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    Darkroom

    4.7 (291 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated a few days ago

    Darkroom Photos

    Business Info

    DARKROOM ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Casual
    Intimate
    Romantic

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    Recommended Reviews - Darkroom

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    Reviews With Photos

    Broccolini
    Morgan H.

    I am a fan of what they're doing at Darkroom. The vibe is sexy and the music is all vinyl. I really hope that they host listening nights here or small DJ events because the setup is begging for it. Everything flowed very well. We were helped by our friendly and attentive main server, but also checked on by another server and served our food with verbal descriptions of each dish by the chef (I think). They don't currently hold a liquor license so they serve beer, wine, and house made vermouth-based cocktails which my friend and I both enjoyed. They were quite refreshing. Most of the items are small plates and meant to be shared. We love a shared moment. The menu changes seasonally I believe, or based on what's available so what we had may not be what you see when you go in but if the burger is on there, GET IT. They only serve 10 per night and it's a must-have. The flavor in the au poivre bath was incredible and because it's a rich dish I do recommend splitting it. After the burger, the scotch olives were my second favorite dish. Quite creative and just a nice pop of flavor. Caesar Salad which you can eat as tacos were fun, and the Wagyu Tartare itself was delicious yet the potatoes it sat on were a tad burnt. Yes, I said potatoes. This iteration was served on crispy potato dauphinette with manchego cheese. A miss for me was the broccolini. It was charred to the point of bitterness and the sauce was overpowering. Don't skip dessert. Both the strawberry granita and vanilla bean ricotta donuts rounded out our meal nicely. The buttered popcorn ice cream under the granita was lovely, although the brown butter mascarpone served with the donuts had a bit of an edge over it for me.

    Focaccia
    Katrina V.

    I heard about Darkroom from a person sitting next to me at a bar in Chicago. He was from Orange County and highly recommended the place to me. The following week I was in Irvine for work and made a reservation for dinner at 5pm on Tuesday. Darkroom was located in an unassuming strip mall. Definitely felt like a local's hidden gem. If you knew, you knew. Darkroom definitely lived up to its name. The windows were blacked out, so I had no idea what to expect the interior to look like. Surprise, surprise... it's also dim inside and probably got darker later in the evening because of its black walls when the sun went down. That said, the restaurant was artsy, particularly showing an affinity for eclectic vinyl and urban artwork. We were greeted by Chante, who was our main server. Appreciated her hospitality and helpfulness. She explained how they had a rotating menu based on seasonal ingredients, and she knew the menu like it was the back of her hand. The food came out quickly, which attributed to overall great service. My friend and I shared the broccolini, hanger steak, and Nashville hot swordfish. I enjoyed everything but the swordfish. Let me explain... The broccolini was a nice starter. I liked that they cut the broccolini lengthwise, and they were cooked perfectly al dente. The coconut cream was tasty, but I would've liked it on the side. My favorite thing about the dish was the toasted pine nuts. The hanger steak was the best dish of the three. The meat was fatty and tender, which sat on a bed of creamed spinach. The flavors were fantastic, and the crunch from the chili oil and sesame seeds added fun textures. We ordered a side of focaccia to sop up the sauces on the dish. The Nashville hot swordfish was a disappointment. I thought the swordfish was cooked well, but the sauce overpowered everything and didn't go well with the herbs. In general, the sauce doesn't a hold a candle to Hattie B's and tasted nothing like Nashville hot sauce. The fresh dill and pickled cucumbers were such an odd contrast.

    Vanilla bean donuts
    Anna G.

    Amazing all around, just like the first time I visited which is a great awesome! Service is always top notch. Scotty at the bar is the best, checked in on us often with the perfect amount of convo and suggestions on the menu. The dishes are all insanely good, we left no crumb behind! Best part of every visit here is the music. I was wanting to out for dinner & drinks and my favorite band, Interpol was playing on vinyl for our entire visit. It was the cherry on top. Hopefully I'll be closer to being a regular soon! :)

    Elise E.

