A night spot for everyone

Lolita Harper

John Travolta may have sung it best in the movie, “Grease.” With

slick, dark hair, a dangerous leather jacket and tight jeans, he

proclaimed his affinity for sweltering nocturnal activities atop the

high school bleachers.

“Those su-hum-mer, ni-hi-ights!”

Summertime is known for scorching days and fiery nights. It’s as

true in Huntington, Laguna and Newport beaches and Costa Mesa as

anywhere.

Downtown Huntington Beach at Main Street offers a happening scene,

complete with music, dancing and entertainment. With live bands and

DJs, Surf City has a pulsing nightlife for all walks of life.

One of the most popular spots is Chimayo’s. On the opposite side

of Pacific Coast Highway from the main drag, this beachside

restaurant/club goes off. Take the stairs or the elevator to the

lowest level and get ready to dance.

The spot is popular for birthdays and special occasions. The patio

dance area is steps from the sand and offers a beautiful view of the

ocean.

Thursdays are arguably the most popular night. If you don’t get

there before 10 p.m., plan on waiting in line.

A few miles south is the “Newport scene,” with dozens of hang outs

for all ages. From The Alley at Coast Highway and Balboa Boulevard to

Class of 47, the city has a plethora of hotspots along the peninsula

and Coast Highway.

Those in the 20-something crowd usually start their night at

Newport Brewing Co. on 32nd Street because it closes the earliest.

People meet there for happy hour and beyond for great beers, mixed

drinks and conversation. The smoking patio is popular, as it allows

customers to partake in two vices at once, while staying warm under

heat lamps.

Just before the midnight closing time, most patrons head across

the street to Malarkey’s or Rudy’s.

The less “pop star” crowd heads farther down the strip to

Cassidy’s for a raw bar experience. Those who have had enough of the

beachside scene often hail cabs and head inland to the Little Knight,

where the drinks are even stronger. Both spots cater to people with

tattoos, pool players and those who prefer only a splash of cranberry

juice in their Cape Cod.

Those who prefer to dance all night in a club-like atmosphere

should head to Costa Mesa’s Detroit Bar or Laguna’s Club M. Unlike

their Newport and Huntington counterparts, these clubs are centered

on the music, from deep base beats and unique melodies to underground

house.

In Laguna, Royal Hawaiian stands alone as one of the local

favorite spots on the north end. Downtown popular places are Ocean

Avenue Brewery, the Marine Room, Hennessey’s, the Laguna Beach

Brewing Co., the White House, the Saloon and Javier’s Cantina and

Grill.

Farther down Coast Highway, the Sandpiper is a good spot, as are

Woody’s at the Beach and the Boom.