When you enter, you'll see why it's called Bardega. The entrance is styled like a bodega and I assume it also functions as one? I thought I walked into the wrong place at first but as you keep going down you'll enter the restaurant portion. I only have good things to say about the servers. Very nice and attentive. I love the overall decor of the place. Whoever designed and curated the space do a great job - nostalgic but updated in the right way. On to the food, my husband got the fish sandwich and said it was great. If we both got that we would have been happy campers. Unfortunately, the tv dinners are outrageously overpriced. I can't even justify the price point. I could have seen their meatloaf being priced at $25 but not $38. Mac and cheese was good but not great, meatloaf ok, cookie was dry and cold, and the salad wasn't to my taste either. The meal at best was okay if not subpar which was disappointing. We really liked this place overall but whenever we think about going we are seriously dissuaded by the high prices. I know the economy is pretty rough for everyone right now but it's hard to justify $38 for meatloaf. read more

Bardega - Meatloaf - Restaurants Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

Initially wasn't sure whether we got to the right place because the entrance was like a provision store. Until we went in further. Place was quite nice, no fuss with a bar. The Fried Fish Sandwich was great. Crunchy on the outside and fresh Pacific Cod on the inside. It came with coleslaw, pickles served on a potato bun. One thing though it was pricey. Service was engaging and friendly. read more

Bardega - Fried Fish Sandwich - Restaurants Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

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Another great meal at Bardega. Love the ambiance, food and service. Must try the pecan pie! read more

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You enter through a Bodega, which becomes a bar/restaurant (family friendly) as you turn right. There is so much nostalgia throughout. I was really surprised by how much we enjoyed the food, and even more so that we shared an entree and left stuffed. Entree (Intentionally listed first) - Pan Roasted Porck Chop 5/5: It seemed like a balsamic reduction that was elevated by grilled shallots and grape tomatoes; it would make an old shoe taste great. Luckily it was a tender pork chop with a beautiful sear. We spent half of tje car ride home talking about wanted to go back for this. - Old School Mac n Cheese 4/5: The pasta had the aldenate chew and the cheese sauce we rich, but also tasted like it was a quality cheddar and cream Appetizer - Crispy Chicken Bites 4/5: They were freshly made, tender and juicy, and we could taste the buttermilk. The dill forward ranch was perfect with lemon juice. The only knock was that we wanted more. Drinks - The Royal Wednesday 5/5: Super freshing, floral and light, yet packs a punch at the end Dessert - Chocolate chip cookie 4.5/5: Served warm; brown butter forward, with a sweet chew and savory finish. It was included with the TV Dinner, and we are glad thst it was. *Receiving Andes mints with the bill 10/5! The server was attentive throughout, and made sure that we were taken care of. Considering how fresh and hot everything was, the wait times were very reasonable, and well worth it. It is a fun concept that is well executed. Next time, we are going to try one of their Bardega Dogs and start putting a dent in the drink menu. read more

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I finally got to try this place tonight! I waited about 15 minutes for a table for two on a Friday night. We got to order drinks while we waited. There was a free Photo Booth to take pictures and a seating area while you wait. The host was friendly and chatty. I met who I think is the owner and he was also friendly. When we got seated, our server was also great. I ordered the pineapple elixir for my cocktail and it was delicious. It came with a little lollipop to pair with it. For our meal, we got onion dip, the wedge salad, and the Chicago dog. Everything was delicious, but the Chicago dog was the best. The vibes are amazing. It's very nostalgic and takes you back in time. Such a cool place to visit! read more

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Yep. This is a must stop for anyone looking for a little piece of nostalgia. You walk in and it looks like a cool little convenience store. Pop around the corner and you're sent into a time warp. Great cocktail selection and good beer selection (would love to see coors banquet or coors light on draft though). Just an all around great spot. Got the hot dog of the month which was delicious. Pulled pork pickles, fried Mac and cheese balls? Yes please. Loved the drinks we got but don't miss out on the desserts. Banana pudding was amazing! We also split a Caesar salad with chicken and got the hot honey whipped ricotta. Will be back to enjoy some other cool menu items that looked delicious. Meatloaf, pickled eggs and beef dip. Service was fantastic walked us through the menu and helped direct what we should be ordering. Can't wait to come back. read more

