This place was the pits! Not only did I get overcharged for the worst Sh!T beer I've ever had, no less than ten minutes in, the bouncer asked me to remove my classy hat(which I always get compliments on)... But the guy with the face tattoos got to keep his cap on... The DJ picked the worst Back Street Boys tracks I've heard in a while and they had a "Street Fighter 2 " video game that somehow disappeared before we got a chance to battle. Super Meh read more

Always a good time at Proof Bar. Then again, I go at weird hours when no ones there (Sunday evenings). Bartender and bouncer said the place gets really crowded on Fridays and Saturdays but only those times.. every other time is slow. 4 stars because they're not always fully stocked. read more

This is not an entirely BAD review even though the stars are low....I feel like this spot is for a younger crows that doesn't really care about cleanliness or crowds. hahahah Let me explain. this spot use to be fun about 7-8 years ago or more. Its just a hot, sweaty, baggy pants, THOT and dirty shoes type of spot...IF you know u know ahahha I will still go to just dance and dance like no one is watching because those watching aren't my style. BUT the drinks are very strong and inexpensive. There is never a line and its just an overall easy spot to just go and have a good time. read more

Good drinks! Good music! No live band today but it looks like they have it set up for it! Clean bathrooms! Clean floor! I'm now just trying to fill room up! Haha read more

Had been there one time only...a long time ago! So, when a friend invited me to go out and support a local DJ that was going to be spinning vinyls, I agreed! It was a little slow when we got there, but soon enough more people showed up and started dancing. So.....of course, I joined. I love dancing. Thursday was Throwback Thursday! Oh yeah...i got my groove on. I had a great time. read more

Proof Bar - "Last night a DJ saved my life" - Dance Clubs Near Me - Santa Ana, California

Proof... After years of coming here (I'm local), I've had my ups and downs, some of it my fault, some of it the Proof staffs fault. On 1/7/17 (Saturday night), me and some of my peeps decide to hit up Proof for drinks, dancing, and a good time. Drinks? On point. Bar staff? Well-equipoed to handle the crowd. Bouncers? Friendly and clearly there to keep the peace. Space? Limited given the large influx of people (but hey, that's gentrification is downtown Santa Ana for ya). DJ and music? Sucked something horrible... GARBAGE! Poor girl looked like she had just picked up on Serato and her DJ equipment like the previous night. She was a novice, at best. Transitions between songs were bad, song-choice was atrocious. I've never experienced such a bad DJ, anywhere (not counting my drunk best friend's bro at his own backyard birthday kickback shuffling thru an iPod). Not to sound harsh but DJ R-Rated or X-Rated: don't quit your day job.... My message to Proof: just because their cute (or girls) doesn't mean it'll result in success. True, drunk people don't give a damn but even they have a limit on much garbage they can stand to listen to... Do better! I shall give them a try on a different night tho. read more

Quintessential dive bar in DTSA. If you're looking for a stiff drink for a reasonable price, this is your jam. It gets clubby on weekends, but that's just DTSA. read more

I'm having one of those, "How have I never reviewed this place!" moments right now, because I truly can't believe I've never reviewed Proof. I'm not much of a clubbin' kinda gal, so in all honesty Proof after 11pm on weekends is a bit tough for me. But any other time of the day - I'm so there. Here's what's awesome about Proof: They are a semi-swank lounge, with martini glasses and all... but they pour their drinks like they're a dive. Holy hell are these ever some strong drinks. Sure, you could go for their $3 wells during happy hour (which goes til 8!!), but I usually go for the Proof Martini. That thing is no joke, and will make sure I'm happy well beyond 8pm. read more

I observed that previous reviewers were disappointed with the clientele at Proof and the subsequent vibe, but I truly believe that good times can be had anywhere as long as you are surround by cool friends. As the more recent reviews by newly found compadres have portrayed, this place provided a crucial pivot for the YO-C. Unknown to us in the beginning, Proof would soon spark a synergy of utter drunkardness, mayhem and above all friendship. Specifically, Proof's happy hour specials turned a flock of meager sheep into a pack of howling wolves soon to be basking in alcoholic bliss. The drinks were stiffer than a 12 year old boy reading his first Hustler mag. The bartender has the hypnotic beauty to truly fatten up her tips. The half-priced appetizers were a welcomed necessity and ordered in doubled amounts. And the lounge area was comfy and inviting. After a side street sojourn to eat at a Fountain Valley restaurant, we came back to indulge in the late night festivities. The DJ was prescribing house music to the dance floor. His dose of beats gave me the energy to dance like know one was watching. And a quick thanks to the late night bartender for hooking me up with a couple of bottled waters. They were much needed for a couple of my peeps. ========= Update 11/9/2007 After coming back here a few more times, Proof has never disappointed me. I think it's safe to say this place is awesome and hooray for stiff drinks. read more

