One of the basic rules of bars in Huntington Beach California is they are not allowed with food involved. While one grandfathered bar, Perqs on Main Street in downtown Huntington has transformed from a brothel into a rock venue, it is probably the only bar not required to serve food. Thus a bar takes on new meaning. Considered first a restaurant, the reality of many is that their primary business is at night. Music cocktails, beer, sports and dancing are some of the main attractions to these "restaurants."

Huntington Beach, California features a wide variety of bars and clubs, many offering live music, games and entertainment on a regular basis. Special live music venues in downtown Huntington Beach on Main Street include Perq's, Hurricane's, Huntington Beach Beer Company, Barefoot Bar in Duke's and Gallaghers. Another club of note not in the downtown is Martini Blues in the Marina Village Shopping Center. It offers a regular menu of jazz and blues music, comedy nights and more. Voted Orange County's best dinner/supper club, Martini Blues always has some sort of entertainment to mix your martini with.

Ocean view bars include Duke's Barefoot Bar, Chimayo at the Beach, Spark, Fred's and Huntington Beach Beer Company.

Several pricey bars worth checking out for the ambience include the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa's Red Chair Lounge. The atmosphere is inviting and intimate. It features Red Chair Nights the first Thursday of the month with special drinks, a jazz group and artwork on display. Tuna Town and Longboard Pub on Main Street do not normally offer live music but have great bars. In Tuna Town, the sound system is hot. Owned by a band member of the group, Korn, you'll think live music doesn't sound this great. Inka Grill is elegant, yet it offers the feel of a neighborhood club. Longboard Pub is managed by local favorite, Ron McLin. His restaurant/pub operation always smells like food and locals find it to their liking. Longboard features a healthy crowd, lots of great beers on tap and free Wi-fi for those looking to see their email on the Notebook. Down the street on Walnut is Red Pearl Restaurant where everything looks red and the bar is also an inviting place.

In Old World Village is Old World Restaurant Beer Hall where Oktoberfest is held. A band straight from Germany plays traditional tunes and the Chicken Dance song several times per night. Oktoberfest is held in September and October. In February and throughout the year, special musical entertainment companies rent out the big beer hall and serve up events such as Carnaval. For those who seek a cultural experience, head over to Rathskellar across the cobblestone walkway from Old World Restaurant. This is where Lony Hauf plays his accordion on weekends in the family-run business. Great, traditional German-style food and sandwiches are served in the downstairs restaurant and pub. If you think Huntington Beach is cultural void, the two restaurants mentioned at Old World Village offer a glimpse into the Old World style of living.

The bar scene took some twists and turns. If you remember Liquid Den on Warner Avenue that closed its doors in 2004, then you were probably born before 1983.  Previously attracting a wide spectrum of rock and alternative music bands from around the USA, the club's closure will create a void in Surf City. Inka Grill finally left downtown Huntington Beach but in its place is another venue with limited live music. It's beautiful interior design and bar space are popular for evening dining, socializing and watching weekend musical entertainment. Also gone is Kikuya on Adams Avenue. This is where renowned composer/pianist Keiko Matsui of Huntington Beach played several times. The dinner club featured jazz primarily.

At Marina Village, Martini Blues features the finest entertainment calendar in the region.  The dinner house changed hands, too, back in 2007. It still delivers comedy and live entertainment, but also has added a sports bar and darts competition to pick up the slack on those empty spots.  

This calendar does not guarantee accuracy of information as events are subject to change.