I love this place!!!!! Its a nice spot to hang out with your friends, grab a drink, and listen to live music! Its a first come first seated type of place....the bar is very long, more of a rectangular shape. The stage is on one corner, and the seating is arranged from the door to the stage. Its very tiny...However try to go early to get good seats :D! I do wish there was an area to dance :)...that would have been sweeeet!
They do have days where there are cover charges, and days that there are no cover charges. Since I'm still in college, and everything is super expensive, I go on days were there are no cover charges, it makes life all the better :)!
Drinks are eh, the old fashions are too sweet. Food is ok. Service is terrible. After we got our drinks our waiter didn't come check on us once.. We had to flag him down to get our bill. We would have stayed longer if the sercice wasnt so bad. So what is the redeaming factor? Its the only place In Ornage County where you can listen to live jazz on a nightly basis, that is the only reason I will go back.
Review Source:Let me start by saying my wife & I love jazz. Steamers is a great place if you are ONLY there for some drinks and listen to some great live music. Good beer selection $5, and ok cocktails $9-$12.
We went to see the great Poncho Sanchez which cost $20 per person & we were a party of 5. We were advice it was 1st come 1st seated. We arrived at 6pm & they have just open the doors, which we were told the were going to be open by 5pm. We were seated near the front door while all the tables near the staged were "reserved." So much for 1st come.
Food is what I would call bar food, nothing especial. We order a pizza & a club sandwich. After 45 minutes, Our waitress adviced us our food would come out in 4-5 minutes. 30 minutes later I canceled my order with another server, because our waitress would not come near us. Another waitress came to explain that the place got full & they only had 2 cooks. Like their poor planning was a good enough excuse. I also knew they were not being honest, because I order before the people in the next table arrived, I heard when they order and they got their food about 30 minutes after.
I will hate the idea of not returning there, because LA is to far, but it is something I will need to think about.
Bottom Line: Even though the name of this place evokes references to a more notorious Steamer (see Cleveland Steamer), this place is surprisingly anything but crappy! Â
*
Nestled in the middle of a college bar scene, Steamers is a classier place that allows people like me to still feel like I'm in the middle of a huge party scene, but where I can lay low, have a glass of wine or a cocktail, and just chill. Â
And this place has institutionalized something that would keep the younger riff raff away - an $8 dollar entertainment fee and a two drink minimum that averages about $10 dollars a drink.
But if young riff raff is what you're seeking, there's always slide bar and heroes bar and grill within walking distance.
Steamer's Cafe is exactly what it is meant to be: It's a down-to-earth Jazz Club dedicated to providing its customers with quality music and top notch performers, period! You go there for the Music first, and everything else second. For those expecting 5-Star food, plush accommodations, and rapid waiting service, well, you will most definitely be disappointed. This is a Jazz club whose primary focus is . . . the Music it serves.
I've gone to Steamer's for well over a decade. Whether alone or accompanied by others, the service, the food and the music have always been the same.
Is there room for improvement? Most definitely! But, it is what it is. And it's one of the few jazz clubs anywhere nearby. Â
In my opinion, there is one hugely significant drawback at Steamer's which merits mentioning: That being, the very "sphincter-esque" attitude and behavior of the proprietor, Terence Love. Paying customers expect to be treated with polite courtesy, especially by the man who [supposedly] is there to greet you at the door. Sadly, Mr. Love behaves like an extortionist collecting money from a debtor. It's as if he were doing you an immense favor by letting you into his club. I cannot count the number of times I've invited people to Steamer's - first time visitors - who've commented about Mr. Love's despicable attitude.
Again, is there room for improvement? Most definitely! But, in the END . . . it is what it is!
PS:
If I had to write a jazz ballad with the owner's etiquette in mind I'd title it, "The Anal Look of Love."
: )
Before I begin, if I could give no stars or negative stars, you bet your bottom I would. This was one of the worst experiences at a restaurant my date and I have ever had.
To give you a backstory; we typically don't go out to eat too often. My fiancé works full time as a su chef and I work full time as well. Our schedules usually conflict or we are too tired so we usually just eat at home or get something quick. We FINALLY found a night we could go but I, being the female that I am, took a leeeeetle too long to get ready and by the time we went out a bunch of places were already closed for the evening. We ended up at Steamers. Now, this wasn't a last resort or anything of the matter. We both adore jazz and the place always looks poppin' when I walk by on my nightly walk (I live in the neighborhood) so we decided to check it out.
