Laguna Hills Just Got a Little Bit Cooler With This New Bar

upon entry – photo greg nagel

I had so many questions before checking out Bardega, a new bar opening soon in Laguna Hills, right off the 5 at Alicia.

“Can I do lotto scratchers while drinking a margarita on a bowling alley-lane bar while waiting for takeout?” The short answer is yes, which is intriguing for a bar/bodega. But the fun doesn’t stop there.

margarita next to a real candle – photo greg nagel

Co-owners Matt Sharp and Corey Danger, friends since attending nearby Aliso Niguel High School, aimed to bring something completely different from every other bar in Orange County: Seventies nostalgia with modern twists at every turn…oh and there’s a store to buy booze, snacks, and sundries. Ooh, ooh, ooh…the drinks come in three octanes: regular, low-ABV, and N/A. Crazy.

“We wanted to create a place that feels instantly familiar yet completely unlike anywhere else,” added Matt Sharp, co-owner of Bardega. “From the design to the drinks, Bardega celebrates individuality and connection. Everyone can come in and have the same great experience, no matter what’s in their glass,” he continued.

Hoover manning the margarita fountain. photo greg nagel

It’s usually hard to comment on a new place that has a completely new menu that’s still working out the kinks. But the bar/kitchen has vets from the likes of Robert Hoover, Chef Kiel Anderson, and Chef Ted Fleury.

There’s a standard Old Fashioned with a clear as a bell cube, there’s a re-imagined Midori Sour. There are even spiked root beer floats. Beers weren’t in the forefront of what I experienced; however, I did see a few taps which will pour local craft, as well as Coors heavy, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, and NA options.

spiked root beers with 101 and NA – photo greg nagel

On the bar snacks, think pickled eggs, dusted popcorn, several house dogs with even a vegan option (try the Danger Dog!). There’s a TV Dinner-inspired meatloaf with mashed potatoes better than mom makes. It’s all pretty ridiculous and fun, two adjectives that are sorely missed in today’s dining scene.