P10neer — Restaurant in Costa Mesa

We LOVED this place so much, we came back 2x in a week (in our justification, they DID just change their menu!).

VIBE: Hidden speakeasy in a diner, with a space theme, and very very relaxed vibe.

SERVICE: The main waiter (Alex) our first time was so amazing - he explained the drinks so well and the rest of the staff was also so attentive! He wasn't there our second time, but the 2 others were really sweet as well.

DRINKS: incredible. The menu goes from less boozy (top) to more spirit-forward (bottom), and there's a few classics that stay on the menu but otherwise the menu changes quarterly! We got to try their fall and winter menus Milk Punch - a mix of eclectic things leftover and they make into a drink. The fall one tasted like alcoholic tea/cider to me, but my partner loved it. B&B - delicious; our favorite of the first night White Negroni - good, but not crazy out there Rob Roy - root beer (sasparilla) flavored; I personally did not like this but wanted to try it. Very spirit forward Whiskey Sour (winter menu) - smooth, on the lighter side and the caramelized onion isn't too strong at all Godfather (winter menu) - somehow the brown butter and coffee blended well together! This and Whiskey Sour was our favorite for the second nights.

If you're looking for something uppety, not really your place. But we love it - very cozy, intimate. They have music in the background; not sure it blends well with the vibe.

No real food - 4 items on the menu for bar/snack food. About $6-7 each.

Put yourselves on the waitlist if it's a Fri/Sat...

Food & drink: My husband ordered the Espresso Tonic & it was perfection. The foam was the ideal consistency so each sip had both foam & drink, never overpowering or messy. I tried the Angel Face, which was a bit more spirit-forward than I usually go for, but still balanced & beautifully made. We also grabbed an order of olives as a late-night snack, & they were fresh, briny, & the perfect little bite to accompany our drinks.

Service: The service was exceptional from start to finish. Our bartender/server took the time to walk us through the cocktail menu in detail, breaking down each ingredient & flavor profile so we felt confident in our choices, even with such a bold & adventurous menu. She truly made the experience memorable with her warmth & knowledge.

Ambiance & Vibe: This is a true speakeasy vibe–small, intimate, & lively. The size of the space means you can hear every conversation around you, which adds to the energy but could feel loud if you’re looking for something quiet. The lighting & cozy décor make it feel like a tucked-away find. Tip: bring a sweater, as it does run on the chilly side!

Value & Price Point: For craft cocktails, the prices are exactly what you’d expect..& honestly, the level of service & quality made it feel like a bargain.

Overall Impression & Tips: A hidden gem for anyone who loves a good cocktail adventure. Come ready to try something new, ask questions, & trust the bartender’s recommendations..you’ll be glad you did. Perfect for a date night or a casual nightcap...

I've been wanting to try this place for a while. It's been open a little over a year. It's super tiny, but everyone who works here is very attentive and welcoming. It's dimly lit inside, but has cute decor. Since it's so small, it does get really LOUD. It's definitely a little difficult to find. It's located inside Dick Church's Restaurant. There's a back entrance through the outside patio but you can enter through the front of the restaurant as well. They offer some small snacks (nuts, olives, bread and butter, and some tinned mussels). This is definitely up and coming. They offer seasonal drinks and change up the menu. Currently they're serving up their spring menu. Drink reviews: Pink lady: (4/5) This was refreshing and super easy to drink! Honestly could drink 2-3 of these they're so tasty. Blue lagoon: (4/5) This was also refreshing, you can definitely taste the citrus in it, lychee was a nice but subtle touch. Vieux Carré: (5/5) This was delicious! Similar to an old fashioned but aromatics and apple flavor. I could drink these all night. It's strong. Penicillin: (5/5) Mezcal and scotch drink. Definitely a sipper! It's delicious though. Old fashioned: (5/5) Can't go wrong with the classic. It was...