The Wayfarer

Cool small Rock & roll Club with full bar & pool tables & bar food, burgers taco & more. Craft Brews on tap. The crowds vary from tiny to sold-out packed, depending on the bands scheduled. It's worth checking out.

I visited this place with my friends this past weekend I didn’t get to eat the food, but the service was great atmosphere was really fun. The music was fun. The place is pretty big. The bathrooms are clean too.

Food was better than expected for a bar. Live music (Grateful Dads) was a lot of fun. A couple pool tables which are fun. My date ordered a beer and they gave her the wrong one, the other barkeep guilted her saying "I'll have to cover it for you" when he replaced it.

This place is a joke. I’m one of three women who tried to come in at 11pm on a non-busy Saturday night. We were told by the bouncer (Zack) that we’d get a discount for being in a group. He was so nice! Then his manager came out and put his hand over his face, making a big deal that we were there. Okay Karen. So we waited to get in as others passed. Eventually the manager told us we were a disturbance. 😆 I paid the 2 for 3 discount and the girls and I made our way inside. We were troubled by the greeting (due to the manager) and probably won’t come back.

I can't comment on the food or drinks, but the concert I went to was fantastic! The audio wasn't too loud, and it was a fun experience being so close to the artist. I would definitely come back for another show. It's in a plaza, so there was plenty of parking.

We went to the Wayfarer, our first time, for the recent Rosie Flores concert. It was a fun night starting out with a couple of games of pool. We don't drink so were concerned about being pressured to buy drinks and food. Instead the bartenders were friendly anf helpful and offered free fresh cold water at the end of the bar. Next time we will eat there. The concert was terrific and, alrhough it said limited seating, there were plenty of opportunites to sit if you wanted to. Acoustics were excellent and we stood for the most part dancing away the night with Rosie's great playing. It all ended about 10:30 and we definitely will be coming back, even just to grab a burger and play pool on our way to the beach!

Saw reggae band Bobby Alu for $20 which was fantastic. Acoustics were great in the stage area and the service at the bar was prompt. Definitely recommended for music amd drinks. didn’t try the food. they have two pool tables that looked fun although I couldn’t figure out where to put my quarters to reserve a spot. there’s a small smoking area outside as welll.

Great spot for live music, two new pool tables, and a great selection of drinks at a reasonable price. Usually there’s a cover charge when a band is playing which is frequently. I like this place it’s near my house, and there is usually a good crowd.

It's nice to still see a good performance room in Orange County. This bar has a nice stage and a soundman which is tops. The only downside is the seating is barstools and folding metal chairs, ffs! The live entertainment they have most nights is pretty damn good. But I would avoid Wednesday night Open Mic Night with an MC asshole named Chris like the plague. THE EMCEE WAS THE HECKLER! He's as unprofessional as they get, changes his rules to let other people get more time before you get yours, and takes no accountability for interrupting your act because he wasn't paying any attention to begin with. But aside from Chris being an unprofessional loser, the room itself is amazing

Drove out here to see another tribute band called Legend Zeppelin. I had bought my tickets in advance through Eventbrite and had the ticket loaded on my phone's wallet. They don't have a scanner for the QR code so I had to show an email or be on the printed list with the names of all the prepaid tickets. Despite this drawback the staff was very nice and I enjoyed a night listening to some classic rock music.

Great little live music venue. Good beer list and full bar. The burgers were ok. Also has a couple pool tables in the back.

Went there to play their Open Mic which is promoted by Chris Cruz. Very busy night with lots of musicians. The sound and stage are top notch, and their sound man made everyone sound great. That is rare for an open mic. Will definitely go back to play their.

The great band legend zeppelin was there for concert I'd enjoy the drink and play pool

These types of venues are always my favorite when it comes to live music. Great ambiance, quick service, easy parking, and some kick-ass doom metal! Didn't get a chance to try their food, but it looked several grades above most other bar food I've seen. The couple working the doors were exceptionally pleasant. Definetly worth the trip from LA.

