I'd never been to a club that played house music before, but after coming to Focus a few times, I'd definitely call myself a fan.
I come before 10:30 PM for the occasional free nights. Parking is no problem then, but the place is usually packed with people a few hours later. The DJ's always rotate and I heard Kaskade even DJ-ed a little while back, but the more low-key resident and guest DJ's are all pretty decent too.
Cypher circles are always breaking out, where one person shows off their moves in the center before returning to the circle to let others have a turn. I house danced in a cypher for my first time ever last Tuesday, and it felt amazing. Everyone has such positive vibes and they cheer you on for your effort, regardless of skill level.
I haven't had the $1 tacos yet, but I have to say the $3 and $3.50 drink specials before 10:30 PM are too good to pass up!
I only have 2 complaints about the place:
1. No free water cups. You have to BUY water bottles for like $4 or something.
2. No ins and outs. Make sure you have EVERYTHING you need before you enter, because once you're in, that's it.
Other than that, I love coming here. Such an awesome experience every time. :]
Focus is absolutely amazing. If you love house music, good vibes and awesome people, this is your spot. Josh Billings and his team have gone strong for ten years week in and week out. If that doesn't say something I don't know what will.
I had the opportunity to see Kaskade for their ten year anniversary not too long ago and it was one for the books. The energy was palpable and there were die hard fans everywhere dancing and grooving all night. I was so honored and excited to be part of such a special evening.
Make sure to check it out every Tuesday! And don't forget about the dollar tacos on the patio. :)
This place is pretty awesome. My friends and I came here for Kaskade's special appearance last night and I wish I had heard about this place sooner.
We got there around 10:30 pm and there was still parking left. Since this venue was small, they only sold tickets in advance to a limited number of people. I really liked how they regulated the area. To park in the parking lot you had to show your ticket. It definitely warded off any people trying to sneak in or park in the area to dine at the restaurants close by.
We got inside pretty quick (I'd say within 5-10 min) and I really liked the layout of the place. By the entrance there is a lounge of couches where people could just sit down and chill, then there is the dance floor, pretty small sized but it was never suffocatingly packed like how Sutra gets. Then there is a pretty long bar and an outside patio that sells tacos for $1. I tried them and they were delicious!
The bathrooms were okay. There were only two stalls for the ladies restroom and around 11-12 before Kaskade came on it was crowded and I probably had to wait about 10 minutes. However after that, there was no line.
The only reason why I am giving this place four stars is because the bartender wouldn't give us cups of water. We had been purchasing drinks all night and he would only sell us bottled water $4 each. How hard is it to get some tap water? :(
Came here last night for:
Focus OC 10 Year Anniversary with Kaskade!
It was awesome! By the far...the cheapest Kaskade tickets...by far I mean...$10 for a KASKADE SHOW??! -NO BRAINER-
& Congrats to Mr. Josh Billings to having this wondering event and for going 10 years strong!
Heres my review of last night:
-The venue is small, but not everything small is considered bad right? Since it was small and wasn't too overpacked...the night/event was set up to be a very INTIMATE night.
-Theres only one full bar here...with two mini-bars (I think?) outside in the patio. This venue also has great happy hour specials on drinks and food. Happy Hour yesterday ended at 10:30? But no worries...even without the happy hour...drinks are still pretty cheap!
-TACO MAN...outside on the patio on Tuesdays! a majority of the menu was only $1! Perfect choice of food...especially when your slightly intoxicated!
-one bathroom
-easy parking
-one smoking patio
-...and HOUSE MUSIC!
Nothing to complain about this place! Overall guud vibe and guud people.
This is a great place to go with your friends to grab a few drinks and to hang out. No fancy theatricals like SUTRA...just a place to lounge, sit back and relax.
