Dive In to the OC

By HeidiB
updated 4 months ago

Living in a place like Orange County, you can get sick of how perfect everyone and everything seems to be. Although most of where you go, you feel like you are on one of the many shows that portrays Orange County, there are some places that show you a more "real" side.
I am not one for clubs and swanky bars, I like to go to places that are a bit more low key, unpretentious and fun. One of my top choices for dive bars, is Goat Hill Tavern in Costa Mesa. Over 100 beers on tap, pool tables, shuffle board, no cover charge? I am in. "The Goat" also has quite the stellar atmosphere...you have to see it yourself to understand but the name gives you a good idea of what to expect.
Another great place that is typically just locals and good people watching while you catch up with friends is The Little Knight (a.k.a. The Little Fight). It can get a bit rough and sketchy at times but fun none the less.
You want something by the beach? Mutt Lynch's is a favorite by all hands down. Great menu for breakfast, lunch, dinner, appetizers - the portions are quite hearty and the food is great. They have a good beer selection with a few interesting signature drinks - "White Trash Iced Tea = Pabst Blue Ribbon with tons of lemons" You gotta love a place that has stuff like this on the menu. Besides the food, drink and beach side eye candy, you also get a phenomenal view. Mutts only has a beer and wine license so if you need something a bit stronger then pop over to The Beach Ball. The Beach Ball is smaller and does not have an ocean view but is on my top list primarily because it has the classic Atari game Centipede.