When we arrived the place wasn't that crowded at all. Mind you, it was a Tuesday night at 10:45, so I didn't expect it to be However, the band was very good. Sadly, about 5 minutes after we sat down the band decided to take a 30 minute break which was a huge bummer! Oh well; I ordered a glass of wine and perused the menu. It is a VERY small menu, so just be wary if you want to have dinner there...DON'T. A few things caught my eye: the smoked salmon salad, flatbreads, and mac and cheese all looked delectable. Our server greeted us, got us our wine, and took out order. He was a little strange, but all around he was a pretty nice guy.
My fiancé ordered French Dip (11) and I ordered the Smoked Salmon salad (12) and the Blue Cheese and Carmelized Onion Flatbread(8) to share. The food took at least 25 minutes to come out and I was a ravenous beast when it finally got here. Oh, and before it got here we watched a lady (not sure if she was the manager, owner or what) walk around to every table and ask them if the food was theres before she finally got to our table. They need a new system or something because they obviously don't use table numbers.
Anyways, when the food got here I was APPALLED. My SMOKED salmon salad was the size of a cereal bowl and it was CANNED SALMON! CANNED SALMON!!!!! I couldn't even believe what I was seeing. I thought I was having a hallucination because I KNOW I ordered a SMOKED salmon salad and not some crap from a can!! The flatbread was even worse; flatbread my a**. It was a couple crumbles of blue cheese with some kind of jam on a PITA BREAD!!! A freaking pita bread the size of a small plate. At that point, it didn't matter how ravenous I was, there was no way I was eating a canned salmon salad. If I wanted that, I would have gone to my parents house. So I waited for the server to come back and ask how the food was...it took at least 10 minutes for him to even LOOK at us. I sent the food back and asked it to be taken off the bill. Now, I work in the restaurant industry and I know how to treat a guest who has just had the food taken away from her; YOU OFFER SOMETHING ELSE. Not only did he not offer ANYTHING, but he didn't even bring over a menu for me to look. He just let me sit there and starve while I waited for my fiancé to finish his sandwich.
Apparently, this place doesn't even have a KITCHEN. The area they prepare food in is also known as the bar. When the bill came, he didn't charge us for any food, which was nice, but still unacceptable. i walked in hungry, and I left starving. Needless to say, we won't be returning and I don't suggest anyone with hunger pangs go either.
Cool place! Went there Sunday night, for the jazz jam session! Unfortunately, I was informed, this was the last night for this previously long-standing weekly event. Place was nice,though. Super friendly service and great food and drinks.
This place has some really top-notch jazz talent. Poncho Sanchez is playing next Sunday night! I'd go if I weren't already booked. The cover for Poncho is $15!!!! WHAT!?!?!? At these prices, you'd be a fool NOT to check it out if you're open that night!
Music every night! =) Yay!
Average Food, Good Bar, Great Music
I can't imagine coming here for the food, as it is a couple clicks above fast food. Â The Bar is fine with a wide selection, but they don't do doubles for some odd reason.
But if you're reading this review, you're really interested in the music, and the food and bar is secondary. Â And the Music is great. Â Some local straight ahead jazz acts during the week, and latin jazz on the weekends. Â Try to get a center table, as the tables against the wall are inquisition uncomfortable. Â Make your RSVPs, but try to arrive early, as they don't reserve tables, it is first come first served. Â Not sure why the RSVP is even necessary. Â
That said, this is great place and I enjoy coming down here at least once a month.
Love love love everything .... If you love jazz, this is the place to go to for an intimate night with your lovely date and/or just relaxing and sitting back with your gang ... either way, it works really well ...
For me, it's a lovely experience every time ...
Tips: make sure you check the schedule for who is in the night of since there are different kinds of jazz [artists] there each night. I came in one night with Latin jazz, still an enjoyable night even though I am not a fan of that :)
Highly recommended
I'm giving Steamers 5 stars because it's all about the music and mood, both of which are top notch. In fact, the range of bands and artists that play here on a nightly basis are nothing short of amazing!
As for the food, it's not the main drawing card for sure, but you can still get a decent flatbread pizza or bruschetta with marinara for munching, and there are a wide variety of cocktails on the menu (even some rather interesting prohibition era concoctions). Prices are pretty reasonable, and usually there is no cover change, except with some of the weekend groups (and when there is, it's quite small - under $10). Parking is plentiful (on the street, behind the club lot or structure, or an adjacent empty bank lot that doesn't tow). Not sure what all the negatives were about the service, as I am a regular here and have never had a negative service experience. It's a club, not a restaurant, and the service works around the music a bit (i.e. you generally don't get cashed out until you ask, and typically not until the end of a musical set).