    [SERVICE]: The restaurant completely exceeded my expectations. When we walked in, we were warmly greeted by the owner. That was a surprise, so we immediately knew we were in for something special. Our server/ bartender was also super friendly and funny. But what really stood out were the chefs. They personally brought out each dish and shared the story behind the ingredients and inspiration behind each one. That level of care and passion made the whole experience feel incredibly personal. [AMBIANCE]: Darkroom lives up to its name the moment you walk in--the space is dark, moody, and incredibly intimate. It makes it the perfect spot for a date night. I had read a few reviews mentioning that it could be loud, but that wasn't our experience at all. We sat at the bar and were able to hear each other perfectly fine. [FOOD]: Every dish was carefully crafted and bursting with unique flavors. All served tapas-style for sharing. * CAESAR BITES (5/5)-- a handheld Caesar salad meant to be eaten like a taco. I had never had a salad presented that way before, and now I honestly don't think I ever want it any other way. * MITAKI MUSHROOM (4/5)-- smoked with barbecue dressing and crispy buckwheat for an added crunch * KAMPACHI CRUDO (5/5)-- light, bright, and refreshing and the perfect transition to our main dish * PORK BELLY WITH GREEN CURRY (5/5) -- unbelievably tender and practically melted in your mouth. The green curry complemented it beautifully, balancing the richness of the pork with just the right amount of flavor. * SUGAR DONUTS AND BLUEBERRY MASCARPONE (4/5) -- surprisingly a light dessert and also the perfect sweet ending. On top of that, they surprised me with a birthday miso cake and a glass of prosecco on the house. [OVERALL]: The food was absolutely delicious, but what truly made the night unforgettable was the exceptional hospitality and service. It's clear that everyone there genuinely cares about creating a memorable experience for their guests, and I can't wait to come back!!!

    Focaccia bread
    Justin N.

    Went here for Valentine's Day, and 6 months later from our first time at Darkroom. It is still amazing, and I would highly recommend. Now that we've gotten more experience, here are some MUST tries. Scallop Tostada (so good we ordered two!) Zucchini bread (my mouth is watering just thinking about it) Pork Tomahawk (get the bread that comes with it!) The roasted bay scallops would have been better if there were 4 instead of two, didn't like the value for them. Overall experience was amazing once again, wait staff and music were all on point per usual, and would definitely visit again and again!

    Gabrielle S.

    We celebrated a friend's birthday here and had excellent service! I will say a little more menu guidance would've been helpful, but truthfully everything on the menu was so good you can't go wrong. My personal favorite dish was the kanpachi crudo! It was sooo flavorful and so soft. It felt like it was melting in my mouth. The cocktails were also pretty good too, although I can't remember the number I got. The steak was also a show stopper because it tasted like a hamburger! So delicious!! The ice cream with the aged strawberry syrup was also to die for! it tasted so sweet and so good. Finally the ambiance was very nice. It did have a very intimate feel and I liked that I didn't have to yell across the table to my friends. It also had some pretty cool art and decor that I liked! I would recommend going and trying it out. Definitely enjoyed our experience here.

    Kristina V.

    Obsessed with this restaurant is honestly an understatement. The vibes are immaculate, the food is out of this world, and the entire staff is incredibly friendly -- you can genuinely tell they love working there. My husband and I were celebrating our anniversary, and our waitress, Shawntay, was an absolute rockstar. She was so sweet and gave us amazing recommendations (which we definitely needed because the menu is almost overwhelming because everything sounds incredible!). Our food was paced perfectly, and every dish blew us away. You have to order the burger!!!! they only make a limited number each night, and it's easily one of the best burgers I've ever had. The swordfish was super unique and perfectly prepared. And as a true Caesar salad girl, I have to say their Caesar (served almost like a taco) absolutely blew my mind. We'll definitely be back again and again... mostly because we need to try everything on the menu!

