Well, that was unexpected.
Just a week ago, we were soaking up a perfectly normal afternoon—until our phones lit up with a Tsunami Watch (wait, what??). At first, it felt like a glitch, then it got surprisingly real... and then it turned out to be one big “nothing burger.”
Here’s to surviving Tsunami Watch: July 2025 Edition—and to calmer tides ahead.
This weeks lineup:
Grab a friend, or two, because we’ve curated our 5 favorite happy hour spots for a guaranteed good time.
We are eager to get to the bottom of something very important…who’s got the best donuts in town? Tell us in our new poll.
Did someone say “fiesta?” We’ve got the deets on San Clemente’s lively party, happening this weekend.
Get ready for Dana Point’s newest destination for açai bowls - opening soon.
THE HAPPIEST OF HOURS
It’s late on a Tuesday afternoon. Another absolutely gorgeous summer day. Work for the day is wrapping up. You’re basically half way through the week. You’re craving some light bites, a crispy glass of Rosé and a few good laughs to cap off your Tuesday.
It’s happy hour time.
Don’t miss the burger with beef tallow french fries from The Cellar in San Clemente.
And we’ve got just the place (or 7) for you to try.
San Clemente
The Cellar is on par for some of the best bites you’ll find in San Clemente. It’s also got a lovely outdoor patio on Del Mar, and an outstanding selection of wine and cheese.
When: 3pm - 6pm; Tuesdays - Fridays
Menu highlights:
Wine (Chardonnay, Pinot, Cab) - $9
Draft beer (Docent or rotating seasonal) - $6
Truffle popcorn - $8
Grilled cheese - $8
Beef sliders & fries - $12
Right next door is Jane, an intimate and moody lounge crafting some of the most creative cocktails you can find in South OC.
When: 5pm - 6pm; weekdays
Menu highlights: $12 cocktails, 20% off food
Deja Vu - Japanese vodka, watermelon, calpico, mint, lime & coconut water
Layover in Denver - Plymouth Gin, Grand Marnier, Amaro, grapefruit, Earl Grey tea, brut rose sidecar
Charcuterie & cheese board
10 oz flat iron steak, beef tallow fries & au poivre
Take a peak at their full menu HH here.
Dana Point
We believe cocktails and burgers just taste better when enjoyed on a breezy patio overlooking another gorgeous SoCal sunset. Catch those vibes and more at Craft House for their happy hour specials.
When: Monday & Tuesday: 3pm-9pm at the bar, Monday-Friday: 3pm-5pm at the restaurant, Saturday & Sunday: 2pm-4pm
Menu highlights:
Old Fashioned - $8
Smoke on the water (Los Vecinos Mezcal, grapefruit, lime, soda) - $8
Little B - Hibiscus infused gin, honey, lemon, ginger - $8
Spiced tuna crispy rice - $9
Smash burger with tallow fries - $15
Browse their full HH menu here.
If you haven’t tried the newest addition to Dana Point’s seafood scene yet, let’s change that. Costa Mesa’s Hook & Anchor recently opened their DP location in La Plaza park and it’s quickly becoming a new go-to in town, especially for social hour.
When: Daily drink specials from 3pm-5pm, daily food specials 4pm-5pm
Menu highlights:
Trefethen Chardonnay - $9
Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc - $9
Lobster deviled eggs - $12
Crab cakes - $12
Chef’s choice oysters - $2.50/each
Here’s their full HH menu.
San Juan Capistrano
If a crisp glass of Chardonnay or full bodied pour of Merlot is calling your name, look no further than SJC’s Rancho Capistrano Winery for your next happy hour.
When: Monday: all day; Tuesday-Friday: 4pm-6pm
Menu highlights:
Mariposa Chardonnay (WA) - $11
Bougainvillea Rosé of Sangiovese (WA) - $11
Fig bruschetta with whipped gorgonzola & balsamic glaze crostinis - $12
Mushroom truffle flatbread with prosciutto - $17
Take a look at their complete HH menu here.
So go ahead. Grab that drink, get the truffle fries, split the burger, take those sunset selfies.
It’s called happy hour for a reason.
POLL TIME
Where can you find the best donuts in South Coast OC?
LIVE MUSIC
August 7th
Seaside Sessions at The Wharf: Corey Angeli @ 4pm-6pm: Enjoy a seaside happy hour with live music, weekly at The Wharf.
Island Nights @ Ole Hanson Beach Club from 6pm-9pm: Summer vibes are happening this Thursday night with a rec swim, obstacle course with giant inflatables, live music, crafts, food and drinks. Sign-up here.
August 10th
San Clemente Fiesta Music Festival at 100 & 200 blocks of Del Mar from 10am-7pm: Del Mar is the place to be this weekend as the SC Chamber of Commerce kicks of the 70th annual fiesta, complete with live music on three different stages, food & drinks. Learn more here.
Concerts in the park:
Wayard Sons @ 2:30pm-4pm: Check out British rock band Wayward Sons this Sunday. Bring a blanket, snacks and drinks and head to Sea Terrace Park for a free community concert. Deets here.
Queen Nation @ 4pm-6pm: Come later or stay longer for the second act, Queen Nation, which is, you guessed it, a Queen tribute band. Epic singalongs are pretty much guaranteed.
Live music @ Frisby Cellars at Dana Point Harbor from 1pm-4pm: Enjoy the sunshine and sip your favorite vino this Sunday while enjoying music from artist Scott Altman.
FITNESS, ARTS & LEISURE
August 6th
Put all of your binge-watching of Sex & The City to the test at trivia night this Wednesday at Los Molinos in SC @ 6:30pm. There will be prizes.
River Street Run Club: Meet outside Hobie at River Street Marketplace at 6:30pm for a 3-5 mile run
August 7th
Family movie night @ River Street Marketplace from 6pm-9:30pm: Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy an outdoor viewing of Endless Summer II , as well as live music and bites from onsite restaurants. Learn more here.
August 9th
Dana Point Outrigger Canoe club presents the Whitney Harrison Classic: Join over 900 participants across age ranges for a race from the harbor to Main Beach in Laguna Beach and back. Deets here.
Dana Point Farmer’s Market @ La Plaza Park from 9am-1pm. Local jewelry, fresh produce, clothing, candles and more.
Sound bath @ the Peace Dome in the Ecology Center from 6pm-7:15pm: Get ready to feel relaxed this Saturday evening with a restorative sound bath session. Sign-up here.
Community table chef series @ The Ecology Center: Join chef Moira Hill, of Ironside in San Diego, for a delicious farm-to-table seasonal dinner on the farm. Tickets can be purchased here.
August 10th
Stand Up to Trash 5 Year Anniversary Party at Baby Beach from 8am-11am: Give back to our incredible ocean this Saturday with a peaceful yoga session on the beach, followed by beach cleanup and lunch and learn. Register here.
San Clemente Farmers Market at Del Mar @ 9am-1pm: Shop for fresh local produce, baked goods, and enjoy the good vibes on a summery Sunday morning.
STOKED FOR AÇAI
There are few better breakfasts to enjoy on a summer morning than a tropical açai bowl, which is why we’re very much stoked for the newest spot coming to Dana Point.
Alohana is opening their Dana Point location this fall.
Alohana Açai Bowls, which already has several locations across OC and SD, is opening their first Dana Point location this fall on Violet Lantern between PCH and Del Prado.
You can expect a full menu of all kinds of bowls, such as açai and pitaya, as well as tropical smoothies, coffees, and matcha (of course).
Safe to say we’re ready to say “aloha” to Alohana Bowls.
🤙
Thanks for reading & catch ya out there
— Hannah B
