Drinking or dancing?! here u can do the both full bar ad giant place for dacing read more

Really good vibes! That one bartender with the cool full grown gray beard and bald head, I give him props for everything he does because I can see the dedication and effort he puts forwards for his guests and customers to feel good and get the tipsy feeling kicking in their livers. I had two modelos, some liquor and he gave me water without questions asked and just the excellent customer service they have going on and it would take less than 4 mins to get served or drinks from any bartenders at this bar. Thank you for playing that modern mainstream, oldies, and pop music. I would come here again. read more

Just wow, if you are looking for a place to get plastered on a budget, this is where it happens. Its not divey by any standard, they are just very very liberal on their pour, or just A.D.H.D and forget they are pouring. My bartender blew me away, ordered a scotch, she filled it up like it was water, moments later she gave me some more from a better top shelf brand....for free!! ( 5 stars subject to change if she is not there on my next visit ) The crowd seemed relaxed so that was good, heard the crowd changes dramatically on different nights so be advised. One thing that is a slight downer is the lack of seats, after being balls to the wall tired after work, last thing I need is to stand around inebriated. read more

Should you not be interested in riding a caravan out to LA and you want a nice lounge that is not filled creeps and assholes this is the place. I found this place on yelp and thought i would check it out with some friends, and i was stoked i did... The owner is a super cool guy as well as the people that work there.. The bouncers were not jerks and actually had a conversation with you.. It doesnt start going till about 930 10 but then it fills up quick. The drink prices are good. The music was good once the DJ got set up.. I will definitely return here.. Its close not in a rough part of Santa Ana. Its mellow to hang at Memphis prior to going in.. you can dance a bit usually not many dancers dancing but you welcome to should you wish. read more

I found this place through this website and I decided to write about my experience, which as you can tell from the stars was excellent. I did pay attention to the advice from other bar goers and we got there kind of early so parking was not an issue (we found a pay to park lot right behind the bar). It didn't get really going until about 11pm, but we were happy to hang out and get to know our friendly bartender (amazingly strong drinks) and listen to the good music. Then the dancing got going and it was excellent. I didn't find it too crowded, but maybe we didn't stay long enough, we were done about 12ish (did I mention the strong drinks). I loved the decor, it was just as eclectic as I was expecting. It was a great time and I will definitely be back for round two! read more

This place was alright. Had dinner a few doors down at Memphis, then decided to head over here since Memphis was more than a little dead. It was a lot nicer than I thought it would be once I walked in, but holy hipsters Batman!!! I thought I might have had to drop trou in the parking lot and spray paint my legs black to fit in better. I'm surprised skinny jeans wasn't part of the dress code. It was a bunch of hipsters and OC douchebag wanna-be hipsters. Judging from the cans of PBR they sell at the bar for $3.00, they totally cater to this crowd. House music isn't really my thing, but if it's yours, then hey this could be the place for you. The art up on the walls is cool, the drinks are pretty cheap and they had this chick playing the sax while the music was playing which was interesting, especially when this old guy kept trying to talk to her and take pictures of her while she was turning away trying to not pay attention and talk to the DJ. Creepy. read more

Although it was loud and had some obnoxious people, I liked this place. I went to Proof for my friend's graduation party, and they had the whole bottom room reserved for them. Having the bottom room with our own personal DJ to ourselves was pretty chill, and the couches were comfortable, but the floor level left something to be desired. The bar was great. Service was relatively fast, and drinks weren't too expensive compared to other places I've been. They played some really random X-rated cartoons on the projectors that I couldn't decide if they were offensive or genius. There were plenty of seats around and a dance floor that nobody used, which brings me to the worst part about this place. The music was too loud. I can understand loud music, but the noise was so throbbing (that's what she said) that I couldn't even here the sound of my own voice. I wouldn't have minded it so much if people were actually dancing, but Proof seemed like a more social setting with people talking and drinking than a club. With no one dancing and the music blazing loud, the dance floor seemed more like a fat chick screaming for attention than anything else. Overall, a solid bar experience and definitely a place I'd go back to, but the empty, loud, wannabe club vibe I was getting polarized the place for me. read more

