COCKTAILS, PART 2: Over the next few weeks, our food writers, Anne Valdespino and Anne Marie Panoringan, are taking a deep dive into places around Orange County that are great spots to grab a drink with friends.
In recent years, a fresh crop of stellar cocktail spots has popped up with so much to offer that we think it’s time to name 10 new classics. This is part two of our list. (Here’s a link to part one and part three, just in case you missed it.) We’ll also have a follow up report on the best new and newish bars to try in December.
Read on for a list of outstanding watering holes where the glasses are well chilled and the cuisine is always creative.
PHOTO 1: Painkiller and Holy Grail cocktails at Stowaway in Tustin. Photo courtesy of Stowaway; PHOTO 2: The interior of Stowaway in Tustin has a tiki theme. Photo by Chloe Chen; PHOTO 3: Stowaway in Tustin has zombie and other tiki décor. Photo by Jeremy Chan
Stowaway
Forced to relocate last year, Stowaway not only retained a Tustin address, but returned with renewed vibrancy. Expansive bar and seating areas enhance the kitschy, tiki experience. Its mellow setting is an exotic respite in a county overrun with high heels and
pretentiousness.
Cocktails run from $13-15. Rum fans will swoon over the potent Zombie (or browse Stowaway’s list of over 100 rum bottles); we suggest getting lit with a Cococano … and coveting its vessel. Bonus: Dole whip finales and magic-infused brunch grub for weekend warriors.
Starters are $9-13. 14401 Newport Ave., Tustin, 657-208-2088. stowawaytiki.com
PHOTO 1: Get a pumpkin spice fix by ordering Who Watches the Watchmen ($15), a pumpkin black Manhattan that’s spirit forward at The Blind Pig in Rancho Santa Margarita. PHOTO 2: The Power Stone ($14), is billed as an ube lavender mai tai at The Blind Pig in Rancho Santa Margarita. Photos courtesy of The Blind Pig
The Blind Pig
With a lakeside view from the patio and a long list of creative cocktails, many mixed with house-made infusions, syrups and more, it’s no wonder The Blind Pig is celebrating its 10th anniversary. One of the first gastrobars to capitalize on the cocktail trend when it opened, it has stayed hip thanks to owner Tony Monaco and Executive Chef Karl Pfleider.
Monaco and Pfleider have worked together to keep the menus chef driven. Pfleider draws on his Filipino, Asian and Hispanic background, but this is more than fusion food. He takes dishes to such heights that he’s creating something new while keeping them hearty enough to pair with boozy, flashy drinks.
Don’t miss the big plates like the Jidori Chicken Adobo ($25) in a soy demi glaze. The sauce is lightened up from the traditional Filipino fare; pearl onions and slices of fingerling potatoes add an English pub touch. Shaved fennel brings freshness and white rice provides a traditional accompaniment.
Striped sea bass ($28) leans toward Southeast Asia with its crisp skin, sitting in a pool of khao soi sauce topped by shredded green papaya and peanuts for crunch. Cilantro and mint counterbalance the rich curry.
There are many tempting choices on the shareable side of the menu such as deviled eggs, fries, crab cakes, mac and cheese and more. We liked the newly added bacon-wrapped dates ($12). That preparation, made popular in tapas bars years ago, has been reinvigorated here. They’re enrobed in a thick jacket of bacon and stuffed with a creamy goat cheese. The sweetness of the dates is balanced with a tart balsamic syrup to finish the dish.
