9 places for getting drinks in the Santa Clarita Valley - A review

Sharing an alcoholic beverage with friends is as old as time. Whether it is in honor of a great game, a successful pitch at work, or a birthday, a special “adult” drink is a great way to celebrate with friends.

But do you know where the best spots are? Likely, not. Many of us are creatures of comfort — hitting the same bar time after time. But the Santa Clarita Valley has a wide range of destinations for finding that special draft beer, cabernet, or cocktail. 

The Paseo Club is a social club in the Santa Clarita Valley that offers programs for fitness, swimming, tennis, and pickleball. As much as we value eating healthy and being fit, we know all work and no play can make Jack a dull boy. 

So, in this article, we have (valiantly!) done the research to tell you about where you can go out for a drink in the SCV. Learn where the best places are, their pros and cons, specialty drinks, and costs.

Places are listed in alphabetical order.

9 places for getting drinks in the Santa Clarita Valley

1. 8th and Rail

8th and Rail is nestled in the newer space in Newhall, and it is the bar to hit up for some dancing after a nice dinner.

Pros: It is easily located in Old Town Newhall near plenty of other spots to enjoy.

Cons: There are many options nearby, so while the sandwiches are great, they can get lost in the shuffle.

Good fit: It is a great place for dancing with a group of friends.

Bad fit: It’s too loud for conversing on a first date.

Cost: $

Specialty: At 8th and Rail, all the standards are reimagined — the Boxcar is a lively summer choice — Rekorderlig Pear Cider mixed with Hendricks Gin and lime is great. 

Grade: A-

Quote: “This old fashioned is reimagined as well with some maple syrup and Rye Whiskey. It’s excellent!”

2. The Local Pub and Grill

The Local Pub and Grill is a local pub with nice pub food. The drinks are actually better than what you might expect with the wing-and-nacho menu.

Pros: Enjoy the hometown feel of a neighborhood pub with sports on TV and a casual atmosphere.

Cons: If you aren’t in Stevenson Ranch, it’s a trek.

Good fit: Come here when you are looking to relax with a drink and watch a game.

Bad fit: This is not the place for getting dressed up for a night out on the town.

Cost: $

Specialty: None.

Grade: B

Quote: “I did not have high hopes, but this old fashioned was wonderful!”

3. Mabel’s Roadhouse 

Mabel’s Roadhouse is, as the name suggests, more a dive bar than an upscale establishment. You can have plenty of fun and dancing, though the clientele is definitely of a younger generation.

Pros: This place is where to go when you want to have a good time, dance, and toss back a few.

Cons: This is not the bar for a fancy night out.

Good fit: Come here for loud fun with friends.

Bad fit: This is not the location for a quiet and intimate space.

Cost: $

Specialty: There are no specialties here, just the standards. 

Grade: B-

Quote: “There are no old fashioneds here…” 

4. The Old Down Junction

The Old Town Junction is a newer choice in Valencia. Chef Otto comes from Tournament Players Club (now The Oaks), and his restaurant is a fan favorite for everyone in the SCV.

Pros: The menu changes with the seasons, but the drinks are classic and stick around. There are many fun and different choices to pick from.

Cons: The bar doesn’t seem to get as much credit as the restaurant, so you may not think of it.

Good fit: Old Town is a great place for a night out when you want good food and good drinks.

Bad fit: This is not the spot for a quick in and out. There is definitely more of a “stop and savor” sense here. 

Cost: $$

Specialty: The drink menu is all special, but the White Linen is a house specialty. It contains Junipero gin, elderflower, lemon, citrus simple syrup, cucumber, and basil. It leaves nothing out. 

Grade: A

Quote: “The old fashioned has a small hunk of beef jerky served with it. If you like it, it’s an incredible addition. If you don’t eat jerky, it’s a little aggressive.”

5. Olive Terrace Bar and Grill

Olive Terrace Bar and Grill is located near the intersection of Highway 5 and 126. It has a wide variety of drink options and a great menu for food. It is the perfect place for special occasions. 

Pros: Olive Terrace has a wonderful selection of drinks — some with Mediterranean influences.

Cons: It can get crowded — meaning the service can get a little strained. 

Good fit: Olive Terrace is something a little different and fun — a great spot to celebrate.

Bad fit: Don’t come if you are in a rush and can’t risk waiting. 

