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Local picks in Santa Ana

Beer bars

A cold glass of beer is the only way to properly unwind when the work week finally comes to an end.

Based on 481 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Mission Bar image 1
Mission Bar image 2
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Dive bar style space with Banda music and a Chicano vibe creates a cozy, gritty atmosphere. Pool tables and karaoke add casual entertainment, while the crowd brings a positive, fun energy. The bar embraces Mexican-American culture with tacos and locally sourced brews.

Craft beer selection stands out with unique microbrews and locally sourced brews. Friendly bartenders create a welcoming vibe, while the bar embraces Banda music and Mexican-American influence.

An unmatched craft beer selection defines this spot, featuring a strong focus on microbrew and underground beer culture. It serves as a solid choice for grabbing a beer and watching a game downtown.

People are saying

"I loved their amazing craft beer selection."

"It used to have an underground Santa Ana subculture vibe."

"This bar has an amazing craft beer selection."

Good to know

1

Cumbia dancing happens regularly, creating a lively atmosphere.

2

On the first Saturday of every month, enjoy music by Ritmo Santanero.

3

Charlie's birria is served on the first Saturday of every month.

02
Fat of the Land image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant with only seven tables creates an intimate, romantic atmosphere. Decor blends elegance and warmth featuring velvet drapes and detailed accents. Guests share tapas-style small plates paired with quality Spanish wine in a cozy, personable setting.

Chris works the bar with a warm and welcoming style, guiding guests through an intimate tapas-style wine bar experience. The bar display feels casual, like sitting in a dad's mahogany office wet bar.

Selections include excellent cava, non-alcoholic beer, and a decent variety that pairs well with food.

People are saying

"The wine here is served with such a welcoming and helpful attitude."

"This bar's tapas-style bites, like the ham butter and bread, were amazing."

"I saved room for the Basque cheesecake."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to guarantee a seat due to limited capacity.

2

Parking is available around the building, but metered parking may be necessary.

3

The menu features changing items, offering new dishes regularly.

03
Native Son OC image 1
Gastropub

Rooftop venue offers outdoor patio seating with fire pits and views overlooking downtown. Atmosphere shifts from friendly and chill during weekdays to lively with live DJs on weekends. Crowd includes a diverse, dog-friendly mix, creating a casual yet engaging vibe.

Rooftop bar offers a casual vibe with great service and views overlooking downtown. DJ LexaKhan spins a variety of genres, making it a solid spot for happy hours, lounging, or dancing.

Craft beer flows from over 20 rotating handles with a strong focus on local and regional selections. Brewing happens onsite, featuring beers like the Mexican lager El Dojo and IPA Circle Boy, alongside regular beer events and happy hour specials.

People are saying

"They had an amazing selection of local and regional beers."

"The rooftop patio has a great view, especially for sunsets."

"I loved the rooftop bar with its nice view."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6 PM with a lively atmosphere.

2

Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 10 AM.

3

Expect a crowded space on Friday and Saturday nights.

04
Hammer Burger image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant with colorful murals and a lively atmosphere filled with fun music and a self-serve sauce bar. Indoor space includes a bar area with multiple TVs and offers a variety of local beers and wines. The place draws a crowd quickly, creating a bustling vibe especially on weekends.

A small separate bar offers local beer on draft, domestic crispy beers in a can, and wine. The bar has a cozy vibe with friendly staff and a spot to watch the game while enjoying a flatty.

Excellent draft beer includes an American lager that is slightly bolder with a clean finish. The selection features many local brews like Green Cheek and Bottle Logic, paired well with crispy, beer-battered onion rings.

People are saying

"I found the smash burgers here to be the best I've had."

"The burgers here are hot off the grill, with patties hanging over the bun."

"I found the burgers here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Hammer Burger has a happy hour with 20% off food from 2-5 PM.

2

Expect long wait times on weekends; arrive early to secure a table.

3

Parking is available in a nearby paid city lot.

