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The Gypsy Lounge - CLOSED
Categories: Nightlife Bars Lounges Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Lounges, Music Venues [Edit]
23600 Rockfield BlvdSte 3A
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 206-9990
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Tue, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
28 reviews for The Gypsy Lounge
Review Highlights
"A smoking 'patio' in back is a big plus."
(in 6 reviews)
"On the weekends local bands play."
(in 12 reviews)
"The have a pool table and lots of comfy couches."
(in 4 reviews)
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28 reviews in English
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Review from Andrea C.
Costa Mesa, CA
11/11/2009
I went here for a laid back folksy show a few months ago - the sound was great, the bands were great, and I love that you can SIT while watching the band and still have a great view. The design of this venue, with the bar raised over the rest, seems genius to me and don't know why it is not in place at all venues! The night that I went cover was only $5, and totally worth it.
Its a little hard to find, in a sort of alcove of a shopping center (which has some good eats - fyi) -
Review from Randi B.
1/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
Came here last night to see my friend's band, Fiction Reform. They were set to go on around 11, so we arrived by 10.
- This place was really hard to find. There are no visible signs on the front or back of the building, and it took us forever to find it.
- It cost $8 to get in.
- It's a decent sized bar, when we arrived they were pretty much full to capacity and it was cramped.
- The have a pool table and lots of comfy couches.
- The drinks were decently priced, our tab at the end of the night was $58 for nine or ten drinks.
- There is a large smoking patio in the back with lots of seating.
- I didn't use the restroom cause it smelled like pee outside of it - yuck.
- The bartenders were nice, but it was hard to get their attention sometimes. At one point my friend held up my iPhone with the flashlight app shining to get the bartender to come over and serve us, since she was just sitting there chatting it up with people.
All in all, an okay place. Would come again to support my friend's band, but other than that, I don't see myself rushing back down to Lake Forest to hang out! -
Review from stephy s.
San Francisco, CA
2/20/2007 1 photo
I would like to thank the Gypsy Den for one thing and one thing only...
ROCCO friggen DELUCA!
For without his residency here, the world may not have had a chance to discover this guy, so cheers to you GCL. You have excellent taste in booking and your place is quite cool as well.
Carry on :)Listed in: Los Angeles Bars!
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Review from Merkin M.
Tustin, CA
3/22/2009
Things I Learned @ The Gypsy Lounge:
It costs $8.00 to get in.
Earplugs aren't a bad idea, sometimes.
Attractive people don't come here.
There's still a market for oil on canvas paintings of naked ladies, apparently.
Extreme Hunting is impossible to play while drunk. -
Review from Alex G.
PRINCE, NY
2/6/2009
This place seems like it has a lot of potential, but never quite fulfills it. I'm always somewhat let down when I go here. The bands usually suck and are really loud (not in the good 'holy shit they're blowing the ass out of my jeans' sort of way, more the 'what we lack in musical skill we make up for in volume' sort of way). The clientele is usually about 20 IQ points below the minimum required to carry on a conversation. The bartenders are cool, but usually understaffed. A smoking 'patio' in back is a big plus. Who can be bothered to stop drinking just to get cancer?
I bet if there is a band playing there that you like and you go with some friends, you could have a five-star experience. I haven't had this experience yet at the Gypsy. Although I did get tanked and destroyed a piece of art by accident. I guess that was kind of fun.
Bonus points for hard-to-find strip mall location.Listed in: My Neighborhood, Bar-hopping in Lake Forest /…
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Review from Sean C.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
1/4/2009
Loud music, great atmosphere, and the bar tenders pour with a heavy hand; what else could you want?
This place used to be my spot when I lived down the street and will always hold a special place in my heart. It's located in south OC's plaza of sin with a strip club, head shop, hookah lounge and club all in the same parking lot!! -
Review from Paul G.
Orange, CA
4/24/2010
This place is pretty neat. Went to a show here last night.
Drinks are reasonably priced.
Lots of places to sit.
Staff is very friendly.
Pool table
Full bar
Sound at this place is pretty good. -
Review from John B.
Huntington Beach, CA
4/19/2009
I'm not sure what nights the other people go on.
But i've seen some babes there.
Sound IS usually loud.
But i've seen a few good bands there. -
Review from thia h.
Diamond Bar, CA
11/20/2008
Man or Woman, this brings back memories.
I loved this place when i grew up in South OC.
This was a cheap and not overly crowded place that I could, on a whim, just go enjoy cool live acts without having to glam up or anything special.
It was very relaxing and people there were friendly without major attitude problems.
Maybe I never should have left! -
Review from Meredith W.
Costa Mesa, CA
2/16/2009
If you have a friend who is in a band in Orange County, there is a good chance you have been here to watch them play.
Its a small divey punk rock venue in, of all places, Lake Forest Ca. The plaza is older, and defiantly has had its share of independent and seedy tenants, in a city where new strip malls dominate the scenery.
