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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Santa Ana

Cool bars

You are looking for a bar that manages to be interesting without trying too hard.

Based on 518 Opinions
+515
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Updated June 2026
01
Club 616 image 1
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Cocktail bar

Cocktail bar offers live music every night and a spacious outdoor patio with a fire pit and taco vendors. Seating includes booths, bar stools, and lounges inside and outside, creating a relaxed yet chic atmosphere. The place stands out for its unique vibe and well-crafted cocktails.

Offers a cool, hip, retro vibe with an elevated experience beyond typical dive bars. Features a unique lounge atmosphere and a taco vendor serving asada multias since there is no kitchen.

A cool, hip, retro vibe fills the bar with a romantic and slightly edgy atmosphere. Framed paintings decorate the walls and the music sets a cool tone before the DJ starts.

People are saying

"I thought the cocktails were crafted to perfection."

"The drinks here are outstanding and crafted with attention to detail."

"The cocktails here are amazing, unique, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tough to find, so arrive early.

2

Happy hour runs daily with great drink specials.

3

Live jazz performances happen every Wednesday from 8-11pm.

02
Fling Cocktail Lounge image 1

Small dive bar with an old school vibe and vintage leather booths creates a cozy, intimate setting. Live bands play classic rock n roll every night, drawing a mature, lively crowd that enjoys the friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Space fills quickly, making it a tight but fun spot for music and drinks.

Strong, cheap drinks flow in a dark dive bar with no windows. Live music plays every night, adding to the old school vibe with vintage leather booths and a cozy atmosphere.

A cool dive bar with a live music scene sits in a vibrant neighborhood. It offers a laid-back spot to hang out and enjoy the atmosphere.

People are saying

"I experienced great live music here every night."

"I enjoyed the live music at this bar every night."

"It's a cool dive bar, a pretty cool spot to hang out."

Good to know

1

There are no food options at Fling.

2

The attire is very casual.

3

The crowd is generally older, around 60s.

03
The Quill Lounge image 1
Cocktail bar

Small, quaint cocktail bar with cozy leather booths and pennies decorating the bar top creates a nostalgic, 70's vibe. Dark interior keeps the atmosphere chill and intimate, while plenty of TVs and lively karaoke add energy without large crowds. Regulars enjoy a neighborhood feel with enthusiastic, welcoming patrons.

Cozy booths and a small, quaint vibe create a chill atmosphere. Karaoke nights bring out a welcoming crowd and the bar serves great food beyond typical bar fare.

Welcoming patrons spark easy conversations. The spot has a really cool vibe that stands out.

People are saying

"The tacos here are served hot and fresh."

"You'll love karaoke nights with KJ Bess at this bar."

"It's a cool spot with a chill atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Tuesday night, hosted by KJ Bess.

2

Expect a lively atmosphere during karaoke nights with a fun host.

3

They offer a variety of food options, including popular tacos.

04
Tacompadre image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with arcade games and a hidden Tiki Bar creates a lively, hipster vibe mixed with a family-friendly atmosphere. Music ranges from live jazz to upbeat tunes, enhancing the fun, casual setting. Late hours and a salsa bar with unique options like pineapple salsa add to the distinctive experience.

A hidden Tiki Bar behind a Bamboo wall offers a small, intimate space for adults with amazing drinks. Upstairs, the bar called Mission Control features pinball and arcade games for after-meal fun.

People are saying

"The tacos here are packed with flavor and meat."

"The upstairs bar has arcade and pinball games."

"I thought the tacos here were the best in the OC."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer tacos for $2.50 each.

2

Karaoke runs from 6 to 10 pm on Taco Tuesdays.

3

The restaurant serves Halal tacos for those with dietary restrictions.

05
Mission Control Bar Arcade image 1

Bar combines classic pinball and arcade cabinets with a retro-themed decor that evokes vintage gaming. Atmosphere stays fun and lively without feeling crowded, featuring a small dance floor and balcony space. Cocktails and beer complement the gaming experience, with a focus on cleverly crafted, gaming-themed drinks.

Retro-themed decor creates a golden era arcade vibe with pinball and arcade games throughout. Friendly bar staff keep the atmosphere lively during trivia nights and themed parties.

Lots of cool games fill the space, including pinball. The staff is friendly and adds to the vibe.

People are saying

"This arcade bar is super cool with fun pinball and retro games."

"The DJ was playing great music and the vibe felt cool."

"They offered a good amount of nice draft beer."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Thursday at 7 pm with fun prizes.

2

Happy hour runs before 7 pm with great drink specials.

3

Bring cash for tokens as some machines may not accept cards.

06
Hammer Burger image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant with colorful murals and a lively atmosphere filled with fun music and a self-serve sauce bar. Indoor space includes a bar area with multiple TVs and offers a variety of local beers and wines. The place draws a crowd quickly, creating a bustling vibe especially on weekends.

A small separate bar offers local beer on draft, domestic crispy beers in a can, and wine. The bar has a cozy vibe with friendly staff and a spot to watch the game while enjoying a flatty.

A relaxed atmosphere sets the tone with staff who are consistently friendly and cool. The vibe feels like a hidden spot where service stays upbeat even when some items run out.

People are saying

"I found the smash burgers here to be the best I've had."

"I found the burgers here to be amazing."

"The burgers here are original, delicious, and smashed perfectly."

