The Sandpiper Lounge

Great Dive Bar! The band was rocking and beer was cold. The service on the tables was spotty so be prepared to go back and forth a lot. The bartender was knowledgeable, but didn’t have a very diverse stocked bar so keep the drinks simple. There are plenty of examples of local art and philosophy on the bathroom walls. One word of caution there is some other Sandpiper around that has a menu for food, this is not it. It wasn’t an issue because Jack In The Box is next door.

If dive bars aren’t your thing, stay away from this place. I love them so it was right up my alley. The bartender was friendly and the drink prices were good. I will definitely be back.

Cool bartender, old school yacht club pours but everything’s sticky - the floor, the bar. It’s got a 55+ old school locals only boys club blacked out on barstools kinda vibe.

$5 cover, pretty divey but the band was jamming and the crowd was varied and friendly. We had a great time and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to dance to a live band and mingle with all different types of people. Seemed like a good mix of locals and out of towners on vacation.

Boring music. Wish it was more fun. For people 40+ years old. Do you like old people? Cause you will love the vibe

Witnessed a female staff member get aggressively assaulted in front of bouncers and they did nothing. This place is NOT SAFE for women.

Best local haunt in south Laguna make sure to check out the box room.

This is my favorite dive spot in Laguna. Live music every night. Affordable drinks. Familiar faces. More of an older crowd, but always a crowd that knows how to have a good time!

The ambiance and service were good for a "bars" bar. This was also my first time ever being in laguna beach so I really didn't know what to expect. Most bars the bartenders can be a little rude and only nice to the regulars but the bartenders at the Dirty Bird were professional and efficient. I ended up losing my purse that night and I called them several times to see if they had it and even though they couldn't find it for me they were polite and helpful with suggestions. Just an fyi I did find my purse...took a week haha. (One of my friends had it in their car).

Super fun local bar. Nothing pretentious or overly fancy, which I love. Great service, great drinks and reasonably priced.

Great drink prices. It's a great place when they have a live band because there is a large dance floor. Enjoyed our time there.

I have been here a couple times, and overall the experience has been positive. The drinks are reasonable and it's always lively. It does get quite crowded most of the time, but that just shows how good and popular this place is.

The local dive bar. Use to frequent but have since stopped coming as often as service is very inconsistent and overall quality of the place has declined. The people in front of us and behind us didn't have to pay the $5 cover but we were rudely told it was $5 and then when asked where to get cash were quickly ignored so the bouncer joke with a female employee. Very turned off by the staff.

this place sucks don't go the service is horrible and the employees are very rude it's overrated.

Absolutely fantastic. The craziest thing about this bar is I see people my age 25-32 most even younger AND THEN soooo many boomers. Huge 50/50 mix. But what's even BETTER is that everyone dances. The live music is dependably good and danceable with crowd favorites. The drinks are slightly pricey but in Laguna it feels fair enough. They also have darts and a fish tank. Big time local bar with nice down to earth people. Just a great representation of how the CLASSIC basic good music & cheap enough drinks will bring anyone and everyone who knows how to sniff out a good time (age irrelevant).

A girlfriend and I were talking a lovely stroll down the street and entered into this bar with bubbly energy and overall good vibes. There were two people in there (that's fine, we loved having space to listen to each other talk). One was a customer and the other was the bartender. We asked if they were open when they replied "yep" and we pranced in saying "well would you like some company". Literally not one fucking laugh. These two men looked like they were in agony. Rudest service, not even sure why we stayed but we gave him the benefit of the doubt. I almost snatched the cash tip my friend left for the dude. Overheard him saying that he wanted this place bumping with music and dancing. Some advice pal, be nicer, take that stick out of your nice, and play better music and you just might get more service. Thank you !!! Xoxo

This goes down as THE MOST disgusting bar I've ever been to. The people in there are so sloppy drunk (for no reason, btw) that one of them threw down the entire crowd at the "dance bar" (with crappy music), making me hit my head to a steel table as I was trying to help my friend (who had heard stuff). I'm surprised I'm still standing. I have no idea how in this world someone can be so oblivious to real fun to find this place fun. I'd call it a toilet room

Always a good time here. The staff are so so nice (that's if you're not an a-hole) sometimes you end up leaving making a friend or two. I just wished they served hot dogs and chips because Jack in the Box doesn't sound good after a night of drinking and dancing

