This place is amazing!!! We went here on Friday for the first time, on a whim, looking for a local place for good food, drinks, desserts, and awesome service. We got there hoping to sit at the bar but no seats available immediately. The owner Matt, noticed we were disappointed, and talked to a couple that were just finishing up. As soon as they were done, he seated us at the end of the bar. The bar is reminiscent of an old 70s bar, comfortable seats, overall great atmosphere. I ordered The Old Fashioned and my partner order a schooner of beer. The Spiked Rootbeer with the shot of Wild Turkey Bourbon was unreal! The bartender was attentive, informative, and personable. She checked on us often and gave us great recommendations for food. The Bardega Popcorn with its umami seasoning is addicting. The Seoul Dog and homemade chips was a good balance of flavor and satisfying. My partner ordered the beef dip with fries. He says he wouldn't order anything else because it was perfect. Don't even get me started on the desserts. The milk and cookies is a classic. The pecan pie and fresh whipped cream is that balance of not too sweet but sweet enough classic pie. The banana pudding was an absolute surprise. It was just ridiculous!!! Overall an awesome first experience!!! We will definitely be returning to Bardega over and over again!!! read more

I got a chance to talk to Hoover, and I am so excited about the well crafted nonalcoholic beverages offered!! Looking forward to bringing my girl friends here! :) read more

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

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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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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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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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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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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

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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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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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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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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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 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

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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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

​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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Food is fantastic! Gourmet hot dogs and popcorn with a martini? Why not? We loved the food but the service, both waitress and hostess, was so full of personality. Check it out and support this new endeavor! read more

Great neighborhood spot! Full service bar, and a minimalist menu, but it works! I had riblets and my hubs had the beef dip. Both were great and hit the spot! Service was excellent and attentive. We'll be back to try other drinks and menu items. 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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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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I came in for lunch on Easter Sunday, first time visiting despite seeing this cutie place online, and was immediately welcomed by Matt and Anthony. They are so friendly and welcoming; making conversation that never felt forced nor awkward. You can feel how much they enjoy what they do. We were pleased to find out that minds/hands behind this particular restaurant are also behind some other south OC staples. The overall vibe of the place is perfect. you walk in straight to the bodega area, which has branded merch, old timey toys (whoopee cushion!!), fun sodas, etc. We then were able to seat ourselves in the most charming bar/dining room: low lights, eclectic/vintage decor, old commercials played on the TV. We had the beef dip and seoul dog (dog of the month) and both were incredible. some food standouts: House made kimchi cucumbers, house made spicy ketchup, house made potato chips. This place is a much needed watering hole for the area and everything is stellar. read more

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

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The employees really make this place special. Very friendly service! The food was really good as well. I split the Wedge salad and the beef dip. I would definitely have both again! We were celebrating a birthday and they brought out four huge chocolate chip cookies with a candle. Delicious! We will definitely be back in the future. read more

Bardega - Chocolate chip cookies - Restaurants Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

What a great vibe! Super friendly welcoming atmosphere. Cocktails are on point. The pickled eggs are a must. The onion dip is so good I want to lick the bowl. I got the grilled cheese and tomato soup which was tasty. I just wish there was more pimento cheese spread -- seemed the bread/cheese ratio was off a tad. My husband got the Italian and he totally enjoyed it. We will be back soon. read more

Bardega - pickled eggs!! - Restaurants Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

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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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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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Snacks were tasty! Cocktail menu was great. Loved the vibe, old school 70's diner with a decoy liquor store in the front. Where vintage meets modern. Staff was attentive. Great experience. Happy to have this gem close by, will definitely come again. read more

Bardega - Restaurants Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

Just had one of the best lunches I have had in a long time! Started with a time travel back to the 70s/80s and ended with a full, very happy stomach! We ordered the beef dip and the chicken Caesar salad and they did not disappoint. The beef dip was well cheesed and sauced up and had the most delicious creamy horseradish dip I've ever tasted. The French fries were perfectly fresh and crispy. The spicy ketchup was so yummy bc it has the best of the ketchup taste, but leaves you with a little heat and smokey flavor. The Caesar was a little spicy with the perfect amount of Parmesan cheese and the lettuce was fresh and yummy! We both enjoyed the popcorn treat as well! I can't wait to go back again! The food is so unique and unlike anywhere else I have been. I loved the vibe, the flavors, and the friendly staff! read more

Bardega - Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad - Restaurants Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

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The food was unreal. Chicken bites appetizer was the best, all main dishes our group ordered was so good and the banana pudding dessert was so fresh. I loved the 80's style wood paneling everywhere, stained glass and old school chandeliers. I would have loved more 80's memorabilia in front entrance, bathrooms and on walls. read more