Bardega - Pineapple Elixir and banana pudding - Restaurants Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

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What a cool place. Will definitely be back to frequent. The decorations were so thoughtful, our drinks were immaculate, and we loved our food. Highly recommend the spike root beer and the dog of the month, the morning glory our server was also so engaged and clearly cared about our experience 10/10 read more

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We've been a few times and they've remembered us each time. Really amazing owners and staff who are so welcoming, making it feel like you're visiting an old friend's basement. The cocktails are amazing! Obsessed with their take on midori sours! They make their own melon shrub and finish with fresh citrus! So light and refreshing! We also love the Wake me Up their frozen cocktail with bourbon and coffee. Food is also tasty! Had a few things from the menu and liked each one. Super cute inside! They did an amazing job with finding vintage pieces making it feel like a 70/80's neighborhood bar or neighbor's basement. read more

Bardega - Midori sours - Restaurants Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

A unique and charming dinning experience. The staff is fantastic! The food was absolutely delicious. It was steak night so I had to have the steak. It was cooked perfectly. My husband had the meatloaf which he loved. The meals came with a salad, a side and dessert. Great food. Great value. We'll be back soon. Thank you Victoria who took great care of us and Corey for your hospitality, we enjoyed the ambience, music, and we love love love the decor. read more

Enjoyed the hell out of this spot that serves as part bodega, part retro 80s neighborhood bar and part chef-driven restaurant serving elevated bar grub/comfort food! This is the kind of spot where the quality of food is on par with the overall atmosphere and that's always a great time. read more

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We stopped here with friends and found a new yummy restaurant. Super quirky decor - old commercials running....really fun. Apparently, I was too hungry to take many pictures. We loved the Pickled eggs and got 2 orders. We also loved the Pecan Pie, not too sweet with lots of pecan flavor. I enjoyed my Beef Dip sandwich with fries. Fish Sandwiches and Hot Dog were also really good. Our server was friendly and stopped by regularly. Nice bar menu - but they didn't seem to have many Bourbon options. Parking was plentiful in lot. read more

Bardega - Pecan Pie - Restaurants Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

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Bodega in the front... but hang a right at the back counter and it opens up into a full on restaurant; a love letter to the 70's, complete with wood paneling, old school knickknacks, and "TV Dinners" served on those iconic orange-colored cafeteria lunch trays. The nostalgia is real over here, just with better food than you remember. THE FOOD. - Hot Honey Whipped Ricotta. Creamy, mildly sweet ricotta spread with a kick of chili oil on top. Smear that stuff all over the warm, fluffy bread that comes with this dish for a simple, but addictive bite! - Pan Roasted Pork Chop. Impressively tender, glazed with a slightly tangy balsamic reduction that paired well with the sweet grapes and mellow pearl onions on top. It came with creamy, mashed red skin potatoes, a side salad (I had Catalina dressing... it's tomato-based, sweet & tangy), and a salty-sweet chocolate chip cookie. Highly recommend! - Italian Chop Sandwich. Layered with a generous mix of meats, this sandwich was rich, savory, and satisfyingly filling. Their housemade chips were crispy and lightly salted for that perfect enhanced potato flavor that really shined through. THE DRINKS. - Bardega Margarita. Bright and citrusy with a refreshing finish. It's not going for flashy, just reliably good. - The Royal Wednesday. Lightly sweet and citrusy with floral and herbal notes. - Vanilla Cream Soda. Sweet, fizzy drink that tastes like melted vanilla ice cream. And that's about the best description I can come up with. THE PARKING. Free surface lot parking in the shopping plaza. We were able to park right up front with no issues. THE VERDICT. This literal hidden gem is truly worth checking out. The food isn't meant to look fancy, but its flavor complexities are surprisingly elevated beyond what one would expect. As far as service goes, we had a great server who dropped by to make sure we had everything we needed and even gave me a to go cup for my vanilla cream soda (it's the small details that matter the most). We're definitely returning to try other menu items! read more