Been here before but tonight a guy started a mosh pit out of nowhere when the space was so small and everyone was cramped. He knocked me fully down and my husband tried to get him to calm down - no swings at all and the other guy wouldn't calm down. Tell me how we got kicked out the club. Do better at seeing who actually was causing trouble.

This place is a real skip. I live down the street and have given it many many tries. Sketchy at best

Cute place to grab some food and watch good live and local bands play their hearts out

This place definitely deserves zero stars! I came here with about a group of 20 people for the Death Cab Karaoke event last Saturday night. We were all having a great time until the bartender started being rude to my fiancé! When my fiancé and a friend of ours went to the bar to grab another drink the bartender responded by saying, "Fuck that! You tip like shit! I'm not serving you"! He also slammed the bottle that was in his hand against the bar top as he said that comment. First of all, my fiancé was tipping every single time he bought drinks! Secondly, tipping is not mandatory! After the comment was made, my fiancé walked away and went outside because he no longer felt welcomed. He did not react or talk back to the bartender whatsoever but as he walked outside of the venue one of the bartenders walked outside and stood in front of venue with one of the staff members at the entrance booth. They were watching my fiancé because they probably were assuming that he might react to what the bartender said. When our party decided to leave the event my fiancé said have a good night to the bartender and the other staff member standing in front. But they both defensively responded by saying, "What did you say"!? As my fiancé repeated himself both the guys ignored him and didn't say anything back to him. It was a bummer because we had a great time at the event and the venue was nice but the bartender was just rude! Here's a photo of the bartender that refused to serve my fiancé!

Absolutely wonderful food for a bar. Nachos were amazing and would come back just for them. Cesar was a little underwhelming but the flavor of Nachos made up for it. Cute place for live music. pool. relaxing.

The food here was actually way better than I was expecting. The food was a 5/5 and was a good price. Unfortunately, the guy I ordered from was weirdly mean and sassy and I wasn't really sure why so I gotta drop the review down to a 4 star. I kinda wanted to ask the guy why he was upset and if he wanted to talk about it. Like I'm a good listener. Like tell me your feelings big boy. Like rest your head on daddy's shoulder and tell me what's going on. After writing those last 3 sentences I think I gotta drop the review down to 3 stars lol.

Terrible time. Security accused me of doing drugs in the bathroom after simply peeing in the stall, then kicked me out without any proof, ruining my night.

I don't visit the The Wayfarer often, but when I do I always have a good time. The food is worth a visit in its own right. The pulled pork sliders, for instance, are a thing of beauty. I've never had better pulled pork anywhere and heaven knows I've eaten my share of it over the years. The service is friendly and on the ball every time. Ambience wise, it's a roomy, comfortable place with lots of places to sit. I like to sit at the bar, but that's personal preference. Booze wise its full bar with a nice selection of craft beers. The place attracts some really good bands, including some that tour nationally. Last night, we saw Jerry Joseph. He was great. The Wayfarer is a good place worthy of your attention. Cheers!

Convenient local spot for live music. Casual, comfortable and great staff! Keeping the alerts on for future bands.

First time visitor a few days ago. Came by with some friends to see a band and have some drinks. It is tucked in the corner of a plaza but really opens up when you enter. There was so much more space than I expected. The band had a stage to perform on and there was a large space in front for people to dance. The bar was nice as well and in the back of the bar there were pool tables. I ordered a few drinks throughout the night and they were all great. They also have a good selection of beer that I assume they change every so often. The music from the bands that performed were all good and everyone seemed friendly as we were all enjoying the music together.

A nice place on the beach that is a bit more than bar and grill casual. The food is outstanding and the room is thoughtfully decorated. A great place to go for a nice dinner in Virginia Beach.

A really dope spot! Clean! Clean restrooms, full spacious bar! Went to catch a show, some technical difficulties, but nothing major! Loved the show! Super intimate. I want to come back to try the food.

Cool little dive hidden in Costa Mesa. Went for Y2K night. The crowd was lively, the band was awesome and the sound was great. Intimate dancefloor but still spacious enough to not feel stuffed. Bartenders were friendly and quick!

Great Dive Bar! They made me a blood Orange drink that was excellent. Band was fun. Pool tables here. $10 entry for the band.

