Had an amazing time a the Y2K event last Friday. Everyone was dancing and you can really feel the community. Loved it when the singer swung around the stage and that white boy rapped. Even during the band's break, the DJ was playing fun music and people danced along. Someone did break a bottle, but some guy cleaned it up pretty quick. There was a guy smoking inside even though there was a patio, but it's not the bars fault. Definitely coming back read more

Great small venue for live music! They book a lot of bands of varying styles and experience. We saw Creature Canyon on Friday and I don't think I've ever seen a better band in this intimate a venue. Didn't eat so can't speak to that but had a classic Old Fashioned and a couple Cold Snacks which are always nice to see in the cooler. Highly recommend! read more

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STEPH JUDGEMENT: Nice small venue for live bands. Former Detroit Bar (RIP). Came to see a friend's band and they sounded great. Nice sound and light system. The place felt quite roomy. They had a decent selection of draft beers from OC breweries. I tried a hazy from bottle logic and an ipa from brewery x--both good. The hubby had a non alcoholic Heineken since he was the designated driver. I think that was their only non alcoholic beer. Not much father than the observatory and had a nice, comfortable vibe. I'd be down to see more bands here. read more

Came for an open mic night on first Wednesday of the month and the lineup was decent. But what really got me going was their Rib Plate special $13 and literally the best ribs I think I've ever had. Thank you Luke for tip and great service! Tots and slaw as well were delicious but the ribs melted right in your mouth and fell completely off the bone with just a tap. Also boiler maker special with Redemption Bourbon and choice of beer which was $13 as well. Can't be beat! read more

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Had a nice time at The Wayfarer tonight! The staff is always friendly and the service is prompt. The Friday night house band Sega Genocide delivers countless memorable hits from the 90's and 2000's that keep the crowd dancing and singing along. The food menu has a lot of stand out items, and there are a number of craft beers on tap. Other nights of the week are filled with touring and local bands, that help keep the OC live music seen thriving and vibrant. I remember seeing the Last Anarchists Standing here and they were memorable to say the least. Bring your friends and let yourself go at The Wayfarer. A good time is here for all comers. Enjoy! read more

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Cute little bar tucked in a shopping mall! Made for a cool intimate venue but definitely wear ear plugs. Where the concerts are, there's no where for the music to travel so it bounced off the walls and straight into our ears! It was so uncomfortably loud. But I did have good time. read more

Came here for a night out and the live music was great! It wasn't too busy on a Friday and we walked in easily. The only downside is the cover fee was about $15 and doesn't come with a drink or anything so it ends up being a bit pricey off the bat for a dive bar. However the band was fun and had great energy. The drinks were relatively affordable and the people there all danced which was fun. It's located in a really quiet shopping area so there's lots of free parking. read more

Drove out here to see another tribute band called Legend Zeppelin. I had bought my tickets in advance through Eventbrite and had the ticket loaded on my phone's wallet. They don't have a scanner for the QR code so I had to show an email or be on the printed list with the names of all the prepaid tickets. Despite this drawback the staff was very nice and I enjoyed a night listening to some classic rock music. read more

The Wayfarer - Legend Zeppelin JUN2025 - Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Never ate here before but this is a great place to come for y2k night on Fridays. The live band is amazing and the dj is also good. I also like that they have their own beers and have a full bar. The place is nice because they have a section where it feels more like a concert venue, then a billiard area, and then a drinking lounge bar area. I love coming here. The service is also pretty good. I am able to get a drink pretty fast. read more

pretty divey imo but it was a cool space. the workers all work very hard here and are constantly picking up after people who leave their finished drinks on the tables, etc. and the bartender did not have me wait long and was very friendly. music was fun also! it's a standing room / open concept vibe. read more

Go for a cover band sega genecide Drinks are good but bar get really packed Sometimes they ignore you But over all vibe is cool couch on the side of the performance and decent space to sing and dance read more

It's nice to still see a good performance room in Orange County. This bar has a nice stage and a soundman which is tops. The only downside is the seating is barstools and folding metal chairs, ffs! The live entertainment they have most nights is pretty damn good. But I would avoid Wednesday night Open Mic Night with an MC asshole named Chris like the plague. THE EMCEE WAS THE HECKLER! He's as unprofessional as they get, changes his rules to let other people get more time before you get yours, and takes no accountability for interrupting your act because he wasn't paying any attention to begin with. But aside from Chris being an unprofessional loser, the room itself is amazing read more

Great little live music venue. Good beer list and full bar. The burgers were ok. Also has a couple pool tables in the back. read more

Been here before but tonight a guy started a mosh pit out of nowhere when the space was so small and everyone was cramped. He knocked me fully down and my husband tried to get him to calm down - no swings at all and the other guy wouldn't calm down. Tell me how we got kicked out the club. Do better at seeing who actually was causing trouble. read more