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So cool that such spots are opening up in Laguna hills, the quieter more sombre side of Irvine/OC. They have great drinks - tried their classics like the midori sour and their specials like spiked root beer and the spiced pear G&T variant. Also tried their chicken bites and house salad. Everything tastes fresh and good, drinks obviously steal the show. But the best part of the experience is the service. I did not feel rushed and felt extremely tended to. The person who helped me guided me through the menu, made accomodations for my allergies, and suggested vegan/veg options. When I spilled my drink immediately upon receiving, she got me one on the house. It just feels like dining in an establishment that knows what service means but also makes it feel like a neighborhood hang out spot. read more

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Amazing! 10/10! Amazing service and food! It's so nice to finally find a hidden gem that is reliable and you know the food, drinks and service are going to be exceptional! I moved from Los Angeles to OC and the date night selection has been few and far between and this is definitely a breath of fresh air! The owner was so sweet and genuine! Just trust me on this one! read more

My wife and I decided to drop by here for a light lunch. It was a little confusing at first as we entered what looked like a convenience store/bodega with drinks in a fridge on the left and items on the right, such True Love coffee. Then we turned the corner and entered the restaurant, which looked like a bar out of the past. My wife and I ordered a fish sandwich to split and it was outstanding. Inside a fresh, fluffy brioche bun was a thick piece of fresh cod with Alabama slaw that was crisp and well-made. The pickles served with the dish were tart and delicious. Our server (who may have been the owner or manager) was very friendly and welcoming and he created a nice vibe in the place. The retro decor was very well done. It did have that 70's bar feel, and it worked. The reason for the 4 vs. 5 star rating was the prices on the menu. They are practically Ritz Carlton high and my wife and I nearly didn't step into the restaurant because of them. While the fish sandwich was excellent, for $20 it was just a sandwich. No sides. On the menu, you are given the option to add fries or chips, but no price is given. And the price for add-ons really should be stated. Some of the items on the menu were under the heading of "TV dinners": $38 for a "meatloaf TV dinner". That's a lot. $15 for hot dogs. The high prices continued with the desserts: $18 for Death by Chocolate cake; $14 for Key Lime pie, $12 for Banana Pudding. I'm sure they taste great, but for a place that communicates a diner/comfort food vibe, they're very high. read more

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Such a fun and unique spot to check out in Orange County! You walk in to what looks like a little bodega with cases of drinks and snacks you can purchase at a counter, but when you round the corner you see an 80s styled, wood-paneled restaurant and bar with old school beer signs and kitschy 80s decor like a little Pee Wee Herman doll behind the bar. We sat at the long bar and got a couple of beers on draft - a hazy IPA and a Guinness on nitro. The Guinness was superb. They've got an extensive nostalgic cocktail menu - including a grasshopper- with a price point that averages around $14 a drink. We got the hot honey whipped ricotta with a bread loaf snack and it was good. Lots of ricotta vs the amount of bread given, so load up those bites. My favorite part was the nostalgia and the attentive bartenders. Love that they give you Andes mints with your check - another 80s throwback that reminded me of my childhood. This is a fun spot in a large shopping center in Laguna Hills with plenty of parking. Highly recommend checking it out. read more

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I love how the entrance to this place is the bodega small shop and youre enthusiastically greeted by the staff at the counter. Similar to that downstairs basement bar in the man cave of the dad of your friend from elementary school. That 70s/80s vibe with old school commercials playing on their old tv. I lowkey love it. We came here for drinks and small bites and loved everything. We ordered the Wake Me Up Cocktail (cold brew and bourbon) and Grasshopper cocktail (similar to chocolate chip ice cream but in martini form. Kinda frothy but a lot of fun flavor) for drinks and egg sandwich and pickled veggies for snacks. I am still dreaming about the flavors I experienced. read more

Bardega - Restaurants Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

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New place in the neighborhood. Staff are welcoming & accommodating. It's a perfect place to bring ypur family or have a girls' night out. Very nostalgic & menu is very creative. One section has to dinners & you can create your own. Would definitely come back and bring other friends to this local joint read more

Bardega - Onion Dip with potato chips & variety of veggies - Restaurants Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

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Looks like a hidden speak easy in Laguna Hills. When you first walk in, it looks like liquor store. When you turn the corner at the end you see this inviting fun bar. The presentation was the key here. The drinks looked delicious and nicely crafted. The server was amazing. So attentive and nice. HAPPY BARRING!! read more

