It's been a while since I've been to Proof and Monday night Karaoke was one of the Yelp regular events I used to come for. It went away for a while but is now back again and this time the sound system has improve so much it actually is worthwhile to go and get your song on. I came here for the Japan Relief Fundraiser organized by Marian and even with a pretty good crowd things did not get crazy. That was one of the reasons I stopped going to Proof because in the past, when there was a large crowd things got so chaotic and it felt very uncomfortable in there. Music selection was great all night. I'm definitely gonna come back again! read more

So I'm making Karaoke Monday's a regular event in my schedule. That's really the only night that I'll bother coming to Proof for several reasons: #1. Joel is bartending and he's pretty much made of awesome. I double dog dare you to ask for a double vodka soda and still be standing by the end of the night. #2. DJ Oscar has a HUGE HUGE HUGGGE variety of songs to choose from. The book is gigantic! Yet for some reason he never gives me shit when I sing "Paul Revere" by the Beastie Boys every week. #3. The crowd here on Monday's is soooo different than every other night of the week. There's usually the locals plus some hardcore karaoke people. But everyone meshes really well and everyone cheers each other on. PLUS Proof sells Camels which is awesome because it saves me a trip to ampm when I'm really in need of cigarettes. I'm glad that my view of Proof has been changed a bit. I still wouldn't come here on a Friday or Saturday night, but Monday nights are the best since it's low-key and you can still have a really fun time. Especially if you roll in with 10 friends and decide it's a good idea to sing "I think we're alone now" by Tiffany. read more

Proof Bar - karaoke monday's are made of awesome - Dance Clubs Near Me - Santa Ana, California

No safety precautions taken. Nobody was wearing a mask. No consideration for neighbors nearby with loud bass of music. Jam packed in an alley. read more

Thursday nights - GET DOWN OC. Bring friends, dress hipster. Drink Stella, down with Patron. Repeat every Thursday. *BONUS* Danger dogs are sometimes a-cookin' in the back patio. read more

I have party at Proof couple of times after the Santa Ana ArtWalk and this past Halloween (MONDAY!) and so far this place have never disappointed me. Proof is nice with a really young and unpretentious crowd. Good-swanky ambiance and eclectic music. Great decoration and art for sale on their walls http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/laJ1_bCVz2nu3aIVK9e0Vg?select=mrj1-KLbzf-JHUmc2F7kGw Drinks are good! (dangerous) must of the times I tend to drink beer and they have a good selection. Mondays are karaoke night, this Halloween (10/31) was Monday so we decided to celebrate there and it was GREAT! I didn't dare to sing but karaoke night was cool and there were not people trying to show off too bad Tuesday 11/1 was right around the corner... I even saw El Patron (the boss) at the door http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/laJ1_bCVz2nu3aIVK9e0Vg?select=ootHuB3WW4QQNFFdy-PsSg I wouldn't recommend this place for a first date *LOL* but I'll definitely recommend it to hang with friends or to celebrate birthdays, they have a pretty neat basement that can be reserved for large parties and celebrations. read more

One of my favorite places to be in the downtown Santa Ana district. Though I've only gone on mostly Saturday nights, you can definitely bet I've had fun every single time. Parking is pretty easy to find. There's a structure on between 4th/3rd and Broadway. It's free, but if there's an event going on, it's actually $4. You can easily find Proof by heading down Broadway away from 3rd Street and it'll be on the same side as Chapter One: The Modern Local and The Copper Door, a little before Memphis Cafe and The Gypsy Den. One of my favorite things about Proof is that there's no cover. If you get in around 10, you won't have to wait at all. Get there at around 11...you're gonna be waiting for a bit. This place gets packed. Trust. The bar itself is pretty small. It's like one room - a few bar top tables, the bar along the right side of the room. There's tons of art work on the wall and they have a big tv, that usually has some movie playing. Once you walk past the bar, there's a veryyy small area for people to dance at and there are also couches along the wall as well. Go past the restrooms, there's a small alley where you can smoke and just chill at. There's actually somewhat of a basement area as well. Sorta a smaller dance floor with couches and what nots down there. The last couple of times I've been to Proof, it's been closed though. Maybe it's opened on other nights I guess. I love going to this place. I always have a good time. The drinks are moderately priced, but they make them stronggggggg. I don't think I've ever walked out of Proof sober - just sayin'. The music that's spinnin' is always good. When I was there celebrating my birthday on 12/3, it was a lot of 90s throwback. Definitely some good stuff. Sorta depends on the dj they have the night you're there, but I've had no complaints for them. The crowd that goes here is sortaaaaaaa diverse. People can get really rowdy though. When I was there for my birthday, I got pulled into three different fights. Some people just can't handle their alcohol. Anyways, definitely hit this place up. There are tons of other bars in the area as well, so if it's not crackin' enough for you, just simply walk along the street and you'll end up at another one. However, if you do end up staying the whole time, there's usually a food truck that's parked right outside of it. I've managed to try new food trucks after a night of drinking here such as Sexy Burger and Burger Monster - both were AMAZING. read more

