CitySpur Spotlight

Best Women’s Fashion Boutiques in the OC

Shopping in Orange County is as much as the culture as golfing in Savannah, Georgia, and the OC has an excellent variety for even the most discriminating of shoppers.  Below are the ten best Womens’ Boutiques in Orange County.

1. Mel’s Boutique

949-488-7673
32880 Pacific Coast Hwy
Monarch Beach, CA 92629

2. Holly Sharp Signature Boutique

949-673-9466
3636 E. Coast Hwy
Corona Del Mar, CA 92625

3. Carmen Parks Boutiques

714-374-9100
201 Main St. Ste. D
Huntington Beach, CA 92648

4. Trovata Store

949-675-5904
505 31st Street
Newport Beach, CA 92663

5. MNG by Mango

714-549-1582
South Coast Plaza Mall
3333 Bristol St
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

6. Chokolate Lace

714-881-6824
846 Lincoln Ave
Orange, CA 92865

7. Little Bohemian/Baby Bohemian

949-497-8850
210 Beach St
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

8. Zazu

949-464-0888
303 Broadway St Ste 112
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

9. Harlow’s

714-966-6616
2981 Bristol St Ste B-2
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

10. Pink Laundry Clothing Boutique

714-921-8685
17853 Santiago Blvd
Villa Park, CA 92861

Best Coffee Bars in Orange County

Addicted to that morning cup of coffee? Or maybe a simmering cup of tea is more your style.  Either way, Orange County has your covered.  With a great combination of national chains and local establishments, the OC brews up some of the best coffee bars in the country.  Winning top honors on the best coffee bar in Orange County list is San Juan Capistrano’s Metro Java Cafe.  But make sure to check out the rest of the destinations on the list as well.

1. Metro Java Cafe

949-240-4672
San Juan Plaza
32211 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

2. Crust

949-234-3200
The St. Regis
One Monarch Beach Resort
Dana Point, CA 92629

3. Cappucino Cafasia

714-971-2318
1855 S Harbor Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92802

4. Sultan Club

714-527-1726
2814 W. Ball Rd
Anaheim, CA 92804

5. Kelly’s Coffee & Fudge Factory – Brea Union Plaza

714-257-1090
2435 E. Imperial Hwy
Brea, CA 92821

6. Coffee Republic

949-717-0007
2640 E. Coast Hwy
Corona Del Mar, CA 92625

7. Aromas Espresso Cafe

949-548-2224
259 E. 17th
Costa Mesa, CA 92627

8. Coffee Tea Time

949-650-8463
250 Ogle
Costa Mesa, CA 92627

9. Cornerstone Cafe & Coffee Roaster

949-646-5776
1907 Harbor Blvd
Costa Mesa, CA 92627

10. The Tea House on Los Rios

949-443-3914
Los Rios Historic District
31731 Los Rios
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Best Wine Bars in Orange County

California has a rich tradition of fine wine, and this heritage can be seen in Orange County’s Wine Bars.  It does not matter if you are a novice wine fan or a well-seasoned connoisseur From rich Cabernets to sweet Pinot Grigios, the OC has exactly what you need.  The following list below are the best wine bars in Orange County, make sure to ask about their special wine tasting menus as well.

1. ENO Wine Rooms

949-240-2000
The Ritz-Carlton
One Ritz-Carlton Dr
Dana Point, CA 92629

Located in an exclusive hotel, this time in the Ritz Carlton Laguana Niguel. ENO offers a truly a luxurious experience, with 500 varieties of wine in 1,500 bottles, not to mention their delectable hand made breads and chocolates.

2. The Wine Cellar

949-234-3200
The St. Regis
One Monarch Beach Resort
Dana Point, CA 92629

Positioned in luxury hotel St. Regis in Dana Point, The Wine Cellar offers the ultimate private dining venue with an extensive wine inventory of over 17,000 bottles from around the world.

3. Laguna Canyon Winery

949-715-9463
2133 Laguna Canyon Rd
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

This winery carefully sources out the highest quality grapes from vineyards in CA, WA state, OR, and Italy. Celebrate your next corporate event, anniversary or private party at Orange County’s premier winery. Gourmet chefs will integrate their boutique wines into each course and experience the ultimate marriage of food and wine.

4. Versai The Wine Bar

714-993-3676
18248 Imperial Hwy
Yorba Linda, CA 92886

Although it is locate in Yorba Linda you will feel as though you have traveled to Europe when walking into Versai The Wine Bar. Enjoy elegant flutes of classic wine from the old and the new world of wine while listening to the sounds of sensational international music.

