This place was really impressive. From the outside it appears to be your typical divebar feeding off the left overs of the race track down the street. But my jaw absolutely dropped when I walked in. This place is HUGE. With 3 bars, a 25 ft stage with crazy lights, big ass dance floor, and a killer sound system. I felt like I was at a $20+ cover night club but I was right here in good ol Los Alamitos and they dont charge a cover. My experience didnt stop there... The drinks were quite tasty and the bartender(easy on the eyes i might add) pored heavy. Again, its not even funny how impressed I was. I found out that they are under new ownership as of a few years ago and the new owners are young and hip to what a bar/venue should look like. My advice... Come in a cab and be prepared to have an awesome time! read more

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This review is for a Tuesday comedy night. I went with a friend who said she had a great time the week before. Apparently the comics that night were worth the 2 drink minimum. Not so this night. None of the comics were good. They all had basically the same material (fat jokes, redneck humor, prison talk, how hard it is to get laid--one guy talked about a near death experience). It was either all cliche or just not origional. They all had moments but overall it was disappointing. The MC is just not a good comedian. I get that he shouldn't upstage the talent and all, but he doesn't even have a good sense of humor. Perpetual innuendo and the same basic joke over and over just doesn't cut it. My opinion is neutral because I think the organizer has a big heart. The night I went he was collecting money for someone's funeral. This show happens with rhe best of intentions but it really isnt executed well. My review is neutral. read more

Starting Gate - Lounges Near Me - Los Alamitos, California

Went for lunch and a quick drink. Wasn't very exciting Emily did her Job but didn't make anyone feel welcome. More interested in the young boy behind the bar and her food. 17 dollars for chicken tenders and a absolute peach on the rocks. The shelves were disgusting if I would have look first I wouldnt have order the food. Its a great location look nice but maybe just a bad day.. read more

Starting Gate - Disgusting look at the dust - Lounges Near Me - Los Alamitos, California

Went to see a great country band. Too bad the service is horrible and the food is even worse. 12 bucks for 8 frozen wings????? The waitress knew absolutely NOTHING!! Small drinks, and a horrible beer list. Wont be going back!! read more

This place is good on Tuesdays for comedy night which is when me and my girls come but every time I'm here the service sucks. I've been getting the same waitress, she's short with like a bob hair cut. She's so slow, she doesn't check back and is constantly forgetting to ring in what we order. She doesn't even show any signs of good customer service, never apologizes nor does she care to see what the guest may need. I tried giving her a few chances already but I literally need to look for her to order more food or to simply pay. read more

The music is great. Fun atmosphere. Staff is nice big dance floor family on Business.

This is a Pitsburgh Steelers bar. So I immediately love this place. Staff was friendly and food is good.

This is based on our Saturday breakfast during the Memorial Day weekend. We hadn't been to The Starting Gate for many years, but we recalled their breakfasts of the past (all were good except for the last one) & we decided to give it another go. This day was a good day to come back because they were just busy enough. We noticed that they remodeled portions of the large room but it still maintained the shaggy dog charm of a local hangout, which it most certainly is. We ordered different Mexican style breakfasts & both were a success! Portion, price, taste, all good. My boyfriend was happy with his Bloody Mary special. Coffee was strong & hot & our server was attentive with refills & checking back often. If you're into Steelers Football, comedy & themes The Starting Gate is big on these. While we were there a sports trivia raffle was underway. We'll go back for breakfast again. So far so good. read more

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the owners couldn't have been friendlier to these Pittsburgh out of towners looking for a nice place to watch the Steelers game. would highly recommend. great food, drinks, and atmosphere. really friendly and helpful staff. read more