Cheap drinks, Chill atmosphere, Loud music, Amazing DJ's. It's not SKETCHY like most other places that have dancing, so i felt safe. That's always a plus. I love that they have food trucks available so when i'm hungee I can just step outside get my grub on and come back in and dance it off! I really like Proof. like, i REALLY like Proof!! Oh, I forgot to mention, and REALLY cute bartenders! haha read more

Just went last night for the first time. And I thoroughly enjoyed myself :) This place is in the Santa Ana Artists village so it's a bit hipster ish, but not that that has to do with anything. Just letting you know the atmosphere. It's a small bar, probably one of many on that street but I was really impressed. We got there around 10 so it wasn't too crowded yet. It was easy to get in, there was no line, no cover charge. The bar wasn't annoyingly crowded. But it did get crowded as the night progressed. I was so happy with the music selection, the dj was awesome. I danced my heart out all night, until closing. Don't know how I managed to do that. Probably because there was no where to sit really. But overall, I loved it. It was easily accessible, music was great, drinks were fairly priced and good, I liked the ambience of it. It was like a mini nightclub. I would definitely go back again. read more

I'll keep this short and sweet like my visit to Proof. I liked the place, liked the option to have a bacon wrapped hot dog as I was walking towards my car and liked the abundance of free parking! My visit was short because I went there after having some drinks at Chapter One. I'll definitely make a trip back and plan to be there a bit longer. I'll give this place credit, I was only there for 30-40 minutes (just before closing) and liked what I saw... osea, the ladies were looking good that night. Check it out! read more

Cool spot in downtown Santa Ana for going out with friends at a decently swanky and interesting bar. Music was fine enough; we happen to make it to top 40 hour from 6 years ago which made it kinda fun. I had a solidly concocted gin Tom Collins from the bar on the main floor--props. I liked that they opened up their downstairs called "The 20 Minute Room" for overflow. The bar down there was a fancied up version of a bar you put together for your backyard BBQ, but hey, whatever works. It was nice to just have a little bit of personal space, compared to the dance floor above (which is between you and the bathroom by the way. Not much they can do about that, given the layout, but it's rather easy to get separated from friends). I did like the ambiance quite a bit. Things to look at, they keep a movie going on the screens over head, and there's always art on the walls. And when those fail to entertain, there's always people watching of course. The scene was a congregation of people mostly in their 20s, some in their 30s, nice crowd draw. Overall, it was a sort of standard going out place for a Friday or Saturday night. Oh, and the bouncers at the door were cool. They were fun guys to have a chat with: always a bonus while waiting in line. I'd go back. I'd say it was a solid experience worth keeping in the back pocket. read more

Subjectively . It's an okay bar , it was better before .Drinks are good, vibe is okay but the selection/options could be better .Drinks might be a little over priced for the menus read more

Decent bar. Weird neighborhood. Parking sucks. From the guys who brought us Pangea cafe! The decor and ambiance is nice. Drinks are made with generous pours. It's just hard to get people to come down to downtown Santa Ana.... read more

If it wasn't for the bartender this place would be shit. The bartenders are super friendly and the drinks are strong. Furthermore...they are cheap: Two shots and a soda for $10. So bartenders who actually take care of you with strong cheap drinks. When our party went to their smoking area I forgot my wallet and the bartender ran after. The rest... hmm... It was pretty dead that Thursday night but it was quite the strange sight to see. The dance floor itself was really small and people were crazy faded. and doing all sorts of nasty. Blech. I liked the music at the time but I don't know how it's normally like. I'm mostly giving it four stars based off of my experiences at the bar. If you want a chill place to drink this place is pretty good but I can't say much for the rest. read more

This place was cool and has great deals for well cocktails and beer during their happy hour, but their wine selection is very limited and their happy hour deals on wine isn't great. But, if you like beer and cocktails this place is where you should go for happy hour. That said, I went there on a Friday night and while I thought it was cool, it's not a great place for conversation as it can be a little loud. I will go back, and when I do I will order a beer during happy hour and not need to have an in-depth conversation. read more

My first time here. Granted, the audience was a bit young for my tastes, and the location was a bit small...but for young hipsters, young Asians or locals, this seems like a cool place. Decent music and a good vibe from the crowd. Feels sort of like an HB bar...but more upscale meaning that it lacked the board-shorts-white-trash crowd. For bar hopping in this area, definitely worth a stop-by to check it out. read more

