THE PREMIER LGBTQ+ BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
ORANGE COUNTY Vol. 9
SCAN QR CODE TO VIEW THIS ISSUE ONLINE Bar Guide & Event Schedule
TABLE OF CON TENT S
04 ABOUT GUIDE 06 RESTAURANT SCHEDULE 08 EVENTS GUIDE 14 BAR ORGS & ATTRACTIONS 16 LGBTQ+ DIRECTORY 20 BUSINESS
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ABOUT LGBTQ+ Orange County Orange County is a diverse area with a wide variety of suburban cities. Laguna Beach is the most “gay friendly” community with a gay beach and a number of bars and restaurants. Just one hour south of LA, this quaint and artistic beach town is nestled in the heart of otherwise conservative Orange County (“The OC”). For years, Laguna has attracted all types with its sandy beaches, high end lodging, numerous art galleries, and its well-known Laguna Playhouse. Daytime means hitting the popular West Street gay beach just south of town. Climb down the stairway at the end of West Street and down another stairway at the Coast Royale condo complex, then walk a bit down the beach. The friendly and good looking crowd is well worth the walk. Newport Beach/ Irvine has a new Hamburger Mary’s bar and restaurant that is drawing a nice gay crowd at night and on the weekends.
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RESTAURANT GUI DE Anepalco Mexican Restaurant Inventive, French-inspired Mexican dishes. 3737 Chapman Ave, Orange, CA
Orange County Mining Co Traditional steakhouse & Sunday brunch spot with rustic decor & panoramic views of Orange County. 10000 S Crawford Canyon Rd Santa Ana, CA
Arc Food & Libations Rustic-chic hangout pairing locally sourced American fare with handmade craft cocktails. 3321 Hyland Ave suite f, Costa Mesa, CA
Orange Hill Restaurant Upscale hilltop venue dotted with koi ponds & waterfalls, with a New American menu & long wine list. 6410 E Chapman Ave, Orange, CA
Bosscat Kitchen & Libations Specialized in cocktails & burgers, plus steak & chicken dishes. 118 W Chapman Ave, Orange, CA
Prime Cut Café A relaxed setting & extensive wine list keep locals coming back to this traditional chophouse. 1547 W Katella Ave, Orange, CA
Felix Continental Cafe Serving hearty portions of Cuban & Spanish classics like paella & roast chicken in a basic setting. 36 Plaza Square, Orange, CA
Rutabegorz Regulars dig the relaxed hippie vibe at this casual eatery devoted to healthinspired eclectic fare. 264 N Glassell St, Orange, CA
Francoli Gourmet Classic trattoria with a Northern Italian menu features an adjoining specialtyfoods shop. 100 S Glassell St, Orange, CA
The Filling Station Cafe Laid-back coffeehouse in a converted gas station with cafe classics & breakfast. 201 N Glassell St, Orange, CA
Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen Carefully presented entrees & desserts star at this unmarked establishment with upscale cuisine. 141 S Glassell St, Orange, CA
The Hobbit Multicourse French-inspired meals begin in a wine cellar then move up into a refined, homey space. 2932 E Chapman Ave, Orange, CA
Moreno’s Festive Mexican eatery in a leafy, historic space features gardens & fountains, mariachi & more. 4328 E Chapman Ave, Orange, CA
TusCA Bright & modern eatery in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency serves Italian-inspired Californian fare. 11999 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA
NOVA Kitchen & Bar Fashionable locale serving Asian-fusion cuisine, sushi & weekend brunch, plus sake & cocktails. 12361 Chapman Ave, Garden Grove, CA
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EVENTS SCH E D ULE DECEMBER
JANUARY
AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE’S THE NUTCRACKER
RIVERSIDE LUNAR FESTIVAL
DEC 8-17
JAN 27-28
Join us for the weekend at downtown Riverside on Mission Inn Ave as we celebrate the largest festival in the Asian community! Enjoy delicious food from the local popups around Riverside, shop to your heart’s content from local artisans and small business owners, and enjoy cultural performances from the community! The event is free to attend so bring your friends and family and enjoy the festivities of the Lunar New Year! For more info visit: pananaevents.com/ riverside-lunar-festival
