The Wayfarer

I’m here right now and i can say that this place is amazing! Bartenders are amazing and so friendly! I love them! You made my day with gave me different kind of amazing beer that i didn’t try before… i gave 5 stars for bartenders! They’re so professional!

Why did I wait so long to come here!!! Food was great, drinks were awesome, and it was such a chill atmosphere. BTW taco Tuesday is freakin great.

Great bar!!! Stepped in for Reggae night. What a hit!!! Mild diverse crowd. No BS. Just regular folks having a good time. The band had different artist throughout the night. I REALLY enjoyed myself!!!
I didn’t order any food. This review is only based on live music.

Came here to see Hayden James’ DJ set on a Friday. There’s a parking lot, so you don’t have to worry about parking at all. I got here around 11pm and took maybe 10 minutes to get in. They have two pool tables to the right as you walk in, which I believe is free to play. There’s also quite a few tables and places to sit. They have four stalls in the women’s restroom, and I never had to wait in line. It’s pretty spectacular and extremely surprising that I never had to wait. The only bad part was that there was no circulation when I was listening to the set. It was hard to breathe, and I’ve never sweated so much in my entire life. Still had a lot of fun and will definitely be coming back.

Love this place!
Food? Yep! Drinks? What’ll ya have? Games? How does pool and corn-​hole sound? Music? You bet your sweet cheeks they’ve got music!
I’ve come here a handful of times and every time it doesn’t disappoint.
Food — I know they offer a lot of different options but I’ve only had the tacos. When I went they had a taco Tuesday special and they were pretty tasty! They have different specials on different days.
Drinks — A little on the pricey side but most places that showcase bands are usually on the pricey side. It’s not a dive bar so you’re paying a little more to drink in style, which is fine. It helps me to take it easy.
Games — 2 pool tables. Free! I’ve also seen corn-​hole before.
Music — There’s always something going on here. Reggae on Tuesdays and different acts throughout the week. I’ve seen a few of my favorite bands here and the sound is always on point. The setup is a little interesting and the view would be obstructed, partially, if you were trying to play pool and check out the band. But then again, if you were there for the band, I say be up in the front singing the lyrics right back.
Overall — It opened up back in 2014 after being the Detroit bar in the day. I never went to the Detroit bar but I don’t know what I’d do without the Wayfarer. It’s a great spot for someone who loves music, drinks and food… all in the OC!

I had an awesome time here! Drinks were well made, music was good, and overall vibe was chill. I really liked that they had pool tables, which were free to use as well. The staff was friendly. The only thing was that we had to pay a $ 7 cover fee at the door on a Saturday night (but not surprised since they had a band playing that night).

Gadzooks! I’d like to hang out with the eccentric genius who dreamed this place up and then had the cojones to put money and manpower into making it a reality.
Live jam/​funk bands? Check.
Respectable roster of craft cocktails at a reasonable price point? Check.
Complimentary pool tables? Check.
Monty Python playing on tv screens? Check!
For those of you who enjoy a cowboy killer with your cocktail, a patio/​smoking section? Check.
A group of us ventured to this club in a strip mall in the warehouse part of town while crashing our buddy’s tinder date. It was like entering a comic book fantasy world where the men, adorned in their finest 70s Blazers and feathered hats, resembled the joker’s henchmen, the women were on the balance quite beautiful, and the bartenders never rolled their eyes when I dared order complicated concoctions on a busy evening (Kentucky orange blossom with 1776 rye, elderflower, vermouth, and candied orange peel is worth a little wait). A welcome departure from the OC plastic culture on the «good» side of town. Next time I’ll bring my cape!

I’m on the fence about this place. I love that they have great local bands regularly, but the service is just crap. Now I get some entitled bartender that doesn’t even offer me change and just accepts what that was as his his tip without a word. Maybe I was going to tip you more, but that Assumption is rude man. I know your a popular place, but common courtesy is still a thing. Keep your hardly rotating taps, short pour cocktails and your crowds that won’t keep it down for the bands. As a wise woman once said to me, you just made my shit list.

Came after work one day so it was not crowded at all. I would come back for a show to see what the vibe is like. Drinks were ok, a little watered down. Would probably skip the cocktails and just order a beer next time. The food is pretty good, sliders were a decent size and my friend said the tacos were good as well. Though the menu on the website is out of date and they don’t sell half that stuff anymore. Just a heads up. I will come back.