My husband is a huge Steeler fan and we went here for a game, expecting to have a great time cheering on his team with other fans... and spending lots of money on food and drinks in the process. I was wearing my team's jersey (not the Steelers), however was just as excited to cheer for the Steelers as everyone else. Unfortunately this poor excuse of a SPORTS bar has NO idea of what SPORTSMANSHIP really is. We were asked to leave because I had on a jersey for another team... Really? What is the fun of a sports bar that does not encourage sports fans to come and cheer for their team, no matter what colors they are wearing? We will NEVER come here again, and encourage everyone else to boycott this establishment. There is no excuse for ANY type of discrimination in this world that we live in. read more

This place is just weird. I almost think it's a front for some other type of business. Customer service is mediocre at best but the people watching can't be beat! Some real foodies stop in here! Come by and check it out! read more

This bar is ridiculous! I just spent $60 on drinks for me and my friend and the owner and manager harassed us because they wanted her to get up saying she didn't buy enough drinks! Who does that? I would have stayed and probably spent $100 on drinks but that didn't matter because he wanted my friend who was my designated driver to get drunk and drive to meet this ridiculous rule! So starting gate supports drinking and driving I hope the police watches this place from now on read more

Never been here before, but when my girl told me this place has comedy night on Tuesdays and invited me, i definitely said yes! She made reservations so when we arrived, our seats were right in the front. Now, for ANY other event that would have been great seats...BUT NOT for a comedy show! I didn't want to be all up in front of the comedians...u know, just in case you get picked on. So we moved a bit back. "Cochino" is the host for Tuesday Comedy Nights. He brought a bunch of comedians on stage which made me laugh! We had a good time! Will return for some more laughs! read more

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Love this place live band. We never ate there but tonight we want to go early. I called and some answered very rude lady I was just asking if they serve dinner. Hang up on me. Lady you need to quit your job if you cant provide answer the phone with manners. The place will lose customer with your rude attitude read more

Awesome Jam that they have. You sign up to play or sing. Backline is provided or you can go to just listen . Great people ,food and service. 12:30 to 5. Every 3rd Saturday of the month read more

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Love this place so much! It's almost like our Cheers, except they don't know everyone's name and that's quite alright, because we all have the best time The Gate! Rebeka is amazing! read more

It's my 70th birthday and I was having so much fun until the owners wife pushed my chair out of her way so she could get a drink. I said to her excuse me this is my chair and she said you can have it back after I get my drink. I told her just keep it because I no longer want to go to a place that treats their customers so badly. We spent a lot of money tonight and her attitude is I own the joint so screw you. Whatever. I'm done with this place. read more

The whole night I was waiting for Cheech Marin to lock up the doors and for everyone to turn into vampires...especially because the Harley Davidson Mexican dude with his hair pulled back had his eye on me. I swear he looked like he wanted to drain the life outta me. I was also waiting for the band instruments to turn into body parts. Too bad Salma Hayek was nowhere to be found. I'd bite her back if she ever bit me. No lie. Major redeeming qualitative properties for the Starting Gate (SG) involve STIFF drinks. Yep, VERY STIFF. Fast bartender service and efficient waitstaff too. "It's like 15's but with an older but better crowd" says Alicia. Great. I gotta watch myself from getting stabbed...except from the veteranos of surenios or nortenios or whateverTF gang is predominant in this county. Not even 20 minutes in and there's this dude in a 4-man drunken circle jerk huddle bumping into me... Mexican dude: Sorry bro Me: Sure man no problem. His friend: What did he say? I'll f*ck his ass up. Me (thinking): I'd LOVE to see you try, T-rex walkin' ass borracho. An hour or so later, we were having fun in our table laughing and this guy approaches... 6 foot Barney Rubble: What are you guys laughing at? Me: Not you guys...yet. Barney: C'mon, let's dance. Take your girl out. Me: No thanks, you smell like sweat an hour after a carne asada with pico de gallo. Barney: *laughs* Me: It doesn't matter what I say, you can't hear anything and you're too drunk to be coherent...bet you can't spell coherent. Barney: *laughs some more and leaves* Hey SG, you're right down A-OK alley in my opinion. I see that private party room behind the stage, I bet throwing a party here would be pretty nice. You attract interesting older characters...not exactly my type of folks but that never stopped me from having fun amongst company. I hear they have comedy club Tuesdays and I'd love to see that! For all I know, my next update will warrant an additional star or so. Oh yea, I saw Sammy Haggar here and his celebrity personality is top notch! Not like other pretentious celebs. "...if you can find cheaper foozy anywhere, phuck-et!" -Cheech M. read more

