Hmmm well lets see. I was a little skeptical about any bar around 4th street in the first place. only because I have worked on 4th street practically my entire life because i run a shop with my mom and well i have seen only hole in the wall bars, but.....it has change a lot in the years that have passed. So, the first time i went, i was like wow a bar around me thats not far. But it was super packed and it took FOREVER to get a drink. Its a nice bar lounge but has serious has its name as a club. I thinks way to packed inside. every time I go, at around 12am its super packed and impossible to get in. Line is backed up at about 30 people. Luck me, when i get there my friends are already waiting for me, so I go to the front, and tell them my friends are inside and its just me. So for being just me? i think the bouncer is very nice and understands im not bringing in an entire crew. Thats why i still go. If they wouldnt let just me in, then i wouldn't go anymore. Bring inside is like a club. Lots of people, but i think its way too packed and impossible to get through to the other side. Constant squeezing through. read more

I freaken love this place!!!! Bar tender Michael is amazing!!!!! Like ur BFF from day one!!!!! Super awesome bartender and DJ as well!!!! If u get him as ur bartender then ur in great hands.... !!!!! Cheers!!!!! read more

Proof Bar - Dance Clubs Near Me - Santa Ana, California

Great, chill bar! We arrived a lil' before 10 on a Friday night with plans of barhopping thru a few bars. The bar was busy but not at all crowded. By 11, the place was happening. Our plans for barhopping changed to just partying all night at Proof Bar. Decent prices. Good atmosphere. Hot women! read more

Proof Bar is basically the only place to go on a Thursday night...unless you want to try Dave and Buster's where you can be surrounded by old white men trying desperately to hit on jail bait girls. But anyways, Proof Bar is a cozy spot where the music is always good and the drinks are always cheap (and strong.) If you're looking for a swanky, sprawling luxury bar, go somewhere else. Proof is basically just a small artfully decorated space where everyone's friendly and looking for a good time. The bouncers are always really friendly too, none of that "I'm a macho beefcake douchebag who needs to prove how tough I am while checking your I.D." Also, no cover charge so that's always a bonus for us cheap college students. My only negative about this place is the back patio area is now closed which kicks my claustrophobia into high gear on the crowded nights when it's almost impossible to walk from one end to the other without getting stepped on by numerous people. Oh, also my fat ass misses the bacon wrapped hot dogs that used to be served out on the back patio as well. Other than that, I think Proof Bar is a laid-back, good time and if you have Asian fever, Thursdays are for you! There's a plethora of tiny Asian girls to choose from crowding the bar & the dancefloor ;) read more

Overpriced drinks BUT they have a heavy pour soooooo that's the trade off I suppose. I would NOT wait in a line to get into this place, but I also don't wait in lines so there's that. There is parking in a structure nearby, just north of the club. Music can be either pretty good or really awful. Dancing starts REALLY late, when there is actually dancing going on. Would I come back on purpose? No. Would I come back if someone wanted me to go with them? Yes. read more

Biggest issue here is the size and lack of a/c for the amount of sweaty bodies packed into it. Drinks are alright, crowd is varied, music is great on Fri & Sat read more

Pros: Cool decor, chill patio Cons: Music is really a toss up based on the night, same with the crowd, can get crowded I've been here a couple times already and I kinda have mixed feelings about it. I actually just went here last Thursday because there was an event going on here. Anyway, it got pretty crowded so that was kinda annoying. They did spin some pretty good house music, so if that's your type of music, Thursday might be a good night to come out here. They also have a pretty nice patio outside. It definitely helped us get away from the large crowds indoors. Anyway, the main reason we came here on Thursday was there was a flyer saying there were going to be $1.00 bacon wrapped hot dogs. They were just okay. Definitely not the same quality as the ones you get out in LA, but it still hit the spot. Also, I don't think they have this everyday so it might have just been a one time thing. Overall, this place is really a toss up in my mind. Sometimes it gets crowded and sometimes it doesn't. It really depends on the event so check ahead if you plan on coming out here. read more

Aside from the fight in the middle of the dance floor haha, this place is pretty cool. Dim lights, good music and drinks are made well. No cover, and always a good place to switch to after Chapter 1. read more