With the appearance similar to many gastropubs around the area, its key component is the daily specials and the live music venue. Monday nights specials are 50 cent wings but you must buy 4 per flavor (2.00). They give you a variety of flavors with my choices being lemon pepper, garlic Parmesan, and Hawaiian. Slight complaint on the Hawaiian was that it was breaded but super soggy 0.0, I guess that was on purpose.
Also, they have stopped serving the Mac and cheese@@ :(, but there are taco plates which cost 3.50 and come with the radish/​carrot mix and salsa+chips!
The service was awesome with the exception of the head” bartender/​cashier, who was grumpy and sarcastic…
All in all, great place to eat and the live music was awesome!

Came here with the gf and a buddy and was not disappointed. Tyler the bartender was awesome and was very attentive to us. Don’t fool yourself, go right when they open at 5 pm on Thur and get $ 5 wells, $ 5 ALL of their drafts, and $ 2 sliders (way bigger than any slider ive seen) Will return for more Swiss and Mushroom and Bacon Ranch sliders :)

Great local spot. Turn the jukebox up!!!
It’s a great spot. Great drinks and the food is awesome
Bands locals it has everything!

I saw Sir Sly play here last night and they were amazing. The venue aesthetics were beautiful even though it was small. They have lights strung up, a rustic/​iron bar, pool tables, great art to take in and clean bathrooms. I prefer these types of venues as opposed to giant concerts where you can’t even see your favorite artist. Warning, they do have strong and dark alcohol. I used the 50% of check in for a drink before 11pm and had a champagne with blood orange. I forgot what it was called. Just one mason jar of that and I was good for the night haha. They were also giving out free shots at this event. Overall, I would definitely come back to this venue if a great band like Sir Sly performed. It was such an intimate venue that the members of Sir Sly were just walking around and drinking like no big deal… I regret not saying hi but it was great nonetheless!
In addition to this, the Wayfarer has a great parking lot right in front of the venue… Most venues charge upwards up to $ 20 but the Wayfarer parking is free!

This place was such a cool spot to catch a show. I went to see Marié Digby and Meiko while they were on their current Hapa Tour. First off, I love that there’s free parking! While it is in a bit of a weird location (it’s in a plaza with a market and a laundromat), once you get inside it doesn’t feel like you’re in the plaza anymore. The place is small and intimate, and the acoustics are great for musicians.
The ambiance in there was part dive bar, part hipster. Either way, I was digging it. The place is really cute and my friend said the sliders were really delicious there too. I only came for the show but next time I’m trying the food!

This place is pretty rad.
Tom P., Nicole D. and I went on an adventure this night and we ended up at the Wayfarer. I feel like many moons ago it was some other club that I had gone to that had a total overhaul in the last couple of years.
Live music + Beer served in Red Solo Cups, what else can you ask for a scene that is both laid back, and feel like you’re at one great college house party with your friends, but as you’re older, you go for more craft beers and cocktails that fit right into your lifestyle.
Oh and the bathrooms are clean, Saturday night had a small cover fee, and the crowd was relaxed even with a live band.
Bring your friends, come play pool, but leave the cheap college beer at home, Red Solo Cups are provided.

strong drinks, friendly bartenders, good pours and live reggae on Tuesday’s!

I came here for friend’s birthday. Great atmosphere, awseome music, good drinks, plenty of place to hang around and talk. I really liked the free pool tables. Avocado fries were interesting and patty melt was just alright. Overall very pleasant experience I would come back here

Went to a couple other bars in Costa Mesa tonight. All terrible service. Glad I found this diamond in the rough. Great, fast service. Friendly staff. Definitely will come back here.

Started off kinda sketchy with a messy drunk talking all kinds of crap on people playing pool but once he got booted it was a good night. Went with a large party for a bday and we even got a free round of shots, food was tasty and the old fashioneds were strong. Will definitely be back.

I love this place. While I was living in OC, one of my best friends from LA came down to visit. It was karaōke night. After a couple drinks, of liquid courage, we were able to jam on stage. There are also pool tables on the other end of the bar, we spent most of our time there. The crowd was good, not overly rowdy or anything.

