SUMMER HOT SPOTS

BALBOA SALOON

Patrons at the Balboa Saloon are as varied as they come -- young, old,

surfer, preppy. But they share one adjective: Everyone’s local. Employees

say it’s a rustic, well-seasoned bar where regulars are plentiful and

comfortably mellow. Inside features include pool tables and a 12-foot

shark hanging from the ceiling. Its two claims to fame are that Dennis

Dannell, from Social Distortion, was a big customer and a good friend to

the business’ staff, and INXS shot a music video there in the 1980s. No

cover charge. Open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. at 700 E. Bay

Ave., Balboa Peninsula. (949) 673-9783.

CHESTER DRAWERS INN

A bar and grill that largely draws customers in their 20s and 30s.

Staff at the Chester Drawers Inn say they’re set up a little bit like

Goat Hill Bar & Tavern. The decor includes stuffed animals, a Foosball

table, video games and a small dance floor. Deejays offer music Tuesdays,

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Music styles include hip-hop,

alternative, house and disco. Hours are 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through

Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Inn is at 179 E. 17th

St., Costa Mesa. (949) 631-4277.

THE LITTLE KNIGHT

A bar where the jukebox still commands a strong presence, The Little

Knight is usually packed with twenty- and thirtysomethings who enjoy the

full bar, pool table and American cuisine. The box offers every kind of

music through about 200 CDs, except perhaps new age, said one staff

member. Food specials include tacos for $1 and unlimited spaghetti for

$4.50 starting at 6 p.m. every night. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven

days a week at 436 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa. (949) 646-6650.

THE LAB ANTI--MALL

Deejays and bands play in what’s called the Lab anti-mall’s living

room between 2 and 4 p.m. Saturdays. This room is the open area in the

middle, surrounded by retail stores including Urban Outfitters and the

NaNa Store. Genres of music range from pop to experimental. The Lab is at

2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. (714) 966-6660.

LA CAVE

Hot summer nights are a perfect time to go to La Cave, a cool,

darkened restaurant bar that features jazz by the La Cave Jazz All Stars,

among others. The underground lounge has entertainment nightly. La Cave

is at 1695 Irvine Ave., Costa Mesa. (949) 646-7944.

MEMPHIS

Located on the backside of the Lab anti-mall, Memphis Soul Food Cafe

blends the soul of the South with the vibe of the Southland, serving

dinner and drinks. Every Thursday, the Todd Oliver Quartet jazzes up the

joint. On Fridays, a listening lounge called the Bristol Sessions is spun

by Deejay Danny Love. And every third Saturday, prepare for Unknown

Pleasures with eclectic tunes from 1977 to 1984. Open till around 10 p.m.

Sunday through Thursday, 11 p.m. (sometimes later) Friday and Saturday.

Memphis is at 2920 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa. (714) 432-7685.

MISTRAL RESTAURANT, LOUNGEMistral for dinner and drinks is a good bet

for a night of romance and entertainment. Co-owners Jacques and Olga de

Quillien and Ed and Patty Waters are always happy to recommend an

after-dinner drink or late-night snack while Elliot Lewis entertains

patrons in Mistral’s cozy bar atmosphere. Entertainment runs from 7:30

p.m. to midnight seven nights a week. Attire is casual to dressy. No

cover charge. Mistral is at 440 Heliotrope Ave., Corona del Mar. (949)

723-9685.

PIERCE STREET ANNEX

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

square-shaped wooden bar and fine imports. On the weekend, Deejay 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 a club experience, the Shark Club is your hot spot. The

bar/restaurant/pool hall is the place to shake it with hip-hop and

mainstream tunes being spun by their two resident deejays. Dress code is

casual, but club attire is encouraged. Guests must be 21 or older.

General hours: 11:30 to 1 a.m. Tuesday through Wednesday, 11:30 to 2 a.m.

Thursday, 11:30 to 3 a.m. Friday and 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday. There is

a cover charge on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. The Shark Club is

at 841 Baker St., Costa Mesa. (714) 751-6428.

STUDIO CAFE

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

jazz, blues and rock entertainment every night. Hours: 11:30 to 2 a.m. A cover applies Sunday afternoon from 2 to 6 p.m. when the Voodudes play

classic rock ‘n’ roll. Must be 21 or older. Dress casual. Studio Cafe is

at 100 Main St., Balboa. (949) 675-7760.