##### watch out for hidden scams #### Would of gave it a 0 star if I could. Came tonight with friends to support their bike night . we orders the spaghetti dinner and ice tea. The tea Glasses were not that big, and the waitress kept going back to fill our glasses. I thought I would be nice and ask her to just drop off a pitcher of tea for the table so she didn't make so many trips. She said OK. After she sets it down she then tells us, just so you know the pitcher cost $10.00 and walks away. but refills are free with our meal. WTF ???? This place will try to screw you out of every dollar that can. It used to be so much better now its a joke... We will be back to support the bike night and it's cause, but I will never ever spend my money in here again. And their $7.00 all you can eat spaghetti w/ meatball and bread dinner means, you get ONE serving of spaghetti w/ meatball and bread and then just noodles and sauce for all refills.. No meatballs no bread. SMH this place is a joke now..... read more

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This place used to be kinda sketch but apparently they are under new ownership and now its kinda cool. On Tuesdays they serve $3 wells $3 beers and have a comedy show. When I went the entire back room was full of people and laughter, it was a lot of fun! I will definitely be back soon! read more

STEELERSSSSSS!! Okay, maybe I'm going to be a little bias but you know, Starting Gate overall is a pretty awesome bar, even if you aren't a Steelers fan. My buddies and I came here for lunch and beers midweek. (Whoop to taking random days off work!) Our waitress Jennifer was nothing but short of spectacular. Especially considering it was one of my friend's bday and he was acting a little rambunctious. She was totally sweet and didn't mind him at all, even when at times, I did! Their food is your basic bar fare. Wings and fries, chicken tenders and fries, cheeseburger and fries... etc. And to be honest, their food here is pretty good! Beer battered onion rings, my fav! Buffalo wings were nicely spiced and perfectly crispy. I stole some bites off my friend's pastrami sandwich and that was pretty tasty too! Pitchers of beers for $8? Yes please! They have a ton of specials so check them out. Nice local divey bar vibe but its total spacious and definitely would be a great place to hang out with friends. Nice fun relaxed unpretentious atmosphere. I can't wait to come back! Come on football season! read more

BEST STEELERS BAR IN SO CAL! BEST STEELERS BAR IN SO CAL! BEST STEELERS BAR IN SO CAL! BEST STEELERS BAR IN SO CAL! BEST STEELERS BAR IN SO CAL! BEST STEELERS BAR IN SO CAL! BEST STEELERS BAR IN SO CAL! BEST STEELERS BAR IN SO CAL! BEST STEELERS BAR IN SO CAL! BEST STEELERS BAR IN SO CAL! Did you get that? My four star rating is strictly for coming here during FB season to watch steelers games. This place goes OFF! You have to come super early to get a seat. There's tailgating in the parking lot the whole day of the game. Don't ever come wearing the opposing team's jersey - or you are in trouble. They have raffles and people are cheering in unison. If you are a steelers fan, you must check this place out during the games. I've never been if there isn't a game on, so I cannot give a honest review on anything other than GAME DAY. read more

It's time for Carlos to shit or get off the pot. Open the damn place up or sell it to someone who will.

