This is one of those places I'd never just go to out of the blue. It is located adjacent to one of my favorite restaurants in Costa Mesa called Manpuku. This bar doesn't really have anything wrong with with, but im not going to drive from riverside just for some nondescript bar in a strip mall. I will say that they have real bartenders that make fresh real drinks and there is a really nice ambiance about the place. The beer selection is a little weak. But the ones they do have are nice and cold!! I will be back and if you live in the area, I do recommend doing this place Until next time.... read more

Kitsch Bar - Urinal - Lounges Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

This bar is in a great location, affordable drinks and really cool ambiance. Jim the bouncer is so cool and friendly. A couple of guys were harassing me and he didn't hesitate to kick them out. The only reason I don't give this 5 stars is that some of the bartenders aren't the best. Most are great but one of our favorite bartenders left and we miss her :( the last time we went the drinks were kinda watery and flavorless. read more

I'm sorry? $2.50? Any beer? Happy hour? But it's 8:30pm? Oh, happy hour is until 10pm - man, you guys sure know how to be happy here. If you can't find a seat at Kitsch Bar then it's likely that the bar is too full, because that place is chock-full of tables and chairs. Everywhere! Like someone said in an earlier review, it's like a maze to get anywhere in there. The bartenders were always super-friendly and fast too, which is highly appreciated. Of course, being there with loads of yelpers always makes it a fab time. And anyplace where I can sip a Red Stripe while watching "Breakfast at Tiffany's" in the background is alright by me. Thumbs Up: -Rockin' happy hour prices. -Rockin' happy hour times. Screw that 6pm stuff, happy hour lasts until 10pm! -Your favorite old movies playing in the background. -DJ's every night. -Got two left feet? Don't worry, this is definitely a sitting down and listening to the DJ sorta place. Thumbs Down: -Parking can be a bitch. -The bathrooms are Hell on earth for anyone with a clown phobia! read more

Where can you find another bar with a photo booth to capture your precious moments of drunkiness? Had friends visiting from out of town and after driving around to find a bar that's open on a week night, I brought them here, to this obscure strip mall location. It's super chill, soft music so no need to shout at each other to have a conversation. Drinks are reasonably prices. All good except the night we were here, I felt like I was back in United States of Taipei (Rowland Heights), my friend was the only blonde in the whole bar. So we decided to get in touch with our inner fob - yes, I can say it b/c I'm asian; we posed for photos in the photo booth with our V hand signal. Could someone educate me, what does that even mean? read more

Although the space is on the small side, it has a really nice vibe. The only way I can describe it is it's like a cozy Proof Bar but with a lot more soul. Since I was there for a yelp event and it was early in the evening, I couldn't tell you what sort of crowd Kitsch attracts, but the staff are super friendly, gracious and never rude (ahem ... like some other place I know). If YOCHH attracted a smaller crowd, maybe one day we could have it here for a change (*hint hint*) and see how that goes, but I don't think Kitsch could hold as many yelpers as YOCHH appeals to. Only problem I could foresee happening is the parking lot becoming highly congested when it gets busy here, but other than that, I really liked the feel of this place. read more

Divey hipster dark whatever style neighborhood you want it to be. Fairly strong drinks at normal prices for OC ($7 cocktail). Bottled beers only. A few good choices for that, but don't go here looking for a craft beer. Good place to have a drink while killing time or waiting for a table for BBQ or ramen in this extremely cramped plaza @ Baker/Bear next to the 73. DJ music around 9 most nights, otherwise it's just elevator and whatever movie on the TV behind the bar. Some cozy couches and seating if you're looking to lounge around :-) Prost. read more

