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    Campus JAX

    4.3 (459 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    CAMPUS JAX ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Casual
    Live music
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Campus JAX

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    Jambalaya, would not recommend.
    Natalie L.

    This review is obviously just for the venue, not the band we saw, because the band was excellent. The venue, total swing and a miss. We got there at 4:45pm, show started at 5pm (it was an older people band haha, so started early). We were greeted and given water within a couple of minutes, placed a drink order, and it took forever to get drinks. The waitress did let us know after about 10 mins and said the bar is just behind at the moment. Once I got my margarita, I didn't even finish it because something just tasted off, maybe it was just really cheap well tequila, but I just couldn't finish it. I tried a mango one thinking a flavored one would be better, and same thing...so didn't finish it. So would recommend specifying what liquor you'd like, not to go with the well. Dinner..... just eat before you go. Wasn't good, they really should get a new chef, or maybe just switch to bar food. I asked the waitress what she recommended between the coconut curry, jambalaya, and chicken and chokes, she said their jambalaya is the route to go. It was not. So much wrong, like I said they should hire a new chef, you could do a better job cooking it in a crock pot and cheat with a spice packet to get a better outcome. Chicken, so dry. Sausage, it was shaved so thin and they were going skimpy on it. Rice, not much there. Green bell peppers, pretty raw, like they threw them in at the last minute before serving. If there's a great band you want to see, and they're playing there, I get going. But eat beforehand, and maybe even drink before hand, or do beer/wine. We were very much looking forward to this place, went for a birthday, and it was a total letdown.

    Super tasty
    Khrystyna C.

    Great happy hour! Really tasty food. I highly recommend the petite filet with ravioli! It was so good. The sauce is so good you could put it on anything! Sage provides fantastic service. Hopefully, my recommendation to her of Athletic brews will bubble up. Although the Peroni was ok Athletics has 0.0 as well as some .5. The Tricia Freeman band that played just had good vibe classic rock. The dance floor was full of smiling people.

    Menu
    Mary T.

    First time to this place and it was excellent! Saw Matt Johnson and The New Jet Set do jazz with Disney! Talented crew. Extraordinary music and fun and interesting commentary. Show lasts about 90 minutes. On time and done so well. The service is great, seating options good and food hits the spot. East parking! Fantastic!

    Always Adele
    Alana T.

    Thank you all for making my BD so much fun!!! There were 18 of us celebrating my birthday with great food, drinks, and "Always Adele" who was exceptional, and we'll go back and see her any time Campus Jax books her back. We already have another reservation for an upcoming tribute band for a table of 14 of us. This is always a fun experience with great service, delicious food, a supper club ambiance and a terrific show! Thanks, Lauren for setting it all up for us!

    Yummy salads
    Minh N.

    I'd describe this place as a live band venue. Great sized bar. Food was very good. Good, friendly service.

    Our cocktails.

