Santa Ana, you aren't that bad.

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Don't be afraid of the barrios of Santa Ana. There are a lot of cool things in this city behind the Orange Curtain

 1. John Wayne Airport

18601 Airport Way
Santa Ana, CA 92707
(949) 252-5200

Category: Airports

5.0 star rating
  6/12/2009

I love this airport as I hate LAX so much. Most times, I rather pay a few extra bucks to fly out of here. It is so close to home, traffic is much better than LA, parking is a breeze, baggage claim is no sweat, and you can't get lost here. I just love…More »

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 2. Harbor Barber

740 S Harbor Blvd
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 839-8475

Category: Barbers

5.0 star rating
  3/24/2011

Calling all Pelones! This is where you will see lots of bald dudes in Santa Ana. At least lots of bald dudes when they leave.

This is one of my hair cut joints. It is not fancy at all. It is just dirt cheap and they do a good job with the pelon…More »

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 3. Cost Plus World Market

1313 W. Sunflower Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 957-6553
5.0 star rating
  6/27/2011

They have Chimay Red, Blue and most importantly Chimay White.
Try finding the White at BevMo or Trader Joe. They don't always carry it and the White is definitely the best of the three and sold here at a good price of around $8. Some may say $8 is not…More »

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 4. Hans' Homemade Ice Cream

3640 S Bristol St
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 979-8815
4.0 star rating
  4/12/2011

I don't have a big sweet tooth but when I'm in the area, I must stop by and get a couple of scoops of heaven here. The ice cream is so rich and creamy tasting. I always get two scoops in a waffle cone because everything taste better in a waffle cone.…More »

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 5. El Calamar

315 W 17th St
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 664-8815

Categories: Mexican, Seafood

4.0 star rating
  Update - 5/6/2011

El Calamar is becoming my favorite Mexican joint in Santa Ana. Where else in this neighborhood would you have a Gringo like Dan H sing karaoke? That's right, he makes a fool of himself everywhere he goes. No fear or shame. A group of us came back to…More »

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  • 4.0 star rating
    3/11/2011

    Mary R told me I would like this place because it is like a Mexican Hooters. I would have to agree… Read more »

 6. Baja Fish Tacos

3664 S Bristol St
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 641-4836

Category: Mexican

4.0 star rating
  5/14/2009

Safer part of Santa Ana down the street from South Coast Plaza. Typically I get the shrimp tacos with white rice and black beans. Very tasty food at a good price. Never had a bad meal here.

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 7. Northgate Market No 9

230 N Harbor Blvd
Santa Ana, CA 92703
(714) 265-9394

Category: Grocery

4.0 star rating
  6/12/2009

They have very good carne asada and pollo asada here at the meat counter. I come here quite often to get these two meat to throw on the grill. Very flavorful and tasty. On weekends, there can be quite a long wait at the meat counter so I suggest…More »

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 8. Galaxy Concert Theater - CLOSED

3503 S Harbor Blvd
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 957-0600
4.0 star rating
  6/9/2009

Great small place to see a band. Every seat in the house is practically good. I wish more of my favorites would perform at this venue as it is close to home and nice and small.

Back in the 90's they use to have Club Rubber here on Monday nights. It…More »

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 9. Chicken Maison

3332 S Bristol St
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 434-0244

Category: Mediterranean

4.0 star rating
  3/24/2010

About a month ago I received a message from someone affiliated with the LA Chicken Maison location complimenting me on my knowledge of Mediterranean food. My list of 32 Middle Eastern and Mediterranean joints is not too shabby. He politely ask if I…More »

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 10. Lola Gaspar

211 W 2nd St
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 972-1172
4.0 star rating
  Update - 1/4/2010

A night at the Crosby and Proof Bar brought me back to Lola. This time, I sat inside cuz it was "Hella" cold outside. I used the word "Hella" cuz that's how they talk up in the 916. And Sacramento is cold during this season. I'm glad we sat inside…More »

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  • 3.0 star rating
    9/18/2009

    If you are looking for pricey, a little bit above average tasting food, served to you by smokin' hot… Read more »

 11. Cafe Lu

634 S Harbor Blvd
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 839-1608
4.0 star rating
  1/7/2010

If I were to go to a Vietnamese coffee joint, this would be it. I think Cafe Lu has the best looking girls out of all the places I've been too. I use to come here a lot to play Tienlen with my friends. We would just order a cafe sua da, get unlimited…More »

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 12. El Gallo Giro

1442 S Bristol St
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 549-2011

Category: Mexican

4.0 star rating
  5/15/2009

When I use to work in Santa Ana, this was my favorite late spot. Not the safest part of SA to be around late at night but it was worth the risk. I had some Mexican coworkers that turned me on to this place. Most of the time we would get the food to…More »

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 13. Puerto Madero

1225 W 17th St
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 547-5900
4.0 star rating
  11/7/2009 First to Review

Yay my 13th Firsts Review. I don't believe in "StupidStition" so it is all good.