This is the same plaza as famed strip club captain cremes. It was also once home to yodas world, a head shop, and now houses an hookah Lounge. The Gypsy Lounge used to be a seedy bar called the Rockfield tavern.
The Gypsy lounge, is divey punk rock bar. They have these old 60's & 70's era nude paintings on the wall, complimenting those, same era lamps and chandeliers. The bar is small, though boasts a pool table. If you get too drunk watch out for the platform.. ive lost footing on this more than a few times. The women bartender seems to hate everyone in the bar... and bar service can be quite slow until the second bartender arrives. But hey thats what punk rock is all about right? Not giving a fuck?If you dont, go here.
Not really going to be everyones cup of tea. -
Review from liz c.
4/25/2010
This goes out to the lady who couldn't dance that one night I was here.. but didn't let that stop her from having a REALLY good time, all by her bad self. You go girl.
This place is tight.
I heard one of my favorite bands here, so my memories are quite pleasant (and the lady dancing by herself had some moves that enhanced the night). Good vibes from the gypsies painted all over the walls - nekkid butts and boobies everywhere. Many beers to choose from but you'll have to scream at the bartender before they understand what you're saying. Parking is a breeze and the plaza is just off the freeway as well. I'll be back! -
Review from Mike L.
Irvine, CA
11/17/2008
Not really into the kind of music played at this venue, but living in Lake Forest for years, I had to check out the Gypsy Lounge at least once. It's a cozy little placed tucked in the corner, next to what used to be Diablo's and Wahoo's. It has a nice little smoking patio out back and some interesting interior decoration... watch out for the raised platform in the middle of the room!
On the Friday I went, there was a 5 dollar cover and was asked what band I came to see. I didn't know who was playing so I said none. Don't know if that makes a difference? My musical preference aside, I was disappointed with their lack of bartenders that night (only 1) and waited a pretty long time for my drink. Most people in the room were also fanning themselves down or escaping to the patio during the breaks since it was HOT in there...
As a venue for live bands, I'd definitely recommend the Gypsy Lounge for the unique setup and quality sound system, but as a dive or hangout spot, I'd stick to the local pubs just down the road. -
Review from Ryan K.
Laguna Niguel, CA
9/11/2008
Been here a few times to see my bro perform. The place is dark, divey, with these stairs that can trip you up and make you spill your strong drink. Since then I've been here a few other times but as a prelude to the car ride to LA or the 909.
If you can find this place it is in your best interest to pay your respects...quite possibly one of the better dives for atmosphere other than a a couple in San Clemente.Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Dann M.
Orange, CA
5/14/2008
Found this place through yelp a while back, so I HAD to check it out...
Wanted to see if I could do anything during a tuesday night instead of tacos... So, I took the gf and went to acoustic Tuesdays. There was a cover charge, but for a live band, it was reasonable.
Walked in... very dark, looked like a 70s / old school Vegas lounge spot.
Spotted the booby pictures... all over the place...
there was a ramp... i almost fell... bah
So we walked to the bar... very nice... They have STELLA on tap :)
The gf got the bartender's special martini... and spilled it on my iphone :(... don't worry i got a new one :P
Bartender was gracious enough to give her a new one... she's cute i guess :P
The live band that we saw was amazing! A keyboardist (lead singer), guitar player and a drummer, who was very good might I add!
Went back for a smoke break, met the regulars, which are pretty nice! One of them could suck fire out of a lighter...
The pool table vending mechanism was broken, so we were able to play pool for free...
Found a free deer hunter arcade credit...
then the bartender closed the night with some good ol' fashion Old School on the television.
it's like going to a friends bachelor pad, but you have to pay for drinks...
Take a date on tuesday nights! You'll meet interesting people and have a GREAT TIME! :)
damn... iphone :( -
Review from Karla V.
West Covina, CA
5/17/2009
Sound was good..
not a big fan of cover
decor... BOOBS!! need I say more
Parking was easy.
and theres a taco bell across the street.
We are golden! -
Review from V D.
San Jose, CA
2/4/2008
I heard some great bands at this place and definately plan to go back.
I felt really luck to have stumbled into such great talent tucked into the very back corner of a strip mall. The scene at the gypsy lounge is perfect for me. Great bands, a comfortable hangout and the soundsystem is very good. I've been to some bars and the speakers are all muffled and bad, but here is great. Bartenders are great too. -
Review from Laura C.
CA
11/6/2008
The Gypsy Lounge is a little place full of Orange County's biggest best -kept secrets. The artists that frequent the Gypsy are often so talented - it's a treat to hear them in our own backyard. I really recommend visiting on a Tuesday - it's their acoustic night and it's well worth staying up past our bed times and adding the extra espresso shot to our Starbucks on Wednesday morning. And yes, it's a dive bar, but that's why I love it! Another recommendation: if you sit on the couches, try to get the middle one. Sooo comfy. :)
Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Tai C.