Dive bar-amunamondo!! It's so damn loud and the DB levels are 110! My ears hurt and bf's tinnitus is raging. Other than that, the drinks are average and it's filled to capacity during the omicron Covid spike so I feel like Debbie downer...waaaah wahhhhh lol

Let me tell you like this, you will never find a better dive bar than The Sandpiper Lounge Aka the Dirty Bird. If you need a legit reason to come here, my boy came here once and then lost his virginity the same night. Drinks are cheap and dirty, music is great, and they've got darts and pool. What more do you need to know? Perfect bar.

stumbled upon this place on a thursday which turned out to be jamaican night. had the best time here def coming back

A very happening dive bar in Laguna Beach. Came for some drinks with friends and had a good time. $5 cover charge and live bands on weekends. However this place gets busy, as in no room to move busy. Getting drinks at the bar is not an easy feat and there is very limited tables and seating. And coming here in the summer was like walking into a sauna. Super hot and no ventilation, no patio to get any air. That was honestly the worst part, definitely won't come back in unless the weather is cool from now on. The band was great though and dance floor was fun and lively.

Fun drive bar! Darts, video games, drinks, live music and friends.... What more can one ask for?! $5 cover, what a steal! It feels like a place the locals hang and I'm a local so I'll be back.

This place is soooo cool! The best little bar with live music! I love coming here just to kick it and be low key. I always come here when I'm in town!

"Reminds me of NYPD Blue." I don't mean the police station--I mean the bars they are always raiding to drag out criminals. Well okay, it's not really that bad, but it does have a certain edgy feel to it. The day that I visited, there were no police raids, and hardly anybody was dragged away. On busy weekends, they actually have five bouncers! One of them has to watch the back door. The day that I visited they were running a special on Old World Hefeweizen beer. Only $3 a bottle! Of course in the daytime there was no live music. I'm going to come back when "Local Remedy" is playing. I've heard a lot about that band--especially the singer, Brian Roark. I believe he's been playing at the Dirty Bird for 8 years now. I hear he's fantastic and I'm going to hear him perform tonight at the Sawdust Festival. There's a long and grand history to the Dirty Bird. I had a chance to talk to the latest owner, Chuck, who explained the family heritage of the bar. The bar has been running for over 70 years. So if you want to have an NYPD experience, come visit here. Or perhaps a Hill Street Blues experience. Special shout out to the very friendly bartender AJ. He was kind enough to give me a little history of the bar.

Love going in during the week to grab a drink when Fernando is working or Christian on Sundays. Super funny, super chill guys to hang out with. Definitely a divey spot but it has been around for years and is a family owned business. Never a dull moment at the dirty bird. Definitely stop by if you're in Laguna beach!!

This is by far the abets Dive Bar on SoCal. It's Aldo, family owned and operated for over 50 years. I've had so many good times here, I can't even remember! Best bartenders,cocktails, waitress', and fun. Great place for bad advise and warm beer! I MUST visit if you like FUN! If you like birds, abs you like em' dirty, then the Dirty Bird is the ONLY place. Covid hours 3-6 cocktails to go and special OAK to go menu! Support your local Dive Bar!!!

Already DRUNK & still couldn't find the courage to order a drink. Walked in, around, to the bathroom & right back out the front door 2 weeks ago! Needed to pee so bad, but wasn't about to do that in this nastinessThey received hundreds of thousands of dollars from the restaurant relief fund and have not done one single thing. This disgusting, yet iconic dive bar that we like to call the local hang out, needs SOMETHING! Please clean it up, at least a little bit so we don't feel like we are getting MORE than the Delta variant when we are frequenting this fun establishment.

Worst experience coming here. The music was way too loud the bartender was very rude and don't want to acknowledge me at first. I ordered my friend a margarita and there was more ice than anything in it. Won't come back.

Great place to hang out and talk with good friends. Servers are pretty chill. Will be back soon

This place deserves zero stars. You are first greeted with aggressive bouncers, to then a bad moldy odor as soon as you walk in. This establishment is for people who have already gone to every bar downtown and then end up here to be over served. If you go here, you have a high chance of NOTHING good happening. Please don't allow your young teens to frequent this dive bar and if you do let them know to be alert and not to leave their drinks unattended.

