Some visitors make you wish they’d become permanent residents—whether they’re your favorite drinking buddy or just someone who knows how to pick the perfect wine. Sure, Tustin has its share of strip-mall sprawl and predictable chain eateries, but it also offers hidden courtyards, craft cocktails that tell stories, and dining experiences that turn skeptics into regulars. These 10 spots will have even your most reluctant friend trading their sofa for a barstool here.
Tustin Inn
$ | (714) 731-3446 | WEBSITE
You can criticize our traffic and our high rents, but you can’t criticize Tustin’s incredible dive bars, and Tustin Inn is the best way to show it off. It’s a casual neighborhood haunt with a clean atmosphere and great music, plus classic features like pool, darts, shuffleboard, and sports on TV. There’s no wrong way to unwind here—enjoy the famous chili, grab some nachos or other bar favorites on certain days, and take advantage of the great drink prices.
The lively jukebox keeps things fun, and on special occasions like New Year’s Eve, you can expect a unique champagne toast. With excellent service and a welcoming, friendly environment that caters to a diverse crowd, this cash-only spot is a hidden gem that oozes charm and character.
El Torito
$$ | (714) 838-6630 | WEBSITE
This is the kind of restaurant that shows off how even Tustin’s casual-enough-for-a-Sunday brunch spots are fantastic. On the surface, El Torito’s menu looks like every other Mexican menu you might have encountered over the past decade: tacos, tortillas, and beans and rice. But this place somehow manages to make a dish like churro pancakes a must-order. (You also need the customized taco and omelette bar, and a margarita like the ones they serve here.)
Bar Louie – The District
$$ | (657) 296-4400 | WEBSITE
Unlike other trendy spots (LA, for example), Tustin’s late-night hangouts can actually be really satisfying. Take Bar Louie – The District, a quintessential District restaurant with that comfortable late-night dining atmosphere. It has a great, happening vibe for a date, outdoor seating by the fireplace that’s perfect for chatting with friends, and servers who are cool as hell. Most importantly, though, the burgers are outstanding.
It’s a Tustin bar restaurant at its best: lively, a little pricey for the portions, and very enjoyable. If someone doesn’t like this place, they probably shouldn’t hang out here anyway.
STOWAWAY
$$ | (657) 208-2088 | WEBSITE
Orange County is known for beaches, theme parks, and having the largest naturally occurring population of tiki enthusiasts in the wild. So throw your friend a curveball with a spot like STOWAWAY in Tustin. It’s a dark, intriguing spot with tasty tropical drinks and more bamboo furniture than a South Pacific import shop in 1975.
Come here and order the Tropical Margarita: a blend of fresh juices and premium rum is served in a fun ceramic sculpture at the bar until the flavors become perfectly balanced and refreshing. Delicious and not overly sugary, it comes with the option to have your drink set on fire for a dramatic presentation.
Rack’ um Up
$$ | (714) 573-0020 | WEBSITE
This lively spot in Tustin serves drinks seven nights a week and has one of Orange County’s best bar scenes—which you’ll appreciate after spending the day working or running errands. You’ll find excellent spicy margaritas with a solid kick and some fantastic beers from their well-curated selection.
Since it’s popular there will probably be a crowd, but you can use the opportunity to play a few rounds on the pristine pool tables and soak up the friendly, energetic atmosphere that makes both regulars and newcomers feel right at home.
The Yellow Chilli Tustin
$$ | (714) 389-5280 | WEBSITE
Technically The Yellow Chilli is a restaurant that serves Indian cuisine. But it stands out in Tustin, and there’s a good chance your friend (and hopefully future dining companion) hasn’t experienced this delicious butter chicken where they live, not to mention the perfectly cooked sea bass tikka. Take them to the one with the beautiful ambiance and use the occasional slow service time to demonstrate how to appreciate the flavorful dishes that cater to various spice tolerance levels.
The Swinging Door Saloon
$$ | (714) 832-5214 | WEBSITE
Our town has a lot of pubs. We bet if you look around you’ll either see one, the future home of one, or a person suddenly having the idea to open one. If you need to convince your fun-loving friend from out of town to hang out here, take them to The Swinging Door Saloon in Tustin. It’s a local favorite with everything you want in a California pub: tasty food, well-executed drinks, and an outstanding margarita.
The staff, including bartender Kayla and waitress Joling, are friendly and welcoming, making every guest feel special. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, with music and good vibes that create a fun environment. With its quality service and friendly atmosphere, The Swinging Door Saloon is definitely worth a visit.
Godfather’s
$ | (714) 544-4410 | WEBSITE
If your friend who thinks a good night out means paying a cover charge and drinking overpriced cocktails needs an intervention, take them to Godfather’s the next time you’re in Tustin. This local sports bar feels like a neighborhood spot, and it’s the kind of place where the bartenders will tell you all about the game on TV—the teams playing, the score, and why that last call was complete nonsense. Grab one of the affordable drinks, like a cold beer or a well-made cocktail during happy hour.
Then watch their perspective shift as they realize a fun night doesn’t have to break the bank.
The Walnut Room Saloon
$ | (714) 714-0990 | WEBSITE
Yes, Tustin might seem like just another suburb, and there’s no way to sugarcoat it. So a good strategy to get your friend to visit is scheduling their trip on a weekend, when you can take them to The Walnut Room Saloon for cold beers, daily specials, and indoor dartboards. It’s one of Tustin’s Neighborhood Greatest Hits and highlights that we have friendly dive bars where people don’t have to be packed like sardines. This place has some space, people.
Luna Rossa
$$ | (714) 259-0861 | WEBSITE
Luna Rossa is a small, elegant Italian restaurant, so it probably won’t be making it into any large group’s regular spot due to the tight booth tables. But the pasta here is just as good and is $24-$32 per dish. The homemade options involve phenomenal spaghetti with marinara sauce, highly praised lobster ravioli, and penne arrabiata that puts your favorite spicy dish to shame with its garlic and spiciness. The Alfredo with chicken is also noted as very good.
It will impress your date enough that you’ll soon be able to rely on them to join you for live music on Friday and Saturday nights.