Proof Bar - Chocolate cake shots courtesy of Hazel Q. - Dance Clubs Near Me - Santa Ana, California

Came in here on Valentine's Day and got a lot of looks, but no approaches. Come on boys, I won't bite! Someone took my photo but never told me where I could find a copy of it on the internet. Two weeks later I managed to dig it up on their MySpace under the wrong date. Lame! It was $4 or something for a Cape Cod and it was the perfect strength. The music was great, but it wasn't quite 11 pm yet and the place wasn't really busy enough. We packed up and moved on to Lola Gaspar while the night was still young. This bar is the kind of bar that should be fun, but it's only fun when it's full. Unfortunately, I've been here several times, and I've yet to see it fill up. read more

Proof Bar - melissa c. and her girls at proof - Dance Clubs Near Me - Santa Ana, California

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I've always heard about this place, but I have yet to go until a fateful Thursday night in April. A group of friends and I went out to Proof early in the night, about 9pm. Obviously this is early for a night of drinking/dancing, but I really got to know my bartenders and drinks were strong. I'm not sure if all drinks are made that way, but mine were just perfect. =) For the first round of shots, we ordered their nightly special, $2 shooters. The thing about most bars is that there must be a $20 minimum charge for credit charges, but since it was early in the night, our bartender was willing to waive the minimum if I wanted to close the tab. I really enjoyed their service and eventually the bar got more crowded as the night progressed, but the bartenders are really attentive and get your orders as soon as they can. Besides the bar, the dance floor is pretty small. Actually, the venue is small but it's a hidden gem in Santa Ana that I've been to thus far. The people here are really friendly and out to have a good time. In addition, they start selling bacon wrapped hotdogs around 11p with a good ole round of condiments and a mix of vegetables (onions, bell peppers) to top it off. The place to go for a casual night out on Thursdays! read more

No cover charge. Strong drinks. Cheap prices. Good music. If it didn't feel like a high school reunion every time I stopped by I would visit much more often. However, give me a good reason to come and i'll be here. After all, my dancing shoes are always in the back seat of my car. read more

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

Chill cool spot to come to get a wash down after work. I don't want to burn the spot and attract all the bargain shoppers storm but their happy hour is a pretty legit deal. Very well well drinks (see what I did their?) Plus the pour is kind. Bring quarters for the parking up front and for the Street Fighter II arcade. read more

Proof Bar - Gin y soda con limón. - Dance Clubs Near Me - Santa Ana, California

Ambiance: Hipster, Casual? LOL NO YELP NO. Ambiance: gross. Music was good and drinks were strong so I'll give them that. read more