After moving down to Mission Viejo last year, I've been disappointed with the food scene. I've tried several places and find myself driving back up to Costa Mesa if I want a good meal. I saw someone review Bardega on Instagram and since it's close by, thought it would be a fun place to check out, and I crossed my fingers that it would be good. The ambiance was excellent, felt like walking into an old bar from tv shows I watched as a kid, I brought my boyfriend who's older than me and you could see him light up as he was looking around at the decor. The old bar signs, vintage electronics, the wood paneling, all tied together and transported you back in time. The menu is smaller, which I personally like. I'd rather have a handful of items that kill it vs pages of food that's hit or miss. While hanging onto the classic taste, they elevated childhood favorites. I ordered chicken bites and mac n cheese. The ranch was good, but gave a little more tarter sauce vibe, and came with a lemon to squeeze on the chicken. It was good, very good, but gave me fish vibes, so probably will pass on it next time unless I'm in a fish and chips mood. The mac and cheese was perfect, hot, creamy, and the cheese was delicious. I'll absolutely be ordering it again. The boyfriend got the meatloaf and devoured it. It came with a salad, a side of your choice, and a cookie, all served up on a tv tray. He got a kick out of the dressing, I think he said it was Catalina dressing? Guess it's an older style dressing that was popular back in the day. Lastly the service was top notch! Everyone greeted us, was friendly and personable, and seemed to be happy to be working there. The seemed to feed off the excitement of customers looking around and finding random treasures that brought back memories. We will be back! Thanks for the cool new place down in south county! read more

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YOU GUYS. My guy and I are not ones to typically write reviews, unless we feel the need or when a place is exceptional. And Bardega is indeed EXCEPTIONAL. We moved to the south OC close to 4 years ago from LA/South Bay and we candidly have had so much trouble finding restaurants and bars that fulfill exactly what we're looking for when going out (early 30s, DINK at the moment) - and we've finally found our local "third place" in Bardega. Quality comfort/classic fare with a curated and focused menu, from-scratch everything that you can taste, and my fav part are the *details* - from the thoughtfully curated vintage decor, the classic all-American lunch trays, the drink selection and cocktails!!! And the owners (we've met Matt, Hoover, Cory so far) and team are genuinely so lovely, attentive, and friendly all around. Some of the best food that we've had in a hot minute and my fav local martini + banana pudding. Also +1 for carrying one of our fav hot sauces, habanero Yellowbird. As a picky marketing/design girly, everything about this place checks all the boxes that deserves community support, along with getting a fab customer experience. We'll continue to explore the menu as regulars. Now I'm just scared that this place will go viral on TikTok, but it deserves all the praise. see ya guys there ;) read more

Bardega - best local martini, hands down - and the looping 70s/80s commercials are such a vibe - Restaurants Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

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This was such a fun experience! Walking up to it and seeing the "convenience store" at first threw us off, but then we realized what the name meant! you turn the corner and you're transported to another era! The service was great! Everyone was super friendly and attentive. We ordered the caramelized onion dip, the beef dip, and the danger dog. Everything was yummy! For dessert we ordered coffee (True Love drip in the biggest mugs haha) and the pecan pie. We loved the pie (just wish it was a little warmer). Walking out and finding the Photo Booth at the end was such a fun end to the night! Can't wait to come back and try more things!!! read more

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This place is a gem. Always top notch service and the vibe is unmatched. Shipped ricotta bread is crazy good. Just ask for double bread because it's so good. Everyone I bring here ends up going back on their own and loving it. read more

I was expecting to be hit with nostalgia as I walked in but that didn't happen. The store is super tiny, basically a little hallway leading to the restaurant and the restaurant itself had a simple dark moody vibe. The menu design and food plating did remind me of childhood but I expected more themed drink options. The fish sandwich was good. the chips were great. The banana pudding was my favorite as it wasn't too sweet but there wasn't much actual real banana pieces in it. The pickled eggs were something I never tried before and though good, it was more pickled food than I needed. Service was fine. Plenty of parking. Overall, I think it's a cute experience to try but it's not really the type of food I would want to eat regularly. read more

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Came here for lunch and a couple of drinks. I spend a lot of time visiting cocktail bars around the world, and these guys are doing something genuinely special here. I am not drinking right now, so I tried their non-alcoholic options and they were excellent. Thoughtful, balanced, and clearly built with the same care as their regular cocktails. I also love Scotch and Japanese whisky, and their selection is really solid. It is clear they put real intention behind what they stock. The staff truly knows their craft with zero pretentiousness. Just great drinks, good energy, and people who actually enjoy what they do. Looking forward to coming back to try their martini and Mai Tai when I am drinking again. read more

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This was a completely unexpected destination. We were nearby grabbing a late lunch when we stumbled upon this local gem. It's got everything you could want. The drinks are classic, the bartender was amazing and friendly and the decor was eclectic and as I remember from childhood. Will definitely be back. Highly recommend. read more

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Bardega was an absolute 10/10 experience. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was perfect, beautifully designed, thoughtfully decorated, and such a great vibe overall. The service was outstanding: attentive, friendly, and made the whole experience feel effortless. The drinks were expertly crafted, the food was delicious, and everything came out perfectly timed. You can tell a lot of care goes into every detail, from the menu to the space itself. Easily one of those places you can't wait to come back to. Highly recommend. read more

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From the very moment we walked in we felt welcomed. Great customer service, drinks and food. I will definitely be back! read more

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This place is absolutely incredible. I find myself comparing any other dining experience to Bardega now. The food is simply amazing. Fresh and made from scratch! The vibe is perfection. Also our server, Dana, was on point. She is kind and attentive. I only wish it was closer to my house! Or maybe not, because I don't know if I could stay away . Oh also, they have a kids menu. Love it, can't wait to go back! read more

Bardega - Danger dog (I think) and fries. Soooooo yum - Restaurants Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

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