Ive been coming here for 35 years.....yes Im old. This is like coming home to dance in your living room with good friends. People watching here is the best!! Some of the most amazing live music you can find out in local clubs....for 5 bucks to get in!! Some nights its free to walk in and enjoy the music and great service. Its not Newport.......and that is a good thing for many folks in OC!!

A secret gem in Laguna Beach... A place where everyone knows your name... You can't get better than 3 generations deep of a family owned business... The owner knew all the hotspots in town. Within 10 minutes I was able to get all the top recommendations in town. Rooftop Lounge, Cliffs, Oak, Okura, K'ya, Las Brisas, & so much more... Tucked in the heart of Laguna and beaming with local love all around.

Bands great and the vibes are awesome but the drinks are shit there's no alcohol in my vodka cran

So three stars because it's ridiculously dirty. I went to a different bar just so I don't have to urinate in the urine smelling restroom. The same family has owned it since 1942.... the one who actually takes out the money to clean it up (please... keep it divey, we LOVE that!) will do it a great service. Chill vibe Stella was warm so check your beer beforehand. Live moly's if daily. This was only my second time here so I'll be back. ;)

80s band was killing it on Friday night ..$5 cover charge ...3 drinks only $24 bucks .. parking a bitch but it's TOTALLY WORTH IT!! .. Packed dance floor great drinks and wait staff is fast and efficient. Will be back definitely. Perfect to celebrate my besties bday 53 !!!!

Okay, so Laguna Beach ... Not much to do after 8 p.m. Not sure where the hoards of tourists disappear to after dark but they are gone which means that most everything is closed at 9 p.m. Thankfully, we found that this was not due to vampire activity (a la Lost Boys). We stumbled across the open entry to The Sandpiper and decided to go in. One or two stars should be deducted for the $5 cover. Completely unnecessary. I guess it's because there was a reggae band playing, which we (and half the bar, it seemed) could give two fucks about. I'd rather they weren't playing to be honest ... Not that they were bad ... But I saw a jukebox in the corner and much rather would have spent my $5 on that. I've never seen a dive bar with a cover charge. Beyond that, this looked like a college fraternity house complete with sketchy wood paneling and lots of alcoves with beat up video games, pool table and dart boards. It's very dark and dim with Christmas lights, exactly what a good dive bar should be. Things haven't changed much since the 1960s ... It almost seemed like a grungier version of Dan Tana's in West Hollywood. Red Pleather Booths, 60s style colored glass candles and red carpet which would probably glow so brightly under a black light it could be seen from space. The drinks are limited here. You won't find a good selection of beer ... And there are no beers on draft as far as we could tell. They did have a decent IPA in a bottle. Mostly well liquor and mid-shelf stuff. But the prices are great. Two beers and a shot came to $12. (Although we ordered the same thing the next round and were charged $13 ... Odd.) The bartenders are grizzled older fellas who look like Santa Claus if he joined The Sons of Anarchy. Very entertaining chaps. The clientele got younger as the night progressed until it looked like a college party around midnight which is when we left because it felt more like prom night in an episode of 'The OC' than a dive bar crowd. Initially it was a mix of middle aged locals and a few younger couples. When the prom-aged kids came in there was a lot of public making out and 'Yo brah!'s being screamed. We tapped out at that point. My suggestion, go early if you can. 8 p.m. ... It's a more laid back vibe. Soak in the wonderful dive-bar-ed-ness atmosphere ... It was named as a top US dive bar by Esquire magazine for good reason. If you can avoid going when a band is playing, do that. Unless you like reggae. I'd come back for sure but I've been to a lot of top dive bars. This wouldn't necessarily crack my top dive bar list due to the overall vibe but the decor alone (or lack of it) would make it at least a runner up.

DO NOT SPEND YOUR MONEY HERE! The worst possible experience of my life. As a customer I expect to be treated like one. The owner has ZERO hospitality. I was having a conversation with the owner and it's clear that he's unhappy and very ungrateful to own a bar and serve patrons. Overall when you have a bar hospitality is number one. He has a horrible attitude and his staff is just as horrible. It's extremely tacky to act like a superior and treat customers like he's doing you a favor. My visit to this place was so unpleasant it literally made me sick to my stomach. I would give zero stars if there was an option. I will NEVER step foot in this bar ever again. They are not grateful or deserving of my business. Clearly I'm not the only one to feel this way cause of the other reviews posted here. I will be posting my experience on google as well. Everyone should know the horrible service I received and to NOT support a business like this.

