any one activity because the vibe shifts nightly, though trivia Wednesdays are a mainstay. And for good reason: Bartender Chasa and the staff add a touch of genuine hospitality to the solid selection of drinks and games.
Marlena Long Beach
$$$ | (562) 203-1500 | WEBSITE
With its clean, chic ambiance, Marlena Long Beach feels both sophisticated and inviting. The adventurous small plates are as creative as they are delicious—the octopus is so tender it practically melts in your mouth, while the pizzas have flavors that truly dance on your palate. But the standout might be the Spanish latte, a rich, smooth coffee that pairs perfectly with the meal. The staff’s expertise in drink pairings adds a harmonious touch, though the service can be a bit leisurely at times.
Still, the overall experience is like a rollercoaster for your taste buds, making it worth the visit for date nights or casual get-togethers.
Pie Society Bar
$$ | (949) 313-6333 | WEBSITE
Pie Society Bar’s lively, alternative vibe makes it the top spot in Westminster for drinks and pizza. Our favorites include their creative, well-balanced cocktails with exceptional service from the friendly bartenders, and the highly praised pizza with quality ingredients and gluten-free options. If a salad is more your style, the kale salad with vegan choices hits the spot.
Smaller groups can find cozy, intimate seating inside the welcoming atmosphere, perfect for enjoying flavorful drinks and food while the wide age range of customers and loud music create an energetic backdrop.
D’Arcys Tartan Room (Dohenys)
$ | (714) 614-7385 | WEBSITE
If there’s a lively weekend crowd at this Westminster mainstay, grab a spot at the bar and settle in for a fun evening. Order a glass of the refreshing LA water (ask for a splash of soda if it’s too strong) as soon as you find a seat in the welcoming space, decorated with the dark wood and tartan accents that give the bar its name, and dig into the ultimate pub-grub combo: crispy Irish fries paired with juicy smash burgers.
Wang Cho BBQ All You Can Eat
$$ | (714) 668-7777 | WEBSITE
Tucked into Westminster’s Korean dining scene, this all-you-can-eat spot is a lively destination for garlic pork belly, best enjoyed at one of the large group tables that fill the main dining room (though there’s outdoor seating if you want a quieter experience). Get the premium menu for the best-of-both-worlds galbi and rib-eye, grilled with attentive service and a variety of savory sauces, and meet your meat quota with a juicy pile of rosemary shrimp on the side.
After polishing off dinner and a few drinks, take in the energetic atmosphere that makes this a solid choice for Korean BBQ in Orange County.
The Bungalow Huntington Beach
$$$ | (714) 374-0399 | WEBSITE
Longtime Huntington Beach visitors will recall the classic beach cottage charm that defines The Bungalow, where the spirit of coastal California living gets a fresh update. “Bungalow” isn’t just a name: this spot feels like a summer home, complete with a heated patio and individual speakers at each table. Their seating extends onto the charming patio area, so you can savor your delicious fish tacos and excellent quesadillas amid the firepits and ocean breezes.
The Bungalow also channels its beachside location into stunning ocean views, so breathtaking and serene that you’ll want to linger long after your cocktail is finished.
Campus JAX
$$ | (949) 261-6270 | WEBSITE
Campus JAX’s fantastic live music shines in everything from their Elton John tributes to their energetic band performances, no matter the night. For dinner, we love the lively restaurant’s two experiences equally: their Kenny Metcalf show—singing Elton John’s Deep Cuts with quality and talent—and the Tricia Freeman Band, which fills the room with memorable performances that leave guests smiling.
Their improved sound system is clear and vibrant, and might even inspire you to linger for another drink in spite of all the plans you intended to make afterward.
The FIFTH Rooftop Restaurant & Bar
$$ | (714) 772-0899 | WEBSITE
This Westminster rooftop spot serves cocktails until late, so it’s there for you no matter what time you want to catch the view. Diners looking for solid sustenance should opt for the Crafted Burger—a juicy patty with all the fixings—or take advantage of happy hour with its $8 glass of house wine. Complete the experience with one of their delicious drinks while watching the Disneyland fireworks during tiki nights.
The service stays consistently good, with staff like Kevin providing extra touches like free dessert shots, and attentive team members like Chris the busser and server Camryn going above and beyond even when things get busy. The music keeps things lively for dancing, though during packed events you might find yourself waiting a bit for the restrooms.
The break room bar Fullerton
$$ | (714) 870-0711 | WEBSITE
This lively spot pours up fantastic drinks that serve as the foundation for a great night out—accompanied by great music or sports viewing—with friendly staff who keep the good times flowing. If you can’t make it for the evening crowd (or just want to unwind without the fuss), there’s a welcoming atmosphere so you can grab a drink and then settle right into the fun.