P.S. the asian chick working the front desk/entrance is hot
UNTIL THEN!! ^-^
I would give 5, but once in a while there are snags with getting in when I buy tickets online. Â I know that sometimes that technology is difficult, but it is annoying to wait when I have paid and they can't find my name on a list. Â Also, sometimes you have to wait a little for a drink, though the cut gal and long haired guy at the entry part of the bar can slang; I know, I bartended for 10 years. Â They can hold it down, just make friends with them right away and you should be good. Â Taco cart sometimes, drinks are reasonably priced and strong but not nasty strong. Â I dig this place. Â The music is obviously awesome as well.
Review Source:I can't believe a place like this exists right in my backyard! Â Back in the days of yore, we used to rent this venue for Greek events at UCI, and although it was small, we always managed to have a great time here. Â
Fast forward to now, light years later. Â Focus OC manages to pull some deep/funky/disco house talent that just totally blows my mind. Â Miguel Migs, Dusky, Miguel Cambell to just mention the last few months. Â Absolutely sick.
Add this amazing lineup of DJs to the fact that this venue is intimate, the sound system is well matched to the size, and it's never packed to the rafters. Â Parking is free, there is food served all evening, and the crowd is seriously amazing.
I think I'd come here for that last reason alone. Â I am so sick of attending events where most of the folks there have no idea that there is actually a DJ spinning, and although I know this is a reality of the scene, I like to consider Focus a little oasis in a desert of douchebaggery. Â
With Josh Billings spinning most Tuesdays, you're pretty much guaranteed a fantastic night. Â AND, the price is always right. Â
Easy 5 stars here.
As my musical taste has evolved over the last year or so, I've come to realize what a gem Focus really is. And, I've realized that I can't give Yost 5 stars and Focus 4 if I have great times at both spots. Why?
The music, first and foremost. There is no other spot in Orange County quite like this. There is a smattering of LA offerings, in addition to the warehouse parties happening every weekend up there, that will give you your deep & underground house fix. In Orange County you are hard-pressed to find anyone who knows who Eats Everything, Mark Farina, or Damian Lazarus are, but if they do, chances are that they go to Focus. It's truly a one-of-a-kind spot here, and one of the few badges that Orange County can wear to combat the image of a lifeless, master-planned cultural wasteland. Make no mistake -- this is not necessarily music you can just walk in to and enjoy. If you come looking for dazzling lasers, wubby music, or a "sick drop, bro", you are better off at Yost or Sutra. But if you like breaks, beats, and a solid dose of high-hat, Focus is your spot. And the 18+ crowd here is infinitely superior to the 18+ crowd at Yost on pretty much any given night.
Free parking, $1 tacos, and the occasional appearance of Wobsamole. Save for the occasional special event happening in LA, my Tuesday nights are increasingly spent here.
I accidentally opened a new Yelp account, because I had forgotten about my old one. So I'm reposting this review about Focus Tuesday under my "old" account.
I've frequented many clubs/bars in Hollywood, Downtown, & Newport Beach & I'm very picky. But I can't say enough nice things about Focus Tuesdays!! I've never had so much fun on a weeknight! A 10-year staple in the SoCal dance music scene, it is by far superior to any club I've been to in L.A.
It's 18+, but I would have never even guessed that because all of the patrons are super-chill. It's the kind of place with the rock-your-body/Orange Show sound system & you can go wild, but everyone is only there to dance, so no one will try to talk to you and harass you like at the other clubs!!
So I drive 40 miles one-way & there's plenty of free-parking. The arched entryway is all "Spanish-Castle magic" & alludes to a great evening. Upon dancing around the club, I'm delighted that there's no smokey smell/sticky floors/creepy old guys (which is always the case at other dance clubs.)
I am already all danced-up after Focus' resident dj's open the place & to top that off there's is always a featured world-famous dj to finish the evening (James Zabiela one time, Mark Knight, Dj Colette, Kaskade, & Miguel Migs to name a few?!:) I am always curious to see who is coming to Focus, so I subscribed to their non-spammy email list.
Focus Tuesday at Tapas is uber cool but unpretentious. Probably due to it's unassuming location (which definitely sustains its allure) & top-tier dj's. As always, I can't wait until next time!!!
Focus Tuesdays are a great place to shake your grove thing on a Tuesday night; and probably one of the only places in the OC that's poppin' off. Â They've been getting phenomenal DJs as of late and the resident DJs are equally good.
