Neighborhoods South Bay and OC Nightlife Guide

After a long day of lolling in the OC sun, bathing beauties and cute surfers can't always be bothered to drive all the way to Hollywood to go clubbing. Instead they show off their tans in these thriving beach towns. Some clubs even require shoes.—Sarah Spada

Manhattan Beach

During the '60s, this is where the Beach Boys fell in love with the Southern California girls. Nowadays, surfers still dominate the sandy beach bars, but classier nightlife joints have cropped up.

Side Door

This quaint house-turned-bar brings a dash of Old Hollywood glamor to the South Bay. The candlelit space is a favorite among locals looking to unwind after work with a martini.

Shellback Tavern

Locals and visiting beach-goers track in sand to this beach-side bar, but leave their surfboards at the door, for cheap drinks and tasty bar eats. Classic rock blares from the old jukebox while old surfers weave their big wave tales.

Towne

This restaurant and bar is an upscale alternative to the fresh-from-the-surf beach bars down the street. It's an older (but still attractive) singles crowd.

Beaches

Post-sorority girls reliving their glory days shake it with weathered surfers and recent law-school grads at this multilevel club with ocean views.

Hermosa Beach

The pier dominates the Downtown nightlife scene, but those looking for a change of pace—or a shorter line—should consider some options off the beaten path.

Saffire

Three spacious rooms throb with old-school, electronica and hip-hop in an upscale atmosphere. Nice threads are recommended: The crowd is ripe with possible mates.

Union Cattle Company

Competitive city slickers saddle up for a ride on the mechanical bull after enjoying beers brewed on site at this tri-level restaurant and bar. The good-looking younger crowd that favors the spot would rather avoid long lines elsewhere and doesn't mind paying a cover on the weekends.

Sangria

The open doors of the Mediterranean-style restaurant and club beckon visitors in for sangria (available on tap); DJs mixing house and hip-hop keep them grooving on the dance floor.

Poop Deck

Arrggh, matey! It's a beach bum's life for the regulars who frequent this dive bar just off Hermosa Pier. Locals come running on Friday nights when a keg is tapped for $1 beers. Tip the bartenders well: They hold the waiting list for coveted stools.

Long Beach

Snoop Dogg and his posse got out of the LBC as the hipsters and upscale crowds moved in. Though the LBC hasn't lost its street cred, it has widened its appeal.

The Prospector

Rocker chic meets the wild West at this no-frills, no-attitude bar. Live music worthy of a Silver Lake venue plays six nights a week.

Alegria Cucina Latina

This downtown Long Beach restaurant and bar adds a little spice to its nights with tapas as the entrée and flamenco dancing for dessert. Be warned: The lively band is known to grab people out of the audience.

Club Ripples

Long Beach has its own thriving gay scene, but this club would fit right in on the Boystown strip of Santa Monica Boulevard. Frequent drink specials encourage same-sex debauchery seven nights a week.

The Red Room

This rock 'n roll dive bar is not for the faint of heart trotting in with daddy's credit card. Locals are hardcore about their spot, so be ready throw back some shots to prove yourself.

The Madison

Older patrons done with the too-loud bar scene found elsewhere on Pine Avenue can relax after dinner to the soothing sounds of classical piano mixed with upbeat contemporary tunes.

The OC

Audiences may have tired of Marissa, Ryan, Seth and Summer, but these Orange County spots live on.

Memphis Cafe and Bar - Orange County

After recently celebrating its 10th anniversary, this bar proves its soul food and good beats are here to stay. All musical tastes are satisfied at one time or another.

Detroit Bar

Even though it's in a generic strip mall, well-accessorized girls and metro boys gather at this cute mod bar for indie rock and Brit pop. Those un-shy about their motives for the evening bring their prospects to the Tuesday Night Make-Out Lounge.

Sutra

Costa Mesa knows how to lay it on thick at this 10,000-square-foot restaurant/lounge/foreplay den. On lush patios and in private VIP rooms, local hunks to show off keys to their new Mercedes before plying their dates with goodies from the aphrodisiac-filled menu.