Huntington Beach, CA
8/25/2006
So the band I manage plays a lot here, and it is always one of the places that they pack the best. Why? I'm not sure...the place used to be way too smokey! You couldn't even stand to be in there for too long, and just reeked when you got home. They since then have banned smoking inside very recently. But at the same time... I always had a great time there! The bartenders are very quick, and the music is always pretty good. Their sound system is great, and their sound guy/manager, is one of the nicest guys I've met. One that really cares about the music. He would amost rather have no one in there with a great band playing than a band that brings a lot of people, who are just awful....all in all, it is a great bar to see live music, but I don't know if I would go there just to drink....
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Review from Tina D.
Long Beach, CA
7/10/2007
apparently you can still smoke in here. as a recent non-smoker, this was not good news to me.
all the other times i've been in here it's been non-smoking, and i hope i don't get anyone in trouble, but i guess if you want to smoke in a bar, go during happy hour.
I like to go when bands play
i don't like that there are steps and ramps all over the place. drinking + steps = disaster.
i like the multiple video game machines that look brand spankin new. nudie photohunt :-)
electronic jukebox. has metal AND peter, bjorn & john on there. i laughed.
cheap, stiff drinks.
above all i just mentioned, this one wins... every time.
xoListed in: Candy is Dandy but Liquor is…
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Review from Marcia M.
Lake Forest, CA
9/20/2010
Cool little dive bar. My dad told me about it, so I checked it out with a friend, and have brought a few other friends back since. Mondays are not the best night to go if you are looking for excitement, caz you will be the only people there, however if you want to go to a bar with reasonable priced drinks and actually talk with your friends then go on an off night like Monday. On the weekends local bands play. The cover is usually $8 and it's a nice chill scene. The Gypsy is a pretty cool place, check it out.
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Review from Kira B.
Updated - 12/11/2009
I really enjoy seeing local shows at the Gypsy Lounge. The sound is great, there's lots of seating (couches, tables with barstools), clean restrooms, in's and outs, a back smoking patio. My only complaint (and it's quite minor) is that a soda at the bar costs $3.50. As someone who does not drink when I drive anywhere, this is a bit steep for a Diet Coke. $2.50 would be much more reasonable. Otherwise, I heart you Gypsy Lounge. Thank you for supporting the local music scene!
Listed in: Show Time!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/25/2009
I went here for the first time last week to see The Steelwells and The Living Suns. Free show,… Read more »
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Review from Jorkin W.
Oceanside, CA
7/30/2009
Ok guys... if you ever see an attractive woman here it's because she just ended her shift with the Captain. If you don't know what I'm talking about then you probably won't be going back anyway. The only reason to go is for the live music - which is pretty much a crap shoot (unless Swollen Eye is there; they kick ass). It does suck paying a cover to get into this place though. The prices have gone up a bit lately but they're right there with everyone else in the area. I've also noticed less protein staining on the furnature so that's a good thing.
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Review from Bryan V.
Trabuco, CA
11/5/2008
The Gypsy Lounge isn't really my "scene" so to speak. I don't follow the local music scene that seems to thrive in this venue. That said, I've still enjoyed my visits here - band playing or not. It's got a great lounge feel akin (in parts of the bar) to hanging out in your friends living room. Couches, chairs, cool old lamps and some fine velvet artwork of the feminine form. That's right. Don't come looking for food. Do come looking for an out of the ordinary spot in south OC where you might just find a heck of a time on a velour couch.
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Review from Karen C.
11/28/2007
I really like this place. They have great music and the drinks are really reasonalble. The bartenders are cool and will make your drinks strong. They have really comfy couches to sit on. I have heard some really good bands here. The only bad thing is it's all the way out in Lake Forest tucked away in a strip mall. if you don't know where you are going you might miss it.
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Review from John J.
Ladera Ranch, CA
10/2/2008
Good music, great prices and none of the South Orange County attitudes that you usually find leeching after midnight. I've seen several good Southren California bands here as well as a few international acts. Good place to have a beer, listen to live music and meet people who could care less what type of car you drive or where you live.
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Review from Jake B.
Bellflower, CA
10/30/2009
Went here a couple weeks back to see Echo Echo play an excellent show. The temperature gets a little hot in this place, but it's still cool with lots of awesome paintings of naked women. Nice smoking patio, reasonably priced drinks. I'd definately be a regular if I lived closer.
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Review from Edward A.
Long Beach, CA
9/23/2009
3 stars because the place had no A/C. The performers and patrons were bothered by the heat. I went to see Jay Buchanan but didn't find out he wasn't performing until the 2nd performer said something. Not a bad place to see local music because it wasn't crowded and you could sit pretty close to the stage.
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Review from Nathalie B.
Lake Forest, CA
7/7/2008 3 photos
good atmosphere. a little hidden from view but i love that. it's not all flashy. hole in the wall. for the most part there are good bands. just chill on the couches, stools or play pool while drinking a mojito =)
