Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Proof Bar

    3.5 (559 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    Proof Bar Photos

    Business Info

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Proof Bar

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Thursday nights empty
    Rachelle Rare P.

    Was here briefly on a Thursday night. The crowd was sparse so we wandered over to the other club to the left of it. There is was more lively.

    Security
    Aubrey M.

    First time going here Friday night. My friend had to use the restroom really bad, there was a line to the women's restroom (of course). Men's restroom was empty, so she ran in real quick and security came. Unsure of his name and was not able to get a good picture of him. But he walked in on my friend using the restroom, even after we said she was in there. He then proceeded to kick us out for using the mens restroom and he threatened to put his hands on me. He also was cussing and calling me names. Overall, will not be going back here. Will not recommend this place to anyone, especially women. It's obviously not a safe space for us. I think he could have handled the situation better but what's done is done. Ladies, stay far away from this place.

    Tupac at proof
    Joe U.

    2nd and last time I'll be coming back to this location. I asked for vodka my second round and the bartender thought I said tequila, this is ridiculous how can you get it wrong , you' should be a professional at your job, if you're working as a bartender serving the drinks how the people ask , I'm not going to say any names. The bartender said I put the bottle in front of you to show you what I poured , but they defeats the purpose of what I asked for. Just please take the time to re- train your bartenders no matter the pressure, to get what the customer asks for. I wasn't on planning to get crossed but the bartender got me the way iam now. I just want to make sure that anyone is reading this to be aware of what they put into there body before drinking it. The music was great the vibes were right but the bartender was wrong. So my night was complete a disaster by 1am .

    Ray G.

    I love the option of bar hopping. There is no better place like DTSA (Downtown Santa Ana.) You have great bars and restaurants all walking distance from each other. Came with some co-workers for happy hour. Their drinks are stiff and priced great for your basic well drinks. The service on the other hand is why I have it 3 stars other than that I would have given them 4.5 stars. The bartender only had 2 others customers but was a little preoccupied with one of his friend and ignored us for about 10 minutes. So we left.

    Dianne R.

    This is my second time writting a review for Proof. Back 2017 I was thrown out by some old asian bartender. As a local , I have gone back serval times again. On one occasion, back in march, I left my debit card with an open tab. As I closed out my tab I saved my recipt, but total balance ended up spending about $67 but when I looked at my bank account the next morning, I noticed the charge me more than once after closing my account. So like anyone would I call the bar the next day and explain the situation, one of the staff redirected me to email the owner because he, " wasn't able to do anything about it, he only works morning's". I emailed both justin and joey with attached bank statements. We are now into July and no signs or interest to resolve my problem.

    Didn't know the top to the Tajín was a big hole and didn't have other lil holes to shake it up like. Salt shaker
    Alexia V.

    So I came came to the OC from LA to hang out w a friend and we ended up here. This is my second time here. Today is Sunday and it's still early. It's dead but is not lol The bartender is super cool. S/O to him for bringing me another glass of beer after I let half of the bottle of tajin flow in my cup HAHA. I didn't realize it didn't have the top w holes o be shaken tons much s I desired. Thanks ma dude! You the real MVP. My modelo was a lil more enjoyable The last time I came was way better. They had karaoke night but this was during the week and Let me say..... it was poppin. I loved how there were so many different ppl going up and singing. They were so carefree and feeling good that it made me want to sing. Too shy to do that. Maybe next time though.

    See all

    Photo of Rudy M.
    129
    598
    2341

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Had so much fun! The Dj was on point with reading the crowd. Bar tenders were fast and friendly.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Aubrey M.
    203
    18
    49

    2 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 3

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joe U.
    3
    15
    13

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Ray G.
    1008
    335
    892

    9 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 4

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jordan A.
    216
    11
    6

    7 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Paul A.
    583
    1385
    1617

    15 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    I tipped $10 for 3 drinks and they still charged my card an extra $9. I will be calling as soon they open

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    14 years ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 0
    Love this 12
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Chris C.
    3184
    812
    18787

    13 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0
    Photo of AJ K.
    151
    302
    838

    19 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kendo U.
    1115
    575
    5281

    19 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Anita L.
    1554
    4283
    4276

    15 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 14

    Ask the Community - Proof Bar

    Does this bar still have LGBT night? 🏳️‍🌈

    Tuesdays

    Karaoke on Monday?

    Yes

    Is this place open sundays? Do you play top 40? Can you reserve a space?

    Yes, Yes, Yes

    Is there anything happening on Wednesday nights?