For the best experience, I make a reservation (and request something up front near the band if you're going for the music - they always try to accommodate). Seats farthest from the stage are good if you plan to converse with your companions. Otherwise, it's a very music-oriented crowd that really is there to listen. It's all ages friendly, and you see the occasional young teen with parents, for example (but not younger kids).
And honestly, you won't find better or more consistently fantastic jazz anywhere in OC (or even LA, quite frankly) and it's such a treat to get a chance to hear (and meet) such amazing musicians in an intimate setting. And there is something happening every single night, which is awesome. So if you love jazz, come here!
As far as music, it's always great. But this place is consistent with their horrible service. I only go there because my boyfriend plays in a big band there once a month. First of all, the food sucks that they might as well not serve food. They don't have a real kitchen anyway. Their cappucino is straight out of a packet.
The last three times I went there, I got sick from their hummus, I found a bug in my scotch (which they gave me the wrong one in the first place), and tonight the cheese cake was dry and our server spilled someone else's beer on my lap and said they would take the cheesecake off my bill and never did.
I wish I could give this place half a star. HORRIBLE staff!
5 stars for music
1 star for service
I was seated at a table there midday last Sunday by a middle aged female waitress. She had two other gals working with her and it wasn't even that busy. Over the course of 25 minutes the three servers were within inches of my table multiple times. None of them said a single word to me despite me trying to get their attention. I came in looking forward to enjoying a beer, a salad and the music that is alway so great there but after being so utterly neglected I just up and walked out. They didn't even notice. On my way out the woman who seated me was standing in the back of the restaurant eating a plate of food. I nearly told her how neglected I felt by her and her team's service then and there but decided to Yelp about it instead. Steamers you're lucky you are such a great jazz venue or else I'd never come back.
I'm giving 5 stars because of the music... a little too crowded.... (please expand  a little) and the food is so-so.
This place is unique in that the crowd was a vast range from young to old.... all lovers of jazz.
Make reservations if you want a good seat!! or get stuck in the back!
We always have a great time at Steamers Jazz Club. We're always very impressed by the acts (most of which, we've never heard of -- "jazz rubes," I guess you could say). Entrance fees for the acts are usually a steal (less than $10-20, if I remember correctly) and it is almost always worth the money.
Drinks are fairly priced for a captive audience and the desserts are pretty good for a non-restaurant.
We came here during New Years Eve. Â We wanted something more low key. Â
Pros: entertainment, poor service (see below) but that saved me money - probably would have ordered much more with faster service
Cons: wait staff, time to receive any of our orders
- sat at 9:45pm, we ordered drinks, everyone received theirs in about 15 minutes, everyone but my cousin. Â she ended up receiving her drink 1 HOUR (yes, ONE HOUR) later... a simple cranberry vodka (on top of that, they "ran out of" grey goose and belvedere, so our choices were skyy or kettle one :-)
- our hummus took about 40 minutes
- our check took 35 minutes
- my old fashioned never came (after 30 minutes), so I canceled, but they were nice enough to give it to me on the house. Â
- 1 bartender for New Years Eve
First impression of the place: very bad. Â I'd be reluctant to come back. Â I just wish we had a better experience because I could have seen myself hanging out here....
The venue is not as nice or "put together" as I was hoping for. Â It's very amateurish looking with exposed wires, wobbly tables, drab paint and dirty floors. Â The jazz art was a cool touch (I see what you're trying to do there), but it was dirty. Â It's very much a grungy college hang-out -- perhaps that's the appeal? Â
We made reservations for dinner and the entertainment and arrived on time to an almost empty house. Â We were seated far away from the stage at a micro-table against a very uncomfortable looking wall bench seat in a way that we really couldn't utilize the table to eat dinner. Â I asked for better seating because we'd be eating and drinking. Â So, they sat us in the extreme corner telling us that the house would be full and we'd have to share our table (were we being punished?). Â Well the house never did fill and people tumbling in off of the street got much better seats than we did and ordered a fraction of the food and drinks that we did. Â We were never offered better seating even while it sat empty.
