Found this on instagram and we took a chance. Super fun to try!! It's held inside a nice hotel with free parking. The actors were energetic and made it fun! Great improving and keeps you guessing. The food was just ok. Both the chicken and fish were overcooked. But you come here for the show! Highly recommend. SYOY! read more

The Dinner Detective - Fish entree - Dinner Theater Near Me - Orange, California

This was a really fun evening! It took place at the Embassy Suites. The actors were outstanding, full of fun and kept the evening moving at a good pace. Some audience participants were involved in the mystery case as well so you really had to stay alert, watch closely, and ask good questions. The organizer did a fantastic job with the event. The food was fair - somewhat overcooked. Options for chicken, fish, or vegetarian. Come try this! You will laugh and have such a fun time meeting new people. read more

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Fun little interactive dinner / entertainment. This was our first murder mystery dinner, and although it was different from what we expected, it was a great experience! The host was great, the detectives were hilarious, the actors did a great job. Food was good - chicken or fish. There's crowd interaction so be prepared to talk to others or be put on the spot! read more

Great experience! Had the best time ever, even the dinner was delicious . Definitely will recommend family and friends

The host Riley and the actors were amazing and entertained us the whole night. It comes with a 3 course meal (salad, entree, dessert) The food was okay, nothing to write home about but the show makes up for it. It's fun to figure out the mystery killer with friends and family. read more

We went to the one in Long Beach as long as you read all the information upfront you will have a wonderful time. The food was good and served in a fairly timely manner. They start the detective show right away and bring you a salad. I recommend you eat all of your salad because the next course isn't for a little bit, but it was very good. The service was very good And the ambience is in a room so you can see everything they ask you questions and have a really good time you get to mingle around the room and ask everybody else questions so you can figure out who is the killer so make sure you dress comfortably, but everybody was so nice. I highly recommend it. read more

What a great fun time to have, especially for a special occasion dinner experience. Was given this as a birthday gift and was scheduled for the show on 11/2/24. To really get the most out of this experience, it helps to be a bit extroverted as you should try to immerse yourself in the storyline. First, this particular show is held at The Hotel Lulu near Disneyland and The Garden Walk. Nice hotel, standard banquet rooms, hotel was clean, and the hotel staff was friendly. Maybe I should do a separate review for them alone. On to the show... It was really fun. It may not be the right cup of tea for everyone, but we all thought that it was a wonderful time and a great way to be together. I must also add that we are a family who loves to do Escape Rooms and other adventure/thinking/mystery type events together. So, this was right on point for us. This is mainly adults; no young kids so be aware. There were a couple of 15-16-year-olds there for a birthday but no younger ones. Please check the website. BTW, you will be asked to use a fake name for the performance that is written on your nametag. It's OK to be a bit colorful... The jokes could be kind of corny, there is a little slap-stick kind of humor in the performance, and it is not a deep-thinking or serious kind of performance. You are there to have fun and you will. Having known people that have been performers, I can tell you that doing dinner theater is hard, really hard sometimes. Get a bad individual in a group or worse, a crowd that doesn't seem to care at all, and it makes it so much harder on the performers. Everyone in the show was really trying hard, putting forth a good effort, interacting with the guests and working on making it a good time for everyone. Overall, we had a pretty good group at this seating, so it made it easier for the performers to want to be good at what they were doing. The basics, someone is "murdered" and dies in the room. Gotta figure out who did it. And it's someone in the room with you right now. Everyone with a name tag is a suspect. There are several clues, written papers, voice recording transcripts, etc... Some of these are made available to you where you scan a QR code with your phone. Each of the 3 "acts" have a passcode needed to unlock the clues as the night went along. But also, since I just complained about this in another review, they have a paper backup that they put on the wall so you can go look at the clues. So, in case your phone doesn't open the QR clues, you don't have a smartphone, you are older and not tech savvy, you can still access everything that you need. Also, some people, myself included, sometimes like to see everything laid out in front of me. Plus, you can talk to and mix with the others also looking at the clues. Another great way to interact and question others at the murder mystery. I don't want to give away anything about the performers, but we ended up picking 3 of the undercover performers as "suspicious" early on. But as the storyline goes along, that they (the cast) pick 3 suspects from the audience and have you write them down as clues/possible killer. In our case, none of the 3 suspects that they gave us as clues was involved. It was someone else! This may change depending on the version of the story that they are telling that night. So, remember, everyone who has a nametag is a viable suspect at the end. My only real complaint for the night was about the food. The appetizers were good, but the entrees (chicken or Tilapia) were both mediocre at best. Fish was overcooked/cold, chicken was bland/cold, mashed potatoes were very dry/cold. The vegetables were not bad though. The dessert was good but really small, literally one bite. I know that it is hard to blame the dinner theater itself for the food as that is provided by the hotel. But ultimately, if there are complaints about the food, such as mine, it's up to the dinner theater group to hold the hotel accountable since they are paying for it from our fees. Sorry about that. I really want to give a shout out to the performers. Dinner theater can really be a grind, and these guys really worked hard at making it fun. The pacing of the show was really good, they came around to talk to everyone during the "breaks". They kept it light-hearted and kept us moving along on the journey. I highly recommend that if you are looking for something different to go do as a date night, work event, birthday party or guys/girls' night out, that you give this a try. Extra bonus points if you go by yourself and dress/act suspiciously to throw others off of the scent of the real actors...lol Hope you enjoy it! read more

