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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Great new location. Loved the whipped ricotta was amazing! Staff was super friendly. Was a bit confusing on how to get a table do you go thru the restaurant or the bodega side? Who knows but they do assist and direct you. I do wish the menu had better food options but overall a great location with good drinks read more

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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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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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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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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We came in last Friday around 7:30 PM. It was a post golf round with a group of 6 friends. We came in unannounced with no reservation, but they were super accommodating and were able to seat us right away. Server was really nice and attentive and we never went thirsty. It was my first time in and I had my eye on the meat loaf. Definitely did not disappoint! It comes with a side, a salad, and the entree. For the side I opted to get the Mac and cheese. Sides hit perfect. Mac and cheese was super good. The meatloaf was amazing. Seriously, not the meatloaf your mom used to make with ketchup on top. I will come back to get this meatloaf again and again which sucks because I want to try everything else on the menu. Also, huge portion as I could only finish about half. read more

Bardega - Meatloaf with Mac and cheese as a side - Restaurants Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

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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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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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

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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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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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

Went for lunch today and it was super fun. Got some scratchers and a great Chicago dog. Really trippy interior & great vibe. Staff is super nice. Great concept. Will be back. read more

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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Been 2 more times in the last few days (that's how good and popular it is!). There is a fun free photobooth at the entrance where you can also record testimonials. There are some unique market items too. Hoover made an eclectic bar menu and I'm working my way through all of them since I'm a "regular now." Him and the staff are all wonderful at customer service and so easy to talk to! New items I have tried: - Fries - crinkle cut, perfectly fried and salted..one of the best I've ever had - ranch dressing is fresh/made in-house with lots of herbs - egg salad sandwich has a medium boiled egg in the center - Italian chopped sandwich is almost like a chopped salad on a roll and was the perfect size - spiked root beer had a Wild Turkey whiskey sticking out of it - gin and tonic was refreshing - chopped salad was a very generous portion with flavorful Gorgonzola dressing - Royal Wednesday was a refreshing gin drink - tried all 3 desserts and all were delicious but the banana pudding with crunchy crumbles in a jar was the best! 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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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

Interesting place with memorabilia from the 60's, lots to look at. Austin, our server, checked back on us frequently. We ordered popcorn for a snack; couldn't eat it--too spicey! This was a disappointment, so nice we both love popcorn. My mouth was on fire after the first bite. My husband ordered a chili hot dog, which was a treat since we never have that at home. 4/5. VERY messy to eat. I ordered the spare rib chunks as an appetizer, but it turned out to be the whole meal. 5:5 Very generous serving of meat and a large side of cole slaw. The slaw was perfect--not too messy and tasty without too much vinegar. I had ordered a lemon drop martini. It was $13, but came in a very small glass, probably 4 oz. Not what you expect of a martini. We got out of there for about $90. One alcoholic drink, popcorn, and an appetizer and a meal. We would have been interested in their "tv dinners", but they were pricey, at $38 for meatloaf. Really??? Probably won't be back. read more

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

This place is awesome, great homemade food from scratch, great service and vibes. The cocktails were nice and the atmosphere was nice and relaxing on the patio. We learned you can bring your kids which we weren't sure so now we can't wait to come back and try more items on the menu and bring our little guy! read more

I brought my friend from the SF Bay Area...and she was rocked by the positivity and knowledge and execution of the bar staff and the food.

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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A true neighborhood gem with one of the best bar aesthetics in Orange County My buddy and I grab lunch together at least once a week, and this time we wanted to try something different. He suggested Bardega after spotting it on Google Maps--the photos looked great and the menu caught our attention. We decided to check it out, and I'm really glad we did. The moment you walk in, it feels like stepping into a New York-style bodega that opens up into a beautifully curated bar. It's basically one long aisle, and right away you can tell a lot of thought went into the details. There's a wall of hot sauces that I couldn't resist browsing--and yes, I ended up buying one. The staff was incredibly friendly from the start. The guy behind the register turned out to be our server as well. He asked whether we wanted a low top or high top (we went high top), and once we sat down, the vibe really hit. Hands down, this is the best-looking bar I've seen in Orange County. The aesthetic is dialed in. It feels like a bar you'd stumble into in the Midwest--Wisconsin especially--with vintage beer signs from the '60s, '70s, and '80s, old draft signage, classic audio equipment behind the bar, and tons of small flourishes that look like they were collected over decades. The wood feels freshly finished but still rustic and time-appropriate. Even the water glasses and candleholders feel straight out of another era. Nothing feels forced--it's just right. We ended up chatting with the owner, who was awesome. He mentioned that he and his friends wanted to create a true local bar, and that's exactly what Bardega feels like. Comfortable, welcoming, and clearly built with care. Food-wise, everything delivered. We started with the caramelized onion dip, which I'd never had before--and honestly, I'd eat way more vegetables if they all came with that dip. I ordered the Italian sub, and the way they prepare it really stood out: all the meats and veggies are chopped together before being stuffed into the bread. It was a ton of food... and I finished every bite. My buddy got a hot dog and said it was excellent as well. Drinks were on point. I had an Old Fashioned, made with a crystal-clear ice cube from a local ice supplier (yes, it matters). The cocktail was sharp and well-balanced. The beer selection is a bit limited, but everything on tap felt thoughtfully chosen. I genuinely wish I had a place like this near my house. We'll absolutely be back, and we'll be bringing more friends--sometimes it's four of us for lunch, sometimes it's nine. Bardega can easily handle both vibes. If you're looking for a spot with great food, solid drinks, incredible atmosphere, and genuinely friendly people, this place is worth checking out. read more