5. The Wine Artist

949-297-3656
21064 Bake Pkwy
Lake Forest, CA 92630

Is the Ultimate Private party place located in Lake Forest, at this stunning Tuscan-themed winery you will indulge in everything wine: wine tasting, wine making, bottling and personalized wine bottles. A truly memorable experience!

6. Tannins Restaurant & Wine Bar

949-218-3560
27211 Ortega Hwy
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Choose from over 40 wines by the glass, pick out a bottle from their 500+ varietal wine cellar at store price or try one of their wine flights.

7. OC Custom Wine

714-630-9463
1211 N Las Brisas St
Anaheim, CA 92806

Another amazing winery in Anaheim is OC Custom Wine.  They have won 4 medals at the LA International Wine and Spirits Competition since their opening in 2003 and have a unique concept to offer their customers custom blended wine with private labels for their own personalized, exclusively designed bottles of wine.

8. Pop The Cork Wine Bar, Lounge, Boutique

714-635-4321
321 W. Katella Ave. #305
Anaheim, CA 92802

Located near Disneyland in the Garden Walk shopping center, Pop the Cork is a wonder place to stop in for a glass of wine or to enjoy one of their wine fights between a set of reds, whites, international or south hemisphere.

9. French 75

949-494-8444
1464 S Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

It is known for being one of the most romantic restaurants in Orange County as well as their noted champagne bar. The wine list has 38 types of champagne, 11 available by the glass.

10. Hamilton  Oaks Vineyard

949-459-6913
31111 Hamilton Trail
Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679

In Eastern Orange County tucked in Trabuco Canyon, this Winery is producing international award winning wine, but make sure to schedule an appointment before heading over to enjoy a glass of their award winning Port or excellent Syrah.

Best Apartments & Condos in Orange County

While living in Orange County I was able to get a close up view of luxury apartment living, and let me tell you one thing: it is pretty amazing.  If you grew up in the OC you may not know how good you truly have it.  However being born and raised in the midwest, I was amazed at the apartments and condos in the area.  They definitely come with a much higher price tag than the rest of the nation, however they can truly stand by the claim of “resort living”.  The top ten list below has the best apartments and condos in Orange County.

1. The Village at Irvine Spectrum Center

800-773-3156
50 Prism
Irvine, CA 92618

2. Meriwether @Columbus Square

15201 Ashville Way
Tustin, CA 92782

3. Newport Bluffs

877-256-5445
100 Vilaggio
Newport Beach, CA 92660

4. Camden Place @Columbus Square

1418 Montgomery St
Tustin, CA 92782

5. Villa Siena

888-839-0225
25 Palatine
Irvine, CA 92612

6. Promontory Point

888-692-3972
200 Promontory Drive W
Newport Beach, CA 92660

7. The Enclave at South Coast

888-504-1045
400 Enclave Circle
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

8. Archstone Gateway

866-551-4621
299 N. State College Blvd
Orange, CA 92691

9. The Bays

877-814-7441
1 Baywood Dr
Newport Beach, CA 92660

10. Newport North

888-295-5427
2 Milano
Newport Beach, CA 92660

Best Bars in Orange County

With the close proximity to Los Angeles, Orange County has developed a vibrant nightlife and bar scene.  I especially enjoy the upscale class that these establishments offer their patrons.  Whether you are looking for a fast-paced VIP room or a laid-back modern lounge, you will find it on the top ten list below:

1. Landmark Steakhouse – Click for Profile

949-675-5556
3520 E Coast Hwy
Corona Del Mar, CA 92625

2. Kitsch Bar – Click for Profile

714-546-8580
891 Baker St
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

3. Sutra Lounge – Click for Profile

949-722-7103
1870 Harbor Blvd # A200
Costa Mesa, CA 92627

4. iLounge OC – Click for Profile

949-833-1900
18912 MacArthur Blvd
Irvine, CA 92612

5. Tentation Ultra Lounge – Click for Profile

949-660-1010‎
4647 MacArthur Blvd
Newport Beach, CA 92660

6. Heat Ultra Lounge – Click for Profile

714-776-4328
321 W Katella Ave Ste 214
Anaheim, CA 92802

7. Baja Sharkeez – Click for Profile

949-673-0292‎
114 Mcfadden Pl
Newport Beach, CA 92663

8. Mosun Club M – Click for Profile

949-497-5646
680 S Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

9. Woody’s Wharf – Click for Profile

949-675-0474
2318 Newport Blvd
Newport Beach, CA 92663

10.  Bar 330 – Click for Profile

714-256-9986
330 W Birch St
Brea, CA 92821

Best Hotels and Resorts in Orange County

If you are searching for the best place to stay in Orange County, you have come to the right place.  The OC has an excellent selection of resorts and hotels to match your style and checkbook.  The following list of best places to stay in Orange County was created by reviewing: style, service and scenery, along with several other prerequisites.

