Top 10 Places to go for the Night Life

#1 The Observatory

3503 S. Harbor Blvd Santa Ana, CA 92704 Phone: 714-957-0600 www.observatoryoc.com

New owners and renovations have livened up this old spot, the 550 seat venue attracts LA Indie bands and rising stars that would otherwise not make the trek to Orange County. There are many past bands that may sound familiar including Foster the People, Young the Giant, Edward Sharpe and Misfits. There are a limited number of dinner reservations available which guarantee a seat during the show. Parking is free but limited so arrive early. Along with the Observatory is the Constellation Room, within the same building which seats 300 and showcases smaller bands and local acts.

#2 Detroit Bar

843 W.19th Street Costa Mesa, CA 92627 Phone: (949) 642-0600 www.detroitbar.com

OC hipsters at the Detroit Club. A former punk rock venue in the 80s it now showcases an eclectic mix of indie groups, touring acts and rock n' roll. It's open seven nights a week and DJs spinning all genres of music. They also have open mic and karaoke to fill in the nights between concerts. There's free admission on Karaoke Sundays and Residency Mondays which feature a local band as part of a month-long residency program. The Drinks are well priced. It gets crowded fast so arrive early to find a seat.

#3 The Coach House

33157 Camino Capistrano San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 Phone: 949-496-8930

It's been around a long time the Coach House has earned its reputation as a top place to catch local bands and touring performers. There's nothing elaborate about the venue, but it's a satisfying destination for dinner and a show. They allow patrons to have first choice of seats then show goers must choose from the remainder. The venue has a good food menu. Past shows have featured Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band, The Growlers, Billy Vera & the Beaters, John Waite and The Fixx.

#4 House of Blues

1530 S Disneyland Dr Anaheim, CA 92802 Phone: 714-520-2379 Phone: 714-778-2583 www.hob.com

Very popular House of Blues in Downtown Disney finds people who appreciate the outstanding music venue and restaurant as a fun destination throughout the day and night. House of Blues attracts great musical talent, but it serves a legendary Sunday Gospel Brunch as well, which has folks clamoring for terrific tunes and good cooking. Sound, lighting, and spectacle are all top of the line. Parking in the Downtown Disney lot is easy and affordable.

#5 Mozambique Steakhouse & Coastal Lounge

1740 S. Coast Highway

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Phone: 9497157777

mozambiqueoc.com

Mozambique in Laguna Beach is known for its steaks and seafood. They also have a daily happy hour and interesting wines. On Friday and Saturday nights they showcase live bands that range from cover bands to Motown to the English Beat. Cover charge is $5 unless otherwise noted. A mostly older crowd rocks out to bands that play from 9 p.m. to midnight. Mozambique offers a complimentary Safe Ride car service within a three mile radius, which is great.

#6 Steamers Jazz Club and Cafe

138 W Commonwealth Ave Fullerton, CA 92832 Phone: 714-871-8800

Steamers is the OC's go to place for great live jazz every night of the week. Young and old alike grace the stage. Performers from around the world play for the gathered fans. The venue has a great full service restaurant that lets patrons eat and relax to the music of everyone from Diana Krall to Poncho Sanchez, Jeff Hamilton, and Karrin Allyson.

#7 Iva Lee's

555 N. Camino El Real, Ste. E San Clemente, CA 92672 Phone: 949-361-2885 www.ivalees.com

Iva Lee's is in downtown San Clemente. The restaurant specializes in Southern and Creole cuisine and live Blues and Jazz. Wednesday - Saturday you'll find locals relaxing in the recently renovated bar and lounge area. The Venue is small, it's a cozy spot to stop for a drink after dinner or listen to the music from the comfort of your table. The bartenders are well versed in classic cocktails and all things Southern.

#8 The Yost Theater

309 N. Spurgeon St. Santa Ana, CA 92701 Phone: 888-862-9573 www.yosttheater.com

The Yost Theater is Orange County's oldest theater. Built in 1912 for Vaudeville acts, the theater has seen silent film actors, club DJs, heavy metal bands and a variety of other actors and musicians on stage. The theater showcases everything from club nights to cultural nights with film screenings to mixed martial arts cage fights and burlesque dancers; it's entertainment for everyone from anywhere. The renovated theater has a brand new sound system and plenty of room to dance. Late night food like Sriracha Mac n' Cheese and Beer Braised Bacon Wrapped Bratwurst are a few of the menu options available.

#9 Chain Reaction

1652 W Lincoln Ave

Anaheim, CA 92801

Phone: (714) 635-6067

www.allages.com

This is one of very few places for teens to come here live music. Chain Reaction in Anaheim is one option. It's an all ages club catering to the teenage crowd. The tiny venue heats up quickly with hard core dancing, mosh pits and stage diving. Local bands lookign for their start frequent the stages which mainly showcase hardcore, metal and punk bands although other genres are featured occasionally. The venue has low ticket prices between $8-$20 and free parking. Concerts have earlier start times at 7 or 7:30 p.m. to accommodate the younger crowd.

#10 Yard House

1875 Newport Blvd Costa Mesa, CA 92627 Phone: 949-642-0090 www.yardhouse.com

Yard House has many locations in Orange County and Southern California, this fun-loving establishment delivers good food and what they call "the world's largest selection of draft beer." With anywhere from 130-250 taps at each location. As you sample the brews, indulge in terrific New American food, chill out to the rock music playing, and catch up with sports and news on TVs.