Lots of fun for a night with a live band and dancing!
Oh you like windows? You don’t need windows! You need LIGHTS AND DRINKS AND MUSIC and that’s what happens here… I loved the exposed beams and festive décor for the holidays.
PLUS I love the 50% off a item upon first check in!
Came for the Beer & Hymns OC Caroling event and I thought the layout seemed a bit segmented but that’s okay… I did want to try the Doc cider on tap but I didn’t want to spill it everywhere so I stayed away from the concert cove where the performance was. You can hear it throughout the venue anyway!
Thought the selection was a bit light, the $ 7 stella and a nice dry cider kept us happy!
For those into food, there is that here! I didn’t realize they actually have a pretty tasty sounding menu… I came for the carols but will be back for a full experience involving more seasonal brews and use of the pool tables!
More tables would be nice… but I sit all day at work so I didn’t mind too much.
I am a huge fan of the mixed but fun crowd, super clean restrooms and plentiful parking.
Will be back.

My new go to place. For a few reasons. #1: such a cool spot. Food and drinks are amazing, (try the fried avocado) and the atmosphere is incredible.
#2: the staff
I actually left my wallet there. George, Jason one of the other employees were so great. They looked everywhere, even took out every cushion from the couch! George and Jason were so sweet and in constant contact with me. They informed me that the manager was not in yet and it might be locked in his office. He contacted the manager and called right away when it was found. Apparently the cleaning lady found it! Honesty is something that is hard to come by these days, but I will never forget what the staff did for me. Thank you George, Jason and the staff!

I REALLY like this place for taco tuesday. I have been twice now and it’s hands down the BEST tacos for the price. SO GOOD. Downside: super slow service because they have 1 bartender and 1 server on tuesdays around 5… prob should work on that. Otherwise, two thumbs up. :)

Saw Meiko here on my birthday back in September, had a blast. It’s honestly one of the coolest, intimate venues to catch a show. The ambience and lighting were unlike any bar I’ve been too. The #1 was my favorite drink, like the bourbon was perfect. Definitely coming back.

This used to be Detroit bar in the old West 19^th street Costa Mesa area. I’ve been here twice now, once by myself and the most recent one with my girl. Both times I and really liked it.
Here my breakdown:
TIP: They have plenty of beers on tap and will let you sample a few to find the one you like.
GOOD 1: The food is really good and very inexpensive. The tacos are amazing and they have daily specials. Try the «gringo» taco and the «fried chicken» taco. Great food.
GOOD 2: They have live music (with a small cover charge) several days a week and FREE pool on the 2 tables in the back.
GOOD 3: The management and staff are great. Shaun really knows how to run a bar and his staff do an excellent job of making you feel welcome and offering up suggestions.
GOOD 4: It’s a sleepy center at night so parking is pretty easy and the lot is nice and big.
BAD 1: The smoking area is out front in a tiny area that’s basically completely removed from everything. It’s really only going to bother people who smoke but since about ½ of all bar folk in the area smoke it’s a factor.
Overall I really like the place and it’s definitely on my «starter» list now for my nights out in the Costa mesa area. I’ve already been here twice for food and pre-​gaming cocktails and plan to go back again next weekend too. I strongly suggest you give it a try especially on a Friday or Saturday night.

Went for the first time last night, and it stands out like a sore thumb in a Mexican strip mall. Went for Happy Hour (5−7pm) And tried a couple of beers and $ 2 Taco Tuesdays. My gf and I had the Carne Asada, Al Pastor, Ground Beef, and Fried Avocado, and first thing we noticed was how large the tacos were, very nice portions.
I was disappointed that all the tacos were a little bland except for the Al Pastor which had pineapple bits which caught me pleasantly by surprise. The Ground Beef was actually better than the Carne Asada which was the worst of the bunch. It makes me sad to write that.
I had the Blood Orange Witbier, and a sip of the Oatmeal Stout, both of which were really good ($ 5/​each). They also had a full bar, and plenty of other beers on tap.
Would come here again and try something else, since their Happy Hour looks great! I definitely need a second opinion.