There are not many honest-to-goodness hole in the wall joints left, especially is upscale OC, but the Dirty Bird still fits the bill. My wife was hoping for a fancy cocktail, I should have warned her not to bother though. The cocktail list isn't limited to basics (I am sure there are a few oddballs they can make), but your ordering should be; this is not a craft cocktail lounge. What it is, is a music venue that gets loud and crowded, with a very varied artist mix. We popped in on a random Wednesday with a decent Reggae band, no cover, no wait, and a terrible margarita (at lest for me). I should have stuck with the bourbon neat, but they didn't have a great variety. Next time... beer. But this place is not about the booze. If you want craft cocktails with your music, look elsewhere. If you want to have a low down good time, dance in a loud club, and see local acts, check out the Sandpiper.

So yeah, we were excited to discover Laguna has an actual dive bar. That's the kind of bar we frequent wherever we go and this one fit the bill. Free pool (b/c the table tilts but we still had fun), friendly (but direct and non nonsense) bar tenders, space for a band to play, cheap beer and well liquor--this is the bar you go to when you want more than a couple of drinks and don't care if they're "artisan craft" cocktails. A fun night was had by all.

Great spot for cheap drinks and good vibes. Live music tops it off. Def will be back when I'm in town

Bartenders super nice. Came her from nowhere and this place has a great vibe. Grant was super nice and helped us out! He's a great bartender !

Not to far away from the hotel I stayed at, this place did not disappoint, on a random night live reggae performer Massive McGregor was on stage, dive bar for sure, random mix of not sure if these are locals or if these are other patrons from other hotels, Massive McGregor's set was for a good 15 min when I was there then he took a break with his band, but his performance alone warrants a must visit if you are in the area, drinks were covered by my co-workers so the 2 shots of remy put me in a better state of mind and better vibe when listening to the live performance of reggae, The venue is small, literally a hole in the wall one side is the bar, the other is the stage and some small seats facing the stage, on a whole the visit with live bar is definite must come and see and listen. Good vibes, patrons was mixed, no drama, easy to get to and easy to leave. definitely spot to visit, call and check who is performing that night, if you like reggae, Massive McGregor is a definite must see Drinks $ no cover at door, just ID required service **** ambiance **** old, dingy, hole in wall feel, music flows, live band (reggae) rocks

We used to love this place...however we have never been so disrespected by an employee....EVER. Last night was way over capacity to start, and the so called waitress they have "working" there, felt it necessary to push people as she made her way up to the bar yelling out move! A simple excuse me would have worked. When confronted she responded with "move bitch" then proceeded to yell at myself and everyone around her at the bar. Again confronted, she said go ahead and tell the bouncers they won't do anything. After she got her drinks she again pushed her way through like a raging bull and kicked my sister on her way as well as several others! My sister told one of the bouncers and he said to show her who it was, so when the girl walked by again, my sister attempted to take a picture. When she did the "waitress" ripped the phone out of her hand and started pounding on her with her serving tray, And threw two punches. Absolutely not acceptable!!!!! My issue here is that they have that kind of scum working there! And as a whole staff, they allow this kind of behavior. Do not advertise a 50 year celebration, allow way more people in than should be, and then get angry at people that are there just trying to enjoy their night and spend money!!! We are not a rowdy bunch, so to be treated this way by a staff is absolutely appalling. This girl is clearly angry and I'm sure this isn't the first time she has had issues. For an employee to assault patrons not only once but twice within a 30 minute time frame is concerning. Get a clue!!!! You work at a bar....do you not expect people to be waiting in line to order drinks who may be standing in your way?? There is a more respectful and productive way to make your way through! But apparently this bar no longer reinforces the good ol' friendly neighborhood vibe. Sorry, but this is not a ghetto club...so reevaluating the staff that represents your establishment may be necessary. If you hire trash...you will attract trash!! Think about it

My best memories are 1971-the present Best music and a crowd that is easily excitable with live music and passion I recommend only go with your dancing shoes and spirit ON! Bartenders and Servers are hospitable bouncers make you laugh. If you enjoy community and live music GO!

