Top 5 Date Night Spots in Huntington Beach

With stunning sunsets over the Pacific Ocean as a back drop and a fun-loving, surf and sand worshiping, beach sports mecca Huntington Beach is the perfect destination for an evening out. As a long-time resident of Huntington Beach, aka Surf City USA, and one who eats and drinks around town far more than I probably should, I have personally experienced all five of these fine establishments and am confident in sharing them with you.

SeaLegs Wine Bar & Restaurant – Chill out with a glass of wine, craft beer, or one of SeaLeg’s handcrafted cocktails and let the lively soundtrack set the mood while you decide which of the tempting small plates to savor first. Most romantic spot? The banquettes and low tables in the lounge area are perfect for a more intimate tête-à-tête.

21022 Beach Blvd. #105 (corner of Beach & Atlanta). 714-536-5700.

Watertable – With the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop, you’ll be dining in style at the Hyatt Regency’s classy Watertable restaurant. Enjoy an international wine list, craft beers and artisan cocktails and selections from a melange of modern comfort food with attitude. Or dine at the gorgeous dark wood bar where a variety of Spanish-inspired small plates and “Bar Jars” filled with house-made pates, cheeses, and other delights are served.

21500 Pacific Coast Highway (at the Hyatt Regency). 714-845-4776.

Ways & Means – The relaxing seaside ambiance of Ways & Means puts everyone at ease and the convivial atmosphere is perfect for date nights. The only restaurant in downtown Huntington Beach serving oysters on the half shell or dressed up. Start the evening with a pairing of oysters and a glass of bubbly and be the judge of the oysters’ infamous aphrodisiac properties. Most romantic spot? Savor the sunset and each other on the heated outdoor patio. 

21022 Pacific Coast Highway (at Pacific City). 714-960-4300.

Old Crow Smokehouse – Get down and go country at Old Crow Smokehouse. This Midwest (Chicago) import serves up the best barbeque styles from the Carolinas, Memphis, Kansas City and Texas along with Southern cocktails and live country/rock music on Friday and Saturday nights! Yep, right here in SoCal!

21022 Pacific Coast Highway (at Pacific City – Level B). 714-536-0381.

LSXO – “Little Sister Extra Ordinary” is what that acronym stands for, and everything about LSXO is, indeed, extraordinary. Chef Tin Vuong has upended the culinary scene in Huntington Beach with cutting-edge homestyle southeastern Vietnamese cuisine served in an intimate 28-seat dining room behind a secret door within Bluegold. The Salt & Pepper Lobster is jut one of many unforgettable dishes on the intriguing menu. Most romantic spot? Back corner table, but don’t expect hushed conversation with the throbbing rap soundtrack, another surprise from Chef Vuong. 

21010 Pacific Coast Highway (Bluegold in Pacific City – Level B). 714-374-0083. Reservations a must.