The bar area can get pretty packed but there seems to always be room for more people on the dance floor; depending on who's playing that night the line can back up around the building so be prepared to wait a bit - but trust me, it'll be worth it! Â The sound system is kickin' and the hot dogs smell phenomenal.
This place is great. By far my favorite club in OC. There's some great music, a good amount of space, and a fun vibe. Most nights there's a group of breakdancers who form a circle and that's entertaining to watch. One thing I really appreciate is that everyone isn't grinding each other to death. Some people dance solo, or in groups, or perform, and that's alright. It makes the entire place a lot more fun and open. People are really friendly there and I've met some interesting people. There's a lot less unwanted touching too- I guess the bouncers do their job pretty well.
It's a good fun romp with genuinely great house music and delicious tacos. What more could you ask for?
Colette is always a crowd pleaser. Â Focus Tuesdays has lost its flair. Â Mostly locals...same ol same ol. Â Bunch of old wrinkled partiers holding onto there twenties mixed in with a bunch of younger crowds there to see the big name djs. Â Creeper ville galor!
It is really hot in there are too dark. Â Has an underground la club vibe to it. Â They need to upgrade the A/C.
If you like:
-House
-Dancing by yourself
-Casual dress (T-shirts, hats, tank tops, jeans, shorts, sneakers)
-A chill atmosphere and mixed crowd
-The dive-barish restaurant-turned-into-club setting
-Waiting a long time to order drinks at a jammed-packed bar (the only one)
-$1 tacos
-18+ peeps
You will probably like Focus Tuesdays at Tapas.
If you like:
-Pop, Mainstream EDM, Rap, Hip-hop, Old school
-Dancing with other people
-Dressing up to feel bougie
-The grown and sexy crowd (i.e. 21 and over)
-The LA/Hollywood foo foo exclusive upscale club feel
-Somewhere to show off your newly purchased "red bottoms" aka C. Loubutins to someone who might actually care
You will probably not like Focus Tuesdays at Tapas.
I've been here several times over the last year or so, and have always enjoyed myself. It's 18+, but the patio area is 21+, and we hang out there a good part of the night. Even so, you really don't notice any annoying underage kids; the crowd is pretty mellow. They have $1 tacos outside, so that comes in handy. Entry is sometimes free w/ RSVP, or $5 w/ RSVP. I've only gone when its free or I've gotten in for some reason. They pull some pretty notable house dj's, if you follow that kind of thing. It wont be free when a big name is there. The music is always pretty good, but there's usually a DJ or two which indicates a perfect time to step outside and chill. There's lots of Asians, cause Asians like to dance in circles. There's always a sprinkling of scantily clad girls, who likely were under the impression they were going to a different kind of club in Newport, and are dismayed by the lack of couples booty shaking on the dancefloor. It's probably a good idea to be familiar with and enjoy this kind of music; don't expect DJ Afrojack shit, or any fist pumping business. The majority of the crowd genuinely loves house music; and I do not mean the kind of house music Paris Hilton listens to. I give Focus props for being a breath of fresh air; it's unique especially for OC, and caters to a niche music.
My last visit, I left pretty damn pissed off, due to the bar staff. Focus is inside of Tapas Restaurant, which is, well, a tapas restaurant by day. Perhaps the bar tenders aren't accustomed to serving a heavy flow of drinks in a bar, but they over charged my card by $15; it's all good, I caught it and its easy to fix, of course. However, it is a bit difficult to yell over thumping music, trying to explain what exactly I ordered, which was 4 drinks, not the six or seven they showed me when they handed me like 4 different receipts. I was initially told, basically, that it was my fault for ordering from a different person each time,a s this leaves them prone to mistakes. Are you laughing yet? Cause its fucking ridiculous right? It turned into a pain in the ass mess, with the bartender calling over the other bartender and the manager, I busted out my own calculator to demonstrate simple math and why 4 drinks does NOT equal $45. All the while feeling the vibe that I was inconveniencing them and messin up their hustle. It seemed like they didnt believe me or something.The manager does refund the transaction, only to present me with a new receipt, still $5 overcharged. So it starts all over again, the initial bartender starts to get this fixed AGAIN by flagging down the grumpy manager, but at that point i had it, and bailed. I mean, it WAS my fault after all right? What was I thinking, ordering from a different person each time?