Cost: $$

Specialty: The Smoking Gun is a cocktail you may not find anywhere else — Irish Gunpowder Gin, fever-tree tonic, and thyme/tarragon/rosemary/white balsamic vinegar homemade shrub.

Grade: B+

Quote: “The old fashioned is great, but it is tough to steer clear of the amazing other options on the menu.”

6. The Paseo Club

The Paseo Club is a social club in the SCV. It is a members-only space with a Clubhouse offering a variety of beers, wines, and cocktails. It’s a great spot to stop and socialize after a day of tennis and fitness!

Pros: The Paseo Club is a smaller and more intimate space — you’ll have forever friends in no time.

Cons: It is a private club where membership is requisite.

Good fit: The Paseo Club is a good fit for those who want an entire lifestyle instead of just one drink.

Bad fit: It is a bad fit if you are not looking for the club life/community experience. 

Cost: $$

Specialty: Liela’s famous Paseo Punch is the perfect choice on a hot day. Fruit juices and a little zip make the day complete.

Grade: A

Quote: “The entire team knows exactly how to make the perfect old fashioned.”

7. Piccola Osteria/ Piccola Trattoria

The Trattoria is a SCV standard that has been around for decades. The family owners only opened Osteria in the last several years. There is some common ground and some differences, but both are excellent choices for a great meal and drinks.

Pros: There are delicious cocktail options and wonderful service at both spots, which makes your time there unforgettable.

Cons: Both locations are a trek to get to from lots of other SCV spots.

Good fit: Go to one of the Piccolos for a great evening out with friends or a partner.

Bad fit: If you are looking to socialize and meet new people you will be disappointed. It provides a more intimate setting for small groups.

Cost: $$

Specialty: The Aperol spritz makes you feel like you’re in Italy, and the espresso martini is not to be missed.

Grade: A

Quote: “I couldn’t get to the old fashioned because of the options above. Italy in the SCV!”

8. Salt Creek Grille Valencia

Salt Creek Grille Valencia is a local favorite. It is a great choice when you want to celebrate with friends and family, or just enjoy some live music at the bar. 

Pros: Salt Creek Grille is easy to get to, and there is plenty of parking since it’s in the Valencia Mall. There are great seasonal favorites, and there is always something special happening.  

Cons: The drinks have gotten expensive in the last few years.

Good fit: Enjoy the comfort of a bar that hasn’t changed for years but continues to put out great products.

Bad fit: Salt Creek is not the place when you are In a hurry or are looking for something inexpensive.

Cost: $$$

Specialty: The Christini Martini is a delectable option — sweet with a sugar rim and topped with champagne. It’s a perfect choice to toast your celebration.

Grade: A-

Quote: “The old fashioned is perfect every time.”

9. The Social 

The Social is a hole in the wall. It has been in the SCV for years but stays under the radar in a small strip mall off of Lyons. With an extensive martini menu, you’ll always have something new to try.

Pros: If you are looking for variety, you’ve come to the right spot.  

Cons: This is not the place for the indecisive. 

Good fit: The Social has fun drinks with something for everyone.

Bad fit: If you are taking part in a pub crawl, this one is a little off the beaten track

Cost: $$

Specialty: So many specialties here! Oprah’s Pomegranate Martini is a popular choice — Stoli Citros, Cointreau, pom juice, and a splash of fizz.

Grade: B

Quote: “I never made it to the old fashioned — there were too many others to try!”

Enjoying your night out on the town

Taking your friends, partner, or just yourself out for drinks is a special way to celebrate and relax. The Santa Clarita Valley has several options to enjoy, each with its own style, ambiance, and specials.

Now that you have read this article, you know where to get drinks in the Santa Clarita Valley, their pros and cons, cost, and the overall quality of the establishment.

The Paseo Club is a social club that offers over 60 fitness classes each week, courts for tennis and pickleball, and a junior Olympic pool.

We also host social events throughout the month. One of our most popular events is Wine Down Wednesday, which is a time for members to visit with friends, have a glass of wine, and enjoy some music.

If you would like to learn more about our fitness facilities and member community, then schedule a tour of the Paseo Club today. Discover what the Paseo Way is all about!

In the meantime, check out these three articles about additional resources in the SCV.

• 7 things to love about Wine Down Wednesday
• The 8 Best day trips near the Santa Clarita Valley
• Ice Cream in the Santa Clarita Valley: An In-depth review