These types of venues are always my favorite when it comes to live music. Great ambiance, quick service, easy parking, and some kick-ass doom metal! Didn't get a chance to try their food, but it looked several grades above most other bar food I've seen. The couple working the doors were exceptionally pleasant. Definetly worth the trip from LA. read more

Went there to play their Open Mic which is promoted by Chris Cruz. Very busy night with lots of musicians. The sound and stage are top notch, and their sound man made everyone sound great. That is rare for an open mic. Will definitely go back to play their. read more

This place definitely deserves zero stars! I came here with about a group of 20 people for the Death Cab Karaoke event last Saturday night. We were all having a great time until the bartender started being rude to my fiancé! When my fiancé and a friend of ours went to the bar to grab another drink the bartender responded by saying, "Fuck that! You tip like shit! I'm not serving you"! He also slammed the bottle that was in his hand against the bar top as he said that comment. First of all, my fiancé was tipping every single time he bought drinks! Secondly, tipping is not mandatory! After the comment was made, my fiancé walked away and went outside because he no longer felt welcomed. He did not react or talk back to the bartender whatsoever but as he walked outside of the venue one of the bartenders walked outside and stood in front of venue with one of the staff members at the entrance booth. They were watching my fiancé because they probably were assuming that he might react to what the bartender said. When our party decided to leave the event my fiancé said have a good night to the bartender and the other staff member standing in front. But they both defensively responded by saying, "What did you say"!? As my fiancé repeated himself both the guys ignored him and didn't say anything back to him. It was a bummer because we had a great time at the event and the venue was nice but the bartender was just rude! Here's a photo of the bartender that refused to serve my fiancé! read more

The Wayfarer - Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Absolutely wonderful food for a bar. Nachos were amazing and would come back just for them. Cesar was a little underwhelming but the flavor of Nachos made up for it. Cute place for live music. pool. relaxing. read more

The Wayfarer - Nachos and Chicken Cesar - Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

The food here was actually way better than I was expecting. The food was a 5/5 and was a good price. Unfortunately, the guy I ordered from was weirdly mean and sassy and I wasn't really sure why so I gotta drop the review down to a 4 star. I kinda wanted to ask the guy why he was upset and if he wanted to talk about it. Like I'm a good listener. Like tell me your feelings big boy. Like rest your head on daddy's shoulder and tell me what's going on. After writing those last 3 sentences I think I gotta drop the review down to 3 stars lol. read more

I don't visit the The Wayfarer often, but when I do I always have a good time. The food is worth a visit in its own right. The pulled pork sliders, for instance, are a thing of beauty. I've never had better pulled pork anywhere and heaven knows I've eaten my share of it over the years. The service is friendly and on the ball every time. Ambience wise, it's a roomy, comfortable place with lots of places to sit. I like to sit at the bar, but that's personal preference. Booze wise its full bar with a nice selection of craft beers. The place attracts some really good bands, including some that tour nationally. Last night, we saw Jerry Joseph. He was great. The Wayfarer is a good place worthy of your attention. Cheers! read more

The Wayfarer - Pulled Pork sliders - Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

The great band legend zeppelin was there for concert I'd enjoy the drink and play pool

Convenient local spot for live music. Casual, comfortable and great staff! Keeping the alerts on for future bands. read more

Good times and cool staff..saw avalon last saturday and had a blast. bartenders were on their game and the vibe there was killer with the small stage effect read more

Great Dive Bar! They made me a blood Orange drink that was excellent. Band was fun. Pool tables here. $10 entry for the band. read more

The Wayfarer - Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

This place is an anti-American establishment. I would not recommend this place. Food was subpar. Prices were not the best. Service was terrible. And they made fun of a father who got assassinated in front of his children. read more

A nice place on the beach that is a bit more than bar and grill casual. The food is outstanding and the room is thoughtfully decorated. A great place to go for a nice dinner in Virginia Beach. read more

A really dope spot! Clean! Clean restrooms, full spacious bar! Went to catch a show, some technical difficulties, but nothing major! Loved the show! Super intimate. I want to come back to try the food. read more

The Wayfarer - Kendra morris - Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Terrible time. Security accused me of doing drugs in the bathroom after simply peeing in the stall, then kicked me out without any proof, ruining my night. read more

Cool little dive hidden in Costa Mesa. Went for Y2K night. The crowd was lively, the band was awesome and the sound was great. Intimate dancefloor but still spacious enough to not feel stuffed. Bartenders were friendly and quick! read more