Worst service ever!! The waitresses spent more time walking around kissing old men which obviously lived there and don't actually hold a J-O-B since they appear as though a fresh pair of clothes and a shower has eluded them. I came here to watch the basketball finals, a simple request to turn up the volume was laughed at until more people began to show up and ONLY then the volume was magically turned up from being muted. At one point the waitresses & bartenders outnumbered the patrons in the bar!! But did anyone walk up to offer me another beer which had been gone for quite some time? Nope, that's because they were all walking around chatting it up with their friends who are obviously more important than a paying customer. Oh...and what year is it?? Yep, 2015 WHO THE EFF DOESNT HAVE AN AIR CONDITIONER IN THIS DAY & AGE? It was unbearably hot in here. NEVER AGAIN!!! I'd rather watch the game at home than waste money to be tortured and have horrible service. read more

Cruddy service. Actually, worse than that. I left after not even getting a nod from the bartender or a waitress. I can spend my money elsewhere. Shame too, cuz it's within walking distance. read more

Best bands, best DJs, and best dance floor in OC. This place is my go to for a fun night of good dancing and music. Lynette does a wonderful job with her band selections, and I always enjoy the fun and energy she brings to the dance floor. I'm glad to hear that they are doing upgrades, and looking forward to their reopening in Aug. read more

They lucky you can't give negative stars. Obviously this is a California club and I usually stay in Las Vegas so there will be a step down, but. The place is really terrible, really bad music, terrible dj, food stops at 10 or whenever they wanna stop serving. It gets a 1 from me bc it's so small, maybe 20 tables, all if which are taken by ppl who I guess hang out for 5 to 6 hrs in the same spot. Can't say enough bad things about this place but the worst thing has to be the service read more

My husband got food poisoning from the starting gate and when i posted my complaint on facebook they 86 me from going. The manager didnt care that my husband got sick all she cared about was getting a bad review. That is not very good for business In my opinion. I think if the food was bad they should've inspected the kitchen not stopping customers from patronizing their establishment. read more

(Tuesday) Comedy at the Starting Gate is the best show in town....and the best part...it's FREE! No cover with a 2 drink or food minimum. The drink and food specials change weekly but there is always something good. The show is 18 and over so the drinks can just be sodas and dollar tacos! The show is hosted by Cochino.....and he brings in a different lineup every Tuesday....I have never left disappointed .............Be careful if your sensitive though because the comics equally discriminate EVERYONE! After the comedy show is over they open the dance floor and a DJ takes over....and lately the drink specials start after comedy have been 2 for 1. read more

Been here a couple of times, never had a problem. Breakfast was very good! Tough to decide how this place wants the atmosphere, has so many different things going on. read more

Our waitress Emily makes our few hours there for bike night in Wednesday worth wild she is super friendly fast and accurate with her service very attentive burrito special is worth the $5 and the bikes are great to look at. Bike night has improved read more

I read all the reviews from 2 years ago when the GATE was a piece of $@%^. Since then the new owners have taken over its has made a 360 turn for the better! Its has the "hottest comedy show" in Orange County! Still some work to be done..but they're on it! So come around and check out what you've been missing! read more

This place sucks. Worst service ever. We came in to eat lunch and asked for the menu. A lady resembling a waitress refuses to give us menus, she had glasses and looked like she hated her life. I had a bottled drink in my hand that I was still working on and the lady very rudely says you can't have that in here. At first I didn't know what she was talking about, because judging from her harsh tone you thought I brought a wild animal or a firearm inside. I told her I would order a drink and we're there to eat and to not worry about it because I will just keep it on the table. But she gets super pushy and snarls that I need to throw it out or leave. All 3 of us left because that waitress made us lose our appetites and that cost them paying customers! Stay away from that negative waitress, she will make your food taste bad! Yuk. read more

I always enjoy myself when I come to this place for some fun. The owner and his family are very welcoming and both of the security guards are awesome! The variety of music is always a plus and the bartenders are constantly making sure that you are good with drinks. It does get busy and the parking lot tends to always fill up, so that can get annoying. I've never really sat down to eat, so I'm not quite sure about the food besides a salad once. The comedy show they have on Tuesday nights is a lot of fun and I would definitely recommend it to everyone. You will have a blast. Simply hilarious! Lots of good vibes and laughs. If you're in a dancing mood, this is the place to be! read more