    Open Format DJ

    Is this 18+?

    21+

    What's their best drink? They don't have menus?

    What kinda music on Friday nights?

    Nightlife Club, Top 40 music. Mix-in alternative too!

    What type of music do they play on Saturdays?

    Top 40

    Is it 18+?

    Strictly 21+

    View All 13 Questions

    Review Highlights - Proof Bar

    (i'd write more but the effects of the new flavored vodka drinks are hitting me now.................).

    Mentioned in 10 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Dance Clubs 7,167 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Club 616

    Club 616

    4.6
    (195 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    When I said "Bar" and "Santa Ana" in the Yelp search - of course it said "Club 616" in the first…read morespot - OF COURSE IT SAID 616!!! I was lucky enough to stumble across this gem of the center of OC when they first opened - and I am proud to be a regular here. I don't know how to go somewhere else - because I feel like the staff are giant gems in this jewel of a spot. Winters is a curator of boozy information that has helped me learn about "gin" and "root beer whiskey" so I can sound like an adult-ish purveyor, when really I know close to nothing except being a willing student to his creations. Dan the Man and Jacob always see me raise my hand in the corner of the bar, like the student I am, and have been willing to fill in the blanks for me when I know I am of thirst, but do not have the words for what to order. Every person working in the well has treated me with kindness - they have taken the time to get to know me, and I will be forever appreciative of how they have taken care of me over the years. But the real joy has been the transformation that this spot has for building a community of people in Santa Ana for real recognizing real. I have been bringing my Dad with me to play pool for the past few years. Sometimes people ask me if he plays professionally, I am terrible, and my skill incline is slow, he is patient and plays with the same level craftiness that the staff offer the cocktails. My Dad is always stoked when we have time to go have a few hours of games at 616 - especially now that there are regulars on 4th street that are excited to see that he is there playing - and they rush to write their names on the chalkboard to challenge him - or beat him in a game they really earned the W. On lazy Sundays, I watch couples sit with their drink, listening to Jazz, and watching my Dad whoop my ass while making amazing shots. I am forever grateful to Memo who sometimes takes a break from his shift behind the bar to give my dad an actual challenge - which allows me the chance to watch my Dad enjoy fellowship around the table. Knowing the table was a relic of the bars former self, and knowing the history that this spot has in Santa Ana is a reminder that so much around us can change - but it is those moments of the crack of the rack, the cheer of getting the combo shot, and the shake of hands when it's over that shows that it's not just about the pool table - but about the energy of a place that is welcoming and curated by people who care about what they do - and care about who comes through their doors. Thank you Jason and Mike B to bringing this to 4th St and supporting the community that was already here - and for building a community for the future. Thank you to Christina and Brandon for always having amazing pictures, decor, and fun events at 616 that help introduce new folks into this great spot. Time is short. Learn about Root Beer Whiskey. Write your name on the Chalk Board. No one lives forever.

    I love the vibe here. It's about the energy and atmosphere for sure. Reminiscent of the bars /…read moreclubs in Baja California or Mexico in general, it's lively with a back patio area and even like a taquero there, at least on weekends. The drat beer selection is solid and the cocktails are well crafted. Highly recommend this spot. One of my favorite it's Downtown Stabba Ana

    Photos
    Shaken Not Shy cocktail
    Shaken Not Shy cocktail
    Garden State Of Mind Cocktail
    Garden State Of Mind Cocktail
    Lady In Red cocktail

    See all

    Lady In Red cocktail
    Stowaway

    Stowaway

    4.5
    (814 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$

    Definitely recommend reservations and parking can be tight. I recommend parking behind the…read morebuilding. (Update: the staff was very nice and let me know that the other side might tow on weekends!) Even though I don't drink alcohol, I thought it was very cool with the Hawaiian themes and there were so many cool cocktails. Apparently there's a speakeasy in this bar too. The food was very good as we got burgers, sandwiches, onion rings and ice cream. Our servers were very nice and attentive. Food came out quickly and it wasn't too loud. No complaints and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a nice to place to eat and drink.