    4.5/5 Went to an event where the professors from OCSA performed and the music was great and The food was very good with good portions as well. Service was fairly quick and friendly. Would definitely come here again. Good for a date night! *Food review toward the bottom. Heads up, you have to buy the tickets plus you have to buy an entree once you get there, or they charge you $10. I ended up paying $118 + (tip for 2 alcohol drinks 1 app 2 entrees and 1 dessert. The tickets were purchased beforehand and those cost me $44. Prices vary on the event and the seating area. Total I spent $162 + tip. *Food Bacon wrapped dates. 9/10 - I won't lie, at first glance I didn't think it was going to taste good because the bacon looked burnt. I was wrong. The bacon was cooked well. It didn't break like if it were burnt; It also wasn't chewy. The bacon evened out the sweetness of the date really well. They drizzle balsamic vinegar on top as well. I wasn't able to taste it much but it did look like a nice garnish. Waiter said it was their most popular app and I see why. Will be getting it again. Jax fig and brie burger. 8/10 - I am biased! I really enjoy sweet and savory. This was perfect. The seasoning of the burger and the fig were great. I was only able to taste the brie a little bit. The sweet potatoes were the side option we went with. They were nice and crispy. The side of ranch was solid. Didn't have an overwhelming buttermilk taste and it wasn't too thick. Lemon chicken + prosciutto pasta. 10/10 - recommend if you like a mild spiciness. I'm assuming the pasta sauce (lemon cream creole sauce) was what brings the spiciness. Regardless, it was very good and not overwhelming. The chicken was very tender as was the pasta. The nice little bits of prosciutto you get give it a good little change of texture and a savory touch. After receiving the dish they offered a basket of bread and butter if I wanted. Bread was good but not necessary to complete the dish. White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake + ice cream. 6/10 - we ordered the cheese cake and it comes with the option to add ice cream on the side. The ice cream was cinnamon flavored and it's honestly what made the whole dish. 10/10 for the ice cream itself. The cheesecake on the other hand... 4/10 I did enjoy the crust, but overall it tasted somewhat freezer burned. It was also very hard. I understand that sometimes cheesecake is frozen so maybe it needed to be thawed out a little longer. The cheesecake was more on the cheesy side and I liked that but I couldn't really taste the raspberry. The ice cream carried the whole dish. -sorry for no pictures- Drinks. I can't remember the cocktails we got but I do remember they were very well crafted. Not too sweet and didn't feel very strong, but it did get me buzzed. Although it is a little on the pricey side I think this place hold ups really well. I can't emphasize how good the pasta and the bacon wrapped dates were. I had never listened to jazz music live and this was the perfect place for my first experience. I will be returning!

    Nick H.

    *****Wow!***** Shame on me for not finding CJs (Campus Jax) sooner! The ambiance reminds me of the old Jazz clubs but newer, updated and clean. Another difference is the food. Don't expect dishes you would find on cooking shows but they have a decent menu with food that is good. They also have happy hour prices. If you know where SNA (John Wayne Airport) is, this is a minute down the road. Easy parking and a relaxed vibe makes me a fan. What makes this place "as good as it gets" is the people running the place. Everyone here is a class act in my book. Everyone is super nice and friendly. Seating here is intimate and cozy but not too cozy where you don't have breathing room. I was super comfortable. Bathrooms are clean. The other customers are friendly. The live bands and music...wow. Thank God for social media because if all those addicted to the screen realized listening to real music in person is this good, I would never find a seat here. Leave your 'tude at the door, pull up a chair, sit back and then relax.... this is THE spot. My new favorite place.

    Christina G.

    Campus Jax, what?! Never even heard of this place until I was told to show up to a sold out show and be ready to eat at a reserved table. Took everything in me to pull myself together and show up. But dang! I am so glad I did! What a fun spot and really good food! Seriously it's good. Not like your typical bar food. The entertainment was fabulous. Service was fast. I'm wanting to come back and check out a few more shows. Tijuana Dogs + Amazing company + great service = a fantastic time!

    Jack Rice with shrimp

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    1 month ago

    We came for the Wilburys Super Group last week. They were great! Hope to see them again soon at campus Jax!

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    10 months ago

    The music was amazing We will be returning. Excellent facility great for adulting! Looking forward to the next time!

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    8 months ago

    Great music acts here but the food is very mediocre. I suggest eating elsewhere and just having drinks.

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    Page 1 of 12

    Ask the Community - Campus JAX

    Kid appropriate ? I have a 14 yr old who likes oldies . Concerned about seating and is there a better place to sit during a show that starts after 8pm. ( not near dance floor)

    The place is kinda small so I think most seats are near the dance floor. Except for the booths but I think you need to reserve them. You should try Sammy's especially for open mic night.

    What is in the grapefruit spritz?

    Do you guys allow balkeys?

    I have 6 and a 8 year old. Good place to bring them for dinner and live music? Thanks

    The restaurant dims the lights and the music is loud when the band plays. It's not rowdy so it's should be fine just beware if they are not comfortable with loud or darker atmospheres. Most would not have an issue.

    I'd like to know if there is a dance floor... also if there is a buffet style menu what type of music and is this venue good for groups?

