Dive bars around Irvine? (Long Beach, Santa Ana: hotel, live, money)

[bounty80]

Where can one find an older, more laid back bar with pool, darts, shuffleboard around Irvine? These kind of places are dotted all over the Midwest. I understand that the area around Irvine is generally newer development - and the pubs and bars are definitely nice, but a little too sterile and "corporate" feeling...if that makes any sense. My wife and I just want a place where we can share a pitcher of cheap beer, play some pool, and throw some money at a juke box or take in some live music - rock and roll or country. Any recommendations?

We don't mind driving a little ways for the right spot as neither of us drink in excess.

[Joe Van Fossen]

I'm sure there are some closer places around Costa Mesa, but Marlin Bar in HB comes to mind.

[MVSocal]

I lived in the Midwest for a year so I know the type of bars you are talking about. Irvine does not have what you are looking for unless you go to Dave & Busters at the Spectrum. There is a place in Lake Forest called Bigshot Billards Bar & Grill that will come close to what you are looking for, unless you want to drive down to HB or Long Beach.

[Fontucky]

Goat Hill Tavern, Costa Mesa
Patsy's Irish Pub, Mission Viejo

[Coldjensens]

Balboa Saloon in Balboa Villiage (Newport beach).
Class of 47 in Balboa.
there are a couple near the Newport Pier that I can not remember the names. (Dive bars were a bit in the past for me and I never paid much attention to their names anyway).
Either of the two bars in Old town orange. One is Irish, the other is a bit rough, but not horrible or scary or anything.
There is one in the basement of a building in the Artist's village in Santa Ana. I cannot remember the name.
The bar in Laguna that is above what used to be "The Place Across the Street From the Hotel Laguna" again I cannot remember the name, but it is directly across the street from hotel Laguna and up on the second floor.

[ysr_racer]

Pineapple Hill Saloon & Grill Tustin
654 E 1st St
Tustin, CA 92780

(714) 669-9818

My wife's friend owns it. It's just what you're looking for.

Pineapple Hill Saloon & Grill Tustin - Tustin, CA

[bounty80]

Thank you for all of the suggestions!

[OGTSO]

The Huddle
741 Baker St
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
is a dive bar kind of close to Irvine.

[DinsdalePirahna]

Goat Hill is the best. I also love Blackies in Newport Beach.

[Coldjensens]

Originally Posted by DinsdalePirahna

Goat Hill is the best. I also love Blackies in Newport Beach.

Yeah. Blackies that was one of the ones at the Newport Pier. Decent place. Good music. (or at least used to have good classic rock).