    Zucchini bread
    Spencer S.

    We made a reservation a month in advance to align with a concert at the nearby observatory. Full service sitdown restaurant in a dark (makes sense given the name), loud and vibey atmosphere. Fast and extremely friendly service! You know you're gonna spend a lot here, so if you're price sensitive, not the spot for you. But the food and drinks are super high quality and the service is top notch - we felt like we were at "The Bear" from the TV show - that's how great the service and our order was! They handwrote and signed a card for our anniversary and gave us multiple dishes to try on the house to celebrate. Then we also ordered 4 dishes (they recommend 3-5 for a party of 2). I was stuffed, but loved everything! Tuna tartare, super chokes, burger, lasagna, zucchini bread, and miso cake with semifreddo (I think that's how you spell it)! Burger was far and away the best. They also have limited quantity, so hopefully you're lucky enough to try it. Sorry my photos are poorly lit - it was obviously dark and I didn't want to use my flash constantly and disturb others!

    Roasted and smoke beef coulotte, heirloom legumes, shaved lardo
    Ariel D.

    Don't mind me, just glazing this place for the fourth time. Darkroom x Green Cheek Beer Co night was great. Zach and Drew never fail to surprise with dishes are daring and clever while still being grounded in real technique and a deep understanding of gastronomy. Truly such a treat every time.

    Potatoes
    Tina T.

    I came here on a Saturday evening with some friends. We did not make reservations and luckily they were able to seat us. The concept is pretty cool as you can tell there is a certain vibe going on and with the vinyl soundtracks. It's pretty cool inside with all their decor on the walls too. It is def dark inside and there is a small table light at each table. Service was excellent. As for the food, we shared a lot of dishes. However, I did not love it personally. My favorite was the Prawn Schnitzel - the flavor, texture, crispiness was perfect ! The entrees we got were the pork tomahawk, burger, and swordfish. I think I had higher expectations. The burger has a unique after taste. I'd say it's an acquired taste. The swordfish was recommended and I described it as "an explosion in my mouth.." there were so many diff flavors going on in that dish. Pork tomahawk was fatty and tender. This is one of those places where you gotta try for yourself. For me, it was a nice experience but I wasn't impressed with the dishes. Also, their menu is seasonal and changes.

    Raw scallops tostada $24. Amazing!
    Katrina N.

    As a ragged working mom of two who spends most nights eating leftover rice and noodles, getting out for an anniversary dinner felt like stepping into another life. We went to The Darkroom on a Saturday night, and as the name suggests, it's dark -- moody red lighting everywhere, like being inside a photo developing room. It was dramatic, intimate, and exactly the vibe I needed after years of bedtime chaos. Here's what we ordered: -Raw Scallop Tostada ($24) - My absolute favorite of the night. I'm biased because I love scallops, but this was everything -- fresh, delicate, and topped with little edible flowers. Beautiful and delicious. -Kanpachi Crudo ($26) - Light, citrusy, and perfectly balanced with calamansi lemon and chili. Bright and refreshing. -Nashville Hot Swordfish ($46) - Cooked wonderfully, with bold flavors that our server said were inspired by Africa. Unexpected, spicy, and totally intriguing. -Zucchini Toast ($19) - Not my thing. The toast itself was sweet, like French toast, and paired with salty Serrano jamón -- creative, but a miss for me. -Tomahawk Pork Chop ($58) - Sadly, the most disappointing. It came out dry, and the top slices were just fat. But the house focaccia bread (6) saved the day -- I used it to soak up the sauce, and that almost redeemed the dish. Despite the roller coaster ride of a meal, I would totally come back again. The food overall was really good, and the restaurant was incredibly accommodating -- they comped our pork chop after we mentioned it was dry, which I truly appreciated. That gesture alone made me want to give them another chance. Where they lost a star, though, was in service. Our server started off friendly but wasn't very detailed when describing the dishes -- and a few descriptions didn't match what actually came out. When I asked him to describe the swordfish he said it was light fried but never mentioned it was battered. I really didn't realize the "Nashville hot" part was that it was reference to fried chicken. He also ordered us a steak instead of the pork chop, so we had to wait longer for the right dish -- which may explain why it was rushed and dry. By the end of the night, he seemed distracted, maybe because the restaurant had gotten busier, but for a place this expensive, I expected more attentive service. Yes, this place is $$$$, but for a rare night out? Almost worth it. Between the atmosphere, the presentation, and the occasional dish that made me close my eyes and sigh, I'd say it earned its price tag. Still, I left feeling grateful. It was a night away from the chaos, with good food, a few surprises, and the rare joy of eating without cutting someone else's food first. I'd come back again -- hopefully next time with better service and the same great flavors.