I must say that last night was a great time, even thought so by my way-older and bikini-dive-bar-connoisseur of a brother whom I dragged along with me to YOCHH. Standards were all met (however, keep in mind that I don't stay here past 12, and last night we took off around 1030, so I've noticed that the crowd and vibe both significantly change later on in the evening) -- no bathroom lines, bigger smoking area, stiff drinks, nice people, great bartenders, etc. etc. -- but I added the extra star for a few reasons: 1. Pete and Sherob (sp? I probably butchered that) were really cool bartenders. When we first came in I realllllly had to go to the bathroom, but nobody was helping us. Finally with a little help Pete got over to us (I think his name is Pete, I was really drunk when I asked someone) I just said "two Ketel One tonics pleeease" threw my credit card at my brother and then ran off. I guess he thought that was funny. So all night long we were very well taken care of. 2. I unfortunately overheard some of the Proof staffers (I won't say who) talking about a huuuge miscommunication between Joey (whom I believe is the owner or at least a manager) and everybody else about the two events going on that night. Nobody had told the bar staff that Yelpers were getting specials, and understandably they were all trying to clarify the situation. This, however, didn't translate to the service. Everyone was as nice and friendly and patient and funny and cool as ever. 3. The new Get Down resident DJs (Mike, Alex, DJ UPLATE) are really really cool. Unfortunately we left right as UpLate was starting to spin, so we didn't get to hear it all outside. But the set up was sweet and everyone was way chill. and 4. Weasel, one of the security guys who work at Proof, is training for MMA and recommended his gym to me. I am definitely going to check it out, thanks for the referral! And, added bonus: MY FIRST YELP EVENT!!! I'm so glad I met some Yelpers (HOLLA Christine, Bong, and Mimi!) -- I will admit that I was a bit intimidated about YOCHH, especially since it seemed like everyone already knew one another judging from the message boards. However, I am glad that I went after all and now I'm not going to be so hesitant to get my arse to a Yelp event in the future! Edited To Add: One other thing... I read somewhere that the later event was UCI night or something? I don't know if it's Proof, UCI, or Yelp, but... it was overwhelmingly Asian last night. Not that I don't love my fellow slant eyes, but still... read more

UPDATE 10/31/2007: The DJ was not playing any Rave bullshit..... In fact I heard him play Spoon, She Wants Revenge and The Cardigans. All that they needed was to play Blur's "Song 2" and it would of been club Bang in Santa Ana.... Hint to the DJ.... The rave shit is annoying.. But, yet there will always be some drunk asshole that will dance to it.... I am usually drunk or too tired when I am here.... Pete is a great bartender and the sing-a-long on Monday nights with Steve is fun. "KARAOKE" that is. Last time we were here there were some serious Beatles fans because EVERY OTHER SONG WAS A BEATLES SONG. I am a fan of The Beatles.. But, only in small doses!! Steve told me that he was going to start playing new/old stuff like The Smiths and Morrissey.. He mentioned more but I had a few too many glasses of wine when we were having this discussion. Some nights is like a rave in here... I do like Monday nights.... read more

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

Proof bar is a great place to just chill. I dropped by for YOCHH and the happy hour prices were great. They had cheap drinks and you could relax at the bar or lay back on the numerous modern couches. The bartenders make great drinks and good conversation too. It was my friends bday, so we got a round on them that night. They made something to the effect of drinking a chocolate cake. A relaxed atmosphere, cheap drinks, and modern; the OC needs more bars like Proof. read more

Every one in the OC talks about this place or mentions it every now and then. I've finally had the opportunity to come here. Rebecca T. and Danielle had their birthday celebration here last Saturday. So Kevin F. and Wesley S. said, let's go check it out. We came here for a preview on the Saturday and it was pretty packed. If you stay a little longer, there's a live DJ spinning trance and house or whatever the kids are listening to these day. The bartenders this evening are really friendly and someone told me one of the guys behind the bar is the owner who refilled my coke. I don't drink & drive. The following Thursday was Dave S. OC YOCHH event. Happy hour is suppsed to be 5pm-8pm. We all started trickling in around 7pm-7:30pm. There was a guy behind the bar that looked like the bouncer. Take care of your bartenders and they'll take care of you. I've learned that a long while ago. Change up the list of songs or play list. I'm all about old school. Even the 80's would be cool or the 90's. I saw more people getting on the dance floor when they did that. Just a thought if the owner is reading reviews on Yelp. read more

Bought 4 shots casa amigos and why were me and my friends charged different prices for the same 4 shots?? $45 and $52 and then $27. Nah not cool. read more

I am a regular at this bar, located in downtown Santa Ana. The ambiance is nice. Drinks are strong. The crowd is diverse. Here is what happens on some of the nights: Wednesdays: Brit Pop, Indie, Soul, New Wave... But since its a weekday, its quiet. Fridays: Its one of the busiest nights. Sometimes it gets really packed. Sundays: The place has guest DJs and live bands on Sundays, starting 8 pm. read more

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The bartenders are definitely generous on the alcohol. If you get a mixed drink, it's more or less half alcohol which is pretty sweet :) Dance floor -- not bad, I don't remember much so I guess it was fun. The 20 MIN ROOM downstairs is pretty cool too. read more