I finally figured out on how I can cash in on my ROTDs! I always knew the Review of The Day (ROTD) was good for something. I just never realized I could turned it in to two free drinks. Let's face it, the ROTD is very cool and makes you popular for one day. It validates your writing and your effort in writing the review. Puts it also is a confidence booster and encourage you to write more reviews. With all that being said, who knew I was going to score some free drinks? After an eventful and an adventurous dinner (more details later about the adventurous part), our group decided to move the party to the Proof Bar. I'm not saying it's the new "hangout" spot for my fellow OC'ers. It's more of their special place majority of them met for the first time on a short noticed UYE. So they decided to share it with the rest of us to show us why the lounge bar is a cool place to hang out in the OC. It's located in a very appropriated named "Main Street" and part of cool downtown Main Street location in the city of Santa Ana. The place is a lounge bar with a very slick dim lighted atmosphere for that NY bar scene look. If you are thinking that you can get cozy, you got it...they do have a long lounge sofa bed seats that you can put your feet & legs on it while you sit back. They can get really kooky by having pictures on the hallway leading up to the restroom to feature some of those very risque pics. The restrooms has even more shocking and revealing pics. I'll save the surprise and leave it at that. There is a couple of projection-like screen to either show a TV show or a movie that is playing on top of wall. It beats the flat screen TV while they can project that square box of show anywhere in the room. Our residential Vegetarian Diva will love this...they have a very nice dance floor with a booth for a DJ to perform a live show. Apparently you can also have karaoke as the OC'ers have posted the UYE to this place. The drinks are very strong in this place. They have a strong house mixed martini aptly called "Proof Martini". Like a Long Island Ice Tea, which mixes several different alcohols. Let's just say that I knew my limit and I didn't last that long with the drink. Oh, how did I scored the free drinks? Let's thank our gal The Judy H. for passing out free drinks to anyone that score a ROTD recently. I was able to get a solid Rum Coke because of her. Frank K. repeated the effort with giving me the Proof Martini. The bartender was very welcoming and very friendly. In fact our gal, The Judy had to let the man know she gave the place "4 stars". Thank goodness he didn't blink or spiked the drink because it wasn't 5 stars. LOL Love the OC'ers for passing out the drinks. Great atmosphere for a nice relaxing hanging out with a loud hip hop music for that dancing vibes. See...now you guys know what to do with your ROTD.....just go to the Proof Bar and asked for one of the OC Yelpers to redeem it for you for a free drink! read more

5/5 for the Yelpers. They're the only reason why I came out. 5/5 for OC's new community Manager. Huzzah! 5/5 for full liquor license. 5/5 for fully stocked bar. 5/5 for no cover charge. 5/5 for the music. 5/5 for the decor. And a BIG FAT ZERO out of five for the moment that I looked up and saw porn being projected on the wall. Go ahead. Call me a prude, but I don't need to see that shit. I was never one for porn and never found it even remotely appealing. Quite frankly, it kind of disgusts me. Though I don't drink, don't smoke, don't go out, don't like crowds, can't stand loud noise, avoid bars like the plague, and detest horny desperate dudes trolling for STDs, I was ready to give this place a raving review...UNTIL I saw cheesy soft core humping on the wall above the bar. I'm sorry Proof, but when you switched from ESPN to sick ass porn, I was making my rounds and on my way out in under two minutes. Love the people and the layout of the place is nice with plenty of room for sitting and lounging with a midget sized "dance floor." Full liquor license and fully stocked bar (no coffee). Great for those who enjoy the scene but I've never been a fan of smoke, drunks, horndogs, and porn which encourages all of the above. Sorry guys. You all rock but Proof will never see my face again. read more

