Kitsch Bar
| Address: | 891 Baker St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA |
| Phone: | +1 714-546-8580 |
| Site: | kitschbar.com |
| Rating: | 4.2 |
| Working: | 8PM–2AM 8PM–2AM 8PM–2AM 8PM–2AM 8PM–2AM 8PM–2AM 8PM–2AM |
Location
Photos 34
Reviews 23
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Walter Macalma
Kitsch-I kitsch-I ya ya da da Kitsch-I kitsch-I yay a hee Maybe that one was a stretch, but you certainly won’t hear that music here. It’s a lounge right? We sort of. It’s an Orange County Lounge and by that it’s like Mesa, Commissary also nearby and similar scene. The truth of the matter is that Orange County lacks a club scene so all the lounges try and capitalize and vibe more with DJ’s and they end up doing neither well. With that being said it’s also true that OC lacks real lounges and whiskey bars, just places trying to be a little of everything. It’s on the small side for a standalone, but tucked in this strip mall it’s chill, intimate. It’s dark, it’s a good place for people to unwind with a cheap beer or a strong drink (not a cocktail). Trivia night is what people really get into. We get it, you like to drink nerdy, but don’t like to discuss or argue. It’s the old “google” mentality. Steer clear. I dig the HH, but am more of a cocktail and whiskey sort of lounger and more of a craft beer and fire pit sort of relaxer. The music is eclectic based on who is playing, but it’s mostly EDM to match the closet hipsters who come here to hide while their mustache grows out. The staff are nice, engaging even, no draught so bottle beer only. The drinks are good, but lack the ingredients for real cocktails. I believe the bartenders are so engaging because the people who come here are pretty closed off and keep to themselves, as in bring your own entertainment and friends as you won’t make one’s here. I mean I do, but lots of people strike out. It can get loud making it un-loungy. With each night being a different vibe it’s like a different bar each night. The single rolling lounge chairs are strip club-esque no matter how you light the tables. Single stall bathrooms are a log jam literally. It’s a chill escape if OC’s pseudo clubs are not your scene and dive bars don’t do it for you. I highly recommend playing nice with the staff and they often hook it up for the regulars.
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A Private User
I first found out about Kitsch through a friend who had been there once, thought it was the coolest bar hed ever seen in OC and didnt remember where it was. I think that sums up what I love about Kitsch. It has the sophisticated feel and attitude of the trendy, back-alley bars you find in Hollywood without the pretense or ultra-exclusivity that makes them out of reach for the average bar goer. It does, however, have a location that makes you wonder how anybody ever found it. Again, I love it. My friend and I went on a Thursday at 9:30 and the doorman let us in right away even though we were both wearing flip flops. No cover, no bullsh*t. Once inside, I immediately understood the draw of Kitsch. It is small and intimate without being crowded. The comfortable chairs and low, candlelit tables provide a great setting for relaxing with friends and sipping on well-constructed martinis. Theres always a film playing on a projector behind the bar, sometimes on silent if the DJ is set up. I was really digging the display cases (60s-era Playboys were featured last time I was in) and the clown pictures in the bathroom were both mesmerizing and haunting. Drinks are AFFORDABLE (this is still Orange Country, right??) and delicious. People are down to earth and respectful. This is definitely the hippest bar in OC and I hope it stays that way. If you want a good drink at a fair price in an environment that makes you feel cooler than you actually are, give Kitsch a try.
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michael e
This is one of those places Id never just go to out of the blue. It is located adjacent to one of my favorite restaurants in Costa Mesa called Manpuku. This bar doesnt really have anything wrong with with, but im not going to drive from riverside just for some nondescript bar in a strip mall. I will say that they have real bartenders that make fresh real drinks and there is a really nice ambiance about the place. The beer selection is a little weak. But the ones they do have are nice and cold!! I will be back and if you live in the area, I do recommend doing this place Until next time....
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Steven C
This is a great place to come with a group of friends for Trivia Night on Tuesdays. They have great prizes, and the whole bar plays along. Their host for trivia night also picks a lot of interesting topics for trivia, and he is very entertaining. Whats nice, is they usually have drink specials, specifically bottles of beer for only $3.
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A Private User
I hate this place some guy spilled his drink on me and when I was going to leave he said I am sorry but I didnt accept it so he called me baby then threw his cup on me but thank god I stepped out the door that very second also service is bad so is every thing else
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Mike Hannegan
I love the Kitsch Bar. Great atmosphere to have a drink and relax. The dark lighting and large amount of seating with DJ on the weekend makes for a nice change from your typical bar in OC. I would highly recommend checking out the Kitsch Bar.
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Sam Gonzalez
Place was semi-empty on a Sunday night...and the wait to place drink orders was unnecessary. The atmosphere is good and the layout reminds me of a posh dive bar that you would find in Silverlake or the Valley (LA references).
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Khoa Le
A truly local spot for me. Kitsch is a tiny spot, but always full of personality and character. Reasonable drink prices, and love music nose nights and weekends. From DJs spinning to local pianist.
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ERIC G.
mellow bar with a cool set up. drinks are fine and well priced but the music the DJ plays can definitely be changed. was putting me to sleep last time i was there and too many hipsters.
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Joe Cobarrubio
Drinks are cheap and the vibe is always positive. Bartenders are cool and door men are chill. Never too crowded and plenty of chairs and booths around the dance area to relax in.
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Mar Lo
If you are a College student, got no much money on you but still wanna go out for a drink, that is the place. Very small, old simple place. Not a place to impress a date!
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Sara Tadayon
Sleek decor, friendly bartenders, and an upscale but homey vibe make this bar one of my go-tos! Never heard a bad DJ there either!
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A Private User
Great happy hour, 8 til 10. Tuesday night trivia at 9:30, lasts until about 11:30 or so. Pretty fun!
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Josh S
A great local hangout, beach adjacent with a laidback lounge atmosphere. A definite recommendation.
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g money
Good peeps,good looking girls. Reminds me of my fav mex spot HILDAGOS. Chill atmosphere
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Natalie Alvarez
I have a buddy that DJs at this bar. Great vibes. Decent dance floor and great drinks.
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Christopher Camarena
Very nice hidden gem, Everyones nice and great scenery with great selections!
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Randy Recio
Good Old Dive bar, plenty of pool tables, pretty chill spot
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Diane Le
Cute. Last night they played hip hop from the late 80s
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A Private User
The kitsch is a pretty chill spot. Hip and well hidden
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Don Nguyen
Great happy hour hands down and the drinks are stiff!
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Kevin M
Great happy hour place. Chill vibe.
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Forrest Cokely
Fun find!