Small bar, drinks are fairly good. Night I came music was horrible, they had 3 different Dj's switching around. Small dance floor, but its not like everyone dances anyways. I enjoyed the drama that unfolded that night, girls are crazy! lol read more

I love this place, I live within a mile from Proof. I come here about twice a week, I love their strong drinks and super friendly staff. The music is great but if I had to choose a day, Saturday would be it. I really like the casual atmosphere so I don't have to dress up, just don't show up with all white shoes or a white tee. This place can get a little crowded but what do you expect when there is NO COVER! Pete the bartender is the man! read more

Every time i come here with friends I HAVE A BLAST!!! The drinks are awesome, the bartenders are AWESOME especially Joey. The music is good. The crowd is good too except when the dirty latinos start dancing with you or grab you, GROSS BACK OFF. Its trendy but not CASUAL. Only thing i don't like is that the parking structure is super sketchy!!! read more

Bar tender is slow and asked for my ID again even though the bouncer obviously checked it coming in. The bouncer was rude about it too so I wouldn't come back. There are so many other better bars there so do yourself a favor and not come here read more

Went here on Saturday night. Didn't think too much of anything, my married friend decided to come out so I thought sure why not I haven't been to a bar for a while. We started the night with shots and there were a group of cute girls who wanted drinks. My married friend was nice enough to treat them all with a drink with my card. Of course, one of the girl was cute so I thought what the hey... music was ok. The vibe was really good with mix crowd, Japanese cartoon, and earlier stage abstract painting. After the sixth drink we all were pretty buzz. My friend puked on the way to the car. My other friend did a high jump into the truck bed. I have it recorded and share laughs on the way home. Yeah it was worth it. Recap: Nice vibe Good mix crowd Music was ok, DJ did try to work the dance first Would go back again, not too crowded and staff seems pretty friendly. read more

Friday night and the line to get in was long. So I tell my friend lets go to Lola Gaspars for a drink instead. The doorman stops us and says, hey come on in, wow no wait...NICE. Its packed inside, and the bar is two deep to get a drink. Somehow I squeeze In and order two, there strong and priced right. The music is a bit to club by, I like my music a bit more chill, or some fast beats with a hard driving bass to follow. We hung for about an hour and decided to move to the next location. read more

All the people were super friendly and the djs hooked it up. The upstairs and downstairs was lit. Dj Arlene was awesome!! Hate the no hat policy but whatevers read more

Proof Bar - Dance Clubs Near Me - Santa Ana, California

Don't go here unless you like being sexually harassed. My friend got groped by this man and he psychically picked her up and grabbed her inappropriately. I was yelling for security and no one came. Then I told the man to leave us alone and he did the same thing again! I literally had to push the man off my friend and yell at him to leave. Then yelled at a bouncer that I was telling I needed his help getting this guy away from my friend. And he Did absolutely nothing! I thought I should inform the manger of how poorly their security team was doing. I called the bar and when I asked to speak with a manger he's all this is travis the manger. And I said I wanted to complain then he couldn't hear me and hung up. So I called again and then I said hello can you hear me? And he HUNG UP AGAIN! Ridiculous save yourself from sexual assault and useless bouncers and don't go here. read more

AWESOME BEERS while you dance... FREAKING AWESOME. I just focused on the Banana Bread Beer, and the Hitachino Japanese beers!! Their mixed drinks suck after coming from Chapter One, but fun dancing and music. I was with a bunch of people so I didn't care to much that the CROWD was 75% ALL DUDES, but still had fun regardeless! read more

Just learned about "proof" from my buddy who is local Floral Park resident...she loves the "french martinis" and they are great!!! I met Peter and Alegra who are awesome!!! Remember folks when the bar is full its hard for your bartenders to be talkative to you as they want to get to each customer as quick as they can...but when its slow they take the time to get to know you and you want to come back as you made new friends......so give them a chance they are fun and personable....and might buy you a round!!! Karaoke Monday nights are fun!! just gotta get more people out their to support the KJ's that night!! if you like to sing...go check it out, you will be on the rotation very fast!! Love the decor and set up..the comfy chairs and lounges are great.....reminds me of a cool place in San Francisco i found once Keep up the good work "proof"! we'll see ya more often!! read more

