Barnstormer Bar

After the recent makeover, we (younger Tustin locals) attempted to give this bar another chance which besides the name change didn't change at all, inside or out. Unfortunately, we had the same bad experience: Bad energy from Bartender who provided service with a fake smile, gloomy atmosphere with background piano, crappy happy hour that ends at 6 p.m. (doesn't work with OC traffic), but on a plus note, the food was pretty decent (again).

The happy hour crowd promptly left 'after' happy hour and the room cleared out very quickly. We thought the makeover was to attract a professional group of 30 somethings looking for a classy place to enjoy a nice cocktail. Nope, guess not, no young people, no real good discounts on drinks, and bartender doesn't seem to enjoy his job. I don't think we will be back for a long time but at least we gave them another try.

If you like old school restaurants and bars, you are in the right place. If you like cuisine that mixes new and old, this is it. A recently updated bar menu brings some unexpected new favorites into the mix like flatiron steak and beet tacos (yum!). Their flatbread pizza is to die for. A great happy hour brings in a merry crowd, and afterwards the live jazz and standards entertainment is a lovely break in an otherwise dreary desert. A fireplace, cocktail concoctions old and new and great bartenders and servers keep locals coming back for more.

I loved the ambience of this place. Live music, dimmer lights - not to worry - you can still see your hand in front of you, comfy couches, great earthtones, big moosehead over a fireplace ablazing - don't cry, it probably died like 20 years ago - and it was definitely relaxing. I had 2 Sidecar drinks and I substituted something out with grand marnier.....amazing drink. Yummy mac & cheese and the thin crust pizza was decent. The menu does have other items on it that are not comfort food. I enjoyed this place. PS It's attached to Nieuport 17, so you won't exactly see a sign for it.