It is called the "Dirty Bird" for a reason! Someone stole my jacket off my table; people are rude and most are drunk early in the night.

Left the worst service ever at the wine gallery and wanted to breathe.....thank God for fernando!!!! So nice and friendly and the drink was stiff

This place is great entertaiNment. A lot to see , especially if you come after 11 pm. Bartenders and servers were nice. No issues. The drinks were also strong . 5.00 cover charge which is no big deal. Not your typical Laguna crowd. Total dive bar but fun

Don't think there can be a dive bar in the posh area of Laguna Beach? Oh...you are wrong, my friend! This place is as divy as they come, though the clientele is eclectic and has far more trendy folk than the true bar flies that you would normally see at your local watering hole. The place is filthy, kitchzy, fun, but their mixed drinks are effing terrible and expensive! How anyone can mess up a vodka tonic and a moscow mule is beyond me.

Vodka and cranberry drink after a delightful night at work . No other place I would pick on a Wednesday night . Amazing service , friendly staff, great people .

Super cool bar. Came here with my Polka band and met Grant. Grant treated us like family. Will come here again for next year for the Polka Jam. Grants the man

Our experience was similar to What Alexa said at the dirty bird last night. We went there for a good time and spent probably $2000 in there dirty bar with our birthday party of 25 people we are in our 30', 40's and 50' so it's not like we go looking for fights. We were minding our own business when this guy dives into the dance floor to beat a guy for dancing with his wife (not our group) everyone goes flying, chairs, glass , people. We try to get out of the way trying not to get hit by bouncers or guys and our girlfriend goes to be by her sons to make sure their ok and the bouncers dive toward her, grab her, her husband and sons stick up for her. They pushed my husband against the wall and we all get kicked out. My foot was cut by glass and I couldn't walk but the asshole bouncer tells me I need to get out while our friend is getting the glass out. The guy that started the whole thing escaped without anything happening. We've been here before and the same bouncers inside were assholes. Maybe they should find out facts before they start pushing around women. I've got a cut on my foot which you would have thought they were liable and helped. Have you ever heard the word lawsuit?

Fun local spot with live music, an engaging lounge and locals every-night of the week. Especially fun with new friends, play darts, wear a t and jeans and just relax. Truly a local jem. Open till 2am every night . No cover on Monday after 10:30 pm maybe at all. friendly locals and great passionate type of musicians

Place is a little hidden so make sure you look for Jack In The Box and you will find it across the st. When I came here they had a cover charge of $5.00 its not much but not used to paying to go into a Dive Bar. They had a band playing "The Strangers" that wasnt bad so helped out. Went up to purchase drinks from the bigger bartender guy and he was very quick and professional. Came back later for more drinks and he seemed busy and tried 2 other bartenders and it was dumb how they would ignore me or be rude (Reason for 3 star). Bar is cool has darts, some arcade games, and other stuff to play if you want to keep busy and not just sit and drink. -------- If I was to refer the place it would be a 50/50 because of the service received by bartenders.

The bird is the word! It's a Laguna Beach institution and all the locals end up there!

I ve been coming to thjs place for 10 years and i loved it till the morons of the bouncers kicked me out for a confusion, and they wanted to act all bad boys and tough about it and kicked me out for no logical reason. I m nothing but peace. I tried talking sense to them and they kept their rambo bully attitude and got more fired up. What a bunch of kids. I felt like a victim of police brutality getting shot for having a candy bar on my pocket. ‍‍ So frustrating!!!!!!

Friendly. A real dive bar in a nice area. Bands every night. Fernando will take care of you...

If there were a 0 rating - this place deserves it! For an unknown reason, the owner was serving everyone walking up to the bar and skipping me and I had been waiting. When I called out to get his attention he says I'm drunk and not getting served, and kicks me out. I definitely was not drunk. I had had two drinks. He is a terrible human and a terrible bar tender. Ten years ago,the same a-hole made me wait an hour to close out my credit card b/c I only ordered one round of drinks. I didn't live in Laguna then. I do now, and was trying to give the place another shot. I suppose it's not a good look to hang out at a place that smells like vomit and is nicknamed the dirty bird.