SUMMER NIGHT SPOTS

BALBOA SALOON

With a 12-foot mako shark hanging from its ceiling, the Balboa Saloon is

one of those few hidden treasures. The late Dennis Dannell, formerly of

Social Distortion and the bar’s No. 1 customer, liked it for that reason

alone. FYI: Not even INXS, who shot their music video “Devil Inside” at

the Saloon back in the 1980s, could make it famous. It’s meant to be a

haven for locals only. During the day, the saloon is mostly occupied by

“Cheers”-like customers, but on some weekends, this tiny watering hole

fills up with college kids and surfers who play Bob Marley music and

compete on the pool tables. No cover charge. Open seven days a week from

10 a.m. to 2 a.m. The Balboa Saloon is at 700 E. Bay Ave., Balboa. For

more information, call (949) 673-9783.

CHESTER DRAWERS INN

With an even mixture of sports memorabilia and barnyard decor, Chester

Drawers’ Inn has strange designs inside its modest-size area, which is

located in the corner of a minimall strip on 17th Street. But you forget

all about that when the mix of hip-hop, alternative, house and disco

music starts. Open from 9 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Admission is free. Casual attire. The club is at 179 E. 17th St., Costa

Mesa. For more information, call (949) 631-4277.

CLUB MESA

Club Mesa’s full bar offers a diverse mix of live rock, surf and punk

music nightly. Wednesdays are poetry and music nights. Dress code is

casual. The club is at 843 W. 19th St., in Costa Mesa. Wednesday nights

are free. Cover charge ranges $5 to $7. 21 and over. Shows are from 9:30

p.m. to 2 a.m. For more information, call (714) 642-6634.

THE LAB ANTI-MALL

The Lab Anti-Mall’s ground-level Saturdays feature Brother D.J. Groove

spinning an assortment of hip-hop music beginning at 2 p.m. in the

courtyard. Admission is free. The Lab is at 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa.

For more information, call (714) 966-6660.

THE LITTLE KNIGHT

The Little Knight is everybody’s favorite dive bar with a decent beer

selection, mixed drinks and a not-so-bad book collection. The jukebox,

which even features Frank Sinatra, appeals to a variety of tastes that

range from the Grateful Dead to Jane’s Addiction-era music. Even though

entertainment is limited here (“We don’t have any entertainment except

the bartender,” exclaimed a husky-voiced woman over the telephone),

there’s a pool table and patio area. Nightly food specials include $1

tacos and $4.50 all-you-can-eat spaghetti starting at 6 p.m. Hours: Open

seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. The bar is at 436 E. 17th St.,

Costa Mesa. (949) 646-6650.

MISTRAL RESTAURANT, LOUNGE

Mistral for dinner and drinks is your best bet for a night of romance and

entertainment. Hosts Jacques and Olga de Quillien are always happy to

recommend a luscious after-dinner drink or scrumptious late-night snack

while Elliot Lewis entertains patrons in Mistral’s cozy bar atmosphere.

Entertainment runs from 7:30 p.m. to midnight Thursday through Saturday.

Attire is casual to dressy. No cover charge. Mistral is at 440 Heliotrope

Ave., Corona del Mar. For reservations, call (949) 723-9685.

PIERCE STREET ANNEX

Pierce Street Annex aspires to be a European pub, with its square-shaped

wooden bar and fine imports. They’ll even give you a steak to throw on

the back-patio barbecue. On the weekend, D.J. Johnny B spins a mix of

‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s music from 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Admission is free.

Pierce Street Annex is at 330 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa. (949) 646-8500.

THE SHARK CLUB

For the ultimate club experience, the Shark Club is your hot spot. The

bar/restaurant/pool hall hosts the Pleasure Dome at 9 p.m. Friday

evenings and features a mix of house, hip-hop and techno music. Saturday

night’s Star 69 has hip-hop and progressive house music beginning at 9

p.m. Dress code is casual, but club attire is encouraged. Guests must be

21 and over. General hours: 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday.

Open until 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday. A cover charge of $10 is required

on Friday and Saturday nights. The Shark Club is at 841 Baker St., Costa

Mesa. For more information, call (714) 751-6428.

STUDIO CAFE

Located on the Balboa Peninsula, the Studio Cafe offers a full bar and

rock entertainment every night. Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. No cover.

Must be 21 or older. Dress casual. Admission is free. Studio Cafe is at

100 Main St., Balboa. For more information, call (949) 675-7760.