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What a fun evening. I loved it! The cast did an excellent job. The food was great! I had chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy, excellent veggies, salad and bread. Everyone seemed to have a great time solving the murder. This event was in the LuLu Hotel, a very nice beautiful clean hotel across from Disneyland. After the show we stepped outside and watched the fireworks read more

The Dinner Detective - Disneyland fireworks after the show - Dinner Theater Near Me - Orange, California

Great show! Date night must! Perfect blend of mystery, comedy, and great food! A little expensive on the drinks but to be expected.

The show itself was fun and interactive. Props to the actors. They did a good job. The food was not good. Salad smothered in dressing already waiting as our party was seated. Undercooked edamame and cold meatballs as appetizers. The actual entrees were served around 8pm. I had the chicken, my father had the fish. I was sick 2 hours later. My father made it until morning before he was ill. I'd do this event again if it was hosted at a different location. read more

Great show she sheriffs or the cops whatever they were are very funny. The actress are good too very funny and put on a good show. The dinner was delicious I had the salmon with rice and veggies. The show went on and I knew he was the murderer I just didn't want to tell anyone! read more

Ok, this was a fun night! My daughter loves Murder mysteries, so I thought it would be fun for our family to come for our wedding anniversary. The crew is very funny! They know how to engage the crowd, and it was easy to be entertained all night. One star off because I thought the food was mediocre, and the venue as well. It is definitely not the 5 star 5 course meal at a fancy hotel, but we already kind of expected that. Plus part is that their drinks are very affordable! Around $5 for beer and wine, we had more than 10 drinks and paid about $70 total including tip (that's even after we bought some for our new friends at the table lol!) Tip: their pasta (for us) that night was bland. I enjoyed the fish plate much more read more

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I've been to a murder mystery dinner over 20 years ago and remember it being super cheesy and kind of lame. I thought maybe it would be a little better now and surprisingly it was really entertaining and my group loved it and was laughing so much. I'm terrible at puzzles, mysteries, trivia type stuff so I didn't really bother with the clues but you can tell they went through a lot of trouble creating the storyline and keeping the show organized and progressing well. The actors were amazing, they were soooo good at improvising and engaging audience members and making relevant jokes. I can see how the evening could've been less fun if the actors weren't good or if the audience refused to participate but we weren't unlucky. I'm not rating the food as I would normally not go out of my way to eat at a hotel or at an event where the establishment has to serve a hundred people all at once, it's rarely ever going to be great (I'm a picky foodie) plus these events are held at different venues so it'll be different food that's not within their control. I will say though the hotel Lulu did a really good job serving everyone timely, I was surprised to see that. I would definitely return and recommend this experience for anyone looking for a good time. read more

