Best Indie Rock Venues In Orange County
There are plenty of gigantic venues in Los Angeles, but Orange County offers intimacy built just for indie rock. Indie can mean a ton of different styles, but small, sometimes quiet, and always personal is the mark of a true independent musician or group. Some of these venues look innocuous when you drive past them, but at night become beacons of light and hope for a generation of fans.
The Wayfarer
843 W. 19th St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949) 642-0600
www.wayfarercm.com
In this eclectic, genre-defying and friendly Costa Mesa nightclub, there is an exceptionally wide-ranging variety of options. Electro, house, rare groove and underground hip hop are all taken for a spin by professional DJs. The sound system brings sultry summer beats. This is a great way to get into a Silver Lake-type nightclub here in OC.
Observatory
3503 S. Harbor Blvd.
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 957-0600
www.observatoryoc.com
Right in the heart of a business park, the newly revamped Observatory took over where The Galaxy left off. After a redesigned sound system was installed and new management took over, the influx of popular artists, especially indie bands, infiltrated the space. With free parking (unless the show gets sold out) and a small stage, indie bands get to flex their muscles without having to try and fill an arena. The Observatory serves a whole host of drinks, boasts a solid merch set up, the wait staff is efficient and security is respectful.
Constellation Room
3503 S. Harbor Blvd.
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 957-0600
www.constellationroom.com/
The Observatory's sister room, The Constellation Room, is the perfect venue for indie bands. The crowd envelops the stage, lining three sides of it while artists croon the night away. Indie darlings including Nick Waterhouse, and Margot and The Nuclear So & Sos have graced this stage, to the delight of 20-somethings in the area. When the band is within spitting distance, the bridge between art and observer is much stronger. Mix all of this with a sound system fit for Coachella, and you've got the recipe for indie success.
Related: Best Singles Bars In Orange County
Chain Reaction
1652 W. Lincoln Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92801
(714) 635-6067
www.allages.com
While normally home to hardcore punk and metal bands, the occasional indie rock that plays Chain Reaction finds it quite welcoming. Maybe it's the all-ages policy, or the reasonably priced tickets, rarely exceeding $20. Whatever the secret sauce, this is another venue where, when the singer reaches out into the crowd, he or she is close enough to shake hands with two dozen fans. The lighting is poor, the sound isn't perfect, but sometimes that is all a part of the charm that makes do-it-yourself music making so endearing.
La Cave
1695 Irvine Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949) 646-7944
www.facebook.com
Orange County is known for its indie rock scene, and a ton the best musicians make their way through La Cave before hitting it big. Nobody from Top 40 or MTV will blow through any time soon, but those that eventually get there just might. Normally known for its mouthwatering steaks and high-quality dining, La Cave also serves up excellent local indie talent. Self-described as a dimly lit underground cellar, the vibe is one of classic style and those that enter tend to leave the aggression at the door.
