You are in for a treat. This is one of the most interesting round-ups of dining possibilities that I’ve ever done, because it brings us out of the restaurant and into the bar.
Lounge dining still features the high-quality food you’ve come to expect in a Fifi’s Best—but at bargain prices. Add some signature cocktails and interesting international wines by the glass, and these places deliver good times that fit in today’s economy.
Included in these listings are rooftop lounges, seats with ocean views and bars packed with charm.
I know you hear bar food and expect chicken wings and chips and dips, but I’ve really paid attention to the food quality and only highlighted the best of the best lounges. (Take for example our Chef of the Year Craig Connole’s K’ya restaurants in Laguna Beach and Anaheim.
None of these places will smack you with pre-fried food; they serve enticingly diverse plates that allow the diner to venture well beyond the norm in a restaurant meal. It’s a great way to revive a tired palate, go easy on the budget and enjoy eating out more than ever.
Should you want the friendly ambiance of lounge seating but access to a full restaurant menu, you will find these places will gladly accommodate that as well.
Don’t forget that many of these venues allow you to watch your favorite sports and major televised events while you dine. Naturally, some places have discreetly placed monitors while in other places they are prominent, but that makes your choice of lounges all the more interesting.
This list is a work in progress so your favorites might not be included in the following pages. Every Fifi’s Best is a group of places that come to mind from recent experiences.
Enjoy what’s here and beyond. And, remember that I am always open to suggestions from my readers, so stay in touch.
—Fifi Chao