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My motivation for dining here was for the vibe, which I loved! The overall concept is so cool, the music is excellent and the retro cartoons and commercials on the TV bring me back in time. The food and cocktails were excellent! I LOVED the Mac & Cheese, and the Beef Dip was great! The bartender made perfect cocktails and they tasted perfect, but they are small and expensive. Overall, this is my kind of place and I will be back to try more of the menu and other retro cocktails! read more

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this spot is fantastic- really unique and chill atmosphere that balances personality, quality, and authenticity. i appreciate the story of the spot too, which can be found on their website (longtime friends who are all from OC opened this spot with their own concept and design). and finally, a spot in OC that actually feels cozy and real, if i do say so myself. the cocktails were so good, and so was the food! service was great too. great place to go with friends or on a date, anytime of the day. PS i always get distracted if a restaurant or bar has too many TVs and this place does NOT have that problem. read more

Bardega - Cubano sandwich (bomb) - Restaurants Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

What a fun spot! We came here midday for a date night. The front of the place looks like a store but further in, you're transported to, like, the 70's. Lots of classic decor all around. I love the booths. We had a couple drinks and food. Our server (and rest of the servers) were very attentive and checked up on us several times during our stay. The food was pretty good. The only feedback was the tomato soup wasn't our jam; it tasted very acidic, and we were expecting a much more sweeter, maybe even creamier soup... that doesn't mean it's lot your jam, though. So, no worries at all. The bread used for both sandwiches we got tasted homemade. We never confirmed. The best drink we got was the spiked root beer. The Mai Tai wasn't my favorite, but the other two drinks we got (Joyride and Pineapple Elixir) were pretty good! Overall, enjoyed our time here! read more

Bardega - Egg Sandi - Restaurants Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

I randomly stumbled across this place today and can't believe it's been so close to my house this whole time. I think I may have found my new go-to spot. The drinks were great, and everyone was super friendly and welcoming. The atmosphere was really nice--not loud or sketchy like some dive bars, just comfortable and relaxed. It felt very family-friendly, and they have a great menu too. One thing I thought was really cool was that they had a Vietnamese drink I'd never seen before. I gave it a try and it was actually really good. Overall, such a lovely place. I'm glad I found it and will definitely be back! read more

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I had such a fun time. First visit. Bartenders made me and my friend Troy feel like we're regulars. Amazing French Dip. It's a nice slightly thick slab of roast beef. The au jus goes so well with pickles and crinkle cut fries. The horseradish sauce. My Moscow mule was amazing. Clean finish. Balanced. Easy to find parking and bathrooms were clean! I will be back. Thank you to everyone who made my birthday feel special! read more

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Hands down the best But I might be a little bias. Try the Martini with the shrimp cocktail read more

​So glad we finally made it into Bardega! Honestly, my only regret is that I don't live closer--I'd be here all the time if I could. ​The vintage vibe here is incredible, and I absolutely love the mini shop as you first enter--it adds such a unique touch to the whole experience. ​The Food & Drinks: * Riblets: We started with these as an appetizer and they were incredible--literally falling off the bone. ​Main Eats: The Seoul Dog is a total must-try and lived up to the hype! The Beef Dip was also absolutely amazing. ​The Drinks: Perfectly crafted and totally hit the spot. Everything was on point. ​The Service: Huge shoutout to Austin! He was an awesome server--super attentive and made our visit even better. ​Can't wait to come back next time we're in the area! read more

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My husband and I were looking for something low-key but "different" for a casual date night, and Bardega definitely fit the bill. It has a great 1970s living room vibe that manages to feel cool without being pretentious. The layout is pretty unique--part market, part bar. We grabbed a few items from the bodega side and then sat down for drinks. One of the highlights for us was the food menu; we tried the pickled eggs, which were surprisingly unique and tasty. It's a simple snack, but they did them right. The drink menu is also worth noting because they have "three octanes" for their cocktails. It made it easy to stay for a second round without overdoing it. It was busy for a weeknight, but the service was steady. If you're in Laguna Hills and tired of the usual chain restaurants, this is a solid, soulful alternative. Just a great neighborhood "third space." read more

Bardega - Pickled Eggs - oddly satisfying - Restaurants Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