I've recently discovered the trendy wonder of Downtown Santa Ana. Proof was the first place we hit. And guess what? We were the first people there for the night. Don't go before 10! You will be alone with the bartenders... which was not a bad thing, ours was a cool chick. She chatted with us for a while, made us some Stoli Blueberry and Seven drinks, they were tasty and strong. They played some pretty eclectic music. I defintely give the atmosphere an A+. Tall ceilings, dark, some cool art and leather loungey sofas. Once the people started trickling in, we noticed that we were pretty underdressed. People actually made quite an effort to look good here. The place started filling up quick and by eleven, like the bartender said, the place was bangin. We left at that point and went next door to Copper Door. Cute place, not dying to go back but the 4 stars is for the sweet bartender and the awesome atmosphere (which always makes your night and drink experience that much better). read more

I've been to Proof 4 times and only had fun once and that's because I convince the bartender to make me some Mojitos... I've seen people paying the Security guards to let them get in.C'mon this is not a club don't waste your money it's not worth it.. Crowded,music varies,hot,hard to dance,long lines at times.... read more

Very cool spot. At 10:30 at night I looked in and it didn't look like much. Came for something to drink besides beer at the Copper Door at midnight and the place was packed. Bartender knew how to mix drinks well and was very nice. :) Dance floor was crowded and a little hot, but luckily the downstairs is like 20 degrees cooler and a great place to sit and cool down from dancing. They have a bar and a dj downstairs, but it's pretty small and is really meant to sit and chill out. I wish all dance clubs had this cool room. Definitely awesome and I'll be back. :) read more

Proof is my backup bar in case my night goes sour. It's a hit or miss but I'm usually satisfied 4/5 times I'm there. Always no cover, cheap $6 well drinks, and a variety of music choices depending on the night. They recently opened the basement area for "VIP" only. That's total bull! Just lift the red velvet ropes and go down because no1 really cares. read more

Customer service was superb. All of the bar staff people were very friendly. They have a variety of music and everyone who comes in starts dancing. Honestly, when I'm in Orange County Proof is the first place written on my list to go and visit again. It's definitely my favorite place to go to. Two thumbs up for Proof. Woot woot! read more

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

Honest, genuine staff, that are amazingly good people to have a great conversation. I will definitely be back!

I went here once a few year's back, and then with a girlfriend last Friday. It's quite small but with a nice interior. The crowd was quite diverse, with mixed ethnicities and ages. It was supercold, and I made the mistake of keeping my coat with me. This leads one to drink, and end up shimmying with a coat over her arm like a nerd. The music was good at first, a mix of hip hop, oldies, and some new rave stuff. Then later on it got a little too technoey, and you know it's technoey when peeps start doing that crazy rave thing where they "spin their wrists." Old dudes hit on us, insulted our social skills, and lesbians touched my hair. Pretty much a run-of-the-mill night. read more

Tuesdays are always pretty fun. The Dj Zack Moos spins some good tunes he really knows how to make everybody start moving and keep them going. The bouncer on Tuesday nights is really funny and nice the bartenders really know how to pour a great drink. i just went from 4 stars to five.. beccause there are good vibes there. you can always find me here on Tuesdays. read more

I like the wood flooring and classy/artsy interior decorations. The drinks are priced alright for a bar, but sometimes they got these little known craft brews that I just have to get, which is a plus for me. I wish they'd do this more. I like that food is easier served in the back as danger dogs or them gourmet food trucks stop by. Makes getting a bite so much easier. From time to time, this place gets packed with pretty good looking women. read more

This place is pretty chill especially when it's not packed. Only thing is that mine and my friends' beer glasses smelled like a dirty rag. Not sure what happened there but the bartender got me a new glass so couldn't complain after. Had a good night. If your glass smells ask for another. Cheers read more

Proof Bar - This place was great. If you get a smelly cup ask for another and you'll be good. Cheers - Dance Clubs Near Me - Santa Ana, California