    Stowaway has the near perfect blend of high end tiki mixed with what I call the "brewers dive bar"…read more Disguised in a dumpy looking strip mall is one of the better tiki experiences I have had. Is it as high end and bougie as Strong Water? No. Does it tickle your fancy and offer a wonderful experience that even your kids can enjoy? Absolutely! Kids- yes they are welcome. In fact mine had the time of their life. Just don't be those parents and bring them after 7. It is a tiki bar after all and unless they follow the rules of Arrested Development then let them chill at home with grandma and grandpa or maybe their weird Uncle Joe. Drink- Delightful. Very fun themed glassware. Presentations were beautiful and well thought out. Our server did a great job at recommending drinks that built on top of the previous one. Food- the weakest part of the experience. While certainly not bad however when compared to the rest of the experience it just was a bit lacking. The Loco Moco looked very nice. The patty was quite dry though. Yes there's gravy but that's not an excuse for a dry patty. Mac salad was very nice. Stowaway fries were fun and tasty. It is smothered in gravy so be prepared to lose the crispy fries about halfway into the dish. All in all I (and my wife and kids(before7) and weird Uncle Joe) will be back.

    Photos
    Dining room
    Dining room
    Pokebombs
    Pokebombs
    Stowaway Fries $17

    See all

    Stowaway Fries $17
    Mission Control

    Mission Control

    4.1
    (369 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$
    Minority-owned & operated
    Large group friendly

    Mission Control is a BLAST! It's a not-so-hidden gem on the second floor of a market in DTSA, which…read moreis the perfect way to spend the evening after walking around and eating in the area. There's a variety of pinball machines and classic old school arcade games to choose from (as well as some new machines which were recently added). You can exchange cash for tokens and all the games are reasonably priced, either 2 tokens (50¢) or 4 tokens ($1). They've got a DJ bumping live music to set the mood, a couple bartenders dishing out fun themed drinks, and there's even a dance floor with a disco ball if you feel like getting down. It's got a little something for everybody, even if you're bad at the games you can still have fun with friends, on a date, or even on your own! HIGHLY recommend you check this place out, it's a guaranteed good time that isn't expensive which is rare nowadays!!

    I hadn't been to Mission Control in about two years, so I was really looking forward to going back…read more Unfortunately, it just wasn't the same experience I remembered. There used to be an area with around a dozen pinball machines, but that area was completely bare this time. There were still pinball machines along another wall, but I remember them being in both areas, so it felt like there were quite a few fewer machines overall. A few of the other games weren't working either, including the air hockey and basketball games. I also noticed there wasn't a DJ that night. That may have been something that simply wasn't scheduled for that evening, so I'm not going to hold that against the place. I'm just mentioning what I experienced. I did get to play Galaga, which was fun, but I was hoping to play Centipede and it wasn't there that night. I ended up playing only two games before heading downstairs to the tiki bar. Maybe it was just an off night, and I may have caught Mission Control at a bad time. I just remember it being a much more lively and fun arcade the last time I was there. I was disappointed because I had really been looking forward to coming back. I hope it was just an off night, because I'd like to see it get back to the place I remember.

    Photos
    10 plus pinball machines and in fantastic working order. Lots of other classic games and good drinks and friendly service.
    10 plus pinball machines and in fantastic working order. Lots of other classic games and good drinks and friendly service.
    Mission Control
    Mission Control

    See all

    Twisted Tiki

    Twisted Tiki

    4.4
    (367 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$
    Private events
    Happy hour specials

    Had a great experience at Twisted Tiki! The bartender was incredibly personable and made us feel…read morewelcome from the moment we sat down. I can't remember his name, but he mentioned he was from Virginia, and his friendly service really stood out. The tiki drinks were delicious and had a beautiful presentation--almost too pretty to drink! Their happy hour is a fantastic value, and we also tried the chicken skewers, which were very tasty. The tiki-themed decor is fun, colorful, and adds to the overall atmosphere. Between the great drinks, good food, and excellent service, we'll definitely be back. Highly recommend checking it out!

    This was my first time at Twisted Tiki, and I really wanted to like it because I love tiki bars…read more It's a fun little place, and we enjoyed the two drinks we ordered. They were both tasty. I ordered the Zombie, which was really good and came with a cool zombie hand. We also had a nice time talking with the bartenders. Unfortunately, the air conditioning wasn't working that night, and it was really hot inside. We sat in the corner at the bar, and one of the bartenders was nice enough to turn the fan on the bar toward us. I appreciated the effort, but at that point it was basically just moving warm air around. We also ordered French fries, but they never came. We asked about them and were told the kitchen might be backed up. After we finished our drinks, we were ready to leave because of the heat, so we asked about the fries again. They went to check, but there still wasn't an answer as to when they'd arrive, so we canceled the order. I don't want to be too hard on the place because the drinks were good, the bartenders were friendly, and the broken AC may have just been an unfortunate situation that night. We actually went to Twisted Tiki because Mission Control wasn't quite what we remembered, so I'm not sure I would make a special trip just for Twisted Tiki based on this visit. That said, we're fans of tiki bars, so if we're in the area again, we'll definitely give it another try. Hopefully the AC is working and the French fries make it to the table next time!