Love my bardega, love talking to the staff here, and love the warmth their food brings. I've sat at the bar and booths and it has a vibe unlike anything in LH. Looking forward to the patio when summer arrives and coming back again and again for a hotdog special. read more

Bardega - onion dip w veg and house made chips. - Restaurants Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

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Bardega is the neighborhood bar Laguna Hills didn't know it desperately needed. Sometimes giving a place 5 stars feels rote, but Bardega has officially broken my brain in the best way and it earns every one of those stars. This place is part bar, part market, part time capsule. Let's start with the staff, because they deserve their own paragraph. From the moment you walk in, you're treated like a regular even if it's your first visit. They're warm, genuinely knowledgeable about the menu, and -- this is rare -- actually fun to talk to. You can tell the ownership has curated a team that actually wants to be there. In a sea of indifferent service, Bardega is an island of good vibes. Now. The TV Dinners concept. Initially seems strange, but it really makes an impact. A TV Dinner-inspired meatloaf with mashed potatoes, served with that unmistakable nostalgic energy? It shouldn't work this well, but it absolutely does. It's comfort food elevated just enough to feel intentional, not pretentious. It's the kind of dish that makes you want to call your mom to reminisce about old times. And the decor -- Bardega leans hard into retro aesthetics and pulls it off without feeling kitschy or try-hard. The bowling alley-lane bar alone is worth the visit. Think warm neon, real candles, vintage-coded everything -- it hits that sweet '80s nostalgia note perfectly. It feels like the inside of a movie you'd watch on a Saturday afternoon on basic cable. The drinks menu is equally thoughtful -- full ABV, low-ABV, and non-alcoholic options across the board, so everyone at your table is covered. The Spiked Rootbeer alone is worth the trip! Bardega is genuinely unlike anything else in Orange County. Go. Bring friends. Play the lotto scratchers at the bar. Order the meatloaf. You're welcome. read more

Finally something with a little character around here! Service was so friendly an attentive, decor very nostalgia-chic, and the cocktail I had was out of this world (the Amaretto Sour, yowzahhhh). I got the beef dip sandwich, which I felt lacked just a TOUCH of salt, but really really enjoyed the fries I added for $5 and horseradish sauce it came with. My husband lovedddd the pork chop. My kids loved the shrimp cocktail and the mac and cheese. Overall wonderful vibes and a cocktail list that's really well done and not prohibitively expensive. Win win win. read more

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Love this place, I've been here a few times. The 70's theme brings back so many memories growing up and the dishes are all spot on, they're all super tasty. Great spot to grab a drink and some food with friends. read more

Big fan of Bardega, this place is an experience, not just a meal. From the moment you walk in, you can tell there's real intention behind everything they do. The cocktails are handcrafted to perfection. They're balanced, creative, and honestly some of the best I've had in a long time. You can tell the bartenders actually care about the craft. The food? Just as impressive. Every dish comes out looking like a piece of art, but it's not just for show. It absolutely delivers on flavor. Bold, creative, and genuinely memorable. It's one of those spots where you keep talking about the meal the next day. If you're looking for a place that feels elevated without being pretentious, Bardega absolutely nails it. Already looking forward to my next visit. read more

Bardega - Amareto Sour - Restaurants Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

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Well, this was fun! We came for an early dinner after seeing this on Instagram a few days beforehand. there is a cute "bodega" as you enter the location with unique beverages and snack snacks from all over. And then you are greeted by a host who will take you to the dining area just behind the entrance. It's got funky 70s vibes and a good selection of beer to match. there are also special specialty and old-fashioned/vintage cocktails. The menu varies from salads, sandwiches, to TV dinner entrées. We opted for the California onion dip to start that came with both homemade potato chips and fresh vegetables. And then we opted to share the beef dip with a side of mac & cheese. The beef dip does not come with a side so you would have to order french fries or something else. Price is overall or just OK. I think $12 for a side of mac & cheese was a little pricey. We enjoyed the beef dip sandwich and the onion dip with the crunchy fried onions on top. Good choices again for nostalgic desserts. We were too full to have any, but we'll definitely come back and try one. We will definitely order those items again and probably come back to try the Italian chopped salad. Service from Dana was fun and she's super nice. There's plenty of parking out front. Good vibes all around we would definitely come back. read more

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