First time coming here on Tuesday for trivia, tacos, and tequila.. this was fun to do with friends. Taco Tuesday special was $3 each. Took a bit to come out but it was also very busy.

Miguel makes the best margaritas! Great taco Tuesday, be sure to ask for him specifically

Love the Friday night live music. Must do if you like alternative music. The band is amazing and drinks are decently priced

Yo! The Wayfarer is the spot! Whoever selects artists, is a cold beast. Thank you for hitting every time. Everyone I have dealt with there has been super cool and welcoming. The food specials are absolutely amazing and priced insanely low. Not to mention the food is SO Very good. The locals/regulars are conversational and kind. I am Supremely blessed to have found this amazing hotspot.

It's so fun here they have pool every day and on Tuesdays they have trivia night. All of the staff is super friendly and attentive

To preface, I don't leave many reviews. Absolutely awful bar. My friend was dancing on the dance floor and the bartender was upset that she was dancing with the band so he kicked our whole group out. We were there for a birthday so it was a big loss. Won't be coming back anytime soon.

Classic OC music venue and bar right off 19th in Costa Mesa / Newport Mesa area . This place has gone through a few names and owners, but its still iconic. Our bands have played here many time over the last 15 years and there's nowhere else you can see quality bands in such an intimate venue in all of Orange County. Plus the bar drink and food are great and they do tons of weekly events like Karaoke and Trivia. Keep this independent music venue alive and go see bands, buy a drink and go hang here.

The food is really good for bar food. The problem I have with live music venues is that you can't hear the band the band is stuffed in the little square box in the front of the bar they need to have speakers throughout the bar and they should not be playing a fucking movie while the band is on. There should be a video of the band on stage and the band should be on the TV is throughout the bar along with speakers throughout the bar it's disrespectful to the band. Come on man step it up you're about the only live music venue in Orange County you can do better. they're also should be purse hooks under the bar.

They have good drinks and decent food for a BAR. You order everything from the bartender and everything taste like it should. It's pretty decent .. again for a bar. They have music and it seems fine. The place is clean enough. They have one long table in the middle and a side table along the wall next to the pool tables. It's kinda a chill atmosphere and most of the people don't look shady. I mean for a bar being next to a coin-op laundromat. I'd come again with friends if I'm in town.

Been coming here since it was Detroit Bar. I can't say enough good things... bro the chicken burrito though.. bomb. One time a bartender tried to run up my tab thinking I was wasted but I was sober so I would say be aware of that. I could say it was an honest mistake but who knows. Anyways I have had some cool times with friends at this spot since I can remember. I like the space and what they did since the remodel some years back for sure. I like that they expanded the kitchen. Cheers.

Came here once and had a blast! I love the edgy vibe. Came to watch a band play and get some drinks. We lingered by the long table in the center in front of the bar and watched the band perform. Before the bands played, we could talk and socialize a bit. Tv's would display sports games. Once the band started it got too loud to talk and they turned the TVs off. Overall enjoyed my time here and hope to visit again soon!

Been going to wayfarer for awhile Since segagenocide moved from LaCave to their. Saw Mickey Avalon last night which was fantastic. I love the small venue and more local feel and vibe. It's a good place for bands. Would highly recommend. Just be ready to manage your way to the bar bc it does get packed.

Food is good. Not bad. Just tried the wings but the other stuff looked good like the pasta bowls and burgers. The service is quick. Bartenders don't keep you waiting long. Same for the food. Lots of room. Two pool tables.