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Had a great time at the show. The food was good. The actors were funny energetic and entertaining. I enjoyed talking with the other folks at my table and got fooled by 2 actors at my table. The mystery was funny and fun. I didn't salve it but had a great time watching it unfold. A wonderful night out. read more

The food was good, the finger food offering and salad were good and the chicken entree was very good, nice and tender and good flavor, and the red Cupcake and chocolate sauce dessert cured my sweet tooth but also wasn't too sweet. Overall solid dinner that filled us up as we enjoyed the evening. The actors were a joy to watch, and they did a really awesome job keeping everyone involved in the narrative and laughing out loud throughout the show. I set up my wife to be a suspect in the night's case and the two detective actors did such a hilarious job incorporating her into the act. The other actors did well too, but our favorite obviously were the detectives. It also helps that the others at our table were enjoying themselves as well. The murder mystery itself got my wife and I engaged in examining the clues and looking at everyone at the other tables and what they told us. It was a good reveal who the murderer was, even better I suspected correctly and was watching the actor as the detectives were narrowing it down. The culprit did a good job acting nervous, a little detail which I appreciated. Overall a very fun evening, honestly you will have a fun time and my wife and I definitely want to go back with some friends. read more

Fun show with great energy! The personal touch and the way the audience is included is my favorite part.

I was looking for a fun activity for me and my husband and came across The Dinner Detective. I booked tickets a few weeks in advance and purchased the suspect package (you pay a little extra and someone in your group is identified as a suspect and they are involved in the show - highly recommend this!). We arrived 30 minutes early, but parking was easy and the location was very easy to find in the hotel lobby. When we checked in, we were able to create our own alias on nametags and were seated at our table. They have a cash bar with wine, beer, and simple cocktails. If you plan on drinking alcohol, it is cash only, so make sure to bring cash! Now onto the food...surprisingly...the food was really good. I knew I wasn't going to a fancy dinner so I already had my expectations but the food was pretty good. You have the option of fish, chicken, or vegetarian (pasta). The meal starts off with a caesar salad, meatballs, bread, main entree, and dessert. The show itself was very entertaining and time flew by! It was around 3 hours or so, but it didn't feel like it. You have time to interact with other guests aka suspects, eat your food, and watch the show. If you are able to pin-point the killer, you win a grand prize! Overall, it was a fun night and I would come back. Make sure to bring cash not just for the bar but also for the performers so you can tip them :) read more

I had a great time at this show. My niece came with and we had actors at our table!! I had a feeling they were in on the show but they played it off well. On to the food. Nice little salad to start. The appetizers never came but I wasn't that hungry so it's fine. The chicken and potatoes were delicious with veggies on the side. I tried my boyfriends and it was great. Loved the potatoes! I got the vegetarian pasta and it was really good. Usually that option is bland or just plain. This one have perfectly cooked pasta and veggies added in. Wish I'd taken pictures because it was tasty. Dessert was chocolate cake and it was moist and not too sweet. We had a great time and loved participating in the show. I'd come back definitely. My review is super late. I guess I forgot to post it! read more

Celebrated my boyfriend's birthday here and it was such a fun time! Prices were just right but I did pay a little extra for my boyfriend to be the suspect (he had no idea about it either which was even better). The actors are great at what they do & even the "under cover ones" at your table. You will never know! Hahah. I saw some people celebrating an anniversary and others a bachelorette & even a girls night. It's fitting for any celebration. The food was ok but I did really like the chicken! You can get drinks inside the banquet or outside at the bar, parking is shared with the hotel or you can do street parking. Would recommend for any celebration! read more

The production was well played. If was engaging and interactive. We enjoyed the food and other guests.