    Deb H.

    What a fun place to come on a dinner date or with friends!! I saw a family bring their kids and I would not do that here (my kids literally eat everything so that's not the issue) the issue is more the vibe - this is way more of a date night or hangout with friends restaurant than a family restaurant. The ambiance is a little swanky, the food is super creative....its a fun date spot! Like others have mentioned they don't have a hard alcohol license so I wasn't a fan of their wanna be vermouth drinks. However that doesn't deter me from a 5 star rating since frankly I'd rather eat my calories than drink my calories anyway and the food here is awesome! The bread, the veggies, the salads, the proteins....everything is mega creative and beautifully presented. I can't wait to return with my girlfriends or husband!!

    Scallops (Dim lighting impacted hue)
    David Y.

    Albert Einstein once said, "I am neither especially clever nor especially gifted. I am only very, very curious." I found this quote particularly fitting as I explored the menu at the Darkroom Restaurant and Wine Bar during a recent visit. Their dishes reflect a spirit of curiosity that were creative with ambitious combinations that bring together ingredients not often paired, yet thoughtfully balanced. I visited mid-week and was fortunate to find a seat at the bar. This is no small feat; I'm told that on weekends, reservations are not just recommended but practically essential given Darkroom's growing popularity. As I settled in, I was warmly greeted by the staff, and Scotty, who took excellent care of me throughout the evening. He was attentive, personable, and knowledgeable. The menu is modest in size but impressively diverse, ensuring that diners of all tastes will find something appealing. For those willing to venture beyond their usual choices, guidance from someone like Scotty is invaluable. His familiarity with the flavor profiles and preparation of each dish, along with his personal favorites, helped narrow my selections with confidence. On his recommendation, I tried the Roasted Bay Scallops, the Smoked Duroc Pork Belly, and the Nashville Hot Swordfish. Each dish showcased inventive pairings and was described perfectly in terms of flavor and accent notes. The Roasted Bay Scallops were beautifully presented, with citrus and chili elements that brightened the hollandaise without overpowering it. Although the flavors were well executed, I a greater ratio of scallops to the amount of sauce would have accentuated this item a bit more. The Duroc Pork Belly, however, was a standout. Expertly prepared, it offered a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture complemented by balanced sauces and thoughtful seasoning. The portioning was generous without being excessive and an excellent dish all around. The Nashville Hot Swordfish was equally impressive, both in flavor and in portion size. The fish itself was high-quality and well-cooked, resting atop a lively gribiche sauce and topped with pickled cucumber. While I enjoyed the brightness the cucumber brought, some diners might find the amount a touch assertive. Even so, the swordfish had more than enough character to hold its own, dish seafood enthusiasts should not miss. My experience at Darkroom was thoroughly enjoyable and satisfied every bit of my culinary curiosity. It's proof that a restaurant can be both bold and refined, even in a less traditional setting. With its ever-changing menu and creative approach, it's no wonder Darkroom has earned such a loyal following. While they do not offer a full bar, their selection is curated enough that most guests will find a fitting libation. Enjoy!

    So thoughtful! And offered complimentary dessert!