NO COVER CHARGE! Need I say more? This is a very relaxed, relatively clean-for-a-dive bar with a great layout, great dance floor, good music, and decent drink prices especially for not charging a cover. You can buy two drinks for $12 and dance the night away. Seriously, two movie tickets will cost you double that and you just stare at flickering screen for two hours. Fellas, take your lady out dancing and enjoy a real night out! The waitresses are warm and polite, drinks come relatively quickly, and the whole experience is great. The building's outside seems a bit dodgy, but once inside it's totally cool. Thursday night = salsa dancing! No cover. They have a "live" band of three older Spanish guys who play percussion and vocals over canned music. The crowd is older but very low key and lots of people are dancing. Not many jerk show-offs and the band does a good job of mixing up the salsa, cha cha, merengue, cumbia, etc. There are supposedly beginner and intermediate lessons at 8PM but I haven't personally made it there in time to partake. Sunday afternoon = country dancing! No cover. They label it a line dancing night which had me hesitant but only half the dance floor was taken by the line crowd and there were plenty of people two-stepping or west coast swing dancing. Again, crowd is a little older but everyone is there to have a good time. This time the band is a full live band. They border more on the "rock" end of the country spectrum, but they do a good job and I'll take live music over a DJ any day. There are a LOT of Pittsburgh steeler fans in the joint, but the layout is large enough that they have their side and the dancers/band/ballroom have their end. Everyone seems to get along which is really saying something for steeler fans. ;) 2nd Saturday afternoon = west coast swing! No cover. I haven't personally been to this event yet but I plan on it. I'm glad Starting Gate is open to all the various dancing nights! read more

Came here on a Tuesday night for their comedy lineup and laughed my ass off. Starting Gate is a bit divey but not in a creepy/dirty way. There was no cover, but a 2 drink/$8 minimum during the show. Not bad considering they had drink specials. They do have food, but don't expect anything gourmet. The service okay. It's a busy night and our gal spaced on getting me my whiskey sour. After the show they open up the dance floor, offer BOGO free on drinks, so don't be afraid to double fist it! The music was a mix of old school hip hop and zumba songs... which is actually quite fitting if you think about where you are. Nary a country song was heard. Their comedy lineup was strong, diverse, and raunchy. I loved it. Apparently, Starting Gate lives up to its name because this is where a bunch of comedians got their start (i.e. Jo Koy). The guy who organized the show even came to hang out with our group for a while. Talked stories and made us feel welcome. I'll definitely be coming back. The Good: Solid comedy and drink specials. The Bad: Service was spotty. The Ugly: Some of the visuals the comedians give you... Nipple eyelashes. read more

A small place, across from the Los Alamitos racetrack with an older crowd. My friend and I went on a Saturday night and it's definitely not a place to go if you're under 40 or actually under 50! The band was lively and played a variety of old and new school songs and the drinks were good, so we had a nice time dancing and drinking. read more

Bit of an older croud but thats not bad :) . Decent prices. Good bar for young married couples

This is a cool place. An older crowd. Some refer to it as "God's waiting room. " Good entertainment. I've been to their comedy night a few times and they get some pretty good comics. TVs to watch sports and the food is pretty good too. read more

They do bike nights on Wednesday, so I gave them a chance- 3 times. The first night, I got there around 5:30 and it was pretty quiet. Walking through the swinging doors, one thing immediately hits you. It's pitch black in there. Give yourself a couple minutes to adjust, and you'll be alright. I ordered a jack and coke, it took a while, but the nice bartender finally poured it. Instantly disappointed. I wasn't there to get smashed, but the soda was flat and you couldn't taste the whiskey. If she had been behind the bar, I would have had her try it- but she disappeared somewhere. After a few minutes, she showed back up and I let her know. She rolled her eyes and poured another one. Better, but not great. I knew it wasn't going to get any better- so I just drank it. The redeeming quality to this place is the food. For what it is, they can cook some good stuff. Will I be going back? No, but that's me. They get a ton of business, so I might be the crazy one. read more