Although conservative Orange County has a reputation as a dead zone for gay and lesbian nightlife, the clubs that do exist have reputations for providing quality drinks, music and entertainment in safe, open-minded environments. The close-knit lesbian and gay community of Orange County welcomes out-of-towners to join in the festivities.
The Tin Lizzie offers a Victorian feel and a welcoming atmosphere to locals and out-of-towners. Located in Costa Mesa, this gay and lesbian oasis is known for its premium by-the-glass wines and signature martinis. Entertainment can be found at the pool table or flipping through the vast selection of songs on the satellite jukebox. Tin Lizzie Saloon provides moderately priced beers, wines and spirits seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. with generous daily happy hours from 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tin Lizzie Saloon
752 Saint Clair
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714-966-2029
tinlizziesaloon.com
Opened in March 2009, Metro Q (the "Q" is for "queer") is Huntington Beach's only gay/lesbian bar. Huntington Beach native, Ida Vallez, along with her business partner Scott Frost, opened the bar and grill to provide gays and lesbians of all ages in Orange County a place to be comfortable in their own skin. The bar staff at Metro Q will mix any drink you request and have the slogan, "you ask it. we make it." In addition to beer and spirits, Metro Q offers a full grill menu, including Sunday brunch. Patrons also can enjoy billiards, a jukebox or the dozen satellite TVs featuring NFL Sunday Ticket and American Idol.
Metro Q
19092 Beach Blvd
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714-968-6677
themetroq.com
Labeled a "top-shelf watering hole" by AOL Yellow Pages, Bounce proves to be a popular hot spot with the tightly knit gay community of Orange County. Reviews of this gay/lesbian bar refer to the staff and clientele as knowledgeable, friendly and diverse. The two-story, Tudor-style building provides an inviting, British pub-inspired atmosphere. Though the weekends bring a more lively crowd, Bounce is also home to many gay events, fundraisers and awareness meetings. The bar has an in-house DJ and a large dance floor. Drinks are fairly priced, according to reviews, and the bar is cash-only so leave your debit card in your wallet or purse.
Bounce
1460 South Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949-494-0056