A deep house venue that books some seriously legit artists (Mark Farina, just move down here already!!) just off Macarthur?! Don't worry, I drove right by it the first time I tried visiting Focus too. The sound system is impressive, there can be some rad bar specials and the tacos outside are YUM!!
Of course there's a cover, because everything in OC charges a cover - I'm pretty sure they asked me for $5 the last time I walked into an Arby's. But the crowd gets into it and it's a pretty fun Tuesday night spot that totally beats the mindnumbing Newport experience.
Not a good time.
I went last night (Tuesday) with my girls, and we were shocked. First off, the bathrooms are tiny, only 2 stalls. They have this woman in the bathroom who hands you paper towels. That's awkward. After talking to some people, we were told that the crowd is kinda hipster. We were wearing denim shorts and nice tops, and we were waaaay overdressed. If you want to grind, or even dance, with a guy, this is not the place to go. It was like awkward dancing. People were mainly standing around or kinda shuffling. And the music...it is straight house music. Hence, really heavy bass beats and nothing to really sing or dance to. A guy was on the mic rapping this poetry stuff to the beat, and that was okay. The crowd was young, even for an 18+ place. There were a lot of groups, and no one was really mixing.
Overall, if you really love house music, come here. If you want to dance by yourself, come here.
Oh, and free parking in the lot. And last night was free before 10:30 if you RSVP.
Don't judge a book by it's cover...
At first we were.... and then it was.... WHOA.
I had the pleasure of venturing out FOCUS Tuesdays to catch friend, producer, Alex Kenji.
and the venue was small and intimate, but the evening ROCKED.
If you LOVE your house music, if you love music PERIOD.
This is the place to catch some of the most incredible DJs/Producers, and they're past track sheet is much to be talked about.
If you haven't been go -- and a special shout out to Josh Billings and Non-Fiction Jose for their incredible hospitality and the very cool I LOVE HOUSE MUSIC tshirts!!!! now that's LOVE right there!!!!!
Yay. A place that plays electronic music in the OC that isn't Sutra. Free before 10:30/$7 after with RSVP ($10 w/out). Â Drink specials before 10:30, but only opens at 9:30 so really only an hour of drink specials. Still cool music, cool vibe, and not the regular OC crowd.
Outdoor patio and $1 tacos all night (although I've never tried them).
O...18 and over, but I wasn't bothered by drunk youngins'
General:
-no ins/outs
-$5 entrance fee before 10:30 (if you rsvp by email), $3 water, $1 tacos
-18+
-loud house music
-attracts young, mostly hipster, crowd with a few people over 30
-casual dress code; girls tend to wear shorts, tank tops, and sandals
Pros:
-clean (a drink was spilled on the dance floor and it was immediately cleaned up)
-always room on the dance floor (enough people that no one is watching you dance, but not so many that you're touching someone you don't know)
-cheap (drink specials before 10:30)
-never had any problem with the staff
-plenty of tables and chairs
Cons:
-two stall/one sink bathroom (girl's) that is often crowded
-always that one creepy older guy who dances too close
Go here if you're in the mood to dance to music with few words without being hassled. Don't go here if you want to dress up and show off. No one will be looking--they'll all be dancing. The club is pretty empty around 9:30 and begins to thin out around 12:30 (presumably when the under 21 crowd has to head home).
I say  hands down the only great dance club in Orange County. The people are unpretentious, the DJ's are unsurpassed and the staff is magnificent (no, I don't work there or know anyone who does). I like to dance to good house music and often travel out of town to see the DJ's that I like. I discovered this place about 3 years ago when I saw that my beloved DJ Heather was spinning there. I went BY MYSELF which can be nerve wracking in a new place, but it couldn't have been more comfortable. Even the young girls (it's an 18 over spot) were friendly!  Try to find that vibe from the girls at the 'beautiful people' clubs.  Trust me, these are the truly beautiful people.
