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Loved by locals

Cool spots in Santa Ana

Made for those who prioritize a cool aesthetic above all else and refuse to spend their time in spaces that lack a distinct identity.

Based on 542 Opinions
+539
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Updated May 2026
01
Jaliscos ice cream image 1
Jaliscos ice cream image 2
Jaliscos ice cream image 3
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Ice cream shop

Small ice cream shop offers unique flavors and a photo-op wall for cool, Instagram-worthy moments. Friendly staff create a welcoming vibe that feels casual and relaxed. Limited seating keeps visits quick and social.

Cool vibe comes from a photo-op wall that makes for Instagram-worthy pictures and a friendly staff that adds to the shop atmosphere.

People are saying

"The concha ice cream sandwich is amazing, warm pastry with cold ice cream."

"You can't go wrong with their mini pancakes."

"The shop atmosphere here is really cool and welcoming."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash, so plan accordingly.

2

There is plenty of parking in the little Plaza.

3

The place is very clean and well-maintained.

02
Club 616 image 1
Cocktail bar

Cocktail bar shines with live music and a spacious patio featuring a fire pit and taco vendors. Seating mixes booths and lounges for a relaxed yet chic feel. Walls show framed paintings that add to the cool, retro vibe and romantic edge.

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 live music here was really good every night."

"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.

03
Mission Control Bar Arcade image 1

Bar blends classic pinball and arcade games with a retro vibe. Friendly staff keep the mood lively on a small dance floor and balcony. Enjoy gaming-themed cocktails while soaking in the cool, vintage atmosphere.

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.

04
Fling Cocktail Lounge image 1

Small dive bar with vintage leather booths offers a cozy, intimate vibe. Live bands play classic rock n roll nightly, attracting a mature, lively crowd. Spot fills fast, perfect for those seeking laid-back live music in a vibrant neighborhood.

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."

"The crowd here is much older, like in their 60s."

"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.

05
The Observatory image 1
Live music venue

Multi-level layout with stadium seating offers clear views everywhere. Powerful sound system pumps live music across indoor and outdoor stages. Staff stay super cool, adding to the intimate atmosphere and underground vibe.

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 bathrooms here are really clean."

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.

06
Hammer Burger image 1
Restaurant

Small spot with colorful murals and a lively vibe. Staff stay friendly and cool even when busy. Offers a self-serve sauce bar and a variety of local beers for a fun, relaxed time.

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."

"These onion rings have a spectacular, crispy batter."

"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
The Quill Lounge image 1
Cocktail bar

Small cocktail bar with cozy leather booths offers a nostalgic 70's vibe. Dark interior keeps it chill and intimate while lively karaoke and welcoming patrons create a cool, friendly energy.

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."

"KJ Bess made the karaoke experience awesome and fun for everyone."

"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.

08
Mongiello's Pizza & Wings image 1

Food court-style setup with plenty of seating inside and outside offers a casual, comfortable space. Salsa bar with many toppings adds a cool vibe alongside hip decor. Upstairs arcade provides fun beyond dining, making it a great spot to relax and hang out.

Small food court area with a sidewalk cafe feel creates a unique atmosphere. The salsa bar offers many toppings, adding to the cool vibe with nice decor and branding.

People are saying

"I found the pizza to be amazingly delicious."

"It's a cool little spot with a hip vibe."

"I thought the prices were really affordable."

Good to know

1

They carry halal beef and chicken with a separate area for halal meat preparation.

2

They are open later than most pizza places for late-night bites.

3

There is convenient parking available in the back.

09
La Santa image 1
Live music venue

Small basement venue offers an intimate setting with sharp sound and a cool hipster vibe. Crowds bring sexy energy close to performers, while friendly security adds a professional touch. Warm, humid air intensifies as space fills.

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.

10
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.

People are saying

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

"The salsa bar here is a game-changer with tons of fresh fixings."

"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.

11
Constellation Room image 1
Live music venue

Medium-sized venue offers an intimate atmosphere with two levels and VIP seating. Fantastic sound system delivers clear, immersive audio. Full bar and outdoor patio add comfort. Space feels fresh and inviting, making it a cool spot for live music.

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."

"I had a great time and it was so much fun."

"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.

12
Summerfield Tea Bar image 1

Spacious tea house offers a cozy vibe with floor seating and good music. Free wifi and a cool hangout setup attract people who want to chill or study late. Tea served here is notably cool, making it a perfect spot to relax.

Free wifi and a cool hangout setup create a relaxed vibe. The tea served is notably cool.

People are saying

"It's a great work-friendly spot with free wifi."

"This is a great late night spot for delicious boba drinks."

"The tea here is really cool and tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking can be hard to find due to limited spaces in the plaza.

2

They are open from 1 PM to 1 AM, catering to late-night visitors.

3

Expect crowded seating during busy late-night hours, especially on weekends.

13
Tacos Madre Kitchen & Cantina image 1

Mexican flavors meet intricate artwork and lush plants for a vibrant vibe. Live DJ and saxophone create a lively energy that feels like a nightclub. Spacious layout with an outdoor patio and well-appointed bar makes it a cool urban spot to socialize.

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."

"I found the fish tacos to be delicious and perfectly crispy."

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

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.

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Santa Ana, California

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