Saloon

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

“We stayed in Laguna Beach for the Ohana Festival this year and this was the spot we hit every night when we got back. Killer drinks, killer bartenders and super friendly guests. This will be the first place we come back to next time we are out west. GO TO THE SALOON!”

2 out of 5 stars★★★★★

“Extremely unfriendly staff and a disgusting bathroom.”

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

“There are a lot of great bars in Laguna Beach. Hennessey's is a classic. The Marine Room has its own personality. The Sandpiper is legendary. The Loft is beautiful. But if you asked me where I'd personally rather spend my night... I'd probably say Saloon. The funny part is, I originally started going there for one reason. My best friend's sister, Katie, bartends there. The first few times I walked through the door, it was because I wanted to stop by, say hi to Katie, grab a drink, and support someone I knew. Katie is genuinely one of my favorite bartenders anywhere. She's friendly, works incredibly hard, remembers people, and has the kind of personality that makes you want to stay for another round. Great bartenders make great bars, and Katie is definitely one of those people. But something unexpected happened. Even on nights when Katie wasn't working... I kept coming back. Over the years, Saloon became one of my favorite places in Laguna Beach. Then life got busy, and somehow I ended up with almost a three year gap between visits. Recently I finally made it back, and within about five minutes I remembered exactly why I'd missed the place so much. Katie happened to be off that night, so I didn't get a chance to see her, but every bartender working was fantastic. Friendly, welcoming, attentive, and they made me feel like I'd never been gone. That's one of the biggest compliments I can give a bar. The drinks are phenomenal. If you're going for one recommendation from me, order the espresso martini. Seriously. It's one of my favorite espresso martinis anywhere in Orange County. And whatever their drink of the week happens to be, give it a shot too. I've had several over the years, and they've always been creative, well balanced, and just plain fun. One of the things I love most about Saloon is that it doesn't try to be huge or flashy. It's a smaller bar tucked right along Pacific Coast Highway, next to the parking lot and the waffle and ice cream shop. It's easy to miss if you aren't looking for it, but once you find it, you understand why so many people keep coming back. It feels like one of Laguna Beach's best kept secrets. The atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming, and full of personality. You can actually have conversations, get to know the bartenders, and enjoy your drinks without feeling like you're fighting through a massive crowd. It's the kind of place where strangers become regulars and regulars become friends. As the founder of Beerslut, I spend a ridiculous amount of time visiting bars across Orange County, and Saloon has earned a permanent place on my list. Not because it's the biggest bar. Not because it's the loudest. But because it has heart. There are plenty of famous places in Laguna Beach. The Loft. The Marine Room. The Sandpiper. Hennessey's. They're all great in their own way. But if I'm choosing where I actually want to spend my evening... I'm walking into Saloon. Whether Katie is behind the bar or not, I know I'm going to get a great drink, friendly service, and an atmosphere that reminds me why I fell in love with Laguna Beach in the first place. Five stars without hesitation. One of my favorite bars in Laguna Beach, and a place I'll keep coming back to for many years to come.”