6 Best Atmospheric Eats in Orange County
Dim lighting, intriguing music, enticing interiors. Many modern restaurants make it their mission to create a complete dining experience for their guests to match the creativity that is found in their cuisine. These six eateries serve up decadent dishes with a side of atmosphere.
01 LOLA GASPAR: The Hidden Gem
Hidden in plain sight on the first floor of an old downtown building in Santa Ana, this Latin American restaurant is completely unassuming. Tall shrubs planted in wooden barrels line the perimeter of the outdoor seating area near the entrance, along with string lights to set the mood. The patio area features long wooden picnic style tables and benches, perfect for larger parties. Once inside, the small space may feel intimidating, but the wait staff make you feel right at home in no time. Gothic chandeliers hang from the painted black vaulted ceiling, sending a warm glow over the brick wall backdrop of the bar. Candles glow at each small table, creating an intimate feel. The menu consists of classic Latin American dishes with a modern twist. The potato mushroom tacos are popular among regular guests, as is their signature sangria. $5-$21. 211 W 2nd Street, Santa Ana, 714-972–1172, lolagaspar.com
02 DRIFTWOOD KITCHEN: The Beach-y Hideaway
Perfect for brunch with friends or a romantic dinner with a date, Driftwood Kitchen sits right on the beach. Their main dining room is lined with large windows that reveal a breathtaking view of the ocean and let in bright natural light. Overhead, a large removable transparent canvas shelters guests from the occasional onshore winds. Hidden inside, the bar gives off a “below deck” feel with its dark wood that covers the room from ceiling to floor. Small horizontal windows allow guests to peek out over the main dining room and onto the sea. Many guests stick with the ocean ambiance as they choose the oysters or swordfish from the menu. The brunch menu draws a large crowd as the kitchen dishes up a traditional Eggs Benedict with a citrus twist. Their secret: grapefruit Hollandaise sauce. $9-$28. 619 Sleepy Hollow Lane, Laguna Beach, 949-715-7700, driftwoodkitchen.com
03 HABANA: The Most Romantic
Guests encounter an old world feel as they step foot into this Cuban eatery. The wall leading to the front entrance is covered in ornate yet weathered tin ceiling tiles. Terra cotta colored walls welcome you and extend their invitation to the outdoor patio area. Outside, you’ll find wooden tables and a unique fireside dining area. Tucked into a corner, long, angled benches line a triangular fire pit. This cozy section is often occupied thanks to the year long temperate California weather. Similar to the outdoor area, the indoor space features candelabra type fixtures mounted to the walls with candles in amber colored glass. Large wrought iron chandeliers hang from the ceiling to add extra lighting. Above the main dining room, a railing is affixed to the walls that mocks a balcony decorated with greenery. The menu mimics the old world vibe, dishing out ceviche in a raw, halved coconut with a palm frond as a garnish. $8-$30. 2930 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, 714-556-0176, habanacostamesa.com
04 THE BUNGALOW: The Trendy Spot
This beach side spot is more of a cocktail bar than a restaurant but its eclectic hipster vibe make it worthy of this list. The Bungalow does offer items from a special menu created by the popular Newport Beach spot, Bear Flag Fish Co. Some of the favorite dishes include ahi tuna nachos and fish sliders. The sprawling space takes guests on a journey through a variety of uniquely decorated rooms. Wood paneled and brick walls painted white give off a retro feel along with a variety of mid-century modern furniture. Add some Native American inspired rugs and blankets into the mix and you’ve got the perfect laid back vibe. Guests can choose from a few different fireplaces to relax near or even partake in some friendly competition at the billiard table. $11-$30. 21058 Pacific Coast Highway Ste 240, Huntington Beach, 714-374-0399, thebungalowsm.com
05 BOSSCAT KITCHEN & LIBATIONS: The Southern Comfort
Where industrial meets southern saloon. Picture wooden barrels scattered throughout a revamped auto garage filled with bourbon and you’ll transport yourself into this eatery. Tin ceiling tiles and dark wood adorn the interior of the establishment and in the center, a full bar. Sliding barn doors hung on brick walls add a southern vibe to the place. The bartenders here are upbeat and always appear to be having the time of their lives. The lighting fixture in the partially outdoor seating are features long iron rods with individual bulb lights. This adds to the southern backyard feel. The meatloaf squares featured on their menu don’t hurt either. These little fried cubes of happiness are served as an appetizer that the guests keep comin’ back for. $11-$30. 4647 MacArthur Boulevard, Newport Beach, 949-333-0917, bosscatkitchen.com
06 MESA: The Lounge
To add a modern loungey feel to your night, visit Mesa. The host or hostess will greet you outside and lead you down a hallway flanked by a vertical wooden panels. The centerpiece of the main dining area is an actual living tree. It gets its sunlight from the retractable roof that opens over the entire dining area. Surrounding the tree is bar seating along with comfortable couch and coffee table style seating arrangements. Dim lighting glows over various pieces of art that depict colorful outlines of women’s faces. On the weekends, you can expect to find a live band playing covers of popular songs with a jazzy twist. The full bar is always buzzing as the servers deliver cocktails to their guests. The salami plate and the cheese plate are popular among patrons sipping on their libations. $11-$30. 725 Baker Street, Costa Mesa, 714-557-6700, mesacostamesa.com