Proof Bar - Main dance floor - Dance Clubs Near Me - Santa Ana, California

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DJ OUSS at the BASEMENT AT PROOF is the highlight of every night he plays. He's usually mixing at the basement but on occasion mixes on the main stage. The DJ that usually plays Friday nights on the main stage plays good songs, but the transitions between songs could stand some improvement. To be completely frank, the transitions are so terrible that it kills the vibe. I have to be drunk DRUNK to be able to get through the night without getting hella annoyed. He also plays the same songs throughout the night. -2 stars for the shit DJ on the main stage. read more

Two and a half years after my initial review of this place, we've been here for prime time quite a few times now. Security staff is always very friendly. Bar staff is awesome as well though they do get swamped when the line is 5 people deep all along the bar. Drinks are stiff but well-made and not super expensive. The crowd is pretty diverse and young. The place gets packed so we older, wiser partygoers showed up early and claimed a spot. All in all, a nice place to spend a few hours after dinner nearby. Great music! read more

This is a great place to hangout for an easy going night, however, the only thing that makes me not ever want to step foot in this establishment is your amateur bartender Genesis. She is the epitome of unprofessional and disrespectful behavior. She lets her friends run amok and get away with throwing drinks at people while turning a blind eye and then lying about the situation that took place. She lets her friends go behind the bar and becomes distracted with their foolery while paying customers are waiting to order drinks. She needs to go. read more

dang. this not the place to be. wow. DONE.. they ain't trying to make you happy. so bye girl. worst

Strong drinks Had a good time Good music Not a huge place, but a pretty chill and fun place on the OC! read more

3 stars only the bouncers are pretty chill & staff good place to come grab drinks and dance if u want. I went with a buddy and my gf if u are a single guy just an fyi the chicks are not impressive at all. read more

+ Great music + Stiff drinks - Small dance floor area that gets so crowded that it makes it hard to get to the bathroom/smoking area Overall solid bar to stop at if barhopping the area. Smoking area in the back past the dance floor. It gets REALLY crowded on some nights though so I usually don't stay too long. read more

First of all, there's no cover charge. 2nd of all, they play good jams. Always a good variety. & last but not least Peter the bartender is the best. Sweet and friendly. Really cool atmosphere :) read more

The slimy security guards pick and choose when it comes to letting people inside. Ive had a couple security guards let me in with a picture of my ID because I would forget it at home. One particular night a security guard said no and I respectfully left the line but then saw the same mf take money from a group of guys and not check one ID. I come here often and tip all the bartenders but the small space and treatment is a no for me. read more

Proof bar is amazing I love the staff, bartenders, bar backs and all the Dj's that come in to perform the main Dj MXR always plays and takes request and always changes his beats and music I love when he changes it up, my friends and I are always none stop dancing. This is the place to be after you had your dinner because you'll loose pounds just dancing the night away. Great drinks great people all around . read more

Walk in to a mostly empty bar, but hey! The AC is cold. Sit down and wait for a patron to flag down the bartender who comes over to me with the look of "Are you selling something?" Kettle and soda for $7 isn't terrible. Let's hope this isn't happy hour pricing... read more

Proof Bar - Kettle and soda. 2 limes - Dance Clubs Near Me - Santa Ana, California

Good crowd tonight! Some real talented people showing off their vocal skills! But don't be intimidated if you can't sing, they will still sore you love and support too. I will definitely be back with my crew. P.S. No food served here, but have a menu from a local joint. read more

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

If I'm in DTSA, Proof is a must for me if I'm in the area. Their happy hour is the best I've ever been to in Orange County. It's $5 for literally everything you order. I can't remember when it starts and ends, but I think it's from 4 to 8. My girlfriend and I spoke to the owner and a bartender who helped us out was really friendly and helpful... not to mention generous! We were lab rats trying out different types of drinks. If it's not happy hour, it's still a really neat-o place to check out. They bump EDM on the weekends, so that's an even bigger plus for me. It also gets ridiculously packed too, so brace yourselves. read more

I came to proof on a night it wasn't too busy. There was music playing, but not at an obnoxious volume. The bartender was very attentive and extremely friendly. She actually made me quite a few original concoctions, and gave me one on the house! I had a great night! read more

