The Bar

My boyfriend and I we’re heading to Salt Creek Grille for some drinks and apps but had a last minute just of plans and pulled into the ritz instead. We mad our way to the lobby bar and had the best time! The bartendar Brian was sooo AWESOME and so were the other servers! They all defined was GREAT hospitality is all about! We only ordered drinks and desert, i ordered wine and my bf ordered old fashioneds which he said were great, and we ordered the molten carrot cake with cream cheese ice cream… SOOOOO delicious!!! We glanced at the food menu and it all looked amazing and we will definitely be back to try it!

Last night, the bar was pack, due to a conference. The Ritz was well aware that the hotel was all booked up for many months, due to The conference. Also there was a charity golf tournament yesterday, which was part of the conference, and most of the players ended up at the bar. You would think the Ritz Carlton management would open the bar’s kitchen in anticipation of the large crowd that would be present last night, however, they didn’t and had to wait over an hour for my food because they only had one kitchen open, which was located on the third floor and far From the bar. Also, they lack staff, because took forever to get an order in on top of waiting an hour for my simple hamburger.

Everyone should know this is a desginated smoking area by the hotel! I have no issue with folks wanting to smoke. I just dont want to be around it while eating and drinking. The hotel does not tell you this up front. The food looked great as did the drink menu. We did not stick around to taste because we were surrounded by cigar smoke!

TRUFFLE FRIES! So good!!!
Their Yuzu Fresh cocktail is refreshing and light.
Oh, and their complimentary chili lime peanuts and spectacular sunset views are just an added bonus :)

I went here after an afternoon playing in the sand and it was wonderful. I sat at the bar where the is a view of the beach and if you go during sunset hours you will have a breath taking view of the beach and ocean and watch the sun go down. I order a Stella and their truffle fries. Omg the truffle fries are amazing!!! There are chunks of garlic and bits of shaved cheese and as you eat your fries away in the middle you will get a strong whif of truffles from the oil. It was ORGASMIC!!! Also try their yuzu mix drink its very yummy and you get chipotle lime peanuts as you wait for your food.

Classy joint inside the Ritz in Dana Point. The cocktails stand up to their prices and cocktail waitress was very helpful. Cozy lounge furniture and good background tunes. Great place to watch the sunset and catch up.

The Bar at the Ritz-​Carlton is amazing. There are two areas to The Bar… the inside area (straight down passed the lobby) and the outdoor area (turn left, you will see a patio on the right). Unless it’s raining, go outside. It’s absolutely gorgeous and the view is 100% amazing. Going there on a nice day and having a nice cocktail is absolute bliss. We enjoyed soaking up the sun, but I imagine it would be beautiful on summer night with all the fire pits going as well.
We tried the Menga-​tini and the Gingerbread Cookie (martini). Between the two I would definitely go for the Gingerbread Cookie. It was surprisingly light and refreshing. I would definitely order it again. The Bar’s signature cocktails are ~$ 14…plus complimentary nuts. I like getting free nuts. It makes me feel special :) They also have a small bar menu with items such as Sliders, Truffle Fries, and Mini Apple Beignets w/​Carmel Sauce. We didn’t order any food (we were on our way to Coyote Grill’s Happy Hour!), but what I saw come out looked quite yummy.
If you get a chance, check The Bar out. It’s worth it.