"I know it's not much, but it's the best I can do My gift is my song, and this one's for you." -Bernie Taupin and Sir Elton John The Wayfarer chose wisely to welcome Bobby Vegas, the esteemed karaoke tycoon, onto its stage every Sunday night. Bobby is a gift to the karaoke world. He has successfully coordinated and run plenty of karaoke events throughout Orange County. I've attended my fair share of Bobby's events, and Bobby always manages to inject a little extra pop into every song sung. I remember he clapped during the entire refrain when I belted out Bob Seger's "Old Time Rock 'n' Roll." Bobby's approach to the craft of karaoke jock goes beyond just building up the random singer. Mr. Vegas begins every night with his own impassioned rendition of whatever track he happens to be feeling that night. I have never seen him mail it in; the extra effort he invests in his opening croon usually inspires those few hesitant members of the crowd to fill out one of his tiny white slips with a request to sing a cherished ditty. Bobby sings well. He does a very good version of Aerosmith's cover of "Come Together." I presume he can probably pull off most of the songs in his songbook without stringing one bead of sweat. This man practices. Fans of Bobby's karaoke night really mirror the energy Bobby exudes. On 11/10 I saw a group of women shouting the lyrics to System of a Down's "Chop Suey." That performance was a hilarious trainwreck. The best song I saw had to be an older gent singing Bowie's "Let's Dance." Singer had a smooth voice that packed much sonic wallop. As for myself, I serenaded the Costa Mesa locals with the very best version of Macklemore and Wanz's "Thrift Shop." I remember getting a few compliments, and I am not exactly Whitney Houston, so I can say the Wayfarer crowd on a Sunday is almost as cool as Bobby Vegas. Go to see Bobby be a bad man; stay for the singers. And, maybe try out that song that has been on repeat in traffic. The entire Wayfarer will be your back up singer.

I don't think I'll ever come back here to see a band. I've been at least a dozen times and sound is always mediocre but this last time was absolutely horrible. It was so bad that the band had to stop playing and ask them to adjust the sound. The musicians are almost hitting the ceiling if they put their hands up and lighting is bad. I get that it's a small low budget venue but the concert experience is so poor that it really ruins your enjoyment even with one of your favorite bands playing. They really need a decent sound system and somebody working the board who knows what they're doing. The sound clipping all night long is just unacceptable. This has happened with multiple bands over the past few years. It's not just a one time occurrence.

I went there on a Friday night (7/1) and the guy at the front was super rude and disrespectful. I told him we were willing to pay the covers charge and he said "no not you " even thought there was a group of 8 of us willing to pay the cover charge. super disrespectful and unprofessional.

Unbelievably rude staff and no ADA accommodations. We went for Beer & Carols night and were not able to stay due to the lack of seating or accommodations.

Staff is incredibly rude and the food had definitely been sitting out. You're better off eating your own thumb. The bartenders power trip as well. It's hilariously sad.

I made a quick visit here a week ago. Though I was only there for a short time, I really enjoyed my experience. The vibe is on point. I like that they have live music (harder these day in the Covid era), or a DJ; and daily specials like wing night. With a variety of beers on tap, full bar, pool tables, food and good atmosphere, Wayfarer has something for everyone! Definitely check them out!

My boyfriend and I have been here a couple of times, and it impresses every time! We always come on monday nights for the wings, which are fantastic. Lots of flavors to choose from, well sized and always cooked to perfection. The live music is great, we've loved every band that has played and their choice of music before the bands come on is great as well. It looks like other reviewers are complaining about the service, but I have had nothing short of impeccable service every time. The bartenders are incredibly kind and efficient, mixed drinks are skillfully made and beers are served with a smile. Truly nothing to complain about with this place. Come in with a good attitude, and be respectful (note: this is NOT a club! don't come in acting a fool) and you're guaranteed a great time

Last Friday we came to meet some friends. Arrived a little after 8:00pm, walked right in no cover charge. After about 45 min two employees came around with a clipboard to collect a $ 15 cover charge if we wanted to stay, otherwise we would have to leave. What establishment does that? They could've collected the cover at the door when we arrived, no problem. Then our barstools we were sitting on were taken away, no explanation, just "policy". It would be nice if upon entering we were told that there would be a cover charge and that our bar stools would be removed instead of being intimidated by rude bouncers.

A great intimate venue to see live music! Caught "Stick Men" there in February and not only enjoyed the show, but also drinks served at the bar!

