Girls Time Out: Get Your Groove On!
Written by Rebecca Meekma
Ah, September! The most dreaded month of the year for children, but for parents the “What are we doing today? I’m bored” comments are finally over. We made it. And what better way to celebrate summer’s end than with food, friends and fine tunes.
Classic Venues
The Coach House This music haven in San Juan Capistrano hosts both big names and local talent. The intimate, restaurant and club style suits all combinations of music-lovers: Date night, girls night or group celebration. Pick a favorite artist, rally the troops, and you’re in for a sure-fire fun evening. The trick at The Coach House is to make dinner reservations as far in advance as possible, as the best seats in the house are dinner tables that get filled on a first reserved basis. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949-496-8930. www.TheCoachHouse.com.
The House of Blues Anaheim This venue is another great place to see famous and almost famous bands and performers. HoB’s manageable size and excellent acoustics, sound system and site lines make this the place for music aficionados. Not to be missed is their Sunday morning Gospel Brunch, featuring a delicious southern-themed buffet and soul-infused gospel performances. Sunday Gospel Brunch seatings at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. $38.00 or $48.00 includes unlimited champagne or mimosas. 1530 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim. 714-778–BLUE. www.TheHouseofBlues.com.
Stylish Scenes
Mozambique This upscale eatery in Laguna Beach has turned into quite the evening destination for those seeking a fun bar scene with live music being offered five nights a week. Walk past the exotic birds at the entrance and head up the stairs to the Shabeen Longue (the bar area), and enjoy unusual drinks and spicy bar snacks with your music. Stop by on Sundays for Reggae, Reggae, Reggae! and end your day at the beach with the mellow vibe of the islands, Laguna-style. Reggae Sundays, 5 to 10 p.m. 1740 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. 949-715-7100. www.MozambiqueOC.com.
Iva Lee’s This is a rare combination in Orange County—an intimate and sexy restaurant serving delicious food accompanied by live music Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Iva Lee’s authentic and tasty southern dishes will make your tummy happy, while your ears will be pleased with the sounds of the blues combos playing in the front room bar area. This is authentic as it gets this far west of the Mississippi. 550 North El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949-361-2855. www.IvaLees.com.
Fun Times
Blue Beet This place is old school—it’s been around since 1912! A great place for dinner and drinks in a casual (especially for Newport) atmosphere. A younger crowd (not too young, though) has fun listening to bands on the weekends and a variety of acoustic performers or DJs during the week. 107 21st Place, Newport Beach. 949-675-2338. www.TheBlueBeet.com.
Harpoon Henry’s Sometimes you want to go to out, but you don’t want to deal with a scene. Casual but not dive-y. Stop by Harpoon Henry’s in Dana Point Harbor and relax. Many patrons have been coming here for years, and the spacious bar and lounge area can get quite crowded. Come early enough to get a table and enjoy the happy hour specials. Listen to the band and let the good times roll! Happy Hour, Monday to Friday, 4 to 7 p.m. Music, Friday and Saturday. 34555 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949-493-2933. www.WindandSeaRestaurants.com.