I dont believe in perfection but this place is really really really close to it. Bartenders are very friendly and very attentive. I really don't recommend bartenders in Orange County but these I have to say are worth giving a chance. They have a place in the back where you can smoke, dance floor, great vibe, good music, great drinks. Music is not your ordinary crunk, pop, or ear pollution you listen on the radio. The diverse and free sounds of this club make it for a good relaxing time and truly enjoy some drinks. Great Place to enjoy a drink and have a conversation or if you like to party they have a dance floor. Drinks are incredibly stiff and prices are incredibly fair. I would recommend this place to anyone and everyone. Not what you expect in Santa Ana but I'm glad they have it here. read more

Years ago, I got a fake ID and the first time I tried to use it was at Proof Bar. Within 5 seconds it was confiscated by the large, heavily-breathing bouncer. So we didn't get off to a great start... Proof is a really great space. It's large, nicely decorated. Sometimes I wish I had a "Shazam" app that I could point at the projector to find out what obscure film is playing, because no one ever knows! I've even asked the bartenders. SIDE NOTE: If anyone knows the title of that one pornographic cartoon they play with the cats dressed in Nazi uniforms, please let me know. I like the patio area, but I really hate that you can't take your drink out there. That hallway can get pretty congested with the people passing to-and-from the patio, along with all the people waiting in line for the bathroom. But that's not necessarily a bad thing... I've met plenty of people by being smooshed next to them. If the bar is less crowded than normal, don't turn around and walk back to the Crosby before you check out the dance floor. There's always a random 2-4 drunk people dancing by themselves in the most amusing way. I've gotten a couple knee-slappers out of that. read more

A COOL SCENE WITH GREAT BARTENDERS. Pete is THE MAN. 5 stars for stiff drinks and great service... - 1 for being too packed at times. read more

I've always had fun here. Small, but big enough. Half the space is dedicated to the dance floor. Love it! Pricey drinks, but always strong. Fun bartenders and DJs. The place is even more fun now that they play hip hop every now and then. read more

Great service and strong drinks. Really good music and a chill vibe. Best feature for me and hubby is the Street Fighter game.

I came in last weekend while in town visiting from San Diego. I love the art decor. The view is great and the speak easy downstairs is such a little hidden gem. The bartender downstairs was amazing. So welcoming and made GREAT drinks! Upstairs was crowded but In a good way. The cute blonde bubbly bartender suggested a drink with our favorites gin and it was amazing! Every time we came back for another drink she just looked at us smiled and remembered exactly what she made is. She made us some great shots later when we were indecisive and I wish I knew what exactly what was in them cause it may be my new favorite shot! This place has a great atmosphere and great employees! I'll definitely be back anytime I'm in town! Thanks so much for the great experience visiting Santa Ana. And trust me ask the blonde for a good shot recommendation! Hopefully I'll be back up here soon and I will definitely be stopping by! read more

Hadn't been around in while due to the rude security guard at the door, but I still, to this day, remain impressed with the aesthetics in Proof, the cool vibe that exists there and the local accessibility, but then it happened again..........horrible service a couple of Tuesdays ago that killed my evening and made me decide to scratch Proof off my list! Blame it on a psycho bartender with a unfitting name of "Alegra"! As an older barfly, I have been around to several establishments here and outside of the US and Alegra took the cake for one of the worst servers I ever ran across. This person was so full of herself and it was obvious that she had hang ups, not sure if with the color of my skin or the sway in my walk, but either way I went with an intent to have a good time and spend $$$$. Alegra made my night and the next few days miserable as she refused to return my DL. But its ok Karma will get her! Proof needs to choose their employees wisely if they plan on competing with Velvet and other establishments that are in the making! Sorry Proof I have to give up on you (again) Don't blame this one the alcohol cause I didn't get a chance to drink enough as your bartender was too busy attending to her own guest that night! read more

Just walked in, no customers ... there was a guy playing the arcade game in the bar but didn't want to assume he was as the bartender... walked in, no one acknowledged us at all... sat down at the bar thinking someone would come out from the back.. umm no one was there... chilled for a bit then nothing happened decided to walk out and then the guy at the arcade machine was like oh did you want a drink?! Ohhhh so he WAS the bartender... no thanks... read more

Stumbled upon this bar on a Wednesday and we absolutely loved it!!! Not too crowded but worked out well since the music was still danceable and had a good vibe! Would recommend to anyone looking for something fun to do a Wednesday or the weekend as well! Also dress for a Wednesday is more casual so no need to dress up too much! Overall 10/10 bartending service!! read more