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

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I totally forgot to post the draft review I had for this place...fail on my part. Anyhow, my friends and I planned a surprise bday night out for a really good friend of ours. You should first know that I had e-mailed them at info@proofbar.com asking general questions about reservations, cover charges and bottle service. Someone named Joey got back to me asap and let me know that we didn't have to do bottle service to reserve a spot with a couch and table...how awesome is that?! There was no cover for our group of 20 plus! Bonus, we had a pretty large spot reserved for us next to the bar. The music was great on the night we went (Saturday night on 3/3/12), Got a little bit of old school hip hop, top 40 and dance. Just good mix that our whole group really liked :) Good crowd and no ghetto people or gangster types. Bar was good and quick service. Go to the bartender Pete (or Peter, not sure sorry) he was the best one there. Who knew there was such a great spot in Santa Ana. We are downtown fullerton regulars who were looking for a change and we found it!!! P.s. The ONLY reason I gave it 4 and not 5, is because once we were there, we decided we wanted to do bottle service and they said I had to make that arrangement in advance. Just FYI for all of you. read more

Really wanted to like this place. First off dudes at the doors checking IDs are very welcoming and non intimidating, I appreciate that. Second pretty decent beer selection. Third Dj was solid, could of done without the awkward smoke gun....just made the room more muggy. Fourth this has less to do with the place itself but more with the cliental...so many angry dudes here looking to pick fights. Maybe I came on a off night. But all it takes is one bad experience for someone to have certain thought of the place. Plus some random old man walking around head-butting people. I will give y'all another chance though. See you soon read more

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

Came here for some post-wedding R&R... as in Rbacon-wrapped hot dogs and Rdrinks. Was not disappointed by either. Mixed drinks weren't anything spectacular, but they were generously mixed by a very... shall we say, pneumatic... bartender who was very kind to our group of drunken Asian men. The bacon-wrapped hot dogs, however, were spectacular. 1 for $3, 2 for $5, fully topped with grilled peppers and onions, ketchup, mustard, mayo, AND homemade pineapple habanero sauce. On a warm buzzy evening (the hot dog area is outdoors through the back), it's the perfect snack. I've uploaded a photo of a hot dog and the grill where they're cooked. Also, music was an interesting mix of electronica and hip-hop. Sometimes worked, sometimes didn't, but was generally easy to dance to. Too bad the dance floor is bisected by the line of people moving between the bar and the restrooms/hot dog area. read more

Proof Bar - Bacon-wrapped goodness - Dance Clubs Near Me - Santa Ana, California

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I haven't been here in forever!! I am 30 now and man being here brought back some great memories when I was 22, 23. Here I am feeling nostalgic, but regardless this place is always a good time. Total win because there is no cover charge and yes the drinks can be pricy, but the bartenders poor heavy (another win). I do want to shout out the bartender Michael who was serving in the basement area this past Saturday. He was so nice and his drinks were on POINT. Every place should have a bartender like him! Overall, this place brings back fond memories and still continues to be a fun time. Since proof has been there a while I'm guessing they are doing something right. I recommend going at least once! read more

Great music and great drinks!!! Great ambience and always dancing and making memories to Dj MXR's set!

I'm not much of drinker or dancer. But this place is soooo fun that I forget I d pok nt k ow how to dance. Plays the perfect music to get one to buggy. read more

This place is fun if you're a local in Santa Ana. It gets pretty hot and stuffy in there. The only reason I'm writing a review tonight is because the DJ sucked. The music was not on point and I couldn't get in the vibe. I was dancing just for the fun of it but I couldn't get in the groove. read more

7 days a week they are open late with a live DJ so thats a plus! Open late for drinks and music 7 days a week. Weekends get PACKED. weekdays are alright! if you have no where else to go, GO HERE! there are a few other places you can visit jsut around the corner so you'll have a good time. BARTENDERS are not as friendly they could be but who cares! they are fast and i never just sit at the bar anyway so its alright. OUTDOOR PATIO/SMOKING area used to be big but they have blocked off the back part a bit more but still plenty of room to get away from the music. Some nights they have the Baconwrapped hotdog guy cooking them fresh for $2.50. a MUST when you are drunk. haha read more

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