Dinner was a huge disappointment and I wanted it to be good. Â Ordered an Italian dish and while the meat and pasta were fine the "sauce" tasted like straight tomato paste (not a hint of spice in it). Â I was hungry and it tasted fresh and clean so I ate it rather than send it back. Â
Getting drinks was virtually impossible as they had one waitress for the house and a couple of runners. Â The waitress was running all night, but was very serial - she'd stop at a table, take an order (by memory), go key in the order and then stop at the bar to pick it up instead of handling multiple tables at a time. Â They'd have doubled our check if they'd have served our table better. Â Our drinks were constantly empty - I managed to get three beers ordered and delivered in an hour and a half.
The music was excellent - that's the only thing that would draw me back. Â I'd eat somewhere else before the show and I'd order two at a time.
Always a nice time if you appreciate live jazz. Â This place is a short distance from home and never fails to deliver. Â I've been here enough to say that each visit is never the same. Â There is so much talent making it's way through here you will get something new every time. Â I love that they switch it up all the time. Â Sometimes it's the same vocalist and band playing the entire night, and other nights you will get multiple bands new and old. Â Tonight I witnessed some young talent that knocked me off my feet. Â It's amazing to see young people appreciate such an old style of music and deliver it so flawlessly and re-inventing it to make it their own. Â Something you don't see too often!
This place is small but cozy. Â It's dimly lighted and romantic. Most of the tables seat 2 to 4 people, so come early if you have a big group or want a table by the stage. Â You will see a lot of regulars that will come early and get the good seats. Usually some really cute older people.
Close parking is limited but there's a new parking structure in the back that is huge - guaranteed parking that is free. Short walking distance to the back entrance.
Food:
- Pita bread and hummus appetizer: Pretty generous portion for sharing. I liked it.
- Turkey pesto panini - Surprisingly decent and generous portion. Â Comes with pasta or potato salad or potato chips. Â I actually enjoyed this sandwich! Â I get scared to eat at bars, haha.
- Dirty martinis - $8
CONS: Â The service is slow, but they're good people and do try their best.
Give them a chance...
What can be said of Steamers.
Live Jazz, decent food, and amazing waitstaff.
Now I may be a bit biased as I went here on a date but all together the evening, food, service and ambiance was top notch!
We both orderd the pasta, mine was the meat sauce, hers the pesto. And midway through we both agreed that the food was just, par. Nothing too interesting or unique about it, so we didn't quite finish  our meal.
I also ordered a cappuccino, and it was really tasty. The intensive knowledge of beverages that the barstaff know is quite impressive.
However, what really made the night was the live jazz, and it was a latin jazz band that performed that night. It really made the night more worthwhile and the experience one of a kind.
possible down points for the cover charge on fridays-sundays.
Let me explain. First of all, the music was five stars (Francis Dunnery and Nima were amazing). The service was less than one star. They should have these stars in 1/4increments. My vote really on service was 1/4 stars max and I am being generous.
I had two friends that were there prior to myself that had dinner and a few drinks. I showed up late and this is where the fun began. The stage area was packed with 4 top tables. Apparently, when I sat down, I was blocking the isle somewhat. So quickly, we worked through this by my sitting sideways with my neck 90 degrees to the left so I could see the stage as the door dude was towering over me.
We ordered drinks and they were brought within a reasonable amount of time. My Heineken relieved the slowly gaining kink in my neck somewhat. What also helped my neck was the fact that I was constantly rotating 180 degrees to see if I was blocking those that were seated up against the wall. I guess this was good old fashioned respect.
I noticed that one of my friends was taking a tally of how many times one of the workers walked by our table from the front into the back area. By the time that I got there, it has been at least 30 times. Each time while I was there, our table seemed to be the focus of attention. It was rather uncomfortable.
After the initial round of drinks, we were virtually ignored. When I asked for a glass of water, they returned with a glass not much larger than a shot glass. It was apparent at this time that something was up as most seated around me had full sized glasses. I started checking my clothes for holes or any other anomalies that might have been freaking them out.
Suddenly out of nowhere, our server (I will not mention your name...you know who you are), started demanding to know why my buddy was tallying up numbers on a napkin. She was very rude and demanding about it. It was completely bizarre.
She went away and appeared about 15 minutes later with our bill. We asked her why she was bringing us our bill. We asked for another round. She got all huffy and said "There's your bill" with her hands folded backwards on her hips. Must have been something she learned from an aunt who was a heavy smoker.
