You’ve probably driven past it a thousand times without realizing you were looking at a piece of living history. Tucked away on Saint Clair Street, just a stone’s throw from the hyper-curated "cool" of The LAB and The CAMP, sits a low-slung building that doesn’t shout for your attention. That’s the Tin Lizzie Saloon.
Honestly, it’s one of those places that feels like a secret, even though it’s been around since the Eisenhower administration.
While the rest of Orange County has spent the last seventy years morphing from strawberry fields into a sea of luxury condos and strip malls, the "Tin" has just... stayed. It’s the longest-standing LGBTQ+ bar in the county, with roots stretching all the way back to the 1950s. Think about that for a second. In an era when being queer was literally a crime in California, this little corner of Costa Mesa was already carving out a space for people to just be.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Vibe
If you’re expecting a massive, neon-soaked dance floor with 140-decibel house music, you’re looking for the wrong place. That was more the speed of Strut Bar & Club, which—sadly for the local nightlife scene—shuttered its doors at the end of 2025.
Tin Lizzie is different. It’s small. Kinda cramped when it’s busy. But that’s the point.
The interior is this wild, moody mix of Victorian elegance and dive-bar grit. We’re talking deep red flocked wallpaper, brass rails, and velvet banquettes that have probably seen more secrets than a priest’s confessional. It’s dimly lit—the kind of light that makes everyone look a little better and every drink taste a little stronger.
📖 Related: Finding the Right Words: Quotes About Sons That Actually Mean Something
- The Aesthetics: Red-hued Victorian lounge meets mid-century dive.
- The Crowd: It’s a total toss-up. You might see a Gen Z couple sharing a pool table with a regular who’s been coming here since the 80s.
- The Sound: No thumping EDM. Usually, it's a digital jukebox spinning anything from 70s disco to modern R&B.
Why Tin Lizzie Saloon Is the "Last Man Standing"
With the recent closure of other queer spaces in the area, the Tin Lizzie Saloon has become even more vital. There’s a specific kind of "survivor" energy here. It survived the raids of the mid-century, the devastation of the 80s, and the COVID-19 lockdowns that nearly wiped out small bars across California.
Back in 2020, the bar had to go dark like everywhere else. For a while, people were genuinely worried it wouldn't come back. But the Memphis Group (the folks who also brought us Memphis Cafe) kept the heart beating.
Why does it work? Because it doesn’t try to be a "concept" bar. It’s not trying to sell you a lifestyle or an Instagrammable moment, even though the avant-garde photography on the walls is actually pretty cool. It’s just a bar. You go there to talk. You go there to hide out for a bit.
The Cocktail Program (Yeah, It’s Actually Good)
Don’t let the "dive" label fool you. They take the drinks seriously. While you can certainly get a cheap beer, the craft cocktail program is where the Tin shines. They do a solid tequila lineup and the bartenders actually know how to stir a drink without bruising the spirits.
"It's the only place in OC where I can get a stiff Manhattan and play a round of pool without feeling like I'm in a 'scene,'" says one regular.
👉 See also: Williams Sonoma Deer Park IL: What Most People Get Wrong About This Kitchen Icon
That’s the consensus. It’s unpretentious.
The Reality of Being a "Historic" Bar
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, though. If you read reviews from over the years, you’ll see the occasional "Karen" complaint about the service or the size. And yeah, the bathrooms are small, and sometimes the bouncer might be having a rough night. It’s a real place, not a Disney version of a gay bar.
One thing that keeps it grounded is the location. It’s tucked into the Westside of Costa Mesa, an area that has seen massive gentrification over the last decade. While newer, "shining" developments pop up nearby, the Tin Lizzie remains a anchor for the community. It’s a reminder that before there were "inclusive" corporate HR policies, there were bars with velvet curtains and cheap snacks.
The Tin Lizzie Survival Guide
If you’re planning to drop in, there are a few things you should know. First, don't come hungry. They don't have a kitchen. You might get a bowl of chips or nuts if you’re lucky, but that’s about it. Most people grab a bite at the Rooster Cafe next door before heading in.
- Parking: It's a nightmare. Use a rideshare. Seriously. The lot is tiny and the street parking fills up fast.
- Timing: Weeknights are chill and intimate. Friday and Saturday nights get packed to the point where you’re going to be bumping elbows with strangers.
- The Patio: There are two smoking patios. Even if you don't smoke, it's the best place to catch your breath if the interior gets too steamy.
- The Music: The TouchTunes jukebox is the heart of the room. Be prepared for some chaotic transitions between Diana Ross and whatever is trending on TikTok.
What Really Happened with the "Revamp"
A few years back, there was a lot of chatter about the bar being "revamped." Some regulars were terrified it would lose its soul—that the grime would be scrubbed away in favor of white marble and Edison bulbs.
✨ Don't miss: Finding the most affordable way to live when everything feels too expensive
Thankfully, that didn't happen. The "revamp" mostly just polished what was already there. The red-tuck banquettes stayed. The dark hardwood floors remained. It just got a little cleaner and the spirits selection got a lot better. They kept the Victorian-lounge vibe but made it feel less like a basement and more like a proper club.
Actionable Insights for the Curious
If you want to experience the "real" Costa Mesa, you have to spend an evening here. It’s more than just a place to get a drink; it’s a connection to an Orange County that almost doesn’t exist anymore.
- Visit on a Wednesday: It’s the perfect mid-week "reset." The crowd is diverse, the music is at a volume where you can actually hear your friend talk, and the bartenders have more time to chat.
- Order a Classic: Skip the "house special" and ask for a well-made Old Fashioned or a Gimlet. It suits the decor.
- Respect the History: Remember that for many people, this wasn't just a bar; it was a sanctuary. Keep that energy in mind when you walk through the door.
The Tin Lizzie Saloon isn't going anywhere. In a city that is constantly trying to reinvent itself, there's something deeply comforting about a place that knows exactly what it is. It's red, it's loud, it's small, and it's ours.
Next Steps:
If you're heading to the Westside, plan to hit the Tin Lizzie after 9:00 PM for the best atmosphere. Check their social media for "Music Selector" nights where local DJs spin vinyl—it's easily the best way to experience the bar's acoustics and community spirit.