Kitsch-I kitsch-I ya ya da da Kitsch-I kitsch-I yay a hee Maybe that one was a stretch, but you certainly won't hear that music here. It's a lounge right? We sort of. It's an Orange County Lounge and by that it's like Mesa, Commissary also nearby and similar scene. The truth of the matter is that Orange County lacks a club scene so all the lounges try and capitalize and vibe more with DJ's and they end up doing neither well. With that being said it's also true that OC lacks real lounges and whiskey bars, just places trying to be a little of everything. It's on the small side for a standalone, but tucked in this strip mall it's chill, intimate. It's dark, it's a good place for people to unwind with a cheap beer or a strong drink (not a cocktail). Trivia night is what people really get into. We get it, you like to drink nerdy, but don't like to discuss or argue. It's the old "google" mentality. Steer clear. I dig the HH, but am more of a cocktail and whiskey sort of lounger and more of a craft beer and fire pit sort of relaxer. The music is eclectic based on who is playing, but it's mostly EDM to match the closet hipsters who come here to hide while their mustache grows out. The staff are nice, engaging even, no draught so bottle beer only. The drinks are good, but lack the ingredients for real cocktails. I believe the bartenders are so engaging because the people who come here are pretty closed off and keep to themselves, as in bring your own entertainment and friends as you won't make one's here. I mean I do, but lots of people strike out. It can get loud making it un-loungy. With each night being a different vibe it's like a different bar each night. The single rolling lounge chairs are strip club-esque no matter how you light the tables. Single stall bathrooms are a log jam literally. It's a chill escape if OC's pseudo clubs are not your scene and dive bars don't do it for you. I highly recommend playing nice with the staff and they often hook it up for the regulars. read more

Just remember the 2 B's, Bear and Baker, on the corner of. Remember the 2 G's, which are the gripes, the parking and the service. Parking sucks since there's a liquor store and few restaurants in the same plaza. Good luck getting service at the tables when the place is packed. I just make my way to the bar and order there. Aside from that, the place is dark, somewhat trendy, and really chill. Before I knew about all the other drinking holes in Costa Mesa, Kitsch Bar was and still is my favorite. Happy Hour is from 7PM to 9PM with $2 domestic beer, $3 import beer, and $4 glasses of wine. Fully stocked bar and I'm happy with my bill when I leave. They don't serve food here and it can get packed after 10:30PM on Fridays and Saturdays. The place is small so you can't dance, but it's not that type of a lounge anyway. There's a dress code so don't wear shorts, caps, or sandals. Entertainment 1. Old School Hip Hop on Fridays. 2. Indie Rock on Saturdays. 3. Live acoustic music on Wednesdays. 4. New color photo booth, just recently added. 5. Watch the TV behind the bar. They play some good movies. read more

Kitsch is located in an unassuming strip mall just a short drive from South Coast Plaza and right off of the 405. It is slightly divey but not full-on dive bar status. When I think of a dive bar I think of things being old and a bit run down. But Kitsch is not. The ambiance is very dark with red lighting. There are some plush booths around the walls, tables in the center, and bar seats. Each night has a different dj, theme and/or drink specials, so check their website. Tuesday Nights are trivia nights! They also have a bar tending school. The atmosphere is casual but hip. This is a great place to chill with friends, grab a seat, and hang out for as long or as short as you want. You can order cocktails, mixed drinks, wine, or a selection of bottled beers. I like that they really make an effort to give each night a different vibe. It keeps it interesting and I always enjoy coming here for a laid-back night of socializing. HAPPY HOUR: Every day 7-9pm. read more

"Where is this place? GPS says it's right here. Oh there it is. It's the one with the really tiny sign." I came a stumbling in on a late Sunday night with my buddy Nick O. We were waiting for the after Yelp after party to come full steam and like a hurricane we were a rocking! Important decisions happen here: to drink or to drive. Drink! I got my friend started with a beer. I started to hit it hard with a surfer on acid. This was new to the barkeep, but he made it spot on. Next up was the classic White Russian. Silky smooth and delicious. I then got my favorite, the side car. There was no sugar on the rim this time, but those classic flavors were all there. Shout out to Azya and Vanessa for good times with the juke. read more

pros- intimate, good vibe, easy to talk to people, happy hour everyday cons- parking was a bitch! but security told us we can park over by the school across the street and they wont actually tow you unless you really leave your car there over night, all night. i was also disappointed there was no dj read more

