Step into the ultimate beach house fantasy at The Bungalow Huntington Beach, a vibrant, retro-style escape that continues to define Orange County's high-end, yet laid-back, nightlife scene. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, this Pacific City hotspot remains a must-visit destination, perfectly blending the chic atmosphere of a private party with the easygoing spirit of Surf City, USA. Its continued popularity is a testament to its unique design, world-class cocktail program, and the electric energy that pulses through its ocean-view patio every weekend.
The venue, conceptualized by hospitality guru Brent Bolthouse, offers more than just a place to grab a drink; it’s an immersive experience designed to feel like you’ve been invited to a friend’s stylish, sprawling seaside home. From the surf-themed billiards room to the expansive outdoor spaces, The Bungalow is constantly evolving its events and offerings to keep the experience fresh for both locals and visitors seeking the quintessential Southern California night out. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the current scene, from the must-try drinks to the essential dress code.
The Bungalow Huntington Beach: Location, Concept, and Creator Profile
The Bungalow is not just a bar; it is a meticulously crafted concept that has successfully captured the essence of coastal California living and turned it into a premier nightlife experience. The venue’s success is intrinsically linked to its prime location and the vision of its creator.
- Full Name: The Bungalow Huntington Beach
- Location: Pacific City, 2nd Level (Above Bear Flag Fish Co.)
- Address: 21058 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
- Vibe/Atmosphere: Laid-back, retro-style, beach house party, surf-city chic, lively, and open.
- Key Features: Ocean-view patio, handsome bar, surf-themed billiards room, and multiple lounge areas.
- Hospitality Group: Bungalow Hospitality Group.
The Visionary: Brent Bolthouse
The entire Bungalow concept—which also has sister locations—was brought to Pacific City by hospitality guru Brent Bolthouse. Bolthouse is a legendary figure in the Los Angeles and Orange County nightlife scene, known for creating venues that are both stylish and accessible. His vision for The Bungalow was to draw inspiration from the local, laid-back style of the California beach, resulting in a space that feels like a cozy, yet upscale, neighborhood escape.
The Ultimate Guide to The Bungalow's 2025 Vibe and Dress Code
Visiting The Bungalow requires a balance of style and comfort to fit in with the "fashionable beach casual" scene. The atmosphere is energetic, often featuring live DJs and specialty nights, making it a hotspot for those looking for a lively social environment in Orange County.
Decoding the "Fashionable Attire" Dress Code
While The Bungalow's vibe is famously relaxed and "beachy," the official dress code is generally described as "fashionable attire is recommended". This is where many visitors get confused, but the key is to be stylish without being overly formal. Recent reviews confirm the dress code is relatively "lax/beachy" and "easygoing," especially compared to more exclusive nightclubs.
- What to Wear (Recommended):
- For Women: Stylish sundresses, chic jumpsuits, fashionable jeans with a nice top, or upscale casual wear.
- For Men: Collared shirts (polo or button-down), designer jeans or chinos, and clean, fashionable shoes.
- What to Avoid (Generally Prohibited at Similar Venues):
- Flip-flops (especially after dark), jerseys, excessively baggy clothing, athletic wear, and t-shirts with large graphics.
- While the vibe is casual, remember you are entering a high-end bar, so avoid looking like you just left the sand.
Pro Tip: Arriving early, particularly for the breezy happy hour on weekdays and weekends, often allows for a more relaxed interpretation of the dress code, but as the night progresses and the live DJs ramp up, the attire tends to get more "fashionable".
Must-Try Signature Cocktails and Exclusive Bites
The heart of The Bungalow experience lies in its extensive bar program, which features handcrafted cocktails and an impressive selection of beer, wine, and seltzers. The menu is designed to complement the coastal setting, focusing on refreshing, vibrant flavors.
The Iconic House Cocktails
The Bungalow is renowned for its signature cocktails, which are often the main draw for patrons. These are the drinks that have cemented the venue's reputation and are frequently mentioned in the latest reviews.
- The Bungalow Margarita: A quintessential beach-bar staple, often cited as a must-try.
- Bitchin' Sangria: A popular, flavorful option perfect for sharing or sipping on the patio.
- The Golden Bear: Named after a famous California symbol, this drink captures the state's golden hour spirit.
- Shooting The Pier: A nod to the famous Huntington Beach Pier, this cocktail is as refreshing as a sea breeze.
- The Sting Ray: An exotic, unique option that adds flair to the drink menu.
For those looking for something a bit more substantial, the food menu features exclusive bites and bar snacks. The Bungalow partners with Bear Flag Fish Co., which is located on the level below, to offer a selection of culinary items. Menu highlights include the classic The Bungalow Burger and crispy Chicken Tenders served with French Fries.
Logistics: Parking, Hours, and Getting In
As a popular spot within the Pacific City complex, knowing the logistics is crucial for a smooth night out. The Bungalow is located on the second level, which gives its patio a stunning ocean view.
Operating Hours and Happy Hour
The Bungalow operates on a consistent schedule, with hours extending late into the night on weekends. The best time to visit for a relaxed experience is during their happy hour:
- Wednesdays to Fridays: 5:00 PM - 2:00 AM
- Saturdays: 2:00 PM - 2:00 AM
- Sundays: 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Happy Hour Times: WED – FRI 5-7PM and SAT – SUN 2-4PM.
For major events, such as the widely advertised New Year's Eve 2025 parties, hours and entry rules are often adjusted, sometimes requiring pre-purchased tickets.
Parking and Entry Tips
Parking can be a challenge in a busy area like Huntington Beach, but The Bungalow offers several convenient options:
- Valet Parking: Available directly in front of the venue for maximum convenience.
- Pacific City Lots: There are plenty of parking lots within the Pacific City mall structure.
- Metered Parking: Street parking along Pacific Coast Highway is available, but often requires patience and quarters/app payment.
On busy nights, especially weekends, The Bungalow can implement a "one in, one out" policy after a certain time, so arriving early is highly recommended to guarantee entry and secure a spot on the coveted ocean-view patio. Whether you're a local in Orange County or a visitor to Surf City, The Bungalow offers an unforgettable taste of the California beach lifestyle.
Detail Author:
- Name : Ms. Ana Abbott I
- Username : kamren.veum
- Email : okuneva.taya@zulauf.com
- Birthdate : 1974-07-25
- Address : 61447 Pollich River Suite 452 Paucekside, VA 06215-9713
- Phone : 628.381.6065
- Company : Vandervort, Fadel and Veum
- Job : Cutting Machine Operator
- Bio : Accusamus rerum doloremque ipsum odit suscipit animi non. Numquam est perspiciatis quae corporis quis soluta est. Doloribus sed quis ullam.
Socials
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/jordyn_real
- username : jordyn_real
- bio : Voluptas voluptatem est quod placeat similique quae. Animi quia minus error voluptatem doloremque perferendis. Corrupti laboriosam quidem officia non ut minus.
- followers : 666
- following : 1390
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/hillsj
- username : hillsj
- bio : Expedita qui omnis nesciunt et.
- followers : 3356
- following : 1665
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@hills1982
- username : hills1982
- bio : Quae possimus laudantium odit consequatur sunt voluptate.
- followers : 5364
- following : 2608