THE PREMIER LGBTQ BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
ORANGE COUNTY Vol. 4
SCAN QR CODE TO VIEW THIS ISSUE ONLINE Bar Guide & Event Schedule
TABLE OF CON TENT S See this issue online at
ourcommunityusa.com/OrangeCounty4
04
About Orange County
10
Bar Guide
06
Restaurant Guide
18
LGBTQ Organizations & Attractions
08
Events Schedule
19
Business Directory
2
ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY 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.
4
Excerpt from gaycities.com
RESTAURANT GUI DE Taco Maria Locally sourced Californian-Mexican fare 3313 Hyland Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA
il Barone Ristorante Italian trattoria serving sophisticated dishes in a contemporary setting 4251 Martingale Way, Newport Beach, CA
Playground Modern gastropub offering American fare & top-shelf drinks 220 E 4th Street, #102, Santa Ana, CA
Irenia Hip Filipino restaurant offering great cocktails in a cozy setting 400 N Broadway, Santa Ana, CA
The Ranch Restaurant Sophisticated mainstay featuring farm-fresh, seasonal steak & seafood 1025 E Ball Rd, Anaheim, CA
Lola Gaspar A cozy tapas joint serving up Latin & Spanish small plates, plus creative cocktails 211 W 2nd Street, Santa Ana, CA
Orange Hill Restaurant Upscale hilltop venue dotted with koi ponds & waterfalls 6410 E Chapman Avenue, Orange, CA
L’Hirondelle Restaurant Belgian-French bistro fare & brunch served in an old-world setting 31631 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA
Orange County Mining Co Traditional steakhouse with rustic decor & panoramic views of Orange County 10000 S Crawford Canyon Rd, Santa Ana, CA
Water Grill South Coast Plaza Posh place, live sophisticated music and excellent service 3300 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA
Zinc Cafe & Market Delicious bites and casual atmosphere 350 Ocean Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA
Rutabegorz Regulars dig the relaxed hippie vibe at this casual eatery devoted to health-inspired eclectic fare 264 N Glassell Street, Orange, CA
Dizz’s As Is Beach-side grill 2794 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA El Torito Grill Stylish local Mexican chain 951 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA
Shiki Japanese Restaurant Japanese restaurant offers teppanyaki, a sushi bar, sake & lively service 1936 E Katella Avenue, Orange, CA
Nirvana Grille Eatery boasting inviting rooftop seating & an innovative menu of Californian dishes 303 Broadway, Laguna Beach, CA
OC Brewhouse Casual lounge serving Southern California microbrews & pub eats 11999 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA
Okura Robata Grill & Sushi Bar “New Gay Spot to eat & drink!” 858 South Coast Hwy , Laguna Beach, CA
Jagerhaus Goulash, bratwurst, strudel & other German specialties are served in a quaint space 2525 E Ball Road, Anaheim, CA
Anepalco Restaurant French-inspired Mexican cuisine 415 S Main Street, Orange, CA Vaca Spanish eatery and bar 695 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa, CA The Beachcomber Cafe Beachside eatery serving California favorites 15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA Marche Moderne Chic French establishment 7862 Pacific Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA
6
2019-20 EVENT SCHEDULE November
DEC 7 10:00AM-2:00PM MODA PRIDE Moda Pride is a workshop and clothing center focusing on style education and exploration that teaches makeup, hairstyling, and fashion tips and tricks for trans people. We focus on easing that process of social transitioning for people. Whether you are fresh out of the closet or a veteran of the community, there is always something to learn. Our panels are by and for trans people. This is a free event. Register at eventbrite.com.
NOV 2 12:00PM-8:00PM TASTE OF EUROPE Serbian, Greek, Italian, German and Boureki cuisines and desserst can be found at this event. Also featuring a kids zone and Dunav Folklore Group members, like the famous European river, stem from various parts of Balkans including Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Montenegro. Learn more at euroserbfest.net.
DEC 7 BREW HO HO HOLIDAY ALE FEST Join us Saturday, December 7th at the acclaimed 8th Annual Brew Ho Ho Holiday Ale Festival! This event will be held in the beautiful garden gazebo area of the centrally located, Phoenix Club near the The Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. Visit eventbrite.com.