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    The food is unique and absolutely amazing The service was over the top. Great feel to the restaurant

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    Page 1 of 8

    Ask the Community - Darkroom

    If I make reservations, is there a way to confirm there's a vegan entree?

    What's the dress code?

    It's casual. Atmosphere is not at all pretentious like you'd find in LA. Chefs will come visit your table and the whole vibe is very relaxed.

    Is there a dress code?

    Nope! Super casual and relaxed. You can dress up or down here and make it what you want of it.

    Clarification on your corkage fee. If a party of 4 brings one bottle of wine, will the corkage be $160? ($40 * 4)

    40$ per human that brings wine. So $40 if you brought 4 bottles. Meant to encourage collectors to come!

    What is the corkage fee?

    $40 charged per guest who brings wine, subsequent bottles are not charged.

    Can they accommodate for a gluten allergy?

    I would think so....ask!

    Can we bring kids here?

    Yes but they should have a sophisticated palette!

    Is there anything vegan on the menu?

    We do our best to have always have 2 Vegan offerings, but please let us know when you reserve so we can accommodate

    View All 10 Questions

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    Bar Tinto

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    4.6(20 reviews)
    2.2 mi

    From the moment you walk in, the service sets the tone, attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely…read morewelcoming without feeling overbearing. The natural wine selection is outstanding. You can tell it's been thoughtfully curated, and the staff really knows how to guide you through it. The pairings are intentional and elevate the entire experience, not just an afterthought. The ambiance is top-notch, effortlessly stylish, warm, and the kind of place that works just as well for a date night as it does for a relaxed night out with friends. And the food... the pork belly taco was absolutely mind-blowing. Perfectly balanced, rich without being heavy, and executed with real attention to detail. This is one of those places where everything, from service to wine to food; comes together seamlessly. Definitely a standout.

    Initially, I made a reservation for two through Resy, but wanted to change it to three. For some…read morereason, you cannot book a table for three. but you can book for two or four. Instead, I called them and they were able to accommodate that change. Since, Bar Tinto is in WIP, we know that parking here sucks. So come early for parking, luckily they were able to hold our table. This review is for Jonathan Garcia's menu. Kushi oysters were served with a lime mignonette already in the oyster shell. Oysters tasted fresh and good quality. The ribeye vampiro was served on a corn tortilla, with a sheet of cheese, and balanced salsa. I was expecting nice thick chunks of ribeye, but it was a thin crispy slice. I enjoyed the dish, but I was hoping for more. I tried my friend's pork belly taco and it's delicious. The fattiness was decadent. I wish I ordered one for myself. In addition, as a wine bar I would expect a wider variety of wines. They are knowledgeable about the 5 wines on the menu. It's ironic facing a wall of wines, but only able to sip on 5 varietals and some spritz options. However, the desserts were delicious and I recommend saving room for both of them. Unfortunately, I would not return here. The customer service was attentive, but kitchen is slow. If you do decide to come here, then I suggest you practice patience or come here on a date with someone you really like. Also, check their IG for an updated menu, since it probably changes often.

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    Semi Tropic Wines - Jazz nights in Thursday's

    Semi Tropic Wines

    4.0(109 reviews)
    3.8 mi

    This wine bar is cute, hip, and chic! I'm so happy we discovered what a neat place this is to hang…read moreout and grab a drink. The parking lot situation can be confusing but thankfully there is ample parking right across the street. Semi Tropic wines is located on an unassuming street but is very beautiful and cool inside. They also have a spacious patio for outdoor seating. I had a sparking wine that was juicy, slightly sweet, and refreshing. There were limited wines options this night but I think that's partly because the menu was "curated." Lots of non-alcoholic options which was a pleasant surprise. Menu is on the pricier side. This night we came because they were hosting the food pop up "Three Pigs" which offered a variety of yakitori skewers. We ordered one of everything and my favorites were the beef, chicken thigh, and cucumber salad. I'd love to come back and try Semi Tropic's house menu, but if they keep up a steady rotation of cool pop ups like this I think that would be an amazing idea too! I'm looking forward to their future events. We arrived early in the night (about 5:30pm) so there weren't many people. By the time we left closer to 7pm. the line to order at the bar was considerably longer and the place was packed. They host live jazz Thursdays and Fridays which I would definitely come back to enjoy for longer! Semi Tropic Wines is a neat place that would be fun for a first date, or a great place to begin your night out (if you're not worried about price). Cheers!