This bar doesn't have much in the way of visible signage but look for the small strip mall with Costa Mesa Wine and Spirits. Parking is difficult, you may have to get creative. Side note: Some of the Japanese restaurants in the strip mall look to be worth a try. An observation made about the people at Kitsch: most seem to be in the 22 to 30 age range. A lot of the faces look familiar although I knew no one there but the people with whom I entered. People were having a good time, happy hour is 8 to 10 pm. They don't serve food here. I wasn't crazy about the music, but other people seemed to like it. Not a bad place at all. I have heard from another Yelper who has been to Kitsch more times that the music varies so that may not be an issue in the future. read more

This was an interesting bar. We stopped in here to grab a beer while we were waiting for ramen. The first thing I thought was... wow it's dark in here. I couldn't even see what beers were on tap. I was tempted to pull out my flashlight. $4 draft beers were nice. They had plenty of seating through the place. There was a DJ setting up to play music, but we left before he started. Overall, if you need a bar to go to in a pinch, this will do. $4 beers are worth it. read more

Kitsch Bar - Lounges Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Before going to this dive bar, my friend described this place to me as "a place where you will meet your next "new contact" in your phone", aka, it's kinda ratchet but not so much where you won't remember the night before. We went on a Tuesday night for Trivia Night and it was more chill. Their trivia are hard but they give prizes for 5th place and up (wine, grey goose, gift certificates, etc). Cool place to spend some time with your group of friends. I love the girl's restroom cuz David Beckham is plastered all over the wall, drooool. Bouncers don't really check IDs, FYI. read more

Kitsch Bar - Moscow mule, only way to go - Lounges Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

This place is a little cozy bar- it's dark ambience is nice to cuddle with your date. It has music dj at night. I like the drinks read more

Kitsch Bar - Lounges Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Good hip hop music, quick service, strong drinks, and the crowd was cool. Glad they opened back up.

Stopped in while waiting for our ramen reservation and I love this place already. Definitely my kind of dive bar with its darker feel. Pretty empty, but I'll take that over annoying drunk asses everywhere. I'll definitely be back here on a non ramen night. Just wish I knew about this place sooner! P.s. 5 extra stars for Chris the lady bartender and playin some old school Hip Hop read more

What a cool, cute little lounge/bar! Just found this place and totally digging the vibe here! Will be back! read more

Kitsch Bar - View of the bar - Lounges Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

LOVE this little spot! Great ambiance even when it's busy it's got a great feel and vibe! Friendly staff and the owner was quiet nice even letting us use his lighter when we needed one! read more

Kitsch Bar - Sign inside! - Lounges Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

See all

I'm glad that this bar re-open not walking into it for the first time in years was a big let down. The main issue was that the whole place smelled like vomit. We tried to find sitting areas where we could avoid it but it was too strong and pungent to avoid. The Kitsch Bar use to be a cool hang out place, small and intimate. Now it felt like a pick of frat dudes came in played beer pong and threw up all over the place and fist pumped there way out. Bummer. read more

Kitsch Bar - Door - Lounges Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

See all

This was a hard place to find, but I've seen reviews that showed it was walking distance from my home. I went with a girlfriend and I had to make a couple rounds around that small corner plaza until I finally realized the bar was located behind the bouncer with the blackened windows. Shady? Only on the outside. No cover charge! Awesome. The outside does not give the indoor decor any justice. You may think it's some sketchy place, but the interior was very chic and warm. Definitely not what you expect. I've only been here once and it wasn't crowded, but it was a Tuesday night. It's one of those hole in the wall bars and they really serve it up to you with very strong drinks. My friend ordered the apple martini and it just tasted like straight vodka with a finishing hint of apple. It's great if you like your drinks strong, but we weren't quite in the mood for a strong drink as a starter drink. Besides all that, I don't recommend this place for a large party. It's more of an intimate setting with a few close friends. A place where you can talk over drinks without being bothered by a pushy waiter or random drunk party-goers. read more