    Dance floor yes music changes but a lot of blues/jazzy. No buffet menu

    Can I make reservations through Yelp online for dinner?

    Is there a band playing tonight Thursday.-march 6?

    Yes, Mid-Century Jazz...

    What is the dress code on Saturday night music?

    No code to come! We are an upscale but very casual dinner dance Supper Club. Dress up, dress comfy, dress to dance but just come dressed!;)

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    Review Highlights - Campus JAX

    Matt Mauser was playing that night, I had a couple of drinks, ate a great meal, met new friends, and danced with a few ladies....

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Ruin Bar - Drinks for the night #tasteofcsuc

    Ruin Bar

    4.1(476 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    Fun little spot! Would definitely swing by again. You just go in and order your drinks and find…read moreyour own seat. They whip up the drinks super fast! Came on a Saturday afternoon and was such a cozy area to sit outdoors and enjoy drinks with friends :) Tucked in the corner with a vintage, maximalist, whimsical vibe. I got the bees knees and the estoy enamorado and both were a tiny bit sweet for me but still really good!

    A very special bar, from the drinks to the decor. I really like that they are open during the day…read moreand also late at night, with mixed indoor and outdoor seating (though the outdoor seating is a bit worn). Vibes are always good. If you have some time while browsing The Lab during the day, I recommend stopping by for a drink! It's also nice to include in your barhopping itinerary in the evening since there are a number of breweries around too. I've had mixed experiences with the bartenders. Luckily, the gentleman manning the bar during my most recent visit was very friendly. Drinks are always great. I've tried a variety of drinks from the menu here, but my favorites are: -Love in Drunk, a lovely cocktail with cucumber and grapefruit flavors that create a fresh watermelon taste when mixed together -Bee's Knees, short but strong and sweet -London Mule, very herbal thanks to the gin and very refreshing

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    Old fashion. House bourbon. Better than anywhere else.

    Ruin Bar - Coconut pineapple peach shots. Phenomenal.

    Coconut pineapple peach shots. Phenomenal.

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    The Great Room

    The Great Room

    4.3(6 reviews)
    1.9 mi

    The great room is a restaurant within the Weston. It's got a casual but ups ale type vibe. I had…read morebreakfast there and it was on point. I had the classic American breakfast of eggs, bacon, hash browns and sourdough toast. The servers were attentive without being too present. I always appreciate that. I'd come back tomorrow if I was staying another night.

    Brunch at The Great Room in Costa Mesa was such a classy casual vibe. The ambience feels modern and…read morerelaxed, and we had a lovely view of the fountain outside which made everything feel a little more elevated and serene. We ordered the Lox and Bagel with smoked salmon, capers, cream cheese, pickled red onions, fresh dill, and sun dried roasted tomatoes. The salmon was fresh and silky, and I loved the brightness from the pickled onions and dill. The roasted tomatoes added a nice depth of flavor. I also had the white crab white omelette with spinach and substituted the fruit for hash browns. The omelette was light and fluffy, and the crab added a subtle sweetness. The hash browns were crispy and satisfying. Cappuccinos were great, rich, smooth, and perfectly foamy. Just note they are nine dollars each, which feels a little steep, but they were well made. Service was pretty good overall, attentive and friendly without being overbearing. Overall, a solid four stars. Great atmosphere, quality brunch options, and a polished setting that feels perfect for a relaxed weekend catch up. I would come back for the vibes and the cappuccino.

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    The Great Room - Fire Table

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    Verdant

    Verdant

    4.0(33 reviews)
    1.9 mi

    We were going to OCMA so my friend suggested we dine at Verdant which is in the museum, or at least…read moreit used to be. We checked in at the museum front desk and my friend said we were going up to restaurant on the third floor. The person at the desk said they moved it and it was on the first floor now. She pointed over to what I knew to be the snack bar that had been there since opening. We went over and sure enough it was just drinks snacks and a few pre-packaged light meals. I have to guess they just quietly went away.