I spend a lot of my precious time telling people what not to tell me. Don't tell me Kentucky's not South. Don't tell me we're out of beer again. Don't tell me a dog that's lost its hind legs and has to use an ass-cart to wheel around the park isn't embarrassed. And please, people, don't go telling me that Proof's Happy Hour isn't the best in town, just dont. (M-F 5-*8) I found this place through a friend, a friend who has gone to more AA meetings than you probably hugged your mother goodbye. ( to some of you its probably once, CALL HER SHE MISSES YOU!). The Happy Hour usually consist of me starting off angry at the world and ends up me at home trying to make a taco with mustard at home. The barkeep is awesome, she's will make you feel at home without having to take off your shoes. (seriously, dont take them off. She will give you a wierd look. Triiiiiiiied it. :) ). My usual drinks are as follows Adios Vodka Tonic Something with bubble gam flavoring Zombie X (this one is up to the barkeep) Keep in mind this is in a 3 hour period. by probably the 3rd drink Im as gay as a clown and everyone is yapping it up. Seriously, if you want a cool as fuck happy hour crowd, this place will have it. Ive gotten stock tips, horse racing tips, car tips, and how to properly prepare a goat for Birria. You can find me here every friday and you should come too because drinking alone makes me feel like a hobo. Plus the barkeep has a lead hand and makes strong drinks during happy hour. read more

I heard a lot of great things about this place, I came on a Sunday with a group of girls and they were playing house music. We were the first set of people that arrived and requested hip hop and the DJ played house music. No one was dancing, we told them we wanted hip hop alongside with another group of people and they DJ said he only does house music? Like okay there's only 10 people here and we all wanted hip hop, I mean it's in DTSA. The DJ still continued to play house when we all wanted hip hop. As paying customers, they should have considered a change of genres since we were the only ones in there. The only nice and welcoming person was Daniel the bouncer and Bryan the bartender which is why I gave 3 stars. This place has potential if there was lit music read more

Only spent but 20 minutes at the bar before the tummy called out for grub at The Crosby, but in the short time I was at Proof, I asked for an extra dirty martini with extra olives and dang, I got the filthiest martini EVER. With six olives! I thought I loved it dirty but now I know I love it filthy, mmm-hmm. read more

Our 3rd and last stop this Saturday night is only a block away from our 2nd stop - The Crosby - conveniently enough! Parking in the free lot in between the two places made it easy to go between. The place was pretty packed when we got there, but access to the bar was pretty easy. Fia R and Sarah A tried one of the Yelp Drinks OC drink specials, but this non drinker stayed away from all things alcoholic! The dance floor got more and more packed and hot as the night wore on, and by the time we saw 1am, I had had enough of the sweaty bodies invading my personal space - aaaaack..... After a brief break for cold air on the back patio - which was actually only intermittently fresh because it's also the smoking patio - we called it a night and headed out. The music was good, and even though I preferred the crowd at The Crosby, I'd come back again to hang out with friends - and have more fun non-dinking!! read more

Is this it? Seriously? Maybe Proof Bar is an acquired taste, because I don't really get the love. We came here on Saturday night for Grace's birthday shindig, and I enjoyed the company more than the acual place. After dinner at Memphis, we walked over to Proof and snagged one of the couch areas. The space itself is nice, and I like that they have comfortable couches. That night they projected "A Scanner Darkly" onto the walls. If the music became too loud to carry a conversation, you could just stare at the movie. In the back, they have a small smoking area. Since it was pouring, they put up an awning that kept out most of the rain. They have a "dance floor" right in front of the DJ. She mostly played electro, and it was merely okay. Maybe I'm spoiled from listening to good DJs, but I wasn't impressed. The music was too loud, and the bass sounded distorted. Proof Bar, make up your mind. Do you want to be a club or do you want to be a chill lounge? I felt that it was neither. The music is mediocre for a club, but it's too loud to be a lounge. I don't think I got drunk enough to fully enjoy this place. Stiff drinks, my @ss! I keep reading reviews about their strong drinks. Really? Did the bartender hate us? After a beer during dinner and two vodka drinks, I wasn't buzzed at all. I'm a lightweight, so I was disappointed with their not-very-strong drinks. From reading the other reviews, it seems like the Proof Martini is the poison of choice. I have a bad track record with martinis, so I won't be trying that one. I had a good time because we were with friends. The best part of the night was watching the birthday girl take a blowjob shot. "She swallowed it." Overall Proof Bar is okay, but I'm not in a rush to go back. read more