After reading Al S review on El Gaucho Meat Market in Anaheim and learning that they have a market in Santa Ana also, I decided I was going to give the SA location a…More »

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 14. Bonert's Slice Of Pie

2727 S Susan St
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 540-3535

Category: Desserts

4.0 star rating
  10/2/2009

I find it funny that a person that claims not to have a sweet tooth would put down on their Yelp profile that My Last Meal On Earth would be What 3rd base feels like. What exactly does 3rd base feel like? Like warm apple pie. American Pie (1999)

And…More »

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 15. Tan Cang Newport Seafood

4411 W 1st St
Santa Ana, CA 92703
(714) 531-5146

Categories: Seafood, Vietnamese

4.0 star rating
  5/15/2011

Yes it is true, the lobster here is delish. They are very meaty and quite tasty. I love the Viet/Chinese way of doing lobsters. It is cut up into pieces, lightly coated with a batter, fried and tossed in an amazingly tasty sauce. I would get the…More »

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 16. Thasos Greek Island Grille

3940 S Bristol St
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 708-3000

Category: Greek

4.0 star rating
  9/18/2009

I bumped into the parents of one of the bartenders at Wing Nuts over at Thasos one evening. They told me they come here about once a week and they suggested that I try the Corus Chicken Special. I'm all about taking recommendations from the local…More »

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 17. Pho Tau Bay Ltt Restaurant

3610 W 1st St
Santa Ana, CA 92703
(714) 531-6634

Category: Vietnamese

4.0 star rating
  8/23/2009

So I had to try what is considered the best banh cuon around. Very strange that a Pho place would have this Vietnamese version of a French Crepe.

I drive down to the barrio in Santa Ana and found this Pho joint. I sat down looked at the menu really…More »

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 18. Shabu Shabu Bar

1945 E 17th St
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 954-0332

Categories: Japanese, Wine Bars

4.0 star rating
  10/22/2011

4.5 Stars

Since the crew I came here with wrote such good detailed reviews of this place, there's not too much more I can write. I can add that this place was the last time I ate meat before going on a vegetarian kick for a week. And it was a great…More »

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 19. Chapter One: the Modern Local

227 N Broadway
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 352-2225
4.0 star rating
  9/5/2011

I don't drink beer often. But when I do, I prefer Belgium. And they carry some good Belgium brew here. I have not eaten here yet , but I'm sure it will happen soon. And when it does, I'm pretty sure it is going to be their fish and chips that are…More »

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 20. Bella Cuba

3940 S Bristol St
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 545-5711
4.0 star rating
  1/9/2012

I am very happy to see another good Cuban restaurant come into OC. We truly don't have many Cuban joints to choose from. I've been to Habana down the street. The food is good but a little bit pricey. Also it is more of a date place with great…More »

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 21. Buccaneer Pizza

2757 N Grand Ave
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 639-9610

Category: Pizza

4.0 star rating
  8/19/2011

After marinating on the reviews here, I decided it was a must visit. Since Chad A loves this place so much, I dragged him along also. I let him take lead since he is a big promoter of this joint. On this visit, he wanted to try a pizza he had not…More »

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 22. Memphis at the Santora

201 N Broadway
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 564-1064

Categories: Southern, Lounges

4.0 star rating
  9/5/2011

This location is way different than the Costa Mesa location. It is much more spacious with a chic and modern decor. But why would anyone put up a painting of an old lady in a pool?! http://www.yelp.com/bi...

Service here is friendly and good. My…More »

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 23. The Gypsy Den

125 N Broadway
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 835-8840
3.0 star rating
  6/3/2009

The Art District of Santa Ana is pretty cool and I don't mind visiting the Gypsy Den. I've been at the Gypsy Den several times supporting my friend as he was performing here. They held the OC Music Award competitions here on a couple of occasions.…More »

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 24. Sushi Murasaki

2901 W MacArthur Blvd
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 241-1000

Category: Sushi Bars

3.0 star rating
  2/22/2012

3.5 Stars

This has been on my hit list for awhile, but have been putting it off since there are many mixed reviews from my Yelp friends. Since reading that Omakase was expensive here, I decided to sit at a table and just try a few things and control…More »

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 25. Morton's The Steakhouse

1641 W. Sunflower Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 444-4834

Category: Steakhouses

3.0 star rating
  5/28/2009

3.5 Stars. I've eaten at this Morton's twice and still not a raving fan. It is good food but not worth the money. For 50 bucks a person, not including drinks, I expect more. I rarely order steak but I still know what a great steak taste like. I…More »

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 26. Kaisen Kaiten

3855 S Bristol St
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 444-2161

Category: Sushi Bars

3.0 star rating
  3/10/2011

There are a couple of things you should know when coming to a conveyor belt sushi joint.