1. The Ritz-Carlton

949-240-2000
1 Ritz Carlton Dr
Dana Point, CA 92629

2. The St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort

949-234-3200
1 Monarch Cv
Dana Point, CA 92629

3. Balboa Bay Club & Resort

949-630-4115
1221 W Coast Hwy Ste 145
Newport Beach, CA 92663

4. Crystal Cove Cottages

800-444-7275
#35 Crystal Cove
Newport Coast, CA 92657

5. Surf & Sand Resort

949-376-2772
1555 S Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

6. Disney’s Grand Californian

714-635-2300
1600 S Disneyland Dr
Anaheim, CA 92802

7. Hyatt Regency

714-698-1234
21500 Pacific Coast Hwy
Huntington Beach, CA 92648

8. Island Hotel

949-759-0808
690 Newport Center Dr
Newport Beach, CA  92660

9. Montage Resort & Spa

949-715-6000
30801 Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

10. Hilton Waterfont Beach Resort

714-845-8000
21100 Pacific Coast Hwy
Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Top Orange County Neighborhoods

When I originally moved out to Orange County, one of the first things that struck me was the incredible architecture of the homes throughout the area.  You can find stunning homes with a great assortment of styles.  Architects from all over the world travel to the county to analyze these neighborhoods, and I never ceased to be amazed at the beauty that the OC has to offer.

1. Crystal Cove – Newport Coast

2. Pelican Hills – Newport Coast

3. Monarch Beach – Dana Point

4. Anaheim Hills

5. Coto De Caza

6. Laguna Niguel

7. Yorba Linda

8. Villa Park

9. Turtle Rock – Irvine

10. Orange Park Acres

Best Sushi Bars in Orange County

If you are a sushi fan living in or visiting the OC, you will be pleased to find a wide variety of sushi bars ranging from Americanized “roll” establishments to extremely authentic Japanese destinations.  Also, there is a sushi bar to fit every budget.  So if you are looking for an evening full of exotic cuisine or simply looking to pick up some fresh Sashimi, you will be able to find a great choice on the top ten list below:

1. Tentation Ultra Lounge

949-660-1010
4647 MacArthur Blvd
Newport Beach, CA 92660

2. Yama Sushi & Grill

949-716-9262
27782 Vista Del Lago C-22
Mission Viejo, CA 92692

3. Tuna Town

714-536-3194
221 Main St Ste A
Huntington Beach, CA 92648

4. Restaurant Abe

949-675-1739
2900 Newport Blvd
Newport Beach, CA 92663

5. Kabuki Japanese Resturant

714-898-9239
7801 Edinger Ave
Huntington Beach, CA 92647

6. Yoshi’s Restaurant

714-524-0829
18220 Yorba Linda Blvd Ste 310
Yorba Linda, CA 92886

7. Tommy’s Sushi Japanese

714-544-5241
1051 E. Main St
Tustin, CA 92780

8. Ango TEI

714-557-2696
675 Paularino Ave Ste 5
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

9. Wasabi Japanese & Chinese Cuisine

949-454-0888
20651 Lake Forest Dr. #A-104
Lake Forest, CA 92630

10. I Love Sushi

714-540-6195
2340 Harbor Blvd
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Best Boutique & Specialty Shops in Orange County

Despite the widely held notion that Orange County is simply the nation’s largest suburb, if you dig deep enough, you will find a great selection of quaint niches to fill your shopping fancy.  This is one of my favorite top ten lists to create, if you have found any additional shops you feel deserve to be on the list, please submit it by click the ‘Submit’ page above.

1. Willow Manor

949-858-1216
22312 El Paseo Unit B
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

2. Whim Furniture and Interior Design

949-388-9600
31831 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

3. The Green Pear

714-998-2090
17853 Santiago Blvd Ste 104
Villa Park, CA 92861

4. Ambrosia Home

949-219-9865
1308 Bison Ave
Newport Beach, CA 92660

5. Fleur de Lys

949-548-0810
369 E. 17th St. #14
Costa Mesa, CA 92627

6. Art For the Soul

949-673-1722
210 Marine Ave. Suite A
Newport Beach, CA 92662

7. Guinevere’s Gifts & Interiors

949-492-5046
136 Avenida Del Mar
San Clemente, CA 92672

8. Magnolia

562-694-5901
310 E. Whittier Blvd
LaHabra, CA 90631

9. The Flowery

714-637-1586
17787 Santiago Blvd
Villa Park, CA 92861

10. Tuvalu

949-218-6095
25642 Crown Valley Parkway, Suite D-5
Mission Viejo, CA 92694

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