So I'm not into loud clubs... but I got there as it opened and it was super chill. Great place to talk and have a drink. I know it's not their typical vibe but it's a great watering hole! read more

Last night, I made up a new drinking game. You know that game you play in the car when you spot out of state license plates or Volkswagen Bugs? Well, this one is quite similar, but it's "see how many faux-hawks you can spot at Proof Bar." I guarantee you'd have an excellent chance of winning, especially if you were there last night. When I walked in, I immediately liked the bar. It was rather small with a modern spin which gave it a European feel. The music was cool and non-descript, and the bathroom even had pictures of guys and their...well, you know. After seeing this, it brought me back to my days traipsing around town when I lived in Spain, hanging out in all the gay lounges my friends used to invite me to. But all of a sudden that mellow sort of vibe was disrupted as break dancers (or "b-boys") took over the floor! That both amazed and confused me. I guess I'm just not used to seeing that in OC, but all in all, pretty cool nonetheless. I was fortunate not to shell out for drinks for the rounds I joined in on at Proof, so have no idea of their prices. However, the Thursday drink specials were $2/AMF (Good thing they weren't offering those at that price while I was in college), and $2 well vodka drinks (Seagrams, but hey, it's $2). I liked how they cleverly started grilling up some bacon wrapped hotdogs for us drunken hooligans, but alas, my "I have to work for a living" ass couldn't allow me to stay past midnight, so totally missed them. Next time. Other facts I noticed: 1) The average age at Proof bar is 22 years 2) I counted 19 faux-hawks between 10pm-12am. Next time I'll bring shears. 3) Lots of Asians 4) Nice patio for hanging out with your smoker friends 5) Great parking situation 6) I was told that it was "UCI" night, hence the average age being 22. 7) Wow, there was line outside the door by the time I left? For a BAR? And what's up with the faux-hawks? Guys, shave the sides of your head if you wanna do the whole mohawk thing. The mohawk evokes a helluva lot more credibility, and girls like them more (or at least the ones I know). My apologies, but if someone's gonna say it, it's got to be me. Overall, Proof is a fun place to meet up with a group of friends when you wanna make a "meat-markety" night of it, or if you wanna count faux-hawks. read more

Drunk people shouldn't drive. Drunk people also shouldn't Yelp. But as I am merely *buzzed* now, I figure it's okay to do both - drive and Yelp, that is. Yes, people - I'm a die hard opponent of drunk driving. I made sure to sober up before driving home. But now that I'm home, the alcohol is taking over again. Woohoo! My first half-drunk Yelp review! So, a coworker and I headed over to Santa Ana tonight to join in on the YOCHH shindig at Proof. After parking in the $2 parking lot (I had no trouble finding it this time!), we walked in the bitter cold and headed into Proof. EMPTY! And here I thought I'd have trouble picking out the Yelpers from the crowd. No one was there except for the Yelpers. Easy peasy! After saying hi to the very few people I'd already met, I decided to get into the spirit of things - and drink! Mind you, I hadn't had a sip of alcohol for several months, and for very good reasons! But heck, Happy Hour pretty much constitutes drunken fun... how fun would I be without any alcohol? One fuzzy navel later, the blue and red lighted interior of Proof seemed to have a surreal glow. The narrow space seemed wider, somehow, even with the extra people that sidled in without my notice. I had plans to drink two-enty drinks in Marlon's stead. Instead, I drank two - and a half. And... despite all the stories I'd heard of Marlon and his drunken escapades, it was HIM who stopped ME from drinking any more. That, and Bong's, "You gotta drink water!" Yeap! Yelpers seem to be a careful bunch. But that's a good thing, because if I had taken any more sips of alcohol, it wouldn't have been a pretty story. I did slug down a nasty glass of champagne (on the condition that Bong downs his beer), and erm.. yeah. Free champagne doesn't make for GOOD champagne. Figures. Of course, with the alcohol coursing through my system, and my pulse rhythmically pounding to the bass of the music, I was prompted to use the restroom - four times in thirty minutes. I must say, it wasn't fancy in there, but it WAS quite clean, quite spacious and... (my favorite) full of BIG BIG mirrors! In fact, there's even a full length mirror in there! Really handy just in case my drunk ass gets toilet paper stuck to her oh-so-sexy-UGGs! Haha. I don't know if they serve food there, but I'm going to venture a guess and say NOPE. A lot of people made random runs to Lola Gaspar and some mysterious taco truck because they were hungry. My coworker and I, after slugging back a few drinks, decided that food would be the only way to sober up before driving so --- we went to Lola, too. All in all, it was a very fun event with very fun people in a very fun venue. Would I go again? I wouldn't be against it! ^^ --*bowing* I'm so proud of myself. I wrote a coherent review - and I only had to use to the "delete" button a handful of times!--- read more