I can't say enough about this place. If you're looking for some hookup type place go to Sutra, where dancing with someone may be mistaken as willingness to sleep with them. Â If you're looking to dance your butt off with other people who love house with GREAT music from all of the DJ's (not just the headliners) OC Focus is THE ONLY PLACE TO GO.
Josh has been doing it big at FOCUS for almost a decade now. Â This is the way house music should be represented world wide. Â It's amazing, considering it's on a Tuesday night. Â Many of the big clubs in LA can't even hold it together on a Saturday.
With a diverse line-up of the best DJs worldwide, amazingly talented resident DJs and a custom built sound system designed around the space of the club, FOCUS is your #1 stop for house music.
Definitely check out the grill on the patio.
The dance competition is one of the best I've ever seen. Â Other than the yearly anniversary party, the dance competition is the second most important event, not to miss.
Really? Ghetto fightness! damn 26 year old gangster billionaire brawler wants to beat up a 20 year old kid for asking his age. wth?! kick the ghetto out and keep the fun in!!! Then girls started hitting each other and it was a mess. sigh...why can't we be friends?
Went here with some friends to enjoy house music (apparently it's been a house venue for over 8 years). it's $15 with RSVP before 10:30pm to see Yolanda B Cool. We were able to get one person in for free! :) thank u erikitoes!
The music was AWESOME. The people are AWESOME (except for billionaire brawler....cough cough). The $1 tacos are AWESOME ($4 for a burrito; u can get carne asada, pollo and al pastor! con sevoyas tambien. oye!). The drink specials before 10:30pm are AWESOME. I haven never had so much at Tapas before. You have definitely redeemed yourself.
Josh Billings rocked ittttttttttttt! One of the best local sets I've heard yet!!!
I want at FOCUS shirt! wah!
I shall be back for some more great music and company and food and drinks and etc.
Tapas is officially my favorite dance club in the OC. Actually, I think that it is the only DANCE club in the OC. People come here to dance and generally mind their own business. There are the occasional bros that try to get in your pants; but that is just the rare few.
This club is defiantly not a Sutra or some high end posh club, but its the perfect place for anyone that just loves to dance and enjoy amazing house music. I feel like I'm starting to appreciate Josh Billing's vision of a club with no line jumping and pretentious fake crap. Tapas has kept me sane since I first turned 21 and old enough to go clubbing.
PS: Look for Daniel Minaya sightings. I hear that he is Josh Billing's BFF!!!
Again- $3 Vodka energies, $1 tacos on the patio, amazing house music, energetic crowd + Daniel Minaya and Josh Billings. Oh and free cover on most Tuesday nights! Bring your dancing shoes and dress ready to dance. I'm in heaven!
On Tuesday nights at Tapas, watch this place turn into an amazing house club!
It is a very intimate scene with most people enjoying $1 taco tuesdays, $3 special drinks before 10:30, and of course great music! They have some of the best house DJ's around, and the atmosphere is friendly. There tends to be a lot of circle dancing, but everyone is very laidback so people aren't being judged. You can see lots of people showcasing their dance moves or even those that are just doing their own thing. Gotta love this place!
Pros: House music, affordable drinks
Cons: It's only on Tuesdays!
I used to go to this place back in college like 5 years ago and this event is still going on. I went here the other day and it's still pretty fun, but I think I'm getting too old to party during the work week.
It's held at Tapas on every Tuesday. The promoters here do a pretty good job of bringing in some pretty cool house DJs. Â The in-house DJs are pretty good too. If you sign up for the newsletter at <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.focus-oc.com&s=b9a0b7bfef70dc763399eef56b2305c09f1e96905a5833406b38d9d20e7cd5be" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.focus-oc.com</a>, usually you can find out about what DJs are coming in and get a cheaper admission fee too (i.e. save $5).