I'm a strong believer in giving credit where credit is due and Proof Bar has not disapointed! The crowd here is a nice mix of a young and older crowd. The music is great but never to loud. Translation, that means that you don't have to yell to talk to the person next to you. The drinks are strong and resonably priced. Furthermore, the bartenders are really out going and easy on the eyes! My favorite bartender by far is Alegra = ) This place is definetly worth checking out... read more

Past couple times I've been, it's been quite empty. This time around, the coworkers and I came here for my birthday on Thursday after work (since I work really close by). It was still pretty empty. However, I'm told the UCI'ers come here Thursday night for AzN night. Anyways, I like this bar because it not very crowded and the bartender gives you the time of day here ... since it's not that busy. She's really cool! She's a celebrity of sorts! She's a cover girl for a magazine!! The two times I've been she's hooked us up with a round of shots. She also got me a birthday shots. Her drinks are tasty too! She has this signature shot call "The Nerd" ... try it out! It's great! Not really strong, it's like an Irish car bomb, but with Monster instead of Guiness! They also have this 3-2-1 deals which are pretty good and a few food items from Memphis next door for $5. The fried okra, fried spinach, bbq chicken pizza are all pretty good. read more

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Nice chill bar.. No cover.. It's a hit or miss depending on the nights and the music. DTSA is a big artsy area, so you'll see some interesting people around the area..This place is really chill, there are tables where you can grab a seat or chill outside... drinks run about $10.. There are other bars and restaurants nearby, walking distance so you can have dinner then bar hop...You can parking in the parking structure which is free.. read more

Was still slower than I expected for a Friday night at 11. The club was pretty sparse. Old school music. Drinks were not very good. Folks were all pretty chill. Come early and grab a table and some chairs for your group to chill. read more

I was invited to this part of OC for a friends bday drinks and seeing as I've never really thought of Santa Ana as a place to go out, I took my preconceived notions with a grain of salt and a tried to keep my mind open to make the night great :] I was not disappointed but not over-impressed. Proof is in the cute little hipsterific artsy district of Santa Ana, apparently notorious for this type of person but not overwhelmingly such as when out between The Camp and The Lab... ;] There was a nice mix of people groups inside and there was a really even ratio of guys to girls. The DJs took 2 hour sets and neither disappointed... playing current top 40 to throw backs to some little random jams that you could still shake ya money maker to, if you so choose. Drinks were well priced, if not cheaper (I can't exactly remember lol) but I DO remember thinking "WOW thats cheap!" and a $9 cocktail is usually the norm for me. Its quite small for a club and VERY dark but with only one bar, a few seats and about a 5x10 space to dance, it does what it can. It was fun but not amazing and I suppose if I was in the area, I could stop in for a drink but I wouldn't go out of my way to come out to this bar again... it was just okay. read more

Proof Bar has restored my faith in Orange County bars... Went to this place for a friend's birthday and parked in the $2 lot. The structure is free but I didn't know that until after. Walked into proof bar from a little alley way connecting the lot to broadway. There were old movies projected on the walls, drinks were a decent price (not cheap but standard -- we bought shots of patron at $8), and light conversation could be had... My heart still belongs to the continental in Fullerton (which I have yet to review) But at proofbr 11 pm on a Friday evening it was not crowded but got swarms of people when we left around midnight. I'm still new to the whole Santora / downtown Santa Ana scene and I will return soon - to introduce new friends to this place and also to try out the karaoke. Maybe I'll tack on the extra 2 stars after that read more

I liked this bar over all the bars in DTF combined. With one exception? Screw those bouncers. Don't judge. Don't try and act all high and mighty. You're fuckin' annoying. Talk basketball, and you won't have a damn problem.. It gets packed, but i sorta dig the music because it plays everything, so that's chill. Bar gets so packed but like anywhere else, be aggressive and tip well. All drinks were strong so good job there. Mixed crowd, seriously you got everyone there. read more

I think I'm deaf. The music was especially loud, the crowd very scenester/hipster, but I expected that much. Very trendy decor and absolutely delicious drinks. But honestly, the music and the scene was just too much for me last night, I just needed a nice evening out after work to grab a drink. We walked down the street to The Crosby. Proof makes the best mojito I've ever tasted. read more