SoCal’s favorite holiday tradition returns with American Ballet Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of The Nutcracker. Created by one of today’s most celebrated choreographers, Alexei Ratmansky, this dazzling holiday treat features ABT’s roster of superstar dancers along with gorgeous sets and costumes by Tony winner Richard Hudson, and Pacific Symphony playing Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. For more info visit: tinyurl.com/54d988ad
JAN 27-28
DEC 10
MANATEE FESTIVAL
The Manatee Festival uses the funds raised through its annual festival to benefit friends of Blue Spring State Park, Dare Programs and other area organizations. For more info visit: themanateefestival.com
HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD
Experience the most wonderful time of year at the Center and join us for a day of festive family fun as we transform the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza into a spectacular winter wonderland! Enjoy a variety of live performances from local music acts and dance groups that celebrate holiday traditions from all around the world. Kids can create their own seasonal crafts and get to experience a little holiday magic with sparkling snowfall on the Plaza! For more info visit: scfta.org/ events/2023/holidays-around-the-world
FEBRUARY FEB 1-25
DISNEY’S THE LION KING
Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. This is Disney’s THE LION KING, making its triumphant return to Segerstrom Center for the Arts! For more info visit: scfta.org/ events/2024/disney-s-the-lion-king
DEC 23
FIESTA NAVIDAD
One of Orange County’s most beloved holiday events, Fiesta Navidad, features the Grammy Award®-winning Mariachi Los Camperos in a concert filled with festive music and dance. This celebration of Mexican holiday traditions is a joyous annual tradition at Segerstrom Center, perfect for the whole family. For more info visit: scfta.org/ events/2023/fiesta-navidad
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EVENTS SCH E D ULE FEB 10
and ailing—fill the concert hall with their astonishing voices as Puccini’s heartrending tale unfolds. For more info visit: scfta.org/ events/2024/la-boheme
LUNAR NEW YEAR
Join the Pacific Symphony for their annual festivities honoring Lunar New Year! Celebrating the Year of the Dragon, this performance is sure to sell out once again as audiences from across our communities come together to feast on a colorful presentation of Eastern and Western music and dance. For more info visit: scfta.org/ events/2024/lunar-new-year
MAY
MAY 24-27
GARDEN GROVE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
This annual event, which has been a favorite of residents and visitors for over 60 years, celebrates the city’s rich agricultural history and heritage, and it is dedicated to the strawberry. The festival, which is organized by the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival Association, will feature a wide variety of activities, including a VIP pancake breakfast, live music, contests, vendors, a festive parade, and a Cake Cutting Ceremony. Visitors will also be able to enjoy carnival rides and attractions for all ages and much more. For more info visit: strawberryfestival.org
MARCH MAR 12
MANIA: THE ABBA TRIBUTE
MANIA (formerly ABBA MANIA) formed in 1999 and the show has been selling out theatres and concert halls internationally ever since. This show has toured the world in its quest to bring the music of the Swedish ‘Supergroup’ to their millions of fans, old and new! For more info visit: tinyurl.com/mwa9fzus
MAR 23
MAY 28-31
NOWRUZ: IRANIAN NEW YEAR
FUNNY GIRL
A concert that unites cultures through the power of music: Celebrate Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, with Pacific Symphony! A traditional festival that marks the beginning of spring, Nowruz is a time to celebrate the “rebirth of nature” and wash away the past. For more info visit: scfta.org/ events/2024/nowruz-iranian-new-year
Featuring one of the greatest musical scores of all time, including classic songs “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People,” this bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she’d never be a star, but then something funny happened—she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway. For more info visit: scfta.org/ events/2024/funny-girl
APRIL APR 4-9
LA BOHÈME
Everything great opera should have: gorgeous music, high emotion, and grand tragedy! Carefree Bohemians and star-struck lovers—penniless, hungry,