my first yochh at proof... and now, it's the last. i got there late so the it was already pretty packed. yochh is normally on a thursday so i'm not sure how the usual crowd is. friday nights were packed with all sorts of folks, some dressed up in wigs. i guess they're preparing for halloween. the dj played mostly electronic music. i witnessed a lot of party fouls...people knockin other people's drinks over, people spilling drinks on my foot, people falling, people dropping beer bottles, people clogging up toilets and flooding hallways.... the bartenders don't mess around. there is one bar so to get a drink took forever. and one dance floor that you have to get through to go to the restroom or outside in the patio. it was much nicer to be outside since it was hard to breathe inside. and lots of cool, crazy paintings on the wall. what do you think this means? http://static.px.yelp.com/bphoto/ePjOd2imU5xwfCxFwMwxvw/l hmmmmm... very interesting..... read more

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

Being MIA from recent UYE's, I decided to head out to OC for YOCHH (enough acronyms for you?). Yes, it was hella far but considering the special treatment received from AJ K., Wes S., and Dave G's booty, it was well worth the drive. I liked that HH lasted until 10pm, but drinks weren't as strong as implied in other reviews. I generally like things to be extra stiff (wink, wink). Around 9, the bar was fairly empty but quickly got way too crowded and loud with a medley of questionable music by 11. I prefer not to get stepped on and pushed around by little girls from VC cafes, while loud bass music penetrates my eardrums. Really not the kind of penetration I prefer. read more

I've been here several times now. I quite like Proof--it's an artsy bar/club with a chill, clean-cut young crowd. No cover and easy parking in a nice area (either on the street or in a parking structure) sweetens the deal. The last time I came here, the Kogi truck was even parked right outside of Proof! The bar can get pretty crowded on a weekend night, but there's an outdoor area where you can escape and get some air. I've been here on a Thursday, Friday, and Saturday now, and I have found a quite eclectic crowd (though on the Hipster side) each time, of different ethnicities and different "styles." On Thursday night, this seems to be the go-to-place for Kaba Modern or something. Their dancing can be fun to watch but rather discourages other people's less skilled dancing :( One time when I came (a Friday night), one room was set up as a studio, with photos as "proof" of our stay here. It was fun! The drinks here are decent...pretty nicely priced but nothing blew me away yet..I did have a neon blue drink that was cool because it glowed. As far as music, well--it can be a hit and miss. This is probably the only place that will play Star Wars music for you to dance to...without you asking for it. It may take some creativity on the dance floor to keep up with the music, as it can be quite weird at times. When I came here last Saturday night, they started off with obscure music and moved onto more Top 40 type hits as the dance floor filled up (around 12am or so). What I appreciate here the most is the nice crowd and the decor of the bar...it's quite pleasing to the eyes. It's got cool lights, interesting paintings, cushy seats, and strange media clips projected onto the walls (once we saw racey animal cartoons...). read more

Great chill bar in the Santa Ana Arts District. It's walking distance to a lot of great dining spots there like Lola Gaspar, Memphis, Gypsy Den, etc. If you're looking to rage or fist pump this is definitely NOT your place lol! I mean, nothing against those clubs (I go to those a lot and I love house music) but sometimes you just want something mellow. =) Every time I've been here it's always been for an event or someone performing. They showcase a lot of local artists and I love that! I've been here to support a few friends when they play. The people here are really friendly and chill. LOVE LOVE LOVE the wierd, sexy, interesting artwork they have up! read more