I experienced a very disappointing night at Proof Bar on Sunday evening 9-2-18. I waited around for Britney, the bartender to serve me. I waited and waited for her to approach me. When she finally made eye contact with me she made a beeline for my blonde friend and stated that she had been waiting longer than me, and that it was only fair that she order first. Not only was this untrue, but the bartender was incredulous that a fair person could possibly be there with a brown person. After a few awkward moments of starring at my friend she finally tried to take my order. I gave her a knowing look and I took my group with me. Before leaving we informed the security guard about what had happened. He informed us that we weren't the first people of color to complain about Britney not wanting to serve us, that evening. It's disappointing to get this type of treatment anywhere, but when it occurs in Santa Ana, in a predominately Mexican community it is extra embarrassing and exasperating. I try to support local businesses whenever possible, however I will not be setting foot at Proof Bar, ever again. read more

I had the worst experience at this bar. The drinks were bad the service sucked. The bartenders were super rude. The restrooms were dirty and We waited in line for over an hour to find out the place is as big as my closet. The security was the worst made me feel like I was not worth the time!! I will never ever go back to this shit hole they call a bar!!! Wanna be Club!! read more

Great thing no cover charge , no dress code not a big fan . For those corona lovers , no coronas . Great selection on tab beers ! read more

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

The proof is in the pudding. They don't have any here, but they definitely still rock the Santa Ana party boat. The setup seems a little awkward (weird basement area), but good music, easy access to stiff drinks, and a sporadic taco cart bring joy to my limited but pleasant OC memory bank. read more

Strong drinks, good security and great music. These were your strong assets on this night, Proof Bar. Good job. I went with real life friend (and Yelp Elite Extraordinaire) Nino R. He says, "Proof Bar, ever been?" I responded with, "Nope, but it looks like we'll find out what that's like tonight..." It's uncanny, but we both hate long crowds and lines when we go to places to enjoy a few drinks. In effect, we're always early (at the latest, punctual). We have similar compulsions yet different external personalities and that's probably why we get along so well... The door security isn't your usual grunting, eye-balling, muscle bound tool. Yes, they're still huge and intimidating but they seem a little more educated than some that I've seen. "How's it going guys?" Says the door guy. I thought to myself, "A door man with manners? Well, how now brown cow!?" And to add, I witnessed them kick a gentleman (more like douchebag ruffian) out without attracting too much attention. Classy. A MAJOR asset I like about PB are STRONG drinks. As an ex-sailor with a hollow leg for alcohol, I felt a good buzz on the fourth drink. Now that's unusual. I usually have my buzz on the end of the 5th and my buzz plateau's till the 10th... Maker's Mark and Ginger Ale kept me in great spirits that night. The DJ's played great music in such tasteful transitions. Early on in the night, some throwback West Coast Hip-Hop and progressed throughout the night into the new. I was impressed. Why only 3 stars you ask? Parking situation leaves me dissatisfied. Sure, it's hard to find parking (not to mention, it's San-TA-na holmes!) but some places have valet as a contingency. The parking area around the corner had me feeling a little uneasy because you had to pay this guy $3 for parking. Why uneasy? He didn't look like he was in uniform, a beanie, blue Dickies and a long sleeved undershirt doesn't make you look like you work there, it makes you look like a gangbanger. Especially if you have 2 people in hoodies hanging out with you and YOU ALL have different variations of goaties (The "7th grade pubescent", the "Van Dyke" and the "Super Mario" ). He did have tickets but they're like the Chuck E Cheese tickets except red... A scam? I dunno, but as long as my petite lil' lady stays safe in the lot then I'll feel at ease. If you are thinking, "They have nothing to do with that." I say, "That's the closest parking to it and if they had valet parking, I'd fork out extra." The crowd PB attracted wasn't very appealing. Seems like the ratio was 8 guys to a girl. And that's including grenades, crack whores, staff and farm animals. My shoe was stepped on 3 times in 30 minutes here and you know how I feel about that. Let's make it four stars, I like the artwork all over the walls. Very "Dia de los Muertos" (did I say that right?). Even the men's bathroom have interesting art, animals mounting animals. On second thought, the bathrooms aren't very accomodating. One stall and one urinal. Still a satisfyingly strong three star. Let's settle for three and a half... read more