NOV 22-24 DESIGNERCON 2019 DesignerCon is an annual art and design convention that smashes together collectible toys, customs, plush, designer apparel and so much more with urban, underground and pop art! We are a celebration of all aspects from the world of design. Learn more at designercon.com.
DEC 29 12:00PM-10:00PM OC WINTER FEST Celebration Festivals is “bringing winter to the OC” with the return of Southern California’s largest winter tradition - Winter Fest at the OC Fair & Event Center. Learn more at evensi.us.
NOV 30 MINDFULNESS EXPO The Mindfulness Expo has something for everyone! Whether you’re just stepping into the world of spirituality and meditation, or have walked this path for a while, there is a class for you. Create your own schedule. Attend one class, or attend as many classes as you’d like. Our 50 minute workshops will reset your mind with clarity, and your heart with connection.
January
JAN 1 ROSE PARADE Ring in the new year with America’s New Year Celebration, the 131st annual Rose Parade! This year’s theme, “The Power of Hope,” celebrates and encourages creativity in the parade entries. Learn more on Facebook.
Don’t want to attend any classes? Check out the vast array of exhibitor booths. Tickets are only $35. Yet, nourishing your soul and connecting with like minded people is priceless. Come join us at this all encompassing one-day event, and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit! Anaheim Convention Center, Address: 800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA. Learn more at mindfulnessexpo.com.u
JAN 5 11:00AM-6:00PM OC VEGAN FEST Invite the entire family this is a safe, friendly, inviting atmosphere! Featuring over 25 Cruelty-Free Vendors! Perfect event to Welcome the New Year! Parking is located around the surrounding neighborhood or at the 4th St Market Parking Lot. Details at eventbrite.com.
December
JAN 10 BLOODY MARY FESTIVAL The Newport Beach Bloody Mary Festival celebrates everyone’s favorite cocktail. House-made cocktails, live music and great people right here in Newport Beach. Details at Localistamedia.com.
DEC 1 OC PRIDE SANTA SPEEDO RUN Join us for our annual Santa Speedo Run as we fill the Park full of holiday cheer with our FUNdraiser for Orange County Pride, A Non-Profit LGBTQ+ Organization! Complete details on Facebook.
8
Continued on page 12
BAR GU ID E VLVT | Velvet Lounge LGBT-friendly bar & restaurant featuring American comfort fare along with DJs, dancing & cocktails. 416 W 4th Street, Santa Ana, CA
The Wayfarer Awesome music venue with an intimate atmosphere. 843 W 19th Street, Costa Mesa, CA Surf City Hookah Lounge Hookah lounge with great vibes. 19092 Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach, CA
Tin Lizzie Saloon Victorian-style gay & lesbian bar draws guys & gals for themed nights, happy hours & pool tables. 752 St Clair Street, Costa Mesa, CA
Palmz Hookah Lounge Great atmosphere, hookah, music, and service. 17823 Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach, CA
Main Street - Bar & Cabaret Bar & cabaret with a hip gay scene, a rotating roster of DJs & plenty of dancing. 1460 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA
San Clemente Vape Lounge Premium products in an atmosphere unlike any other. 401 S El Camino Real, Unit G, San Clemente, 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 Club Ripples Late-night, high-energy gay bar with a patio featuring cocktails, live entertainment & DJ nights. 5101 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 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 Executive Suite Gay, lesbian & transgender nightclub with a chic lounge area, karaoke, pool & weekly drag shows. 3428 Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA The Circle OC Great music, good vibes and open smoking patio area. 8901 Warner Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 10
2020 EVENT SCH E DULE February
April
FEB 6-13 IRVINE FILM FESTIVAL With a focus on creative expression, cultural differences and global issues, The IIFF celebrates the power of film as a language that transcends all geographical boundaries. Details at irvinefilmfest.com.
APR 10-12 WONDERCON WonderCon show allowed greater interaction between attendees and creators and added fuel to the DIY comics movement growing around the world. It displays products like Anime, pop culture, toys, video games, comic books, photography, cosplay, comics, movies, TV, animation, the Masquerade, and more. Learn more atcomic-con.org/wca.