    Photos
    Twisted Tiki
    Twisted Tiki
    Twisted Tiki

    See all

    Belly of the Beast

    Belly of the Beast

    4.4
    (160 reviews)
    2.6 mi

    Love this place. Nice service, nice food, very interesting…read moredrinks. But they had not fix the Lorem ipsum text on menu =p

    (Drank/Snacked 06/27/2026 SA @ 10:00pm): This was a monstro feat as we all ended up in a beast of a…read morewhale's belly for drinks! After our party of six chatted over cocktails and preyed on pupus, we moved to a "secret" room tucked in the back of Stowaway and walked into a Belly Of The Beast. The founders and co-owners of Stowaway, Leonard Chan and Dominic Iapello, created this extension to the tiki bar with a wildly interesting Pinocchio theme and the famed encounter with Monstro the whale all the while serving the same offerings in Stowaway but with also an exclusive limited menu just for this adventure. With its proximity to Disneyland and its Enchanted Tiki Room, with the very niche underground-like society of tiki culture they found a consistent customer base and the thrill of island escapism through colorful cocktails, pleasurable pupus, tropical trimmings, and nostalgic know-how. How would my belly handle the beastly drinks concocted here!? PURCHASE(S) Gepetto's Last Words ($16.00): Intrigued by the cocktail's name, this elixir was crafted with Fid Street Gin, tangerine, creme de violette, lemon, and cucumber, it was a citrusy refreshing sweet drink that was decorated with bright yellow petals. It was nice, but for whatever reason it just didn't quite hit the spot. [ONION RINGS/STRAWS/STRINGS ALERT - 4.0 of 5.0 STARS] Onion Rings ($9.00): A decent portion with rings of medium to large sizes, these were hot, dark golden browned, crunchy, and had a slight tendency to crumble when bitten into while the onion ring (sweet Maui!) rarely pulled out at times. They were lightly oily while the catsup wasn't needed but used. SERVICE While in Stowaway, we informed our male server to let us know when we were allowed to enter the belly. Once inside and situated, we had the place and bartender to ourselves. After we all perused the menu, we placed our orders, and everything arrived within ten minutes. The rest of the time was spent chatting, picture taking, and our bartender checked in on us also giving a Dole Whip taster. All was casual, chill, and somewhat on island time - aloha and mahalo! PARKING (FREE): They shared a medium-sized private lot with several other businesses who were closed at this time with plenty of spots - 'nuff said. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE "Hidden" inside Stowaway which was located within a strip mall, the entire theme was based on the Pinocchio story, the interlude in time spent inside Monstro, and as we entered it felt like the beginning of the Disneyland "Storybook" ride as you road a canal boat into the mouth and sharp teet of a whale. There were several marionettes (appropriate and non-appropriate) that hung from the ceiling and belly walls, along with other Disneyesque memorabilia, a few sitting booths, and a tiny bar at the end of the roo. No natural lighting whatsoever while an assortment of extremely low-lit electric lights and table candles glowed. There were no TVs while I couldn't recall any background music. ATTIRE Although I was actually dressed appropriately for the occasion in an aloha shirt, linen pants, and flip-flops, this place was totally casual, so a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops would suffice. OVERALL Belly Of The Beast was an adventurous fun evening with friends, it left me feeling childlike with the need to watch "Pinocchio", and I couldn't wait to return to try more of their awesome-soundling elixirs. I generally loved all-things Disneyana, and this new wrinkle, albeit probably not approved by the mouse ears brass, caught my fancy. My one drink was tasty but just didn't hit the right spot, the onion rings were very good, the prices were a tad elevated, the atmosphere was awesome, and the service was friendly and professional. They had an extremely limited menu, and there was some doubt whether or not ordering from the Stowaway menu was an option. Plus, I always preferred to support small local mom & pop businesses. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $27.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS

    Photos
    A shot of the entire speakeasy.
    A shot of the entire speakeasy.
    Coconut shrimp
    Coconut shrimp
    Small place inside Stowaway.. floor can get wet when it's raining

    See all

    Small place inside Stowaway.. floor can get wet when it's raining

    Proof Bar - danceclubs - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...