2 minute read
Best Happy Hour
LEONARD ORTIZ, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Friends Ana Aguilar and Elaine Vu-Shin right, conduct a video call during their lunch at La Vida Cantina in Costa Mesa. 1. La Vida Cantina
1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa; 949-612-2349; lavidacantina.com
This year, La Vida Cantina has the honor of placing in two Best of OC categories (the other being Best Bar). Owner Alex Petrosian says his happy hour, which runs all day Mondays and 3-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, is “perfect for the 9-5 worker looking for that after work cocktail while watching our gorgeous Southern California sunset.”
Drinks on the happy hour menu include the house margarita, chardonnay, cabernet, and champagne, plus beers and well drinks. Nachos, taquitos, Borracho fries and crispy taco plates of either chicken, beef or potato are among the food offering during those periods.
Scott D. of Rancho Palos Verdes wrote on Yelp that La Vida Cantina has “amazing drinks in a lively atmosphere” and was “definitely a pleasant surprise. The music was fun, and the eclectic décor fit perfectly with the overall style. The drinks were perfectly made, and really tied the place together. We tried the mango margarita and the blood orange margarita. They were each unique and dressed up with all the trimmings.”
Dave H. of Fountain Valley wrote, “If you’re visiting the OC or a local, this is the spot where it’s happening. From the food to the drink selection to the music and overall vibe, it deserves an A+. I’ve been coming here for over five years, and it never get old.”
— George A. Paul
2. Newport Landing Restaurant
503 E. Edgewater, Newport Beach; 949-675-2373; newport-landing.com
Want a panoramic view of some of OC’s finest locales while eating and drinking? Then look no further than Newport Landing Restaurant. Opened in 1986, it is perched on the waterfront overlooking Balboa Ferry with sightlines of Newport Harbor, Balboa Island and Saddleback peaks. Patrons can settle in the upstairs Oyster Bar for what is called “the longest happy hour in town” from noon to 6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays.
The special menu is extensive, containing garlic bread, butternut squash soup, parmesan garlic and truffle fries, a Baja taco with battered cod, fried zucchini, sweet potato fries, chicken tenders, chargrilled oysters, New England clam chowder, buffalo cauliflower, Mahi taco, sauteed Chilean mussels, shrimp and scallop ceviche, calamari tempura, Ahi tuna nachos, steamed clams, coconut shrimp and more. Newport Landing emphasizes its fresh steaks and hamburgers, natural steroid-free chicken breasts, daily fresh breads and fresh locally sourced produce.
A local California wine list, craft beers and tropical drinks are also available.
El Torito, the Mexican restaurant established in 1954, has happy hour specials that are aimed squarely at the budget conscious customer. The cantina offerings begin at 3 p.m. daily, though some locations differ.
Xperience Restaurant Group CEO Randy Sharpe says El Torito’s “daily happy hour is the perfect time to get a taste of the warm hospitality and high quality, heritage recipes that we are known for.”
He adds that the company proudly gives guests “the option to enjoy some of our signature items at affordable prices” and “there really is something for everyone.”
The signature margarita is a happy hour favorite. “Guests enjoy making it their own with various fruit flavor options like Midori melon or strawberry. Our jalapeño cucumber margarita is also very popular for those who want something spicy and refreshing. In terms of food, our mini tacos, and our chicken flautas” are also ordered frequently.