Anyway, if you like house music and you're in OC, you definitely need to check this place out.
Like my buddy Jason S., I wish I was still in SoCal to enjoy great music and chill vibes at Focus Tuesdays. I still get the newsletter every week and wish I could find a similar spot where I'm living at now. Josh Billings, send some good music to the South!
I always enjoyed the no pressure vibes there. No pressure as in, you can actually just dance, without worrying about being judged or critiqued by the crowd around you. Well, okay maybe if you jumped into a cypher circle, that's a different story, but there's plenty of people who come in for some happy hour Coronas and just groove to the music.
Happy hour here usually lasts til 11, though on some special nights, they will cut it off early at about 10-10:30. The 21+ is amazing! One of my favorite things about turning 21 was being able to finally gain access to their bacon wrapped hot dogs and $1 tacos. Such great food when you want to get some sustenance to keep you going until closing hour.
Once every few weeks, they get some pretty big name DJ's and house groups to make a stop. I was fortunate enough to catch Tortured Soul, with my good friend Jamie on a whim one night, and Fedde Le Grand on a much smaller, more intimate, non rave setting. Great musical acts in an intimate setting and way cheaper than if you had gone to a larger production show. Not to knock those productions down, but sometimes, there is really only one act you want to see and Focus brings them direct to you.
This review is for Focus Tuesday nights only.
Great place if you're looking to listen to some good music and dance. This is solely what I come here for. Drink specials before 10:30! I love coming here to lose myself in the music and to check out some cool dancers. Although, sometimes the dance circles can get a little excessive.
There are the seldom few who aren't familiar with what Focus Tuesdays are about, and try to hit on girls. Or try to be creepy. You can tell they've never been before. People generally mind their own business and keep to themselves, because they're there for the music and the dancing. But you do occasionally get the guy who tries to grind on you from behind with no warning.
Oh! And $1 tacos in the patio/smoking area! Never had, but they SMELL delish!
Came here on my 21st birthday in 2007. And many many times before and after. It use to be big with the UCI dance scene, though it still brings in freestylers and those in the house scene.
OC House Spot, some of the best DJ's have played in this intimate venue. Great people. Lots of dancing. Chill bouncers. Less of the raving crowd. Just people with good vibes enjoying good music.
It can get crazier on nights with bigger named DJ's, but most any night is a good night out.
Chill vibes
Free parking, both street and lot
Cheap (relative) admission
Smoking patio in the back and outside, met a lot of people trying to cool down.
Decent drinks and chill staff
It's one of those places that you can go on occasion, or as a usual spot.
Wish I was still in the area to enjoy this place. Seems to be getting a revival. Hope it's still like how I remembered it, when we were young, things were carefree, and the music was all that drove us.
Yay!! A house/trance spot in OC!! You'd never find it on your own, it's tucked away near the airport around some good eats. Â
Came here for Giancarla E's Bday for Collette and Heather. Â
I really don't have much of a problem w/this place. Â Bathroom's clean w/an attendant. Â Not much of a line to get in, no fuss getting in. Â Free abundant parking. Â Drinks specials before 10:30 including $3 beers, $3.50 vodka energy, midori sours, cosmos, sweet! Â The dance floor's big, there's an out door patio complete w/taco / hot dog stand at really cheap prices ($1 tacos). Â Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to try it cause they're a lil slow on the service. Â I find it hilarious there's a woman 'taking orders' for the cook and literally just turning around to give it to him.. let him do it himself!
The bar tenders are pretty fast, not many long obnoxious lines at the bar. Â
The only thing is it gets really stuffy on the dance floor.. they need either more fans or crank up their A/C. Â Lots of ppl were swarming the small table fan, ahh nothing like the smell of pit sweat combined w/a hot stuffy dance floor!
Quality music, quality people and quaity drink specials too!
Focus offers big name talent in the perfect local venue. If you love to dance freely and fully self express your love for great music, then this is certainly the place to be on Tuesday nights.
Everyone I have met there has been friendly and lots of fun too!!