I have mixed feelings about this place. I enjoy it when it's not SUPER packed with college kids. I'm not into the music they play here, but on weekday nights, I don't mind coming here for a few drinks to talk to friends. I like their basement space and think it adds coolness to the bar. Drinks are averagely priced...and pretty stiff! - No cover - DJs always spinning - can get REALLY crowded REALLY quick - decent place to dance if you like that kind of music read more

A few doors down from Copper door I like this bar better tho. While it looks like only a bar it also has music and they don't charge you cover and it is very chill I would say. Some weirdos in there at times but it's ok read more

This place would be best described as like going to a high school dance but with a full bar. The place is really dinky inside I could only imagine how much of a pain in the ass it would be to get a drink here when it gets super packed. Luckily my party left right before it start getting packed. I gave the place an extra star though because they actually have Sailor Jerry rum here, those not familiar with it it's the most amazing rum that will ever grace your lips, even people who hate rum love that stuff. If you come here get a Sailor Jerry and Coke and you can thank me later... Plus the place was playing the movie "Coffy." So they get brownie points for that! The way they have the men's and woman's bathrooms labeled is lame they think its creative but its not. Although the random pictures of animals doing the nasty in the men's room and the random pictures of male crotches in the women's room that I have to say is funny. Bottom line everyone here is really young like 21 or 22. It makes you feel like your around a bunch of people who are experiencing booze for the first time, it's not really my cup of tea... that and the fact the place cant decided if it wants to be a tiny club or bar it's just a really weird atmosphere, I just don't see the hype about this place. read more

Came here on a Saturday night to meet up with some other friends. Its a bit swanky for Santa Ana, right in downtown, and very typical OC crowd (bleached blondes with tattoos and affluent punkers). The music was WAY too loud. Just melody-less constant techno. ppl just end up standing in front of the DJ area because theres no where else to go. Oh yeah, and "artistic" nude photos on the wall but even more hilarious pics of animals, insects(!) copulating in the mens bathroom. Not that I'm complaining but it really just comes off as tacky. I noticed the drinks were not strong at all. I'll be honest, I had a jaeger/monster, 2 long islands and jack coke and a shot of patron and was absolutely not feeling anything... oh well. Worst thing was that you couldnt go to the back patio WITH your alcoholic drink. (something about a shooting and the city hassling the bar.) Its a small patio with a couch to the right, so mostly just smokers. THE SAVING GRACE of this place is the hotdog dude to the left! YEAH! +1 star. (subtract that for the real review). maybe its better on a thursday night? read more

Proof! ah this place. Based on my friends reviews this place was " fun" haha so my friend decided to come here for her bday. I went to test it out and OMG!! ever felt like you are the only normal person out there! lol.. Okay, first of all, the crowd was not my crowd. If you like techno don't get me wrong I like maybe if I'm strong 5-10 mins after that plz someone SHOOT ME!! small place it was some what nice decorated and boys that look like they are still 17 then come here. The best part was walking out of this place. My experience wasn't that great. Maybe another night or something but since my first time wasn't fun... my chances of going are very low read more

Went on Thursday night with my buddy, I guess there was a drink special going on, not sure what it was. Maybe $4 Vodka or something. Anyways, the place was small, but nice. A few bar tables running along the wall leading to an area filled with multiple lounge seating. Art on the walls, a nice bar, and a small dance floor where the DJ spins. The crowd was mostly Asian when I was there, not sure if that's the usual or not. There were some strange people dancing by themselves(guys), but other than that, the crowd seemed to be 20's up to 30. The service at the bar was very quick for me. I just had a Blue Moon, however my buddy had some liquor mixed with coke, which was made very well and strong. Overall, I think I will come back again to check it out, maybe get a better overall experience and give an update. read more

I havent reviewed this yet???? I find that i always end up here after a long night of work. Such a different ambience from before. they changed the little tables int he front to these oversized cone bathroom walk in closet mall chairs. where talking to people is more difficult. the crowd has gotten bigger and changed a bit. i can pinpoint it yet. theres more bartenders to accommodate now. bathrooms are still gross. Drinks are fair prices. parking is ample. Dont crowd my space ya'll! But come here and support them. read more