My boyfriend and I love love love the wayfarer. They host house music nights, which is hard to find in OC. Drinks are moderately priced and the dance floor is always a good time.
Also, free pool! Apparently the food is very good too– my bf loves going here with his boys on the weekend and insists that I join him for free pool and corn hole, lol.
Four stars because the patio could use some seating and the crowd can be painfully Newport bro-​ey (but that’s not the Wayfarer’s fault, lol). Would highly recommend!

Here with my girls! Bartender Tyler hooking it up with the Irish Red Heads the place to be on a Sunday! Karaōke night

Highlights
+ Simple layout (bar, long table, small tables and open space)
+ Dance Space
+ 2 Pool Tables
± Event Covers
— Group Hangout
I unknowingly came here to check the bar scene around the area and had to make the difficult decision of paying $ 12 cover just to check the place out, drink my whiskey and leave. So before anyone checks it out, I’d recommend checking what venue is playing. The well whiskey was $ 8 which was moderate IMO. It seemed like people brought friends or SOs and not a lot straggling strangers to strike a conversation with. Overall the feel was good as everyone was vibing the venue and would definitely return after checking venue dates.

We started out Saturday night out with this place, with the offer that they have on Unilocal first drink or food iten 50% off, you can’t refuse that. We arrived there around 7pm. The location was easy to find and there were plenty of parking. At first we arrive, we were immediately welcomed by the bartender.
The atmosphere was really relax and the place it self has lots of stuff to offer for instance ping pong table, pool table, games,… Everything are free of charge as long as you ordered something from them.
The service was great and fast and they have great cocktail and beer choices for the average price.
We had 2 cocktail and you can definitely feel the alcohol and tasted great!
Definitely worth the visit, my husband and I enjoyed our drinks and quality time ther, we’ll be back !

Great place for mimosas on Sunday. Bottomless the correct way. I love it when you’re served champagne with orange juice on the side.
Specials on most days of the week, excluding Friday and Saturday. Live music on various days of the week as well. Great place to come pretty much any time of the day.

I loved the vibe in this place when it was the Detroit bar so I was skeptical to try it after it changed. Since it looks completely different and no longer even reminds me of Detroit bar, I won’t compare it and just admit that I also like Wayfarer. I especially like it for the food/​lounging atmosphere.
Went here with a large group on Taco Tuesday and it was so easy and perfect. They have a large high top table right near the bar and offer awesome weekly deals.
Taco Tuesday deal includes $ 2 tacos (ground beef, pork, chicken, carne asada and shrimp). Thought they would be the tiny street tacos so I ordered three, would have been satisfied with two.
1. Ground Beef — the best of all three, actually wish I just got two of these.
2. Carne Asada — it was tasty, just not as good as the ground beef.
3. Shrimp — like all the ingredients in this taco but I didn’t love the actual shrimp — small and slimy
50% off first drink check-​in offer.
Happy Hour — 50% off apps

The Wayfarer
This was formerly Detroit bar which was really dark and run down. Wayfarer came in and remodeled the place and it really nice. Completely different and they have a check in special which is always cool. My friends and I order some chicken wings, they were pretty good for the price. They have my favorite beer which is PBR tall cans.
Overall this place was really clean. The staff were very friendly and happy. I would come back to this place again. :)

I love live music. I have and will go to live performances that range from classical music, to country and rock. When it’s live, I love how I can feel the music. It’s like I can physically feel the audience’s and performer’s energy. Anyway, it’s why I ended up at the Wayfarer one night. Country meets Rock performance by Daniel Bonte & The Bona Fide, with special guests, Ry Bradley and Katelyn Marie. The music.
From the outside, this venue doesn’t look very big at all. But once inside, it’s open with an area for performances, a bar, tables as well as some pool tables. I’d still say for performance though — that it’s still on the intimate side.
Service was surprisingly great. I was sitting in the reserved seating which meant the servers had to make their way across tables, what could be considered the dance floor over to the tables lining the wall in front of the stage. And never once was i waiting for refills (lemonade — if you’re following me, you know I gave up alcohol for Lent).
Plenty of parking. At least there was for me as I arrived for the opening acts before Daniel hit the stage.
I met a few people who decided to share some food with me, as I let them share my table. I had what I think was chicken tenders and fries — nothing to rave about — but next time I come, if I do eat here, I’ll follow up with a separate review.