cuatro. The latest Quill A glorified portable located behind a shopping center in Santa Ana, The Quill has been around for decades and so have the locals. They might not have the smooth moves of a Newport bachelor on the prowl, but if you’re a decent looking lady, someone is going to toss a few cheese ball lines your way like “If I dated you, I would need an inhaler because you would take my breath away.” (So says the crazy guy who claims to be bi-sexual). The only lady in the joint is a classy gal named Peggy who laughs at the cheesy one-liners and tells all the guys to “go f$# yourself” to which they happily reply “Thank you.” Ladies Beware: You want names? Ask Peggy.
Lady Beware: Confronts undetectable of the reduced-lit configurations and you may free drinks
3.Tropics Lounge (Fullerton) The small but mighty scene for seedy-types to lurk, drink and even take in some tunes on their microscopic stage. “A lot of bands have played here,” said Bartender Deeanna Tafolla. “Sublime did a surprise show here back in the day.” If you’re looking to absorb the ultimate north OC dive bar experience in one foul swoop, Tropics Lounge is the spot. If you get bored at the bar, you’ll notice the ceiling is decorated with beer bottle caps in the shape of random pictures. Skateboards, cats, initials and other random shit are ingrained to the red stucco along with loads of skate decks from the local skate shop across the street. Ladies Beware:Besides an unsteady floor (I don’t recommend heels), skater boys and hipsters who smoke too much.
2.The new Affair Open from 6 a.m. until 2 a.m. everyday, The Fling has two simple rules: 1.) Don’t be evil 2.) Drink more. Maybe by the time you get through rule two, you realize despite it’s seedy disposition, The Fling’s bark is worse than it’s bite. The walls are lined with plush red velvet wall paper while random “body part” Halloween ong the antique chandeliers. If you told me the place was haunted, I might believe you. Whispers of gambling winnings, scratch-off tickets and bet losses are barely audible above the Hank Williams tunes and whatever football game is on T.V. A guy with an eye patch and scraggly grey beard sloshes back a whiskey shot and while his one good peeper does some people watching. A gal known as “Bird Lady” kindly asks what I’m “scribblin’ on that paper.” This is a legit dive bar. There is live music every night starting at 9 p.m. featuring bands like Citizen O’Kane and one-man band show-stopper, Eddy Day. If up-close-and-personal coupled with low lit settings are what you’re after, check out this spot. Just know that the immediate feeling of regret upon entering the joint washes away easy with a Jack and Coke.
Dark interior spaces, an individual billiard table and restrooms which have commodes we would like to make use of your base so you can flush that have is a great spot to check out local bands material the newest trailers, socialize towards neighbors and you will damp your own whistle
step 1.Knuckleheads (San Clemente) When a bar’s staple saying is “Sorry, we are open!” at first you might reconsider, but if there ever was a “Cheers” for south Orange County, Knuckle Heads would be the call. If you’re not a significant link north San Clemente local or just a plain old alchy, everybody knows it the minute you walk through the doors. Two stages are hosts to local band favorite like rockers SixStepand rockabilly band Mad Dog and The Smokin’ J’s. There’s almost no need to buy drinks because the alcohol smell and friendly demeanor seem to intoxicate you where ever you decide to park it. But just for good humor, you might as well purchase one of their cheap drinks and, hell, why not a burger to go with it? Famous for their sliders for only $5.50, their burgers are fresh ground chuck on sweet Hawaiian buns with a special ketchup that’s as spicy as the crowd. Eventually you learn there are no strangers at this most awesome dive. Yes, by time you leave everybody will know your name. Ladies Beware: Everyone
eleven.Sundown Lounge (Fullerton) In need of a less-than-fancy karaoke fix? This is your spot. Though the crowd of buzzed regulars probably won’t intimidate you, their song selection might. Sunset Lounge offers a humongous selection of tracks you didn’t even know could be karaoked.This divey tradition usually kicks off at the Lounge Wednesdays through Sundays starting at 9:30 p.m. If you chose the classic ‘Don’t Stop Believin,’ you might be boo-ed. “We maintain a good crowd, it’s an eclectic crowd,” said Bartender Jennifer Keefer. “It’s the customers that make this bar.” Hats off to the dude who had the guts to mimic Robert Plant’s vocals in “Whole Lotta Love.” You nailed it! Ladies Beware: Drunk hobos lurking in the alleyway, college kids’ left-over liquid courage as they excitedly get behind the wheel.
5. Cassidy’s (Newport Beach) Ah yes, if you have partied anywhere near central Orange County/Newport in the past decade, you have been to Cassidy’s. You might not remember, but you’ve been there. The overwhelming smell of tequila and lime that smacks you in the nostrils, the skateboard decks nailed to the walls and girls who are way too pretty to be sitting at the bar by themselves greet patrons who file away into Newport’s most infamous dive. Ladies Beware: Spoiled Newport brats who have been replacing their blood with alcohol relentlessly.