05
Mission Control Bar Arcade image 1

Bar combines classic pinball and arcade cabinets with a retro-themed decor that evokes vintage gaming. Atmosphere stays fun and lively without feeling crowded, featuring a small dance floor and balcony space. Cocktails and beer complement the gaming experience, with a focus on cleverly crafted, gaming-themed drinks.

Retro-themed decor creates a golden era arcade vibe with pinball and arcade games throughout. Friendly bar staff keep the atmosphere lively during trivia nights and themed parties.

An extensive craft beer selection is available on tap, offering a good variety of draft beers. Playing old arcade games and pinball while enjoying a few beers adds a fun twist to the experience.

People are saying

"This arcade bar is super cool with fun pinball and retro games."

"The DJ was playing great music and the vibe felt cool."

"They offered a good amount of nice draft beer."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Thursday at 7 pm with fun prizes.

2

Happy hour runs before 7 pm with great drink specials.

3

Bring cash for tokens as some machines may not accept cards.

06
El Barco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Black-painted walls create a super aesthetic Mexican restaurant with a laid-back, fun atmosphere. Music comes from a jukebox featuring 80's hits and oldies funk, adding to the bussing energy without overwhelming noise. Seating accommodates big parties, making it a lively spot for groups.

Helpful and attentive service stands out at the bar, especially during busy times. The bar offers a pleasant setting with a variety of drinks and appetizers, including a Mariscos option.

Cold, local beers pair well with meals here. Options include a light IPA and bottled beers, often enjoyed at the bar.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is fresh and authentic."

"I sat at the bar and had a great meal with some good beers."

"The beer here is cold and great."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Karaoke is available on Thursdays starting at 10pm with a two-drink minimum.

3

There is ample parking available for guests.

07
Next Round Bar & Grill image 1

Outdoor seating complements an interior filled with art, greenery, and multiple TVs positioned for game viewing from any angle. A DJ plays music all night, creating a lively yet comfortable atmosphere suited for sports fans and casual gatherings. The place stands out for its well-curated vibe and IPA selection on tap.

Offers a solid bar experience with a good selection of drinks. Stands out as a notable spot on the block but does not push beyond being good.

A good variety of draft and canned beers and IPAs on tap are available. The beer selection pairs with a lively vibe featuring art and greenery.

People are saying

"The IPAs on tap and great vibe make it a fun spot."

"I considered this the best bar in Downtown Scottsdale."

"They had a good variety of drinks to choose from."

Good to know

1

Brunch is available from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.

2

Expect a lively atmosphere for dancing on Friday and Saturday nights.

3

Reservations are recommended during busy weekend brunch hours.

08
Perla Mexican Cuisine image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers live mariachi music that creates a lively atmosphere with occasional loud moments. Outdoor seating provides a bohemian vibe with Spanish music in the background. The space feels well-designed with good table spacing and a unique locale.

Bar serves as a spot for quick lunches and waiting for reservations. People often engage in conversations at the bar seating, making it a social area.

Creative cocktails and craft beers on tap stand out here. Beer samples offer a chance to try different flavors alongside a solid beer selection.

People are saying

"The live Mariachi music really made the Mexican food experience amazing."

"The beer here is great, and the staff is super friendly."

"The bar staff here are wonderful and make great drinks."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounts on drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm daily.

2

Mariachi bands perform on weekends, enhancing the dining experience.

3

Parking is available at a garage right behind the restaurant.

09
The Observatory image 1
Live music venue

Multi-level layout with stadium seating offers clear views from every angle. Venue has a cool underground vibe and feels intimate despite its size. Powerful, clear sound system supports live music performances across indoor and outdoor areas.

A huge bar wraps around the venue, creating a spacious area for drinks. Multiple bars reduce wait times and keep lines short.

Selection includes IPA beers and Hazy beer options. The bar offers NA beer and features the Observatory Beer by Brewery X.

People are saying

"The tiered levels make it cool with no bad views."

"The bar areas serve beer and drinks, and the sound system is good."

"The bar's sound and lights were top tier."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $15 per car, and finding a spot can be challenging.

2

The venue has a disabled section for accessibility.

3

The sound quality is consistently impressive during performances.

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Santa Ana, California

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