I want to start off by saying this bar used to be a 5/5 for me and my friends. After what we experienced last night it's possible we won't bother coming back. At first, drinks were good. Main issue was the DJ. We stayed for hours hoping the playlist would switch up at some point, never happened. We made multiple song requests but for some reason the dj was ignoring us and only catering to his "girlfriend" after we had been there for hours spending money on drinks, celebrating and ask the dj if he can just play one song for us and he responds with "this isn't all about you" like okay.. we know.. we just are tired of reggae-ton on loop. Also want to mention that we don't feel safe at a place where the bartender an DJ are both drunk- Why aren't they focusing on making sure the people coming to spend money here are safe? Rather than the staff getting drunk? Weird to see bartenders drunk but whatever. Also we asked for water multiple times but the bartender was giving us attitude. Not sure what went wrong but It felt unsafe towards the end of our night. Anyways this used to be my favorite spot but probably won't be coming back after that. Strange because they used to let me recommend songs but now it's weird and these bartenders and dj enforce weird rules right as they're closing. Not sure what to think of this place now. /: read more

Cool atmosphere in a seemingly otherwise quiet shopping center. The lighting in this place is like a hookah bar, it's dark, red lighting, loud music, movie playing (40 year old virgin) and really nice bartender. Definitely a place to grab a mixed drink and not a glass of wine. I had fun here with my girlfriends but we weren't able to hold good conversations because the music got progressively louder. Not sure when or where the DJ came from or appeared but we were leaving by then. They have a happy hour daily i believe from 7-9. I would go back again, cool bar. read more

Kitsch Bar - Super dark in here and really nice - Lounges Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

See all

Snapshot: 4/5 Vibe, 5/5 Music, 3.7/5 Drink Menu 3/3 Price Point Dive ultra lounge that plays Motown to EDM. DJ comes in after 10 spinning vinyls. Cool young vibe that fits the spot. read more

Kitsch Bar - Lounges Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

3 shots for $15? Yes please! Friends introduced me to this place otherwise I would've never found it on my own. It's in a strip mall with only a neon "open" sign letting you know it exists. Once you get inside, it's a hip little place with chill music. There's a bar with stools and a few tables with plush chairs. The bathroom is trippy because it's lit with a red light. There's also a photo booth in the corner which is pretty cool. The bartenders are nice and helpful. I was indecisive about what I wanted to drink the last time I was here so I told the girl what I was feeling like and she made me a delicious (and strong) drink. Great place to hang out with friends when you want a more low key night. read more

There aren't too many cool dive bars around Orange county, but this place happens to do a good job. I really like how they play decent music and none of that pop autotune garbage that you hear a lot in other OC bars. Its nice and chill with cool dim lighting and neat atmosphere. I even like how its not too big either. Overall, its a great place to bring friends and just hang out. Come during happy hour! read more

I can't help it, I really like this bar. Every time I've gone there it's been super empty -- even on a Saturday night. But for some reason I just like the feeling of it. It's dark, it's intimate, it's got mirrors on the walls and the tables and chairs feel like you're in a strip club. Just awesome, haha. I think every time I've stopped by I've just been hangin' with a friend and we've needed a place to sit and chat, so I don't have any experience with any DJs spinning or anything. Bartender was nice. read more

Kitsch Bar - Clowns in the bathroom! - Lounges Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Discreet location with no signage. I like that. The parking issue is a little tough, because everyone is coming and going to the asian place next door. Good tunes, stiff drinks, and a decent crowd. If you are out of your mind and you think going to Shark Club is going to be all that, keep driving under the freeway until you get to Kitsch. Or turn around and drive past S.C. to the Huddle. read more

This is a pretty chill place. I like that there is lots of lounge space, and plenty of couches to relax on. It's a great place to kick back and chat with friends. Their happy hour deals are pretty good. I got 3 bottles of beer (decent beers too - Fat Tire, Stella, and Guinness) for about $12 including the tip. I think the beers were $3.50 during happy hour, which went until 10pm on a Saturday night. This really is a steal considering it's a decent bar with nice atmosphere. Guys have to wear close-toed shoes. Even if you have running shoes versus nice looking leather sandals, they prefer you to wear the running shoes. Kinda stupid rule. read more

This is our favorite spot to come before having a bowl of ramen across the lot at Kitakata. Dive bar feel with great staff and awesome cocktails. This is the cool local bar to come and grab a round or two before your favorite restaurant in the area. Happy hour everyday from 7-9. I like that a lot because I don't feel like 4-6 is a reasonable to time to make it to happy hour if you work or go to school. Would highly recommend! My favorite cocktail is the doctors orders and my gf gets the wiz bizz fizz. Prices are very reasonable, especially during happy hour. read more

