This fall, Laguna Hills will welcome Bardega, a novel concept mashing the whimsical ambiance of a retro cocktail lounge, complete with low-ABV and zero-proof concoctions, with the eclectic offerings of a modern deli market. The name, a portmanteau of “bar” and “bodega” (the term New Yorkers often use for their local corner stores), and venture is the creation of Cory Danger and Matt Sharp.
Danger, known as a former co-producer of MUSINK, the nation’s largest tattoo and music festival, and the founder of Golden Crown Barber Shop, partnered with Sharp, a restaurateur, bar consultant and owner of several hospitality agencies, including Intelligent ABV Holdings, Lifted Spiritz Agency, as well as an owner-partner at Daily Dose Hospitality. The Orange County natives, who met while attending Aliso Viejo High School, have combined their extensive experience in hospitality and entertainment to create Bardega.
The duo conceived their upcoming venue with a specific vision: to open a space that blends bar, market and restaurant, while also offering a comfortable and inclusive environment for those who eschew booze.
“The palette for drinkers is changing,” says Danger, “and we’ve seen it happening in recent years. They want to drink healthier. If that means no alcohol or lower ABV [alcohol by volume], or even less sugar, we want to fill that niche.”
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Danger emphasizes their commitment to creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone, noting that many of their friends don’t touch hard alcohol but still want to enjoy social outings. “They don’t want to go to a spot where they can only drink a Shirley Temple, which makes them feel like they’re at the kids’ table, or they feel ostracized,” he added.
Fear not, serious drinkers: Bardega will feature ethanol-amped libations for guests who prefer a full-throttle drink. “We’re also going to have a classic cocktail list and really lean into craft cocktails,” said Sharp. For people who eschew alcohol or prefer to get their buzz on at a lower frequency, every cocktail at Bardega will be available in non-alcoholic, low-ABV or full-spirit iterations.
Bardega will offer an expansive wine list, featuring bottles from the terroirs of Sonoma and Willamette Valley, and local beers, like Docent Brewing and Green Cheek.
The market and restaurant side of the venue will feature fare by chef Kyle Anderson. “He’s going to do some really good grab-and-go items, some wraps, salads and sandwiches,” said Sharp. “We’re going to do some house-made pickles, too, really leaning into quick grab snacks.”
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Bardega will also feature a dining area with a dedicated menu for guests who want to dine in.
Both Danger and Sharp designed the space, which will nod to the 1970s. “We designed it with a retro vibe that has a modern feel to it,” said Sharp. “We’re in our forties now, and we kind of grew up with the ’70s style, which is kind of coming back into full popularity.”
“We’re just excited to be part of the community and really just showcase that alcohol full ABV and low ABV can kind of be blended together and just be fun for everybody,” said Danger. “We’re so excited.”
Still in its build-out phase, Bardega will tentatively open in early- to mid-October this year at 24781 Alicia Parkway in Laguna Hills, taking over the space previously occupied by Stefano’s Golden Baked Ham. Bardega will be an all-ages venue, open from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. with the chance of staying open later on weekends.