    I went on a Thursday night around 615 for jazz. We got there and had to wait in a line to order…read morewine and food. They don't serve you here and you just order and then sit down. We waited about 10 minutes and there's no menu circulating so you are just standing there not knowing what they have. When we got to the counter to order, there were only five wines to choose from. I was a bit surprised since this is a wine bar. There's also only five food options and nothing really sounded great to me. On their website, they listed charcuterie and a lot more wines, but that was not what was offered. The inside is really cute. But the outside is rundown. The patio looks pretty shabby and that's where the jazz musicians play. There's no heat lamps or really a vibe out there. But the music was fantastic!

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    Ruin Bar - Drinks for the night #tasteofcsuc

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    4.1(476 reviews)
    2.3 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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    We Olive & Wine Bar

    We Olive & Wine Bar

    4.0(259 reviews)
    0.4 mi
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    We have been coming here for several years as a fun hangout for a couple drinks. But they've…read moreintroduced us to the varieties of olive oil. Now using the different oils to flavor or accent the food is next level. They do popcorn with olive oil instead of butter and it's amazing. My favorite is jalapeño oil for popcorn with a little kick. We've also done some of their wine and cheese tastings. Discovered so many great new wines and that comes from a beer drinker. They are full of knowledge for the beer, wine and olive oils that you can't miss finding something that hits the spot. Highly recommended.

    So, first impression = bad. Asked about orange wine, my fave, but the fella working rudely said in…read morea terrible tone, yeah we have one but you can only be here if you show me your ID. First of all, people underage barely drink wine, let alone know what orange/skin contact wine is. Second of all, I'll show it obviously. Anyways, we came back 2 days later because we really wanted to try this place on our way back home. The owner's daughter was working, and SHE WAS SO SWEET. One of the best customer service experiences. We got some olive oil samples (lemon & basil) & it was so good w/our bread, we ended up buying the olive oil 5 piece sampler pack. Never been more into olive oil than now. That basil was extremely tasty. Also had my orange wine (amazing flavor + so crisp), plus a drink consisting of sparkling wine w/pear or peach balsamic vinegar???? Surprisingly SO GOOD. She told us there's a location in La Jolla and we live in San Diego, so we may become regulars there!! Thanks for the amazing Valentine's Day experience.

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    Cheeers

    Hi-Time Wine Cellars - Me and wines

    Hi-Time Wine Cellars

    4.7(1.2k reviews)
    4.4 mi
    $$

    This place is my kind of wonderland. You can find everything from beer, wine, cocktails, bar tools,…read moregifts, and so much more. They also have tastings and pairings so check out their schedule. I love going in and asking the staff for their recommendations. They are super nice and informative. I have walked out with many bottles of whiskey that did not disappoint.