Another small bar in DTSA that offers that desirable club-esque environment Low end modern dive bar packed with youngin's from the surrounding area This is a great place to hang amongst the younger twenties (Might have seen some - 21 here lol!) The drinks aren't dirt cheap but affordable enough. Sometimes they have unique beers on tap. The young ladies here are definitely eye catchers. (Drop them a line about the new Twilight movie and you're in) If you're into the hipster-hiphop-house-techno variety I'd say Proof and the surrounding area of DTSA will cater to your needs. Best days to visit proof are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. This is a down town area so plan on forking over $5-$10 for parking unless you can find a meter. All in all this is just a bar that plays loud fcking music.. but the girls that this place attracts is what I make the trip for read more

On a Friday night, my husband and I were walking down the street in downtown Santa Ana and saw this bar as we passed by. I talked him into going in as it looked desolate and might be a good bar in need of patrons. The bartender, who was female, asked us what we wanted to drink. I asked if she had any fun martinis. She "hmmmmed" for a bit, and then said no. So because my husband saw a 12-year old Scotch on the shelf, he ordered two drinks for $10 each. After she served the drinks, I asked what kind of bar was it based on the music that was playing. I couldn't remember what kind of music it was called. She said it was rock and roll. I said no, it wasn't rock and roll, it was alternative. The bartender became argumentative with us. She complained to what appeared to be friends of hers, the only other two people in the bar, and one of the guys kicked his bar stool over and threatened us. We left, without finishing our drinks. Not worth visiting. The bartender was a bitch, the other two people visiting were assholes, no food, and dismal atmosphere. There were a couple of other bars in the area that you should consider visiting instead, if you want to have fun: Bistro 400, Memphis, and Chapter 1. read more

Proof is one of my usual stops when I am having a night out in DTSA. I recommend going there as one of your first stops because toward the latter half of the night there is typically a long line to get in. The bouncers are always nice. No baseball caps are allowed, although I am not sure of any other dress code regulations. Inside definitely gets crowded and a little stuffy but it doesn't take too long to get a drink. Drinks are fairly prices and usually strong. There is a dance floor and on Friday and Saturday nights you can groove to the DJ's hip-hop music. On Wednesday nights you can come here to listen to live bands perform. There isn't anything to make Proof stand out among other bars, but I haven't had a bad time here. read more

Not my cup of tea. I like the parts, but not the sum. Do I like historical or geographical documentaries? Sure. Do I like ridiculously strong drinks? You bet. Do I like porn? Of course. Do I like dance music? Yep. Do I like Proof, the bar with loud progressive music, porn on the walls, an African documentary airing out of a projector with ridiculously strong drinks? No. Maybe I just found the place a little pretentious. Maybe it was a little too loud. Maybe I was afraid of the bouncer with the 73 inch arms. I don't know for sure, but Proof is just not the place for me. I probably would have liked it more had it been a different variety of dance music. Just not my scene. read more

** Nightlife Review ** To be fair, I don't like house music so I guess it's hard for me to like Proof since that's all they usually play, but why I give them 2 stars isn't just because of that. This place is always packed. Sardines packed. And I really don't understand why. Their dance floor is right if front of the hallway to the restroom which makes it a mission to use it. Their patio doesn't allow you to have drinks, despite it being enclosed and behind the bar. WTF? So you're force to either chug your drink or leave it on a ledge right before the door, but come on, that's just a rufi waiting to happen. The bartenders however are quick. And they do pour their drinks stiff. But the overall atmosphere of Proof's nightlife is just not something I would have any interest of being a part of. Too small, too loud and too hot. I'll pass. read more