It was a fun experience. Once you get in, you will be given a name tag in which you will have to write down your nickname and you will be given a table number. There were iced tea and salad already served on the table. You can start eating if you want, but people typically wait a little bit (I think to be polite, or maybe too early for dinner time). Then typically once they serve the dinner roll, people will start eating. Before you start eating (but after almost everybody is sat) you can get up to the front to get the second appetizer. It's bite sized. Actors will sit in most of the tables. You'll know which ones they are. They will interact with you. Not for any storyline purposes, just to break the ice. Then you'll start eating. The show will start. It's fun to watch. Then they will give you a few clues (on paper) in separately, following the storyline. They will ask some of you to participate too. At the end, you will be given time to guess who the culprit is and you will need to give explanations. If you guess right, you will be given a gift! Be fast though. You might think you have enough time, but it flies fast. Food-wise, it's whatever. You're not really there for the food. We had the chicken marsala and fish piccata. Then for the dessert we were served brownie-cookie. Too sweet. Too hard to even cut. Couldn't eat it. read more

The Dinner Detective - Salad appetizer ready when you get there - Dinner Theater Near Me - Orange, California

This is definitely a fun activity to do with your friends and coworkers. The staff was so much fun!!

Hilarious show, I really enjoyed the detectives and how interactive it was. The actors were friendly and funny and the food was good! I will be coming back to see the show again. I have told all my friends and family that they have to go see this show! What a great experience I wish there was a show every night! read more

I had a great time, though I usually do not go in for audience participation. The cast did a great job of encouraging the audience. It helps that we had a great group at the table with us. Clues are provided via QR codes, so it helps if your phone is up to that. I know it sounds schmaltzy, but I really had wonderful evening that has left me with memories I cherish. I am sincerely grateful to the cast and the serving crew. (We attended the event at The Courtyard by Marriott, downtown Long Beach.) Be sure to bring along some cash for the servers and cast. Well worth it. read more

The show was so so, funny at times but too long and the acting was overdone. The food was bad and my family and I got sick to our stomachs after. I would not recommend it. read more

Our company attented this dinner and a show and i had a blast, thank you for the humorous and entertaining show. Thank you!

Had a great experience! I met a lot of awesome people that made it even more fun. The food was delicious and we really got into it. If you ever go to this, you definitely want to participate and not just be a wallflower. read more

My wife and I went there recently to celebrate our 29th wedding anniversary. It was a blast! The actors are hilarious and very engaging. The food was ok, but the entertainment made up for any short comings. I would recommend this place to anyone!! You do need thick skin, so be ready for that. read more

Amazing show and an interactive mystery. The clues and performers keep you laughing. A must attend. The diner was delicious and the service was excellent read more

The Dinner Detective - This was an amazing dinner detective show and we truly enjoyed it. A must see show. - Dinner Theater Near Me - Orange, California

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4 stars for overall experience (dinner and interactive show), 3 stars if you're looking for an experience that challenges you to find clues and find the murder! They seem to host these at different locations. I attended one at Four Points by Sheraton Anaheim. What to expect: *6pm check in. *Cash bar *~3 hour experience *3 course banquet dinner including salad, bruschetta, choice of fish or chicken and dessert. I tried both and the protein was not bad, they came with lots of sauce, so not dry. Veggies were a bit bland but ok for banquet food *Pretty intimate setting. They had about 6 tables *They give you some time to network and interrogate others to try to find any suspects. No, you don't get to talk to everyone so you may not interact with the "murderer" at all *Actors were lively and more like silly funny, not scary/real *They'll pass on clues throughout the dinner so you can make a decision Not super easy to figure it out. Just kind of random. My husband had a really good time though so I recommend it as a night out for dinner and an interactive show read more

The Dinner Detective - a table set for a meal - Dinner Theater Near Me - Orange, California

1st time at a dinner show. The food and entertaining were on point. The energy was great and the people who came were great sports. It was our friends bday and she had a ball. read more

The Dinner Detective - Glad I didn't die - Dinner Theater Near Me - Orange, California