    I have been going to Hi-Time Cellars for many years now, and I was a bit surprised to find that I…read morehad not included them in a Yelp review! Well, let's fix that right now because this place should be a must-see destination when you are in Orange county. I'm not kidding, this place is an adult Disneyland! The moment you walk in the door it is a visual sensory overload. To the left isn't a complete cigar shop with some of the most elusive and amazing brands. It is definitely a must-see when you go in. The humidor is stocked to the gills, and they have every accessory you could possibly want. As you keep walking, to your left, they have an amazing gourmet chocolate section that is second to none. One of my favorite places to go and just wander around like a kid in a candy store... Literally. You have to go downstairs where the wine selection is. I'm not kidding you, it is like a half a city block long broken down into country, region, varietal, and tight. There are so many bottles to choose from. You can get anything from a $10 bottle up to a $17,000 bottle of wine If you are a bourbon, Scotch, or whiskey fan, you have to check out the selection that they have. They have amazing deals, they work with the distillers to have a great selection of high-end alcohol. Speaking of high-end, behind the glass obviously is the really high-end stuff like pappy, Van Winkle, whistle, pig and many others to choose from. Are they pricey? Yes they are. Are they hard to find, yes they are. Can I afford them? Absolutely not. But they are fun to look at like paintings in a museum. Here's the secret ticket for those of you going in at the back of the bourbon section, right next to the walk-in beer cooler, they have a discount rack where you can pick up bottles for seriously 90% hot. Hot it is definitely worth a look because sometimes you will find amazing deals on stuff that you never thought you could afford. Speaking of beer, you can buy kegs six packs, individual cans of just about any beer you can think of... And even some you did not know existed. It is definitely worth your while to go there and hang out for an hour. I can't end this review before bragging on the staff. Super nice, super helpful, willing to make suggestions, and just making your visit. Fun is the cornerstone of the experience. Super great people kind of like cheers, where they remember your name. Bottom line? You would be doing a disservice if you did not go check this place out. Highly recommended and Dan Leadbetter approved!

    Photos
    Hi-Time Wine Cellars - Want Pappy Van Winkle? Bottom shelf to the right

    Want Pappy Van Winkle? Bottom shelf to the right

    Hi-Time Wine Cellars - You want high-end bourbon and whiskey? They got you. It ain't cheap, but it's freaking amazing.

    You want high-end bourbon and whiskey? They got you. It ain't cheap, but it's freaking amazing.

    Hi-Time Wine Cellars - The shit bottle they sold me

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    The shit bottle they sold me

    Cafe Sevilla - Paella

    Cafe Sevilla

    4.2(1.8k reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$

    Cafe Sevilla This place is honestly another favorite spots…read morein Orange County. I've even bought gift cards here just to give to family because I love it that much. The whole experience is what makes it special--the ambiance, the Latin flavors, the service, everything is on point. But what really sets it apart is the folklórico dance performance. You don't just eat here, you get a full experience. It feels like a beautiful little piece of Spain brought to Costa Mesa. The dinner is like a full three-course experience while you watch the dancers, and it's just so memorable and unique. If you're in Orange County, this is a must-visit spot--you really should treat yourself at least once. Also, if you stay after dinner, it opens up into a club and you don't have to pay entrance into the club. They have a nice bar outside, so the ambience is flowing Ali he with drinks. The evenings that I've stayed after they have two rooms OK they have a DJ room and then they have the band room, I don't know if they have a band every single night but the times I've been there they do and I like that you one room is very club vibe and then you can go into the band room and it's more like salsa lit up vibing. I myself still have a gift card for their café side that I'm excited to use soon and check out. Can't wait to go back this week.

    I go to Sevilla usually once a week on Sundays, for Salsa/Bachata dancing. And while I love the…read moreevent, I have to say the fact that this establishment still allows SMOKING on the patio is really disturbing. People are actively moving therefore they breathe that disgusting stuff twice as much. And don't let me start on breathing that while eating! For me personally...I already ended up in the hospital, because of second hand smoking, once. And I really don't want to do it again. Also what would be handy...is another LIVE bartender. Whoever is there so far looks like he's there as a punishment. Wanted to order a drink at the bar and the guy totally overlooked me. and that's not the first time. So yes...if the place can fix these two things, it would be a way more pleasant experience for, as I believe, many. Thank you.

    Photos
    Cafe Sevilla - Full indoor bar

    Full indoor bar

    Cafe Sevilla - Bacon Wrapped Dates, Potatoes, and Meatballs.

    Bacon Wrapped Dates, Potatoes, and Meatballs.

    Cafe Sevilla - Espresso.

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    Espresso.

    Darkroom - wine_bars - Updated May 2026

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