Best of Orange County 2023: Best bar

If you want to get a feel for the Mexican Riviera, without the visas and vaccines, that is, then La Vida Cantina is a go-to choice. “It’s a special atmosphere to be outdoors and soaking up the sun,” says Alex Petrosian, who bought the bar in 2020 and has transformed it to give it an authentic Mexican ambiance. “It’s so much better when you’re outside.” Located at the incongruously named Triangle Square, La Vida has a large festive outdoor bar with five fire pits and several oversized palapas. Bringing it...