I am a beer advocate. Hitachino Nest White Ale is here and that is all I need. Well actually I lied, I also need a good bulge shot in some tight whites as I squat to go #1 in the ladies. read more

we had the first YOCHH (yelp OC happy hour) here last night... and i'm still in pain. BUT that's my fault, not the fault of the proof bar which turned out to be great. the bartendress was cool as hell, she poured a stiff stiff drink, and my bill only came out to 23 bucks when it was all said and done. We were thinking of checking out a few other places in the area to find our regular spot, but I'm not really sure we need to. happy hour was awesome with half price appetizers and reduced price drinks. the lawyers that were in there initially dispersed pretty quick. and i disagree with greg in that i really like the random erotica that they use to decorate. yes, even the animals/insects do the freaky, greg. nice touch. who knew that santa ana could produce such a place. proof's a good size but their website makes it look a bit bigger than it actually is. i might recommend they advertise their happy hour a bit more, but aside from those little things - the vibe was chill, the music was good, and the company was outstanding. i had a great time. until i passed out. in my car. until 6 in the mornin'. i liked it.. this may be our spot. it got me so drunk that i can't even capitalize. read more

This is a classed up dive bar with locals some nights and shit show DJs on others. Its what it needs to be, when it needs to be and probably the least pretentious and down to earth staff in Santa Ana read more

Proof has gotten way too crowded for my comfort. Still really good drinks, but hey, if you can't take care of your loyal clients, they will take their business elsewhere. read more

What a gross bar. When you walk in, you're literally slapped in the face with mustiness. It's disgusting. You can literally feel everyone's sweat and other glandular secretions just wafting in the air. They have some gory erotica displayed on the walls and they were projecting a movie clip of some woman being raped. So bizarre... Music is meh. Didn't get any drinks, so can't speak for that. Most of the people are pretty gross looking and everywhere you look there's someone dry humping. The bathrooms suck ass. The ladies room only has two stalls and smells like piss. It's so cramped in there that you literally have a line of girls waiting to pee, waiting to use the sink, waiting to look at themselves in the mirror, and waiting to just get in. Only giving it 2 stars for no cover. And they have Dos Chinos parked out front. read more

One of my first yelp events a few months ago was at Proof Bar. So I'm dedicating my 200th review to it. :) Now...who woulda thought to come party in downtown Santa Ana? Not I, but I was definitely game and interested to see the venue. And what do you know? It's probably one of my favorite local bars out there. I liked it so much that I dared host my hubby's bday here after dinner at Kya in Anaheim on a December Friday. I needed to find something that was no-hassle, casual/chill and something other than the Hollywood scene we all have a love-hate relationship with. So here are my reasons why I love Proof Bar: *First of all, it's true, there is NO COVER! *Secondly, it's true again, FREE PARKING in the structure. *Thirdly, it's still true, the DRINKS ARE CHEAP. *Fourth, I LOVED THE MUSIC (great mix of electro, hip hop, old school, reggae...etc). There were times when it felt a 'lil too rave-ish, but the DJ made sure to mix it up before anyone really noticed. *And lastly, when I know I'd be rolling with 10+ people I inquired on possibly reserving the couches that the Yelpers reserve during the happy hours. So that our party would have a place to congregrate to. I was instructed to call Joey and he said I just needed to show up before 10 to claim it, otherwise it'll be given away. Which brings me to my last point: NO BOTTLE SERVICE REQUIRED TO RESERVE THE COUCH! Wow! Needless to say, everyone enjoyed themselves and said they would totally come back on their own. BUT, and there's always a BUT. There is only one bar which means you may be waiting a long while for your drink, the smoking patio is ridiculously crowded, dance floor is tiny so yes, it is crowded there too, you will get pushed and yanked and possibly prodded, and you won't necessarily be impressed with the crowd sometimes (but like I said, this ain't Hollywood). So if that's all gravy with you and you go knowing you'll have a good time...you probably will end up having a good time. Cheers! read more

I have a stack of reviews to get to, and lordy knows when i'll get to them all. so i'll start with an easy one. i don't like this place. that is all. have a nice day. read more

Proof Bar is a decent place to grab a drink and chat with friends. There are plenty of tables and a small lounge area equipped with couches and single seats to satisfy your drinking comfort needs. The drinks are poured heavy and they're priced reasonably. However, you should not assume that the weekend crowd understands proper bar etiquette. I shall present a scenario. I arrived with Noi D. at about 10pm. We saw two open stools at the bar and settled in. Roughly halfway through our first drink we leave our seats for a breath of fresh air. Before leaving, we place napkins over our drinks as a sign to the bartender that we're not finished with our drinks and to alert bar patrons that these two seats are taken. When we come back in, our seats are taken but our drinks remain. What gives? If you were to do this at any dive bar you would come back to empty seats. So does this mean that dive bar patrons are more refined than the patrons at Proof? The answer is a resounding yes. The bartender could have remedied this by alerting customers that the seats are taken, but that, of course, did not happen. Alas, this hinders me from giving Proof that 4th star. Until Proof can upgrade their clientele this will continue to be a club without a cover in my opinion. Those seats ARE taken... read more