I went to the mystery dinner show with a group of 8 friends. We did not enjoy ourselves at all. It was extremely difficult to follow along with all the noise from the drunk, rude people who would not stop yelling and making fools of themselves. The food was supposed to begin being served around 6:00 PM, we were served a very sparse salad, then a few hours later we were offered either a cold disgusting chicken dinner, or a nasty cold fish dinner that looked like it was covered with a white pasty liquid. I would absolutely NOT recommend this venue. read more

I got DRAGGED into this by my wife who similarly got drafted by her sister who wanted company to join some senior group she was into. Fortunately it turned out to be a very pleasant evening. The only downer for me was getting there fifteen minutes early to be crammed into the lobby with others before the 6 PM seating. I was the only one wearing a mask (KN95) there but I'm from LA County and this place was in OC which seems overrun by anti-vaxers... The other problem was the process of getting signed in. After a confusing set of orders on how and where to line up were given. After getting a ticket one had to cut through the line of those waiting to enter the dining/show area. Come on folks move the ticketing table and set the line up properly. So, the food was decent (chicken marsala for me), the small bar was (at times) under personed.. and they ran out of most wine selections half way through the show. Maybe one needs to sneak in a water bottle of their own hootch...? The show was well practiced, very humorous and well timed. The two lead actors did a fine job of keeping everybody tuned by having each person keep written records of "evidence" and observations. At the end of the show the notes were collected and the person with the correct answer AND best list of evidentiary details to who done it got a nice prize. The show ran from 6 PM to around 9:30. I would definetly recommend it for an unusual and entertaining night. Enjoy! read more

Had SO much fun!! The actors were hilarious (love you Detective Ricardo)! I was still laughing a day later. The interactiveness of this show makes it a huge selling point and very memorable. The food was fine (kind of cold), but no gourmet meal. I wasn't expecting much, as they were feeding multiple people at once. There is a simple bar available for drinks, but again nothing fancy. It would be nice if they had more syrups and made some themed cocktails. read more

Great show and dinner. The actors were awesome and interacted with the crowd. We would definitely come back again.

Took our daughter for her 18th birthday dinner and had so much fun. The food was good and the experience was better than we hoped for. Can't wait to go again! read more

Actors were awesome. You couldn't tell who was an actor and who wasn't. Great entertainment and great food.

Not too bad for what you get. 4 course meal and plenty of entertainment. Date night for me and my girl as we came here on a Saturday night. The cast is wonderful and entertaining with the right amount of humor and drama. You'll find yourself meeting other people at your table and if your lucky you might even guess the murderer who could be sitting right next to you as they place secret cast members as part of the audience. Food was just ok and your in a conference room at the embassy suites. Best part of the night was the acting. read more

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Absolutely the best birthday dinner ever. Its a great show and the actors are really good at improv so they get the entire audience involved. LOL ... We attended the Four Points by Sheraton Anaheim, and it was a blast. But be sure not to bring any weapons, or you might become a suspect.... Food is great, as expected from a restaurant in a high end hotel. But you go for the show. It's truly funny and great if you're willing to join in with the actors. Be advised though, there are some actors mixed in with the crowd and we couldn't tell who was who. The winner gets a gift basket, and is determined by who can write the most detail about the real killer. You will need sharp powers of observation. If you are drinking, then get there early and have a drink at the bar during happy hour which you can carry into the dining room, because once the dining room doors close, the prices go up on the dining room bar. Otherwise, it's delicious fun and you will glad you attended. Well recommended, we will return. read more

This was our company's year end party. It is an event that is scheduled from 7-11pm. Well, they open the doors at 7pm so by the time you get checked in, it was around 7:30pm. There are other groups and companies that are also in the room. I think in total around 100 people. They have actors among the place seated at tables. At the beginning, they have you go around the room to ask others questions. Then they start the show, etc. What I really didn't like is that it really doesn't involve everyone when the mystery starts. I would've liked if our group worked as a group to figure out the person that did the killing. This was more of do it on your own kinda thing. Also, I really can't see people going to these by themselves so it is kinda of obvious if a person is sitting at your table alone. read more