1 - The sushi is usually decent at best
2 - Order your sushi and don't pick the ones that come around

That being said, this so far has been my favorite of all the…More »

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 27. Proof Bar

215 N Broadway
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 953-2660

Categories: Lounges, Dance Clubs

3.0 star rating
  6/2/2009

This place is pretty decent, as it has a nice mix of people here. There is no cover. The bartenders are all cute ladies that make a good strong drink. You can dress casual or as fancy as you want. In the Art District of Santa Ana and pretty safe to…More »

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 28. The Fling

2370 N Tustin Ave
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 547-8972

Category: Dive Bars

3.0 star rating
  6/11/2009

This place is a total local dive bar. It can be quite entertaining at times though. I've seen the age range any where from spring chickens to tail from the crypt. I had a buddy that lived down the street and we use to walk over here often. It is hit…More »

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 29. Yost Theater

307 N Spurgeon St
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(888) 862-9573
3.0 star rating
  9/5/2011

This old theater is a pretty decent place for a club. I came here for the Focus event. The Focus local DJs (Josh Billings and Nonfiction) opened up for Richard Humpty Vission.

The outside of this theater is pretty cool looking. Unfortunately for us,…More »

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 30. Darya Restaurant

3800 S Plaza Dr
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 557-6600
3.0 star rating
  5/28/2009

Very nice, elegant looking place. Probably the fanciest of all the Persian restaurants. Very fitting for a "South Coast Metro" restaurant. Got to love how people need to make this part of Santa Ana sound much better. And yes even some Costa Mesaians…More »

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 31. The Olde Ship

1120 W 17th St
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 550-6700

Categories: British, Pubs

3.0 star rating
  3/7/2011

3.5 Stars

So I had to come here and check out their Fish and Chips to add to my list. Looking at the menu, I really liked that you had choices. You could get 1 piece cod or 2 pieces. I believe it was $10.95 for one and $14.95 for two. You also could…More »

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 32. The Copper Door

225 1/2 N Broadway
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Categories: Bars, Pool Halls

3.0 star rating
  9/5/2011

3.5 Stars

You walk down the stairs into a very large, spacious, dimly lit bar. It kind of reminds me of Wurstkuche in Downtown LA a little bit. There is a long bar, long wooden picnic tables for communal seating, bar stools along one side, loungy…More »

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 33. Dx Peruvian Restaurant

3930 S Bristol St
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 424-0014

Category: Peruvian

3.0 star rating
  3/4/2010

3.5 Stars

I had the pleasure of having dinner with Kiki and her Yelper mom here. I won't mention her name as her Yelp account is being stalked by someone known as the hostess of the not completely Kosher UYE. Anyways, we both like Peruvian grub and…More »

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 34. The Crosby

400 N Broadway
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 543-3543
3.0 star rating
  2/5/2010

I think The Crosby and me might become better friends one day. I feel it has a lot of potential. It is already located in an area I'm quite fond of; the Art District of DTSA. They have happy hour all Monday, serve food, have nice bartenders, DJs…More »

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 35. Taco Mexico

100 S Harbor Blvd
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 839-2275

Category: Mexican

3.0 star rating
  4/27/2011

One thing I like about this 24 hour place is the consistency. No matter what time of the day I've eaten here, it has been consistently average. Whether it be at 2 PM or 2 AM, it is pretty much the same. Some may ask, why I like consistently average…More »

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 36. Taqueria Carniceria Tapatia

1118 W 1st St
Santa Ana, CA 92703
(714) 835-8168

Category: Mexican

2.0 star rating
  4/27/2011

The quest for the best tacos al pastor lead me here. I was a fool when I ate here though. I was coming home from Hollywood one night and starving and decided to stop by this 24 Hour taqueria.

I tried their famous al pastor tacos, which was not on a…More »

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Recently updated lists from Stevenenen N.

I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today (50)

Wimpy wants a burger. Who doesn't?

I hate Newport Beach but will go there for these joints. (28)

Another place where you might bump into a lot of tourist.

Seafood Markets (8)

Looking to grill something up from the sea? Well, here are some places you can get fresh stuff at to test out your mad grilling skillz.

Costa Mesa aka Costa Mexico (105)

A neighboring city I visit often

How about OR?! (55)

Laura has her NO List. Mel has her YES List to counter that. Eric has his MAYBE List to counter both those lists. I have my OR List because I like to give people other options. Would you like to go to place A or place B? You want Italian or Mexican?

The Finger (12)

Places that are at the bottom 1% of my reviews. Good thing I haven't experienced too many 1 Star review.

Dinning At The Y (52)

The El Toro Y that is. Traffic can be quite bad sometimes and I rather spend time sitting at a restaurant/bar nearby instead of sitting in traffic.

Outside Patios (118)

Places with an outside patio for people to enjoy the weather or to get away from the cramped seating inside and avoid throwing "The People's Elbow"

I like YellowTail and Sushi is Good Too! (69)

Sushi Bars are awesome places to eat at when dining alone. If you can't make friendly conversation at a sushi bar, you might want to have yourself checked out...

I like it hot and spicy - Thai food (22)

When I feel like I'm lacking spice in my life, I have Thai.

See all 53 lists »

Review votes:
8033 Useful, 6437 Funny, and 7287 Cool

Location

Orange County, CA

Yelping Since

May 2009