I decided that I had had enough. After F&D stopped playing, I watched a song by Nima and split. Prior to my leaving, we had a gentleman's discussion on what the tip should be. I was in favor of nothing. A tip should be reflected by the level of service attained. Apparently, after I left, the tip amount was decided to be .49. Ok to me, this is  classic. Someone had to count out 4 pennies. Serves you right!
I am not sure if the owners were there. If they were, I highly doubt that the crew that was working that night would still be employed.
In summary: The service was a joke. The music was great. I just hope that the people that work there seek help and find inner peace soon.
D-
A small establishment which sit 50 people or so. It was crowded accordingly, but we were able to score a table. The clientale is mixed, older and young alike, although the tables were far too close. It was so dark so that you wouldn't notice how close you were to other people, but so dark that we couldn't quite tell what we were eating. We had the pizza which was a dissapointment. It was a big soft and soggy, the flavors were bland and I wished I had ordered something else. The cocktails were nothing to write about, neither large or small, nor strong or weak. Just a cocktail that perhaps Friday's could have done better. Â The talent was interesting, but the $8 sitting fee and the 2 drink minimum left a bad taste in my mouth.
Review Source:Great jazz nightly. Good variety. Some big names. Good food. Full bar. Helpful staff. Always enjoyable.
Extremely crowded without much separation between your party and complete strangers. Not very much seating that is in easy eye-shot of the stage, although there are several large TV screens. If you're with a party of four or more, reservations are definitely recommended.
Amazing place for what it is. Â I've been there many times and always have a great time.
It's a very small, hole-in-the-wall storefront in old town Fullerton. Â Tiny stage, but first rate music. Â We saw a great blues band. Â A few years back, I saw Grammy winner Diana Krall. Â Usually no cover charge, depending on the act.
Definitely make a reservation to get a seat up front. Â Food is decent and moderately priced. Â Generally great service. Â Good drinks, typical prices.
So, I actually had FOOD here this time. Â
Sadly, I knocked off a star because I did call in and reserved for 3 people and when we arrived, they said that I'm not on the list =_=;; needs better organization.
Other than that, it wasn't too bad. The seating was okay and not so crammed around us. We had the philly cheese steak panini for around $11. It comes either with a side of salad or chips. It was good. And the waitress was kind enough to cut it into three pieces and even brought each of us our own bag of chips! Nice touch :)
We also had the hummus with pita bread for around $7. That was good :) It lasted us for a long time.
Also, had the chicken pesto pizza which is the size of a normal flatbread. It was great :) It wasn't a "wimpy" chicken pesto, but loaded on top!
The band that day (Monday night) was amazing :) There was also a vocalist. The touch of vocalist really is the cherry on top for me personally.
The Nitty Gritty:
No cover charge depending on who's playing, $15-25 otherwise. $7-10 Cocktails,
$ 11-20 dinner plates and late night snacks,with a smattering of dessert choices you'll have to ask for, they're not on the menu. Intimate setting with quality service and prime musicians, great for a change-up on date night. Open late too. recommend it!
The Fluff:
Went on a Thursday night for a late night date with the hubby, got there about 10pm, had dessert and drinks. The band was great, and it felt romantic....definitely going again
Jazz does not belong to one race or culture, but is a gift that America has given the world  -- Ahmad Alaadeen
Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent-- Victor Hugo
Canot believe that I have not done a review of Steamers...I've come here many times over the years, recently for some tasty Latin Jazz, and the fact that this place still exists when so many other jazz bars in OC have fallen by the wayside (Randall's, Cafe Lido) Â still gives me hope that intelligent life exists. Â
Steamers get an eclectic mix of jazz bands...local, regional, national artists play here...vocalists, traditional, Latin, Big Band...get on their mailing list to get daily, weekly and monthly updates. Â My favorite sets in the past have included performances by Annie Sellick (a dread locked wearing traditional jazz vocalist) and a benefit for the late, great Francisco Aquabella.
Food is basic bar fare that sometimes rises above decent. Â Drinks are strong, wine list is mediocre...corkage is $15.00 which is a good value if you are sitting for a couple of hours. Â
Straight up, no chaser...OC needs Steamers and Steamers need you OC'ers to support one of the few cool nightspots this wealthy backwater has.
All that Jazz!