Okay I like great music Marques Wyatt in OC on a Tues!! I'm in!!!! Â I thought I have never been here even though this club has been here for years providing great dj's to a sh&&ty locale.
I forgot, "wait I have been here" Â "I think it's 18 and over I hope not!!"
What It isn't 18 and over some dud asks on the way in. Â Why, is that what you are into? No I'm 26 but my friends are under age...
Well that sums up the age and mentality. Â I should have known if I forgot I have been there It couldn't be good. -- ie, He looks familiar. Did I sleep with him?-- Â NOT GOOD. Â Also a 26 yr old had under age friends. What He thinks he's cool because he took a high school chick to prom and scored alcohol for her friends mentality.
But i went in anyways hoping Marques will pull a good crowd. Â No. He couldn't. Â The good + $5 b4 10:30 and discount drinks: beer , vodka energy, cosmo or midori sour about $3/3.50.
Music was good but all the short Asian guys look like they were tone deaf and learned to dance by either the dance 360 show or the dance revolution game. Â Both bad. Â I am a great dancer but after watching them I lost my rhythm. Â
I swore I will not be back!!!!!
I have been going to Focus for probably 4 years or so now. It is hands down the best spot in Orange County for house music. Josh does a great job of booking some of the best and most respected house acts in the world - along with some amazing artists that you may not have heard of.
The sound system was recently updated (2010) and sounds better than ever. Josh really knows what he is doing. The vibe is very laid-back but still lively. Focus attracts some of the best dancers in OC. Even if dancing isn't your thing you can still relax with a drink and enjoy the atmosphere.
I highly suggest that you get there before 10:30 so that you can take advantage of their drink specials and early entrance fee (usually only $5 before 10:30 with an RSVP, and the drink specials are $3 for a beer or a mixed drink, but I always stick with beer...) Â
OF SPECIAL NOTE: THEY SELL THE BOMB TACOS FRESHLY GRILLED & SERVED OUTSIDE FOR ONLY A DOLLAR!!!
Pros:
-Early-bird drink and entrance specials
-THE BIGGEST AND BEST house artists you will hear in OC
-Atmosphere
-Friendly staff/security (they are awesome, everyone's very approachable)
-Sound quality is great
-Lots of bacon lovers
-GREAT resident DJ's
-Casual dress code
-$1 tacos, I shouldn't have to say anything else?
Cons:
-Wish the AC was cranked - don't like missing the music to go outside for air - little speakers outside would be awesome though
-Sometimes a little pricey if you arrive after 10:30 or don't RSVP, save yourself this trouble by coming early, RSVPing is free at <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Ffocus-oc.com&s=a54edb622b6c8ea4821a817ed62a706a8944c518c2ab4da23894b4a4dd36d12c" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://focus-oc.com</a>
-Working the next day haha makes me wish the headliners would go on earlier, but there is good reason for them to go on at about 12
-Can't think of anything else, check it out, I'm sure you will like it.
I went here on Tuesday Night and it was poppin? WHAAAT?! That's so crazy to me. Well mayb because DJ Colette was there and she was ABSOLUTELY AWESOME. I was so happy that my friends wanted to go here cause we all didn't know she was even spinning that night. Damn, she sings while she's spinning? GIRL IS AMAZING.
Drinks are reasonably priced, there's dollar tacos in the back?! That's super smart to keep the crowd in if they have a bad ass case of the munchies!
I was diggin how there were little dance battles between everyone. I've never witnessed it ever at a club that plays house/trance/electro etc. The clubs I've been to that spins that kind of music always have hoochie cooch girls that overly dress up and it's just not the same atmosphere here! I loved it here! They need to get on making a place like this in San Diego!
After further consideration I have decided to up the rating to 5 stars. Here's why.
The bloke that started the night is a great DJ and I happen to like his style. He also works VERY hard getting in real talent. Plus, the crew that he has assembled as residents are truly talented. I rock their sets all day long at work.