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Service and 1970's ambiance were fine. Food and drinks were not my thing. Meatloaf had a rubbery texture, and the bread pudding wasn't for me as it had chocolate in it and I just don't care for that style. My drink tasted weak, almost watered down. I was surprised since so many ratings were high. read more

Honestly way better than I ever expected. The theme for the restaurant is absolute fun, the food and drinks are incredible ( Seoul dog!!!) , and services is top tier. 100% recommend and I will for sure be going back. You can shop for items you would find at a bodega as you walk in or leave. Love that! read more

First of all, I haven't posted a review here in years. This was my husband and my first time here. We had Janet as a server. She's a doll and was super helpful in helping me decide which drink to order. Matt came by and was very attentive and wanted to know if it was our first time. The food was SOOO GOOD! I haven't been to a place quite like this. As a Gen Xer, it took me back in time with the ambience and vibes. The 70's vibe, paneling walls, stain glass, macrame's and plants. You just gotta go here. It's a little small, but so worth it. We waited about 5 min max, and we got here at 7:30pm on a Saturday night. Bring your kids or make it a date night. They had me at the drink garnish in my "Royal Wednesday." Just go there. It won't disappoint. I'll see you there. We will be back soon. Enjoy. read more

Bardega - Such a great vibe!! Just go and see it yourself. - Restaurants Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

Overall average food with an above average price tag. Got the pork chop tv dinner, beef dip sandwich and banana pudding for dessert. The TV dinner is just what you would expect from a tv dinner. It had a single pork chop cooked in a tangy sauce, not that much meat after the fat and bones, not bad but not juicy either. The mac n cheese and salad included in the tv dinner tasted average. The cookie that came with tv dinner is not a large cookie, not soft or gooey. The beef dip sandwich does not come with any side, small and the roast beef in it is hard. The best part of meal was the banana pudding. read more

The restaurant had a fun new retro vibe.The appetizers we purchased were delicious and this service was wonderful.

We just discovered this little treasure. The service was incredible and the food was outstanding. Generous portions, great flavors, everything made in-house. We had at least three people checking on us and bringing out food and everyone was extremely pleasant and happy to have us. All around great experience and we will be back. We had the garlic butter shrimp "TV dinner." read more

We went here for a night cap last night and had an amazing experience! The drinks were amazing and the vibe is so cool. The staff was so kind and service was excellent. We can't wait to come back and have dinner soon! read more

Bardega - Restaurants Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

Revisited and Bardega always delivers! Love this place! The vibe is next level and food and drink always deliver. Staff is amazing and have met some really cool people here. read more

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"The levels of expert cocktailery and hot doggery going on here are astronomical!" If you are looking for something refreshingly new, you have found your new favorite bar. The food goes above and beyond, and the cocktails match the fun environment that this team has curated to send you back in time to a different era. Run don't walk... see for yourself what this new neighborhood spot has to offer! read more

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Went there on their soft opening! This place is something special! The vibe in the place is unique and has so much character only to be matched by the amazing food!! Highly recommend! read more

Really fun concept! The entrance seems like you're stepping into a liquor store from the past, and the cashier is actually your host who brings you to this cozy 80s diner. I had the grilled cheese with soup, and my friend had their cheeseburger dog, which she said was quite tasty. The Mac and cheese was OUTTA this world read more

Friendly staff! Great vibes! The Italian Chop is amazing I really like it! The French fries were good too! They were tasty and crispy read more

Bardega - Dads welcome! - Restaurants Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

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Absolutely delicious!! Everything was an absolute hit from drinks, appetizers, entrees, to dessert! The service was prompt and very attentive! We loved the ambiance and the retro vibe especially with the market at the front entrance. Our new go-to spot for sure! read more

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I hit this place up since I was in the area. I'm glad I did. The ricotta appetizer was delicious. I follow up with the fish sandwich and beef dip. Both were outstanding. The star of the show was the bourbon pecan pie. It was off the chart. I also tried the banana pudding. It was good, but after having the pecan pie, it just didn't shine quite as bright. If you get a chance. Head over. The staff is attentive and friendly. read more

Cool vibe. People are very friendly. We had a hot dog and it was good. They need to work on the cocktails though. We will be back.

So stoked we have a place like this in Laguna Hills. The food was delicious. Ordered my food on the "convenience store" side. The decor is awesome and they did a great job making it feel like an old bodega. I ordered the 'deli egg sandwich' and the 'grilled pimento cheese and tomato soup'. Both were awesome!! Took a look around the restaurant side while I waited. The place is beautiful. The woodwork alone behind the bar and the banister railing is amazing. It's kind of got a 70's bowling alley/dive bar vibe. A great place for date night for sure. Can't wait to go back for dinner and get a table read more

Bardega - Restaurants Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

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