The Swinging Door Saloon — Restaurant in Tustin

Wanting to give a chance to some home town bars, a great friend of mine suggested we hit this bar considering it was closer in distance compared to the bars we routinely attend. After all, Tustin is a very great place to be so I wasn't oppose to the idea. While looking up the bar, not only did I consider it to be well-reasoned, I also felt like it had potential to be a new favored spot though I wasn't expecting much from this bar to be quite truthful. Although we approached the idea with a positive/open mindset I have to sincerely admit we were was profoundly let down. Opening the door, I expecting a warm welcoming feeling though I recieved the complete opposite. No "Hello" or even a friendly greeting simply a bunch of cold stares which my buddy described as "harshly staring into your soul". The environment itself with all the other customers was one of the worst I've ever experienced in a bar like scenario. A handful of customers were mute and while others preferred to stick with their tight knit groups rather then take into account the idea of socializing (one of the most enjoyable aspect of attending a bar). Though one thing I will admit is we arrived about 40 minutes before it closed so I'm sure we weren't doing anyone any favors with that. Although the atmosphere was dismal, I will admit the service was great. The bartender Lauren embodied a very inviting and serviceable personality. The staff seemed extremely approachable which is something a customer can appreciate when going to any establishment more so a bar. The decor was simple but classic, in my opinion a more play it safe type of approach was taken. If there's anything I can recommend is possibly putting up a few historic/recognizable features of the community of Tustin in hopes of providing an identity to the bar. You know considering the bar is located in the hearth of Old Town Tustin. The place was very clean, organized and smell was great. Didn't stay long and can't say I really enjoyed my time spent there though one thing I did enjoy is the prices being cheap haha I'm sure thats something...

I liked this place a lot, not for its fantastic seating or its 120" TVs. Because there was none of that. My first impression walking in was, "Ok, where are we going next?"

But my attitude very quickly changed to, "I love this place. I feel like I've been here before." This is everyone's favorite local dive bar; the one you went to way too many times a week in whatever period of your life that you just needed to be around other people. We have all been there, but we probably don't ever think of it that way.

Where can you do anything for 50 cents anymore? Play pool at the Swinging Door, that's what. Play songs on the jukebox like way back when. But, now it's digital. So you can sneak in your favorite cheeseball song without doing the walk of shame in front of everyone as you walk away from the jukebox while your favorite Wham song starts. And service. I left service for last. I didn't catch her name but she is in every other picture posted on their Yelp page. The bar was full. Full. She was the only bartender/server in the whole place. Typically in those situations, you get the crazy speed freak that is running everywhere and can't show any personal service or you get the person that doesn't give one bit of a damn how quickly or slowly you get your drink or if you ever get extra napkins at all. This girl was amazing. We sat at the further table away from the bar, asked for quarters to play pool, asked about the contents of a food item due to a lactose issue with someone in our party, and she managed all of it with vigor, true kindness, and amazing efficiency. On the lactose issue, her cooks didn't know the answer. Most servers would leave it at that. But no. She brought an alternate side disk without being asked and then went to the trouble of calling her chef to find out the answer. So in summary, this is EveryBar, where you meet good people and experience...

I'm very sad to be writing this review. My husband had left an open tab at Swinging Door a week ago and following that charge we received three jewelry store charges and a charge for a medical spa. We have used this card nowhere else. Nowhere. My bank called and told me when they caught it.

I called the bar and asked to leave a message for the manager but the woman on the phone said "no, she's never here.. sorry." So, I called American Grub, the owner owns that restaurant as well. Luckily someone took my information.

Kim, the owner called me and apologized and said her girls would never steal someone's information. She asked me how they would steal my information. I said, we left our tab open and our card wasn't with us - she said "so you are saying someone at my bar wrote down your information?" Yes, that is what i'm saying because that is what happened.

It's unfortunate the manager just argued with me. I don't want it to happen in the future to anyone else. Be VERY CAREFUL if...