Honestly, I had never heard of The Wayfarer until a friend held her birthday party here. The Wayfarer is a very cool bar that has modified well for reopening after COVID. There are no shows right now for obvious reasons, but they will have an artist on the back patio, that I really hope they can keep post-COVID. They have an excellent beer selection, strong drinks, and tasty food. The staff is super friendly and engaging. Hidden behind a wooden "wall" in the corner of a strip mall on the corner of 19th and Placentia, you enter Wayfarer under the sign. After walking through the entrance, you are looking right at the steel topped bar and beautifully accented back bar with several lighted bottle shelves, beer menus, a large HDTV, and "Rock n Roll." It has round stools that lack back support that make it easy to spin around to see the band. The bar's main area has a mix of tables capable of seating a large number of people. The stage is set higher than regular provided good sightlines of the band. The owners have nicely converted the back parking lot to a comfortable patio with green turf and large rugs. As mentioned above, I really hope the county allows them to keep this space after things return to normal. Looking forward to returning post-COVID when I experience the indoor bar and enjoy live music.

Don't come here if you expect any sort of polite "security". Shandly (I'm sorry if I misspelt your name) is the only one who has made me feel respected and cared for here. She is so sweet, a huge asset to the wayfarer. Also Segagenocide is a HUGE MUST every Friday night if you like shit like late 1990s/ early 2000s ( blink 182, etc). But... whoever the white dude is (I'm white too so I'm not being ' reverse racist') is a DIIIIICKKKK). I came to see my friends play and holy mother of pearl....this guy was absolutely so rude; he called ME rude for playing around with him while leaving. To be honest, I think I know shandly at this point pretty well and while leaving I was chatting with her and he came in out of nowhere being rude asf and I playfully flipped him off while I was walking out and he threw a fit. I even told him "no dude! I'm totally playing with you, I know I'm leaving!" With a smile on my face and he told me to get out of his way because he was working. He then said "so you want to be kicked out, I'll make sure you never come back here"- and KEPT threatening to get me banned, even after my apology and telling him I was good friends with the band and want to support them. I have a BA in hospitality and I'd like to think I'm very educated and well versed in it.... This was not it. Do better. Whoever this redneck looking white guy is should be... trained. Cmon now, you deal with intoxicated people, be fricken nice. I wasn't even intoxicated and I felt sooooooo disrespected. I even admitted my wrong and my fault for him feeling disrespected by me even when I had no intention to, and he continued to tell another gentleman in charge that he wants me banned. There is just no excuse for this behavior. No excuse. In my whole time learning and working in the hospitality industry, this was the worst behaved employee I've ever met. I'll happily change my review once something is done about this because I love this place. The WAYFARER IS AMAZING, however, made a really sore mistake while hiring.

The bar tenders are decent. The food is ok but the patrons are rude entitled and just not worth tolerating. The bar is so concerned with making there dollar they don't monitor the rooms so if ya want to brawl go for it. Not a fun time bar. The acoustics are shot. The music sounded bad. It's not even a good dive bar. I guess the hipster scene is just not for me.

Taco Tuesday is now 2 taco's for $10. The food is great ,but the bartender attitudes are pretty crappy.. You do know you work for tip's ,right ? Definitely has turned into a hipster bar.. Local's only... Too many option out there , don't need to deal with arrogant bartender's..

It was cool Mickey Avalon was killing it. Lots a hot OC cuties. I'm in LA for. Ever but I got game. They be up here soon.

[Copied over from my google maps review] What a weird night. I've never gone to a bar where they interrupt your evening, demanding that you pay money to stay. We got to the bar around 8:45. No cover at the door (it's early, understandable). Bought a couple rounds of drinks and were talking with other customers when two of the bar staff walk up with a clipboard and let us know that if we plan on staying, we have to pay a cover. Otherwise we will be kicked out at 9:30. In what world do you demand money from people already within your bar? Every bar/club/venue in OC would start charging a cover for new arrivals around 10pm. Even if they charged a cover at the door from the very beginning, we would have paid. Making the rounds to the already-paying customers inside your bar is weird, and kills whatever environment you were hoping to have.

Wish they still had the 50 cent wings but given the shortage and last couple of years I do not blame them. Regardless when craving wings Wayfarer should be your go to in this part of town. Always big, always saucy, creative sauces is a huge plus for me and why not support a great local place instead of a huge chain. Definitely a nice place to kick back with friends do some drinking and some eating.