Costa Mesa · Orange County, CA
Live music in Costa Mesa
Scout analyzed 36 Costa Mesa places and surfaced the ones that actually fit live music.
Places analyzed
36
Matches
24
Typical spend
$45
Typical visit
1.3 hr
Scout-verified spots

Mesa Verde
Better Buzz Coffee Costa Mesa
This is a good spot for a quick coffee run or a relaxed stop for a light breakfast or snack. Expect to spend 30 minutes and around $5-$15 per person.

South Coast Metro
The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille is suitable for a formal dinner, often paired with a show or event due to its upscale nature and longer visit time. Expect a per-person cost typically over $100.

Downtown
The Crack Shack
The Crack Shack is a casual spot for fried chicken and sandwiches, ideal for a relaxed lunch or dinner. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $15-30 per person.

Westside Costa Mesa
Canyon Park
This park is suitable for a quick stop with young children to use the playground or a relaxed outdoor break. It can be paired with a local coffee run or a picnic, and typically requires no cost for a visit.

Downtown
SOCIAL Costa Mesa
SOCIAL Costa Mesa is a good choice for a lively dinner or drinks, possibly followed by late-night bites. Expect to spend $30-75 per person for food and cocktails.

Westside Costa Mesa
Vista Park
Vista Park is suitable for a free outdoor family outing or solo walk, lasting about an hour. It can be paired with a local coffee shop or picnic to extend the low-cost experience.

Downtown
Lions Park
Lions Park is a good free option for a family outing with young children, featuring a playground and open space. Expect to spend about an hour here, perhaps after a casual lunch nearby.

Food & Drink
Memphis Cafe
Memphis Cafe is good for a casual meal or drinks, offering comfort food and a hip vibe for approximately 1-2 hours. Expect to spend $20-$45 per person.

South Coast Metro
Wakeham Park
Wakeham Park is a free neighborhood park with a playground and sports courts, suitable for a casual family outing or a quick stop to let kids play. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and pack your own snacks.

Westside Costa Mesa
MoonGoat Coffee
This coffee shop is suitable for a morning stop or a casual lunch. Expect to spend 45-90 minutes and about $10-$25 per person for coffee and light food.

South Coast Metro
Vaca Costa Mesa
Vaca is suitable for a dinner outing, offering Spanish tapas and family-style dishes in an upscale setting. Expect to spend $75-$150 per person for food and drinks, with a visit lasting around 1.5 to 2 hours.

South Coast Metro
Water Grill
Water Grill is a good choice for an upscale dinner, particularly for a date night or special occasion. Expect to spend 2 hours and $75-$150 per person for a meal and drinks.

Mesa Del Mar
TeWinkle Park
TeWinkle Park is a good spot for a few hours of outdoor recreation like walking, playing sports, or picnicking. It can be paired with a nearby cafe visit and costs nothing to enter.

Downtown
MOXI3
This gym, sauna, and spa is suitable for a solo wellness visit, likely lasting 1.5 to 2 hours. Expect to spend $30-$80 per person for access to facilities or services.

Family
We Play Loud Kids Indoor Playground
This is a good spot for a couple of hours of active play with young children, especially when the weather isn't ideal for outdoor activities. Expect to spend around $15-30 per child for entry and perhaps some snacks.

Food & Drink
Lion & Lamb Coffee Roasters
This coffee shop is suitable for a quick solo stop or a casual meet-up, lasting about 30 minutes. Expect to spend $5-$15 per person for coffee and a light bite.

Downtown
Tiki Bar
This bar is suitable for a casual evening out with friends or a date, offering food, drinks, and entertainment. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and $25-$75 per person.

East Side Costa Mesa
Hola Adios Coffeeshop
Hola Adios Coffeeshop is a good spot for a relaxed morning or afternoon coffee run, typically lasting under an hour and costing $5-$15 per person. It can be paired with local shopping or a stroll in the neighborhood.

South Coast Metro
Seasons 52
Seasons 52 is suitable for a dinner date or special occasion, offering an upscale American dining experience that typically lasts about 1.5 hours. Expect to spend $50-$100 per person.

Downtown
Hook & Anchor
Hook & Anchor is a casual seafood spot good for a relaxed lunch or dinner. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $20-$45 per person on creative seafood dishes.

South Coast Metro
Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar
This upscale lakeside restaurant with an outdoor patio is suitable for a dinner date or special occasion, typically lasting 1.5 to 2 hours with a per-person cost around $30-$80.

South Coast Metro
Claim Jumper Steakhouse & Bar- Costa Mesa
Claim Jumper is suitable for a casual family meal or a comfortable date night focused on American comfort food. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $30-75 per person for an entree and a drink.

Shopping
The LAB Anti-Mall
The LAB Anti-Mall is a good spot for a casual afternoon or evening to browse unique shops, grab a meal, or enjoy local art. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and between $15-50 per person, ideal for a relaxed outing or a first date.

Food & Drink
Portola Coffee Roasters
This coffee shop is ideal for a quick solo coffee stop or a casual meet-up, fitting well before or after shopping. Expect to spend $5-15 per person for a beverage and possibly a pastry, with a visit lasting around 30 minutes.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Worth the splurge
When the night needs to land.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 29 of the 36 analyzed Costa Mesa places fit live music.
- 24% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 62% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Social, Playful, Upscale, Romantic, Quiet.
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