Good to know

1

Hammer Burger has a happy hour with 20% off food from 2-5 PM.

2

Expect long wait times on weekends; arrive early to secure a table.

3

Parking is available in a nearby paid city lot.

07
Native Son OC image 1
Gastropub

Rooftop venue offers outdoor patio seating with fire pits and views overlooking downtown. Atmosphere shifts from friendly and chill during weekdays to lively with live DJs on weekends. Crowd includes a diverse, dog-friendly mix, creating a casual yet engaging vibe.

Rooftop bar offers a casual vibe with great service and views overlooking downtown. DJ LexaKhan spins a variety of genres, making it a solid spot for happy hours, lounging, or dancing.

A rooftop sets a cool vibe for hanging out and having drinks with friends.

People are saying

"They had an amazing selection of local and regional beers."

"I loved the rooftop bar with its nice view."

"The bartender here is awesome and makes great drink suggestions."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6 PM with a lively atmosphere.

2

Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 10 AM.

3

Expect a crowded space on Friday and Saturday nights.

08
The Observatory image 1
Live music venue

Multi-level layout with stadium seating offers clear views from every angle. Venue has a cool underground vibe and feels intimate despite its size. Powerful, clear sound system supports live music performances across indoor and outdoor areas.

A huge bar wraps around the venue, creating a spacious area for drinks. Multiple bars reduce wait times and keep lines short.

Multiple stages create a cool, underground vibe that feels like discovering something new. Staff stay super cool from entrance to inside, adding to the intimate atmosphere.

People are saying

"The tiered levels make it cool with no bad views."

"The views here are amazing, especially at night for stargazing."

"The bar's sound and lights were top tier."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $15 per car, and finding a spot can be challenging.

2

The venue has a disabled section for accessibility.

3

The sound quality is consistently impressive during performances.

09
Mission Bar image 1

Dive bar style space with Banda music and a Chicano vibe creates a cozy, gritty atmosphere. Pool tables and karaoke add casual entertainment, while the crowd brings a positive, fun energy. The bar embraces Mexican-American culture with tacos and locally sourced brews.

Craft beer selection stands out with unique microbrews and locally sourced brews. Friendly bartenders create a welcoming vibe, while the bar embraces Banda music and Mexican-American influence.

The atmosphere feels really cool and relaxed. The bar offers unique microbrews that stand out from typical selections.

People are saying

"I loved their amazing craft beer selection."

"It used to have an underground Santa Ana subculture vibe."

"This bar has an amazing craft beer selection."

Good to know

1

Cumbia dancing happens regularly, creating a lively atmosphere.

2

On the first Saturday of every month, enjoy music by Ritmo Santanero.

3

Charlie's birria is served on the first Saturday of every month.

10
La Santa image 1
Live music venue

Small basement venue offers an intimate setting with dark, grimey atmosphere and clear, sharp sound. Crowds bring fun, sexy energy with close proximity to performers and occasional mosh pits. Limited airflow and stale air create a warm, humid environment that intensifies as the space fills.

A good bartender serves drinks efficiently. A guard tries to keep an open space by the bar, but it fills up quickly once the music starts.

A cool hipster vibe fills the venue with a very cool atmosphere. The security team, especially Yogi, adds a professional and friendly touch.

People are saying

"It's a cool spot with a great vibe and atmosphere."

"The bar area gets so crowded, it's hard to even stand near it."

"The performing arts here feel so close, you can feel the crowd's warmth."

Good to know

1

Access to La Santa might be slightly difficult for those with mobility issues due to its basement location.

2

The women's restroom has only two stalls located downstairs in the basement.

3

I advise against parking at the Food For Less parking lot; they will tow your vehicle.

11
Tacos Madre Kitchen & Cantina image 1

Mexican restaurant with intricate artwork and lush plants creates a vibrant setting. Live DJ and saxophone performances bring a lively, sometimes nightclub-level energy. Spacious layout includes an outdoor patio and a well-appointed bar, attracting a crowd that enjoys music and socializing.

A nice bar offers a cool spot to hang out. Watching a soccer game at the bar while waiting for takeout is common.

An urban vibe sets the tone here, making it a cool spot to hang out. The bar adds a nice touch to the overall atmosphere.

People are saying

"I ate all the enchiladas before I could post a picture."

"The food here is pretty good, especially the carne asada and shrimp."

"The bar is really nice and a cool spot to hang out."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers great deals on tacos and margaritas.

2

Live DJ plays during Taco Tuesday on Fridays and Saturdays.

3

Expect a $5 charge for extra toppings like lettuce and sour cream.

12
Constellation Room image 1
Live music venue

Medium-sized live music venue offers an intimate atmosphere with two levels of standing room and VIP table seating. Fantastic sound system delivers clear, immersive audio, while a full bar and outdoor patio provide added comfort between acts.

Three bars spread across the venue offer a full beverage selection and finger foods. Bars inside the room keep the energy close to the stage and the crowd.

A cool venue with a distinct vibe that stands out. The space feels fresh and inviting for events.

People are saying

"It's an intimate venue with a fantastic sound system."

"The bar offers an intimate vibe with a stellar setup."

"I loved the great bands that performed here."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $10 and is available a couple of blocks away.

2

The venue is small, often leading to standing room only.

3

Expect good sound quality during live performances.

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