Whatchamacallit? Oh right. Hipsters. This place is full of them. Trendy, artsy, and modern. Love the decor with abstract art pieces on the walls and beautiful cool hues leave a blue/purple haze over the patrons. Not my usual scene, but enjoyed myself immensely nevertheless. 20's-30's outgoing, friendly mixed crowd. First time here, and I promise you it won't be the last. A selected few got wristbands from the DJ (including lucky me) which let the bartender know to hook it up with the drinks! 2 stellas, 2 pineapple vodkas, a vodka rockstar and then finally a vodka cranberry later, I found my body swaying to the jazzy house music flowing through the intimate, cozy venue. One bar to the side gets packed, but service is speedy and efficient. Drinks are pretty potent! I found myself making faces a few times after tasting them, but oh what fun! However, it was quite a journey making it through the crowds of people to the bathrooms in the back. Only 2 stalls?! Are you kidding me? Ready to explode, I found myself in the men's room, but I promise I did not peek. Only downside is that the place is pretty small and no one really dances. I guess it's more for lounging and socializing. I like the chill atmosphere and people watching is always fun. Time to bizzounce and the grand total after closing the tab came out to a whopping $15!! What the??! An awesome night for the cost of usually a single drink elsewhere. I'm a fan, no doubt! read more

Sorry, a quick update to let you know that proof does a new happy hour on THURSDAY night from 9pm - 10pm. $2 tokyo teas $2 long islands $2 adios mother fuckers & there current drink specials are still being honored: complimentary champagne (for girls) until 11 $2 get down oc shooters until 11 check back on www.getdownoc.com to make sure though... read more

As Rodney Dangerfield would say "Who knew!" Who knew that in the middle of Santa Ana there would be a bar this chill, cool bartenders, with great prices. Music was bumping, yelpers were everywhere and my new drink I tried wasn't too bad. I'm a jack/coke drinker but when you drink that stuff you seem to smell alcoholicy....so i decided to switch it up a bit and tried out their vodka tonics. It was actually not too bad. It was pretty open if it weren't for yelpers on thursday night (I got there later then the other folks...as I needed a nap haha). I got there at like 9:30pm. But when I was leaving at around 11:30pm it was pretty packed. This is a cool local joint I would come back to for sure! Just becareful of the "photo" intersections in and around that area when you are driving home. And I'm sure that everyone that comes here can relate to this quote by Rodney Dangerfield himself: "I drink too much. The last time I gave a urine sample it had an olive in it. " Peace out! read more

Dear Shauna, I'm going to die. Thanks for killing me. Love, Your Liver ... So, I got this suicide note from my liver after I attended my first (possibly my last) YOCHH (yelp orange county happy hour). Parking was pretty easy on the street but note you have to feed the meters until 8. Fortunately, mine broke. Decor is pretty cool with the artsy nude photos in the main part of the bar but more raunchy stuff in the ladies' room. I don't even want to know what's going on in the mens' room since they did start showing soft core porn eventually by the bar. Huh... I started out with a key lime martini ($5) which was very interesting as it was made with half and half. But it wasn't my beloved key lime martini (note made with vanilla vodka, not pineapple vodka as Proof was doing them). I moved on very quickly to a mango martini which was quite tasty but a bit too sweet for me. I started drinking vodka tonics after that. But somehow another something called a waterfall game caught up to me. Erm...things are going a bit fuzzy. My liver has finished its note in quivering fear. Oh, chocolate cake shots! Other shots! What the? The bartender was really cool and the server running around with the happy hour apps was a doll too. Oh...lots of people I've never met before. Dancing! Yeah, despite the no dancing laws in Santa Ana. Haha, I love Orange County yelpers. Miller Lite girls! Did they give me a lei? Cuz I don't remember getting lei'd. Overall, a great time! read more