I luv Jazz. Â I prefer to listen to the old cats like Monk, Coltrane, Davis, Brubek, Getz etc. Â Also the W. Shorter, H. Hancock, Marsallis, HCJ, T Blanchard. Â I do enjoy latin jazz like Tito Puente, Poncho Sanchez, and in the last couple of years enjoy listening to the Spanish Harlem Orchestra. Â The one area of Jazz I don't care for much is smooth Jazz. Its like I'm in an never ending elevator LOL. Â
Being a jazz lover I usually make the annual trip to New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival but I didn't get to go this year so when Dave G invited me to his CD release party I was totally stoked to go! Â
Steamers has been around for a long time and many artists have come through and played here. Â The setup is great with the stage in the far back right of the cafe. Â For those who want a close and personal experience have that opportunity of sitting close to the stage. Â The sound system is setup perfectly that is not blasting your ear drums even when sitting near the stage. Â
They do serve food here but I had dinner already so I only ordered their hummus which was served with warmed pita bread. Â It was pretty good. Â Service was great as our waitress came by several time to see how we were doing.
Dave Goldberg Jazz Quartet new CD is Random Occurences. Â It's a great CD so definitely pick one up.
Locale ~ Commonwealth Ave in Fullerton
Offerings ~ Awesome music to your ears!
Extras ~ They offer cafe/pub style food to enjoy while you enjoy the tunes!
The closer. Seriously dudes, if you want to impress a lady friend and maybe up your chances of getting lucky then bring her to Steamers for drinks and live music. Dinner and a movie has no wow factor. Mini golf is cliche. Bowling will ruin her manicure. Bitches Brew and jazz...Now we're talkin'.
The venue is a narrow corridor with the stage and iconic red curtain at the very end. Sitting near the front maximizes your experience, but you can sit anywhere to enjoy the artist of the night. The food is mediocre, but what you really come for is the drinks and the tunes. The Bitches Brew is a tip of the hat to Miles Davis and will get you doing the Pharaoh's Dance. Drink too many of them and you might find yourself in need of Sanctuary. There's no cover, but I believe on Fridays and Saturdays there is an $8 minimum on drinks/food. Reservations are recommended on the weekends as it can get packed.
You might find yourself sitting at a table with strangers, but it's all good when you have a strong cocktail in your hand and your head is bobbing to the drums. Check their calendar to see who's playing ahead of time if you're looking for something specific. If you are clueless, see Barbara Morrison. Trust me. She's an old school jazz singer with a voice like butter and she's there every month. After a few songs, look your lady in the eye and ask her if she's enjoying herself. She'll say yes, and totally think you're the smart, artsy dude she's been dreaming of. You can thank me later.
Please forgive me....I don't mean to come across as rude - but after living in the best city in the world - that's Chicago, IL - also the jazz mecca of the U.S. with so much history and landmarks - well I just think that this 'Steamers' place had been overrated by people who probably really don't know any better?
This place lacks so much diversity, is "cookie-cutter", and I really don't believe the layout is designed properly for live jazz music. The music is deafening and not "absorbed" right into the walls and atmosphere as some of the best jazz clubs in Chicago.
Well, nice try for the effort of trying to bring some form of jazz and culture into an area that is hungry for it.
If you are looking for a small intimate place to listen to some GREAT Jazz musicians, then this is the place to be. Â I have never had a bad night here and I have been coming here for almost 10 years. Â
Unless you come with a group of people, you will be seated with strangers and at first, that might be a little off putting, but once you begin talking with them, you feel like old friends. Â
Their drinks are wonderful, the waiters/waitresses are great and the overall service is superb.
One of THE BEST jazz clubs in the area with local and legit acts all in one house. I remember coming here in high school and only being able to order their turtle hot chocolate to enjoy along with the music, and recently I visited again and remembered how great it was. Dancing to 80s/90s R&B soul and funk with people 20 years older than me, martini in hand = awesome. We were lucky we came when we did because the gig originally planned had a little switcheroo with the only name you'll probably need to know here: Barbara Morrison.
I wish this little lady was my grandmother. For those that don't know, she's an amazing singer with a LEGIT resume (Wikipedia that ish right now), and yet she still knows how to work a small audience at a place like this and keep it real and fun. She mostly sang covers the night I went and I gotta say I prefer some of hers to the original. She's truly a talented artist with an incredible voice and strong spirit... the owner told us how she came back to sing the day after she had a major surgery! Daaaaaaaang.
The catch: Each person has a 2 order minimum and there's an $8 entertainment fee on top of that if you want to enjoy a performance. Do get the martinis and their classic hot chocolate... can't say much for the food.
Bring your friends, bring your date, bring your parents... Hands down one of the best things about downtown Fullerton.