Mission Bar

Great Place, but the Vibe Has ChangedOh my God, I used to love this place, and honestly, I still feel a connection to it, but it's definitely changed over the years. When I first came here, the vibe was different, and it had this underground Santa Ana subculture that I really enjoyed. The bar, which was run by Vanessa, felt like a underground haven--slightly rundown with the shoddiest restrooms, but it had that authentic, gritty charm. The pool tables were usually in decent shape, and the bar always had cool, unique brews, including microbrews. The place felt cozy despite being so small, and when it got packed, you were basically sardined into the whole space. They had an adjacent outdoor section that was rarely utilized, but you could tell it had potential.I've lived here for a long time, and I've always appreciated the diversity in Santa Ana. But this bar used to be about that punkish unique underground micro brew vibe culture(my opinion)--it was never overly focused on any one particular ethnicity. It felt like the space catered to a mix of people, but recently, I've noticed it's shifted. The atmosphere has leaned more toward a hyper-Mexican, Banda-style vibe. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining about that, but it's definitely a change. In talking to locals, there's been a sense that just because you're from a certain country doesn't mean you want everything around you to be about that. As a Hispanic American, I get that--we don't always want the place we hang out to feel like it's only representing our cultural background.I'm not sure when this shift happened, but it's possible the pandemic played a role in it. Before that, the bar had more of a microbrew, underground beer culture, and now it feels like it's become part of the Santa Ana "Banda" norm. Whether it was the owner's vision or just the pressures of what sells, it's hard to say. But the place has definitely moved away from the punkish / alternative Santa Ana night scene and embraced something new. Now, if you're into Banda music, tacos, and a lot of Mexican-American influence, you'll love it. Again, no hate on that--just pointing out that it's not the underground, microbrew culture that originally drew people in. It's now a whole different vibe.

Another great experience here. It is deceptive as the place may look a little "rough" but if you are a dive bar aficionado, you will love this place. The bathrooms could use a little refreshing, but hey, it works!Had Joe again as the bartender, just as wonderful as before. A huge amount of knowledge in all of the products. His mantra is "Even though this is a bar, I want you to feel like I am entertaining you in my home." It's kind of odd when you see somebody here drinking a regular, off the shelf, lower end beer. You want to say to them with all of this very unique and cool variety of offerings, why are you drinking that? But people know what they like, and it is their own choice. I tried 3 things I had never had before on Joes recommendation, 2 were great, one was OK. But he took my feedback to be able to suggest what else I might like.Great place. Opens at 4pm. Well worth a try.

This is a good place to come and get an adult cocktail at and maybe shoot some pool. The place is an old Santa Ana cantina that's now a more modern bar, the service is good and friendly .

I came here for an after work brewski. I was surprised to find out most bars in the area did not open until after 5 or 6 pm... I went on a Wednesday and at 4pm. I Walked inside and was greeted by a very nice bartender. He gave some suggestions and allowed us to taste several different beers before settling to our choice. It's a little gem small but I didn't mind, made it more intimate with fantastic variety of different beers. I'll definitely be coming back.

Amazing drinks and staff is so nice. Always a good time and good vibes. Great music as well, highly recommend.

Chill atmosphere on a Friday afternoon.40+ taps, however it seems like 1/4 of them are tapped out. Maybe I came on the wrong day, but several beers I requested were either tapped out or needed a keg change.Mostly local breweries on tap: Chapman, Stereo, Brewery X etc

As an LA Chicano, this is the bar to visit when in Orange County. Great music, great service, and the Bar Tender G, offering great service when ordering drinks. The music covered everything from pop, hip hop, flashbacks, rock en español, and old school rock. Great vibes and would highly recommend.

Loved this bar for years until one fateful Tuesday night. Went in for a late night drink when 30 minutes before close. My boyfriend alerted me to a cockroach crawling on my chest and shoulders. I got it off of me without making a scene. Bar staff told us to get out 10 minutes before close. I told them a roach was literally just crawling on me and I needed a moment. Bar staff said they would let the cops know we weren't being cooperative with their closing time. Positive for bar staff having firm boundaries or negative for running the risk of having roaches crawl on you is up to your discretion.

I was out for some drinks with some friends and we started our Friday night here. The bar is tight with a dive bar feel and pool tables in the back. It was a bit cramped, so we decided to go to their outdoor area in the back. This was a fun spot to start off the night. There are lots of tables with a bartender and DJ too. There was also a taco stand right next to it if you're a bit hungry.We had some tequila shots ($10) and seltzers ($6-8 each). It was a great spot to start off the night.

This place has cool beers, cool pool tables, and a cool manager. Cool bands come through to jam here all the time. The weather stays cool in this bar, and the vibe is a purely chill vibe for only the coolest fools and ladies, please.Oh what nights can be had at The Mission. The OC Hurricanes might be jamming their best, or a fatty taco vendor like Carnitas El Porky might be set up to slang spicy pork tacos or quesatacos for the night. Vanessa, the mgr., could be out checking on the venue, waving to some regulars, or making connections with local businesses. People could be dancing inside the bar all 'round the pool tables, or people could be dancing outdoors to the rare cumbias of Ritmo Santanero (a DJ group run by Rigo and Gary V.) The bar staff is professional, courteous, and friendly. They know how to mix, how to recommend, and how to pour. They manage the liquor service with tact; I always see many lightly buzzed, happy faces at the bar. A well run team. Credit to Vanessa and the bar staff. I have zero doubt as to why this place gets so much repeat business.5 stars for a Mission accomplished.