Its a nice and inexpensive place!! Always went on a thursday nite...if you are lucky, it's packed and well, unlucky, it's just gonna be you, your friend(s) and the staff! The first time I went here with 3 more guy friends...they had a pole and played hip-hop...of course I didn't say no to the pole, but soon I got on it, I got shoved down by some heavy girl. Who am I to compete with a curvaceous lady!? 2nd time I went (a week later)...the pole was gone! =( I guess, the previous week girl broke it) and they played electronic/techno. It was packed! Yes, I got phycially dropped that night! Appearantly HE wasn't ready after I twirled my way into his arms. Uh ja...I was a bit intoxicated! 0_o I do stupid stuff when I am drunk...the angel on my side said 'be careful', while the devil just said 'wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee'. Stupid me, listened to the devil! My actual words: 'wheeeeeee'...were followed by a big *boom* and as I happen to look up...the faces of my friends were grinning back at me. =/ Thanks guys...call the ambulance, cause I probably have a concussion! Not to mention that the guy that dropped me will be rolling out in a wheelchair after I am done with him!! grrr.... My personal favorite of that night...they played soft 80's porn on the walls! Yes...the kind that comes with 'bow-chica-wow-wow'. That is my kind of bar...of course, everything that goes up has to come down...last time I went, there were 10 ppl in the bar... read more

Pretty decent decor, I guess. I mean, well, someone spent some time dressing it up. It's got it's own vibe, just not one I was digging in the slightest. I have to agree completely with Kelly H. on this one, I was kind of surprised no one broke out any glow-sticks. All in all though, just not my cup of tea. At one point in the night I turned to my buddy and said "So this must be what it feels like to go 'clubbin'," then we left. read more

More like 31/2 stars for me. We were there last night around 10 PM. We have never been to this area and we really didn't know where to park. Luckily, we found a parking structure around the corner and paid $2 for parking. The place was nicely decorated and had a hip LA vibe. Funny - this bar being in OC, I thought the place will be packed by 10 PM. Not so. We walked right in and the place was pretty empty. However, within one hour the place was packed. Nice mix of people here and the drinks were stiff and reasonable priced. I didn't care for the movie they were playing (Heman I think) but the music was spot-on for this place. Cheers, read more

Fun place to hang out. Cheap drinks and they do not skimp on alcohol! They have great special events (ie. Halloween, NYE, etc). Not a dive bar at all, very cool decor. Reminds me more of bars in Paris and NY than OC. read more

Wednesdays. Wack.--Walked in. Walked out. I guess I should've expected it...it was almost 11 and there were four people. yes, four. I'm guessing thursdays and weekends are much better though read more

Gettin' chill mode. Proof Bar is one of my regular spots, I frequent here several times a year. The atmosphere is laid back and chill, and its not a place to come to rage. Its dark and it has a cozy feel to it, and theres always artwork in the main bar area and it rotates with new artwork every so often (how often, I don't know). It's a lounge, kick back and enjoy your drink and time spent with friends. The cool thing about this place is its right in between The Crosby and Memphis bars so you could presumably pubcrawl this area if you wanted. The music varies depending on the night, my first time coming here was a Thursday and they were spinning some of the best deep house/downtemp/ambient I've ever heard while playing porn on the video projectors, random huh? My favorite part about this place is you get what you pay for when you order a drink. You won't get a thimble of booze masked by a gallon of chaser, you get a real drink with a kick. Everyone I know has been here, and we'll all continue to visit this place often. Drink responsibly, and have fun. Cheers! read more

Came in for HH tonight and it was astoundingly dead seeing as it was 6pm on a Thursday night... but nonetheless did we love this place. The venue is chic and modern and the bar is super clean. The bartender Joel, was hilarious, and doesn't hold his tongue which was very refreshing. He knew it was our first time out to DTSA so he also gave us a historical lecture of the city and the bar itself which was very nice and also very funny. Last but not least, thr man knows his alcohol and music!! We'll be back for sure! Thanks joel! read more

Proof Bar - Modern chic - Dance Clubs Near Me - Santa Ana, California