Getting back to the talent that he brings in, they are some of the biggest names in the business. For example, Mark Farina, Donald Glaude, Derrick Carter, and JT Donaldson just to name a few. I feel that the producer deserves a pat on the back for bring great music to the area without having to deal with thousands of people rolling their asses off.
Thanks Mr. Billings
Awesome HOUSE music, you will not find this anywhere else in the OC. Tuesday only. They charge between nothing and $20 depending on their line-up. You can RSVP by signing up on their website but cant RSVP anyone else but you. The dance floor is big but frequently taken up by breakdancing teenagers that form a giant circle to show off their skills. Get out of my way kids, I m trying to dance. But then again, the place is 18 and over.
The bartenders SUCK!!! They have attitude issues. I am sure they work Tapas during the rest of the week. Focus should have their own bartender team on Tuesdays. Just pre-drink and go dance. This place is a musical jam!! Even Mark Farina stopped by and gave a gig.
While the cougars may be dominant in the bar and grill territory, us silverback gorillas will always have the 18 and over teenie boppers at Focus. Â At my seasoned age walking into an establishment filled with college coeds, a silverback can easily finds its prey in close proximity.
Oh yes...that's a paper wristband I'm wearing, but I'm beyond the virginal youth established by the legal drinking age. Â Don't be fooled by my Hurley Hat and DC skate shoes. Â I'm old. Â If you think you're a geezer like me, there's a few things you need to know about becoming a silverback gorilla. Â To complete the facade, remember that...
*You work at a skateboard shop, not in an office.
*You drive a rice rocket or lifted truck, not a European model.
*Wear tight trendy jeans with a zipper hoodie, nothing Banana Republic
*Learn to breakdance. Â Period.
There are more things to learn, but these four should get you started on the right foot. Â If things go wrong and you've alerted your prey, their much younger and stronger alpha male gets defensive. Â Take refuge in the 21 and over smoking patio. Â Regain composure and try again, killer.
On the real tip, Focus plays some good House music for your Tuesday night craving.  Resident DJs such as Wobs and Josh Billings know how to set it off.  On bigger nights, Andy Caldwell and Chuck Love have been known to grace the turntables at Focus.  Be sure to check out their live mixes available for download at <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.liveatfocus.com&s=f4a07b8141248a12ae2561355fe891613e2125197c68c4188bfc6a75cf223410" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.liveatfocus.c…</a>.  Take a listen and become addicted.
The dance floor is where you'll actually find me. Â After a few beers, I dance like nobody's business flinging my sweat in multiple directions. Â Practically everyone is dancing in their own little world appreciating the music at their own level. Â Leave your inhibitions and the running man dance move at the door. Â Just groove. Â This is house music.
You can get in cover free if you RSVP on the guestlist and they sell some cool "I heart House Music" shirts. Â Unfortunately, the drink specials end too early and sometimes their dance floor gets congested with the circles forming for the peacocking breakdancers. Â Either way, it's still a cool place to beat your chest at the whippersnappers and get your groove on.
Being the househead that I am, it was just a matter of time before I review this spot....
Tues. night/TAPAS/Newport Beach 18+
This the the premier(i.e its the only one) house club in Orange County. Â They get some good talent in here from time to time and the place get's going. Â
The place is some Mexican type place where they prob filmed some seedy porno in the 70's.  The bar is average sized, but the drinks are reasonable. They do have a 21+ lounge outside where can celebrate being able to buy beer and snicker at all the  UNDER 21 kids who wish they were you  while you chug your midor-I mean Bud Light like a champion. Â
The Dance floor is good sized, and people dont have a problem getting their groove on. There are a few people who think  they are in Breakin 2: Electric Boogaloo, but they are fun to watch for a little while Overall young and old the crowd comes cause they are down for the music. Â
For something to do, this place fits the bill nicely, if you want to be featured on "To Catch a PreDATOR featuring Chris Hanson with Dateline NBC" one day, you can totally practice your cradle robbing pickup skills here...if you like house music you pretty have no other choice on a Tuesday night. Personally they play good music so I dig this spot...Props to Mr. Billings for running this party all this time
....now if only Detroit Bar had Focus's Lineup
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