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BAR GU ID E Bravo Night Club Bi-level dance club with mostly Latin acts & theme nights ranging from goth to gay and salsa. 1490 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA
Surf City Hookah Lounge Hookah lounge with great vibes. 18822 Beach Blvd UNIT 112 Huntington Beach, CA The Circle OC Spacious, lively nightclub venue for drinks, DJs, live music & dancing inside neon-lit digs. 8901 Warner Ave, Huntington Beach, CA
Donkey D’s Queer Neighborhood Video Bar 820 W 19th St, Costa Mesa, CA Executive Suite Gay, lesbian & transgender nightclub with a chic lounge area, karaoke, pool & weekly drag shows. 3428 Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA
The Falcon Happening gay bar featuring house music, a dance floor & themed events in small, festive surrounds. 1435 E Broadway, Long Beach, CA
Flux Happening gay hangout offering a pool table, TVs & daily drink specials, plus an outdoor patio. 17817 Lakewood Blvd, Bellflower, CA
The Hook-Up Established neighborhood gay haunt offering drink specials & theme nights, plus a pool table & a TV. 1047 E 2nd St, Pomona, CA
Frat House Gay bar with a mostly male crowd for dance beats, cocktails, pool table nights & weekend drag shows. 8112 W Garden Grove Blvd Garden Grove, CA
Tin Lizzie Saloon Victorian-style gay & lesbian bar draws guys & gals for themed nights, happy hours & pool tables. 752 St Clair St, Costa Mesa, CA
Mineshaft A popular Long Beach gay bar, catering to the jeans/leather crowd. 1720 E Broadway, Long Beach, CA
The Silver Fox Gay nightclub known for its large library of music & comedy videos, plus karaoke nights. 411 Redondo Ave, Long Beach, CA
Palmz Hookah Lounge Great atmosphere, hookah, music, and service. 17823 Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach, CA
The Wayfarer Awesome music venue with an intimate atmosphere. 843 W 19th Street, Costa Mesa, CA
San Clemente Vape Lounge Premium products in an atmosphere unlike any other. 401 S El Camino Real, Unit G San Clemente, CA
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LGBTQ+ COMM U NI TY ORGANIZATIONS & ATTRACTIONS
PFLAG Orange County Support meeting the 1st Wednesday of each month 7:30-9pm (or later). Orientation for newcomers begins at 7:15pm. lbpflag.org/orange-county.html 161 S Orange St, Orange, CA
Equality California The nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization. eqca.org 3701 Wilshire Blvd #725 Los Angeles, CA LGBTQ Center Orange County Advocating on behalf of the Orange County LGBTQ+ community and providing services that ensure its wellbeing and positive identity. 1605 N Spurgeon St, Santa Ana, CA lgbtqcenteroc.org
Radiant Health Center Orange County’s Largest Provider of LGBTQ+ Health and Social Services. radianthealthcenters.org 17982 Sky Park Circle, Suite J, Irvine, CA Trevor Project Providing 24/7 crisis support services to LGBTQ young people. Text, chat, or call anytime to reach a trained counselor. thetrevorproject.org Trevor Line (866) 488-7386
OC Pride Orange County LGBT Pride’s Mission is to strengthen the identity of the LGBTQ+ community within Orange County. prideoc.com 2321 E. 4th Street C619, Santa Ana CA
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BUSINESS D IRECTO RY APARTMENT LIVING Avalon Bay Communities....................... 5
MASSAGE SERVICES UNWIND Mobile Massage & Spa......... 9
BILLBOARDS Billboard Connection..... Back Inside Cover
NEW CONSTRUCTION Roomscapes Inc..................................... 15
CABINET INSTALLATION Elite Cabinets.............. Front Cover, 10-11
NON PROFIT Red Cross.................. Front Inside Cover, 17
CABINETRY DESIGNER Elite Cabinets.............. Front Cover, 10-11
OUTDOOR ADVERTISEMENT Billboard Connection..... Back Inside Cover
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY Gray West Construction Inc................... 5
RV SALES Airstream Orange County...................... 3
EVENT PLANNER Zynger Events........................................ 13
SPA SERVICES UNWIND Mobile Massage & Spa......... 9
GENERAL CONTRACTOR Gray West Construction Inc................... 5
WINDOW TREATMENTS MnM Window Clovering Specialists.... 5
KITCHEN DESIGN & REMODELING Roomscapes Inc..................................... 15
WINE CELLARS Roomscapes Inc..................................... 15
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