Yo! The Wayfarer is the spot! Whoever selects artists, is a cold beast. Thank you for hitting every time. Everyone I have dealt with there has been super cool and welcoming. The food specials are absolutely amazing and priced insanely low. Not to mention the food is SO Very good. The locals/regulars are conversational and kind. I am Supremely blessed to have found this amazing hotspot. read more

The Wayfarer - Wednesday Rib Special!!!! - Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

First time coming here on Tuesday for trivia, tacos, and tequila.. this was fun to do with friends. Taco Tuesday special was $3 each. Took a bit to come out but it was also very busy. read more

First time visitor a few days ago. Came by with some friends to see a band and have some drinks. It is tucked in the corner of a plaza but really opens up when you enter. There was so much more space than I expected. The band had a stage to perform on and there was a large space in front for people to dance. The bar was nice as well and in the back of the bar there were pool tables. I ordered a few drinks throughout the night and they were all great. They also have a good selection of beer that I assume they change every so often. The music from the bands that performed were all good and everyone seemed friendly as we were all enjoying the music together. read more

"I know it's not much, but it's the best I can do My gift is my song, and this one's for you." -Bernie Taupin and Sir Elton John The Wayfarer chose wisely to welcome Bobby Vegas, the esteemed karaoke tycoon, onto its stage every Sunday night. Bobby is a gift to the karaoke world. He has successfully coordinated and run plenty of karaoke events throughout Orange County. I've attended my fair share of Bobby's events, and Bobby always manages to inject a little extra pop into every song sung. I remember he clapped during the entire refrain when I belted out Bob Seger's "Old Time Rock 'n' Roll." Bobby's approach to the craft of karaoke jock goes beyond just building up the random singer. Mr. Vegas begins every night with his own impassioned rendition of whatever track he happens to be feeling that night. I have never seen him mail it in; the extra effort he invests in his opening croon usually inspires those few hesitant members of the crowd to fill out one of his tiny white slips with a request to sing a cherished ditty. Bobby sings well. He does a very good version of Aerosmith's cover of "Come Together." I presume he can probably pull off most of the songs in his songbook without stringing one bead of sweat. This man practices. Fans of Bobby's karaoke night really mirror the energy Bobby exudes. On 11/10 I saw a group of women shouting the lyrics to System of a Down's "Chop Suey." That performance was a hilarious trainwreck. The best song I saw had to be an older gent singing Bowie's "Let's Dance." Singer had a smooth voice that packed much sonic wallop. As for myself, I serenaded the Costa Mesa locals with the very best version of Macklemore and Wanz's "Thrift Shop." I remember getting a few compliments, and I am not exactly Whitney Houston, so I can say the Wayfarer crowd on a Sunday is almost as cool as Bobby Vegas. Go to see Bobby be a bad man; stay for the singers. And, maybe try out that song that has been on repeat in traffic. The entire Wayfarer will be your back up singer. read more

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Came here once and had a blast! I love the edgy vibe. Came to watch a band play and get some drinks. We lingered by the long table in the center in front of the bar and watched the band perform. Before the bands played, we could talk and socialize a bit. Tv's would display sports games. Once the band started it got too loud to talk and they turned the TVs off. Overall enjoyed my time here and hope to visit again soon! read more

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They have good drinks and decent food for a BAR. You order everything from the bartender and everything taste like it should. It's pretty decent .. again for a bar. They have music and it seems fine. The place is clean enough. They have one long table in the middle and a side table along the wall next to the pool tables. It's kinda a chill atmosphere and most of the people don't look shady. I mean for a bar being next to a coin-op laundromat. I'd come again with friends if I'm in town. read more

Been coming here since it was Detroit Bar. I can't say enough good things... bro the chicken burrito though.. bomb. One time a bartender tried to run up my tab thinking I was wasted but I was sober so I would say be aware of that. I could say it was an honest mistake but who knows. Anyways I have had some cool times with friends at this spot since I can remember. I like the space and what they did since the remodel some years back for sure. I like that they expanded the kitchen. Cheers. read more

Andy helped us with our food and drinks, very nice and knowledgeable about the menu and drinks! Thank you! read more

The Wayfarer - Cadillac Margarita - Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Miguel makes the best margaritas! Great taco Tuesday, be sure to ask for him specifically

Been going to wayfarer for awhile Since segagenocide moved from LaCave to their. Saw Mickey Avalon last night which was fantastic. I love the small venue and more local feel and vibe. It's a good place for bands. Would highly recommend. Just be ready to manage your way to the bar bc it does get packed. read more

The Wayfarer - Mickey Avalon live at the Wayfarer - Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Food is good. Not bad. Just tried the wings but the other stuff looked good like the pasta bowls and burgers. The service is quick. Bartenders don't keep you waiting long. Same for the food. Lots of room. Two pool tables. read more

The Wayfarer - Bottle collection - Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California