Found this spot by "Googling". Night club! Great music and drink prices!! We stayed all night read more

Kitsch Bar - Chill little club - Lounges Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I really liked several things about this dive bar, but it just didn't knock my socks off. I really can't put my finger on why. Maybe it's just the mood I was in that night but I wouldn't go out of my way to go back. There were only two bartenders working and they were hauling a$$. Mad props to them. My husband and I got there right around ten, and the bar was already hopping. We were lucky enough to score the only open table. Other reviews are spot on as far as crowd diversity and the strength of the drinks. You definitely get bang for your buck with the cocktails if that's what you're going for. Personally I'd stick with beer. A nice buzz is my preferred endgame when I'm out but, for me, you can really ruin a mixed drink when it's basically just straight alcohol. Maybe my 21 year old self would disagree though! Pretty good tunes and I liked that they had movies running on the only tv behind the bar. "Time Bandits" came on which was a cool surprise. Overall a pretty decent dive bar but in the end still just a dive bar. I think the reviews kind of throw you off like it's some kind of eclectic hidden gem. read more

See all

Came for the comedy. Stayed for the ambiance. Definitely plan on going back, though the drinks are overpriced. EDIT: I should mention that I didn't buy anything alcoholic, which may skew my perception of what an overpriced drink is. read more

I just found my Thursday night hang out in OC! Best music and cocktails!! Great service although bathrooms need toilet paper! For all you salsa dancers or lovers of Latin music, I hear Wednesday night is the night! read more

There are no signs for this bar. It's a very small place, dark, loud, drinks are pretty good. It's very asian. theres no place to dance and they don't like people dancing. the music is pretty good. i've seen better. this place is a good pre drinking place before you hit the clubs or something. read more

I was impressed. It used to be an old Karaoke lounge, and they switched owners like a year ago I'm told. Happy hour from 7-9 everyday.. (half price beer, wine, well drinks I think - hh changed from 8 to 7 bc open an hour earlier now). Cool bartenders. Stiff drinks. Movie playing in background (Blow, Superman). Ample seating. DJ booth, but DJ wasn't there when we left at 11PM. Different music playing, like eclectic hip hop...I enjoyed it. In a tiny shopping center with Japanese food and a pizza shop that closes around 11PM. Bartenders got me excited about the pizza shop's garlic knots, it was closed and finding garlic knots in that 15 mile radius was impossible at 11PM. Winner in my book compared to any Newport bars. Mostly Asian crowd by the end of the night. read more

One of the best bars/lounges in OC! Great environment, cozy chairs and space, trivia on Tuesdays, flat screen TV showing old school movies.. what more can you ask for? First time here and loving it already. Bartender Dave is especially great.. makes the best drinks every. Gotta try the Long Island Iced Tea and Manhattan.. and don't forget the whiskey on the rocks.. Will definitely come back again. read more

Decent bar at a nearby location. Drinks are a hit or miss. Whiskey Sour wasn't bad, but do not order a Mojito here. My friend got one and it tasted like nasty tap water with really no mojito-ness at all... Parking is a main issue here and they also blast the music pretty loud, making it hard to even hold a simple conversation. read more

While looking up a place to visit on a Wednesday afternoon while on holiday, I came across this bar on my Yelp search. After giving it some thought, I decided to give it a try because they were doing Karaoke during their Happy Hour that afternoon. I would not have recognized a bar was there if I had seen a photo of it beforehand. When I arrived the Karaoke was in progress. I sat the bar then ordered a well mixed Mai Tai. I switched to Tequila shots at the suggestion of the friendly female bartender who reminded me it was part of the Happy Hour special. Eventually, I did sing a few songs with thanks to the "liquid courage." As Karoake andHappy Hour was drew to a close, the bar/lounge became much more crowded. The amibance remained mostlt in that chill "be yourself" goodness as it was earlier. I enjoyed myself with the drinks, singing and some good conversations as well! Overall, I would visit again if I happened to be in town. Recommended! read more

Isn't like the pictures.. we came from Phoenix looking for some nice drinks.. just cause we look young don't mean I like my drinks weak..make my henny and coke strong h*e.. read more