FEB 15 ARTWALK & DANCE BATTLE This free community event features 35+ artists, live painting, oversized game boards, silent disco, dance battles and fiesta gourmet food truck. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
APR 17 CALIFORNIA WINE FESTIVAL Guests are invited sip on fine wines and taste a variety of delicacies surrounded by the ocean at the beautiful Laguna Cliffs Marriott. This is an elegant VIP event for true fine wine lovers, located in one of Orange County’s most beautiful coastal cities – Dana Point. Learn more at califroniawinefestival.com.
March
MAR 1 SB FOOD FEST This amazing night will feature an interactive art row, special music guest performances, pop-up food vendors, and food trucks. A portion of the proceeds from all art, food, and retail sales will go to benefit these awesome causes. Visit our website for more information: www.sbfoodfest.com.
APR 17 FANTASY BOOK FEST Fantasy Book Fest is a convention for people who’ve never left Narnia. Who still check for trolls under bridges, still glimpse fairies traipsing through the woods, and still hope that one day they’ll receive that long-awaited letter to Hogwarts. Or, in simpler terms, a convention for fantasy readers and writers.
MAR 1-4 ANAHEIM FAMILY FESTIVAL The annual spring Family Festival returns to Anaheim from Thursday, March 1st through Sunday, March 4th. The four day festival will have rides, games, live music, food, vendors, and more! The festival is located at Anaheim Marketplace on Anaheim & Cerritos Ave. Details at carnivalsca.com.
Come join in Anaheim for a magical weekend filled with workshops, panels, parties, games, book readings, a ren-faire themed book signing event and more in April 2020! We’re going to have a variety of activites, panels, and workshops and much more. Tickets sold at eventbrite.com.
MAR 7 BEER & GRAFFITI FEST Not your average Beer Festival! Everyone wears white t-shirts & writes on each other w sharpies. It’s one of our most interactive events & great way to meet new friends. Unlimited Sampling of 40+ Craft Beers, Live Music, and 1,000 of your new BFF’s! Learn more at eventbrite.com.
APR 23-26 NEWPORT BOAT SHOW Newport Boat Show will feature the newest vessels to reach the Western United States. Plus, there will be a whole host of exhibitors on hand shoreside and in the water to showcase innovative products and services that make owning and operating a big boat more enjoyable. Newport is the one show that features big boats and trawlers. With more than 200 boats on display and no limit on the size of bigger vessels, this is the one show that serious buyers won’t want to miss. Learn more at newportboatshow.com.
MAR 21 MAC & CHEESE FEST Sample your way though delicious Mac & Cheese dishes designed by Local Top Chefs to satisfy your ridiculously cheesy cravings. Unlimited Sampling of 40+ Mac Options, and Live Music! Details at eventbrite.com.
12
LGBTQ COM MU NI TY ORGANIZATIONS & ATTRACTIONS
LGBT CENTER OC
LGBT organization providing services to the community from HIV testing to support 1605 N Spurgeon St, Santa Ana, CA (714) 953-5428 | www.lgbtcenteroc.org Q-CARE CLINIC
Quality Health Care for LGBTQ Youth & Families 800 N Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701 (714) 480-3501 TREVOR PROJECT
Suicide Prevention www.thetrevorproject.org Trevor Line (866) 488-7386 PFLAG ORANGE COUNTY
P.O. Box 1100, Laguna Beach, CA 92652 Phone: (949) 459-2834
18
BUSINESS D IRECTO RY ACCOUNTING Tapp & Tapp An Accounting Corp..................... 9
OPTOMETRIST Surf City Optometry.......................................15
ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN Oatman Architects... front/back inside cover, 14
THEATRE La Mirada Theatre..........................................11 South Coast Repertory..................................... 3
AUTO DEALERSHIP Caruso Ford...................................................... 5
WINDOW TREATMENTS Budget Blinds of Orange County..................... 9
AUTOMOTIVE TRANSMISSION SERVICE Leon’s Transmission Services Inc...................13
WINE CELLARS Roomscapes, Inc...................back outside cover
BAR Hurricanes Bar and Grill................................13 COMMERCIAL MORTGAGES Executive Element.........................................15 FITNESS Anytime Fitness San Juan Capistrano............. 7 GRILL Hurricanes Bar and Grill................................13 GYM Anytime Fitness San Juan Capistrano............. 7 KITCHEN DESIGN & REMODELING Roomscapes, Inc...................back outside cover NEW CONSTRUCTION Roomscapes, Inc...................back outside cover
19