    I'd like to start out by thanking our server, Christian for being very accommodating and helping us…read moreout on Sunday! I had made a reservation online for 6 people at 12:30pm and my reservation was accepted. When we got to the museum, we were told the restaurant was closing at 12:30pm and I felt very upset. Why was the reservation accepted then? When I got to Verdant, there was no one in sight. The restaurant was empty and there was 1 other party, but no staff. I actually ended up making my way near the kitchen, and that's where I found Christian, who appeared really busy. He explained that they had a wedding later that day and had to close at 1pm for set up. He still sat our party and was very kind, accommodating and helpful. He gave me a great tip and said when making cafe reservations, it's best to call ahead, because they do sometimes have event buy outs. As far as the ambiance, it is a really beautiful space. But, it was SO cold. It seemed like the AC was on full blast. The food was pretty good, but the menu seemed to change since I was there last.

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    Mesa - experience MESA

    Mesa

    3.7(1.9k reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$
    Full bar
    Boutique

    Mesa offers an intimate, low-key ambiance with a thoughtfully curated aesthetic that sets it apart…read more The addition of a DJ creates a unique concept, making it an excellent choice whether you're on a date or enjoying a night out with friends. Couples who plan to stay for a while--or until closing--will especially enjoy sitting at the bar, as the venue transitions later in the evening into a more club-like atmosphere. Booths are often reserved for guests opting for bottle service during this time. The food is excellent, both in quality and presentation, and the service truly enhances the overall experience. The servers and bartenders are attentive, courteous, and highly professional, consistently ensuring guests feel well taken care of. Mesa is versatile enough to enjoy as a dinner destination or as a place to stay late into the night. Whether you're looking to eat and dance or simply relax and unwind, it's a great spot for couples and groups alike.

    It's nice to see the reviews finally reflecting the true quality of this shit hole. I hadn't been…read morehere in years and stupidly decided to give it another shot -- now I remember exactly why I stopped coming here in the first place. Same goes for their shitty sister location(s) Habana, which is just another thumbs-down disappointment of an establishment. Poor leadership. Trash food. Useless staff. Nothing has improved -- if anything, it's worse. Y'all should probably just close your doors. Keep it up though, you're well on your way to dropping below three stars. Absolute trash. Lol. ----In response to the "Biz Owner." I highlighted specific details. A reported review can always be reposted if taken down. Nice to see you pretending to care about operations. Maybe you should focus your attention better on improving your SOPs madam.

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    Karl Strauss Brewing Company - Pizza Rolls

    Karl Strauss Brewing Company

    4.1(1.5k reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$

    Some places are just good beer. This was good beer and great people…read more Max behind the bar deserves a shoutout. Friendly, sharp, and somehow making a busy bar feel calm and personal at the same time. You don't forget service like that--it's the kind that quietly upgrades your whole experience without making a big show of it. Karl Strauss already has the food and drinks dialed in, but Max is the kind of bartender who makes you want to come back and sit at the bar specifically. Will absolutely be back.

    The cheeseburger at Karl Strauss Brewing Company walks into the room like it knows it belongs there…read moreconfident, polished, paired perfectly with a cold house brew. Visually? Strong. Toasted bun, melted cheese draped properly, solid build integrity. Structurally, it's a well composed burger. But here's the honest take. The patty itself felt like it was holding back. The texture was good juicy enough, cooked properly yet the flavor didn't quite punch the way you expect from a brewery burger. It needed more salt, maybe a stronger sear, maybe even a blend with a bit more fat to bring depth. Right now, it tastes safe. And a place known for bold craft beer shouldn't serve a safe burger. The cheese and toppings carried more personality than the beef did. Every bite had balance, but not enough edge. A sharper cheddar, a house-made sauce with some acidity, or even a slightly more aggressive seasoning profile would elevate it from "good" to "I'm coming back for this." That said, it's not a bad burger. It's dependable. It just hasn't stepped fully into its potential. In a brewery setting where flavor is the brand, the cheeseburger should taste like it belongs next to a flagship IPA not like it's auditioning for it. Room for improvement? Definitely. Foundation to build on? Absolutely

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    Campus JAX - bars - Updated May 2026

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