Rum Social, the island-inspired restaurant and bar in the heart of Laguna Beach that opened in March 2022, is celebrating its first anniversary with the launch of a new seasonal dinner menu. Executive Chef Nick Herrera debuts a selection of dishes showcasing his mastery of bold, exotic flavors. To celebrate, the restaurant will offer dine-in dinner guests select bottles of wine for just $1 during the month of April. (Limit one per reservation.)
Since its opening, Rum Social has allured Laguna Beach locals and visitors alike. Its menu of bold dishes, vacation-worthy cocktails, and luxe tropical design offer guests an unparalleled escape into the elusive ‘endless summer’ lifestyle. The vacation vibe atmosphere at Rum Social further complements its Island-inspired menu and vibrant beverage program paying homage to the tiki cocktail culture popularized during the golden era of 1930s Hollywood.
New additions to the Rum Social menu include a selection of shareable starters that set the stage for an evening full of flavor. An elevated approach to Tuna Poke features an artfully plated tartare of pineapple pico de gallo, avocado, and sweet Thai sauce, while Crispy Coconut Prawns with cucumber and housemade cocktail sauce showcase Herrera’s creative approach to the classics. Offering a twist on the tried-and-true, refreshing salads include a Crispy Brussels Caesar topped with crispy shallots, tangy cotija, and micro herbs; and an Apple Rum Salad with roasted grapes, walnuts, and mint, a riff on the classic Waldorf. Hearty sides like Uncle Ken’s Fried Rice topped with a delicate sesame egg juxtapose flavors of smoked jade rice, sweet carrots, and aromatic sofrito. Show-stopping supper plates include slow-braised Snake River Farms Wagyu Short Rib in Ropa Vieja, Garlic Butter Prawns dressed in a brown butter citrus sauce with Maitake mushrooms. Bold flavors of curry and coconut marry in the Striped Seabass with coconut rice curry broth, Shimeji mushrooms, and pickled cabbage.
“Our new menu reflects our commitment to providing an exceptional dining experience, with bold, exotic flavors that transport you to a tropical paradise,” comments Rum Social general manager Steve Reed. “As we enter into the busy months of spring and summer, we look forward to expanding our hours with the return of lunch service.”
Overlooking the picturesque courtyard of Peppertree Lane is Rum Social’s Treehouse Bar, where guests can retreat to a Hemingway speakeasy where bartenders mix, muddle, stir, and swizzle handcrafted cocktails. Much like its menu, Rum Social’s beverage program derives inspiration from the Caribbean and Pacific Islands, juxtaposing contemporary twists on classic cocktails and traditional tiki libations. Signature sips like The Hemingway and Mojito Smash offer guests a taste of the restaurant’s namesake rums, including dark, barrel-aged, and black tea-infused varieties.
Rum Social is located at 448 South Coast Highway in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach. The restaurant is open for dinner nightly with a daily Social Happy Hour from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
