Finding a place that doesn't feel like a plastic, over-polished tourist trap in Orange County is getting harder. Seriously. You’ve got the massive theme parks just down the road and the high-end hotel bars that charge twenty bucks for a mediocre martini. But tucked away in a strip mall on West Lincoln Avenue, there’s a spot called 99 Bottles & Cocktails Anaheim CA that basically ignores every modern trend in the best way possible. It’s a dive. It’s a neighborhood staple. It’s exactly what you need when you just want a cold beer and a game of pool without the pretension.
It’s local.
If you walk in expecting a mixologist to use a blowtorch on a sprig of rosemary, you're in the wrong zip code. This isn't that kind of place. Most people who frequent 99 Bottles & Cocktails Anaheim CA are there because the drinks are strong, the atmosphere is dark enough to hide a bad day, and the regulars actually know each other’s names. It’s a rare slice of "old" Anaheim that hasn't been buffed out by corporate redevelopment.
The Vibe at 99 Bottles & Cocktails Anaheim CA
Walking through the doors feels like a bit of a time warp. You’ve got the neon lights reflecting off the linoleum and the sound of billiard balls clacking in the background. It’s got that specific, nostalgic dimness. Some call it "gritty." I call it honest. There’s something deeply comforting about a bar that knows exactly what it is and doesn't try to be a gastropub or a "speakeasy" hidden behind a fake bookshelf.
The lighting? Moody. The seating? Leather booths that have seen some things.
The real draw for a lot of folks is the pool tables. In a city where real estate is at a premium, many bars have swapped out their tables for more standing room or "VIP" sections. Not here. At 99 Bottles & Cocktails Anaheim CA, the pool culture is alive and well. You'll see guys who look like they’ve been shooting there since the 90s playing alongside younger groups just looking for a cheap night out. It’s egalitarian. Nobody cares what you do for a living as long as you put your quarters on the rail and wait your turn.
Honestly, the staff makes the place. They’re no-nonsense. If you’re cool, they’re cool. If you’re looking to start trouble or act like a diva, you’ll probably find yourself back in the parking lot pretty quickly. It's the kind of establishment that survives on mutual respect and a steady flow of domestic drafts.
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What People Get Wrong About Dive Bars in Anaheim
There’s this weird misconception that a place like 99 Bottles & Cocktails Anaheim CA is "shady" just because it isn't covered in Edison bulbs and reclaimed wood. That’s a mistake. Dive bars are the community centers of the working class. They are where the real stories are told.
While the name suggests a massive inventory—and they do have a solid selection—it’s more about the spirit of the place. You aren't coming here for a flight of craft IPAs from a micro-brewery in Vermont that only uses mountain spring water. You’re coming for a bottle of Miller High Life or a well-poured whiskey coke. It’s about the "bottles and cocktails" in the most literal sense. Simple. Effective. Reliable.
Prices are another thing. In 2026, finding a drink under ten dollars feels like a victory. Here, it’s just the standard. You can actually have a full night of entertainment without needing a second mortgage. That’s why you see such a mix of people. You’ve got the blue-collar crowd getting off a shift, the occasional group of tourists who wandered too far from Disney and realized they like this better, and the lifelong Anaheim residents who have been coming here for decades.
The Entertainment Factor: Pool, Music, and People Watching
Let's talk about the jukebox. A bar is only as good as its soundtrack, and 99 Bottles & Cocktails Anaheim CA usually has a vibe that leans into classic rock, old-school hip hop, or whatever the person with the most credits feels like hearing. It’s loud enough to provide a backdrop but not so loud that you have to scream at the person sitting next to you.
- Pool Tables: Multiple tables, usually well-maintained.
- The Crowd: Diverse, local, and generally friendly if you’re approachable.
- The Drinks: Heavy pours. No "measured" spouts that cut you off at exactly 1.25 ounces.
- The Location: Easy to miss if you aren't looking, which keeps the "scenester" crowd away.
Sometimes there’s karaoke. If you’ve never seen a grown man in a work jacket belt out Journey at 11:00 PM on a Tuesday, have you even lived? It’s that kind of raw, unpolished fun that you just can't manufacture in a corporate-owned lounge. It’s authentic.
Why Location Matters (Lincoln Ave vs. The Resort District)
Anaheim is basically split into two worlds. There’s the "Resort District" with its manicured lawns and $40 parking, and then there’s the rest of the city. 99 Bottles & Cocktails Anaheim CA is firmly in the "rest of the city" camp. It sits on West Lincoln Avenue, an artery of the city that's lined with small businesses, auto shops, and taco stands.
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Being away from the harbor Boulevard chaos means you don't deal with the "vacation brain" crowds. You deal with people who live here. That changes the energy. It’s more relaxed. You don't have to worry about being underdressed. A t-shirt and jeans is the unofficial uniform.
If you're visiting from out of town and staying near the convention center, it's worth the short Uber ride. You’ll see a side of Orange County that isn't curated for Instagram. It's the side that actually keeps the city running. Plus, there are some killer late-night food spots nearby that taste way better after a few drinks at 99 Bottles.
Navigating the Menu (Keep it Simple)
Look, I’m going to be straight with you. Don't ask for a Mojito if they’re slammed. It’s a courtesy thing. While they can certainly make you a cocktail, 99 Bottles & Cocktails Anaheim CA is built for speed and volume.
- Beer: They have plenty. Bottles, cans, drafts. Stick to what’s on tap for the freshest experience.
- Hard Stuff: Their pours are famously generous. A "double" here might be a "triple" elsewhere. Pace yourself.
- Specials: Check the boards. They often have deals that make an already cheap night even cheaper.
The bar doesn't usually serve full meals, but that’s okay. In this part of Anaheim, you are surrounded by some of the best Mexican food in the state. Most regulars grab a bite at a nearby lonchera or a taco shop before or after their session. It’s a symbiotic relationship between the bar and the local food scene.
Acknowledging the Limitations
Is it for everyone? No. If you need a wine list with fifteen different Chardonnays, keep driving. If you’re bothered by the smell of a bar that’s been around for a while—that mix of stale beer and history—you might prefer a rooftop lounge at the JW Marriott.
And yeah, the parking lot can be a bit of a squeeze. It’s a shared lot, so during peak hours, you might have to circle a few times. But that’s just part of the experience. It’s a neighborhood joint. You’re meant to put in a little effort to get there.
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The service is "bartender-style," meaning they aren't going to hover over you asking if "everything is tasting wonderful" every five minutes. You go to the bar, you order, you pay. They’re efficient. They’re busy. They’re real people.
The Verdict on 99 Bottles & Cocktails Anaheim CA
In a world that’s becoming increasingly digital and sanitized, places like 99 Bottles & Cocktails Anaheim CA are essential. They serve as a "third place"—somewhere that isn't home and isn't work, where you can just be.
It represents the grit and the heart of Anaheim. It’s the kind of place where you can walk in a stranger and leave with a lead on a new job or a tip on the best mechanic in town. It’s about connection. It’s about the simplicity of a glass and a conversation.
If you find yourself in North OC and the neon sign is humming, stop in. Bring some cash for the pool table. Don't be a jerk. You’ll find that the best nights aren't the ones that cost the most, but the ones that feel the most human.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Hours: Dive bar hours can be quirky; verify they are open before heading out, especially on weeknights.
- Bring Cash: While most places take cards now, having small bills for the pool table and jukebox is a pro move.
- Plan Your Food: Scout out a nearby taco truck on Lincoln Avenue for the perfect post-bar meal.
- Respect the Space: Remember this is a local hangout; read the room and match the energy of the regulars for the best experience.