A LOOK at LOCAL MUSIC VENUES

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

The South Orange County cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano offer a variety of music venues where patrons can enjoy live entertainment along with their dinner.

Many of the local venues feature cover bands, dance bands and local artists— something for any music lover.

And each venue offers a different experience for attendees, from intimate indoor performances to outdoor, under-the-sun shows, to bar entertainment.

Here’s a look at some of the many music venues in South Orange County to see which ones best match your own vibes.

Dana Point

STILLWATER SPIRITS & SOUNDS

24701 DEL PRADO, DANA POINT. 949.661.6003. DANAPOINTSTILLWATER.COM

Looking to bring in more live entertainment and nightlife to Dana Point, Stillwater Spirits & Sounds owner Damian Collins showcases a variety of local artists and bands each week.

The venue features country artists on Wednesdays, cover bands on Thursdays, and typically ’80s and ’90s music through the weekend. Patrons can enjoy table dining service indoors or on the patio while enjoying live performances from local artists.

THE POINT RESTAURANT AND BAR

34085 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY, DANA POINT. 949.464.5700. THEPOINTRESTAURANTANDBAR.COM

In addition to karaoke, trivia and bingo, The Point Restaurant and Bar hosts a variety of live entertainment from country artists, pop, and rock and roll to dance bands and ’80s hair metal cover bands.

The sports bar this month celebrated its 10-year anniversary with live music.

San Juan Capistrano

THE COACH HOUSE

33157 CAMINO CAPISTRANO, SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO. 949.496.8930. THECOACHHOUSE.COM

Since The Coach House opened in 1980, the San Juan Capistrano venue has hosted a wide variety of artists, from country music to reggae and jazz to rock and roll.

At the Coach House, patrons can enjoy dinner along with the show. Though the smaller venue offers an intimate experience with artists, owner Gary Folgner notes The Coach House is able to draw in larger artists than other clubs its size.

TREVOR’S AT THE TRACKS

26701 VERDUGO STREET, SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO. 949.493.9593. TREVORSATTHETRACKS.COM

Trevor’s at the Tracks aims to support local musicians, offering live music on its outdoor patio seven days a week. All the artists performing at Trevor’s at the Tracks play only once a month, so the venue is able to showcase a wide variety of local talent.

In addition to its daily live music performances, the restaurant partners with local vendors to provide a fresh, environmentally continuous menu that echoes its motto: Locally Acquired, Globally Inspired.

San Clemente

IVA LEE’S RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE

555 N. EL CAMINO REAL, SUITE E, SAN CLEMENTE. 949.361.2855. IVALEES.COM

In addition to offering traditional Cajun cuisine, Iva Lee’s Restaurant and Lounge offers live music on Thursdays through Saturdays. Patrons can enjoy the live entertainment from the venue’s dance floor, or they can enjoy dinner at lounge tables as they watch the show.

Thanks to owner Eric Wagoner’s experience in the music industry, the venue features a range of musical acts from blues to classic rock to modern dance, with an emphasis on dance and cover bands lately.

BEACHFIRE BAR & GRILL

204 AVENIDA DEL MAR, SAN CLEMENTE, 949.366.3232. BEACHFIRE.COM

Beachfire Bar & Grill, which offers coastal cuisine and signature cocktails, features performances from local musicians five days a week.

There’s no cover charge to enjoy live music at Beachfire. The restaurant boasts of hosting headliners from all over South Orange County and featuring a range of genres from soul to island sounds.