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Best Restaurants In OC With Live Music

610 header live music restaurant
(credit: Shutterstock)

Supporting live music is always a great thing to do. After all, musicians do what they love without making a lot of money. To enjoy the music, you don't even need to go to a live music venue that's standing room only. If you're looking to hear some live music and enjoy a good meal, try these restaurants.

Iva Lee cajun food
(credit: Adrian Jon Photography)

Iva Lee's
555 N. El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA 92672
(949) 361-2855
www.ivalees.com

If you were to just walk by Iva Lee's, you wouldn't necessarily suspect that it's a place where you can see live bands. Yet, as you walk in, the stage sits at the front of the restaurant and hosts local blues bands every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 7 until 10 p.m. The blues is a great accompaniment to the southern cuisine you'll find here. Best of all, there is plenty of room for dancing between the stage and the tables in the bar area. Bring a group of people to enjoy some great food and blues.

Ribs
(credit: istockphoto.com)

The Rib Joint
34294 Pacific Coast Highway
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 661-9500
www.ribjointdanapoint.com

As the sort of place you might pass without even realizing it, the Rib Joint in Dana Point is a cozy little spot where you'll find some great barbecue - especially the ribs. On various nights of the week, you'll also find some good local musicians providing some good vibes while you enjoy your barbecue. Frankly, that makes for a pretty good night: barbecue and live music.

Related:  Best Barbecue in Orange County

Spaghettini
(credit: Spaghettini)

Spaghettini
3005 Old Ranch Parkway
Seal Beach, CA 90740
(714) 960-6002
www.spaghettinisb.com

Spaghettini offers something you don't find very frequently in Orange County: a fine-dining experience with a live music accompaniment. Here you'll find your favorite dishes with the pasta made right in the restaurant. Thursdays through Sundays, you'll also find some great jazz musicians playing here. The music is an additional cost, but it's worth it for a mood and a meal you can't get anywhere else in Orange County.

Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen header
(credit: Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen)

Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen
110 W. Birch St.
Brea, CA 92821
(714) 255-1040
www.chachaslatinkitchen.com

Cha Cha's offers various events during the week, including live music like their latin lounge on Friday and Saturday Nights, as well as at Sunday Brunch. Every Sunday, Cha Cha's offers a champagne brunch with bottomless mimosas. If brunch is good, then brunch with bottomless mimosas is better. More than that, you'll also find other live bands playing on certain days. If you want to give visitors a taste of some local color, take them to Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen on a Sunday.

Related: Best Boozy Brunches in Orange County

Gary Schwind is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
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