My Favorite Happy Hours in Huntington Beach: A Local’s Guide

Living here, we’re definitely not short on options for happy hour in Huntington Beach. The harder question is figuring out where to go depending on what you’re actually looking for.

The harder question is figuring out where to go depending on what you’re actually looking for.

Sometimes I want a good deal and don’t really care about the view. Other times, especially when friends are visiting from out of town, sitting somewhere overlooking the ocean is half the reason we’re going. Then there are the places that aren’t necessarily the flashiest but become regular spots because the food, drinks, and atmosphere are consistently good.

So, instead of trying to rank every happy hour in Huntington Beach, these are some of my favorites based on what you’re looking for.

One quick note before getting into the list: happy-hour menus, prices, and times change all the time. I’ll try to keep this page updated, but I’d still recommend checking with the restaurant before heading over.

Best Downtown Happy Hour: 25 Degrees

If you’re already Downtown and want somewhere that feels a little more local than some of the larger restaurants along PCH, 25 Degrees is a great option.

It’s only about a block from the pier, but the atmosphere feels completely different once you’re inside. It’s darker, a little more intimate, and has much more of a cocktail-bar feel than a typical beach bar.

As of this article, they advertise happy hour Monday through Friday from 3–6 p.m., with happy hour running all day Thursday.

What I’d go for: The Drunk Monkey. It’s almost like dessert in a glass, with bourbon, banana, and chocolate flavors.

Why I like it: Even though 25 Degrees isn’t exclusive to Huntington Beach, this location has a low-key, almost underground feel. Local artists often play in the corner, which creates a much more intimate atmosphere than you’d expect being this close to the pier.

Best Happy Hour for the Huntington Beach Experience: Pacific Hideaway

Pacific Hideaway is inside the Shorebreak Hotel near the pier, and this is one I’d put on the list when you want the Huntington Beach setting without necessarily sitting in the middle of Main Street.

They currently advertise happy hour Sunday through Thursday 3-6pm, and the restaurant has a coastal, surf-inspired atmosphere that fits the location perfectly.

It’s also one of the places I’d recommend when someone from out of town asks where they should grab a drink near the beach.

What I’d go for: If you know me, I’m almost always down for a margarita, and the Tommy’s Margarita is definitely worth ordering.

Why I like it: The patio overlooks 5th Street in Downtown Huntington Beach, and it has a great atmosphere without feeling like you’re right in the middle of the Main Street crowds. You can see the ocean, feel the breeze, grab a drink, and even play a few games while you’re there.

Best Happy Hour With an Ocean View: Ola Mexican Kitchen

If the view matters, Pacific City obviously has an advantage.

Ola sits upstairs overlooking the ocean, which makes it a great choice when you want margaritas, Mexican food, and a sunset all in the same place.

This is also the type of happy hour I’d choose when friends or family are visiting. You’re right in Pacific City, you can walk around before or afterward, and you’re getting the version of Huntington Beach that people picture when they’re coming from out of town.

What I’d order: The thing about margaritas is they’re almost always better spicy. The Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita is my go-to here. Pair it with a taco or some chips and guacamole, and you’ve got yourself an evening.

Local tip: Try to time happy hour close to sunset. From Ola, you get a great view toward the pier, and not much beats watching the sun cut through the pier pilings as it goes down.

Best Rooftop Happy Hour: Tanner’s Treehouse at Paséa

Tanner’s Treehouse is my pick when you’re looking for something a little more upscale while still getting the Huntington Beach experience.

Sitting above PCH at Paséa Hotel, the Treehouse gives you an elevated view toward the beach and a completely different atmosphere from most of the bars around Downtown.

This isn’t necessarily where I’d go if my only goal were finding the cheapest happy hour in town. Instead, it’s somewhere I’d choose when the setting matters just as much as the deal.

Local’s take: Tanner’s is one of my favorites when I’m feeling a little more upscale and want to dress up for the evening. It’s a great date-night spot, and happy hour makes it much more approachable if you just want a glass of wine or a cold draft while overlooking the beach.

Best for Beer: Matter of Craft

For beer, I’m going with Matter of Craft.

It’s locally owned, has a solid rotating beer selection, and the $5 happy hour makes it an easy choice when you’re looking for a casual place to grab a beer after work or on the weekend.

One of the things I like about Matter of Craft is that you don’t need to be committed to one brewery. There’s usually enough variety on tap that everyone can find something they like.

What I’d order: Slap & Tickle from Brewery X is always an easy choice for me.

If you’re more interested in a good beer and a relaxed atmosphere than an ocean view, this is the type of place I’d point you toward.

Best Hidden Gem: Wet Dog Tavern

Wet Dog Tavern is probably my favorite hidden gem on this list.

After relocating a few years ago, I think it’s only gotten better. It’s casual, dog-friendly, and the kind of place where you can settle in for a drink and end up staying because the food is actually worth ordering too.

Why locals should know about it: Bring your dog, grab a drink, and come hungry. There’s a great variety of food, the atmosphere is relaxed, and it feels more like a neighborhood spot than somewhere designed for tourists.

It’s exactly the kind of place I like having around Huntington Beach.

The One I’d Pick If I Could Only Choose One

If I had to recommend just one Huntington Beach happy hour, I’d probably go with Wet Dog Tavern.

Not necessarily because it has the cheapest drinks or the longest happy hour, but because of the overall variety and atmosphere. I can bring my dog, get a good meal, have a drink, and actually want to hang around for a while.

That’s really how I judge most places around town anyway. A deal can get me in the door once, but the food, atmosphere, people, and overall experience are what make me want to come back.

Huntington Beach Happy Hours by What You’re Looking For

If you don’t want to read the whole list, here’s the quick version:

Downtown: 25 Degrees
Classic HB experience: Pacific Hideaway
Ocean view: Ola Mexican Kitchen
Rooftop: Tanner’s Treehouse
Beer: Matter of Craft
Hidden gem: Wet Dog Tavern
My overall favorite: Wet Dog Tavern

More Than Just Happy Hour

One reason I’ve wanted to start writing more about places like these is that I don’t think you really understand a city by looking at housing statistics alone.

Where do people meet their friends after work? Where do you take family when they visit? What’s your regular Friday afternoon spot? Where do you grab a beer after surfing?

Those places eventually become part of living somewhere.

Real estate is obviously a huge part of what I do, but I also want this site to be useful if you’re simply looking for somewhere new to eat, drink, or spend an afternoon around Orange County.

So, if there’s a Huntington Beach happy hour you think belongs on this list, send it my way.

I’ll happily do the research.

And if you’re curious about what it’s actually like to call this area home, I also put together my take on living in Huntington Beach and whether it’s worth the extra cost.