Mission Bar — Restaurant in Santa Ana

Great Place, but the Vibe Has Changed

Oh 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...

Misson bar. Once a lonley piasa bar now has risen to the underground king of down town santa ana beer bars. Best happy hour in the land..3-7 pm,4 dollar make me holla pours. Im almost hesitant to let the catout of the bag so to speak. Get in there now becuase this place is destined to get hot and go the way of every down town gem, raise prices and gouge on the momentum of there popularity following suite of all other bygone bars that once where cool then sold out. Coughnativesonscough the bar tenders are awsome, helpful and knowledgeable. Shout out to Vanessa for being a fan favorite. But any one who helps you will be sure to provided amazing service and assist with any questions on the selections they have on tap. Dont take my word for it, stop in, sample the hospitality,and get a good buzz. In conclusion, Mission Bar a automatic 5 star in the book of anyone who appreciates good service,good beer,...

I really didn’t want to make a complaint or be a Karen but after multiple bad experiences with one bartender that i have personally had and have heard multiple other women have bad experiences with the bartender that has tattoos and glasses is extremely rude to myself, and my friends every time we’re here , i’ve been coming here for years now and it’s a shame that i’ve been supporting this business just for this individual to make me and my friends feel unwelcomed . i have seen him act extremely hostile towards other women, mind you i have never acted rude or started problems with him . Every time my friends and i come in he will either refuse to serve us, or not look at us when we order or try to say thank you for our drinks . I have also brought other friends here for their first time who were treated...