10 Spots in South Coast Metro That Make It One of the Coolest ‘Hoods in Costa Mesa

From Stellar Living Situations to Restaurants Galore, We Can’t Get Enough

Written By: Charlotte Farrell South Coast Metro

Eastside Costa Mesa has had its resurgence. Westside Costa Mesa has been hip and trendy for years. But climbing the ranks as one of the coolest neighborhoods in OC/Costa Mesa is South Coast Metro. Once a place you casually drove past to get to South Coast Plaza, the area is booming with development and growth, be it snazzy new apartment complexes, a buzzing theater scene or all the foodie joints we can’t wait to try. Just to give you a taste, here are some of our favorite spots in South Coast Metro that we believe deserve a shoutout.

South Coast Metro

The Perfect Location

580 Anton

In walking distance of five-star restaurants, endless opportunities for shopping (see below) and steps from one of the most beloved performing arts centers in SoCal, 580 Anton makes living in luxury within reach. The timeless design and finishes stand the test of time in beautifully detailed residences that have hard-surfaced flooring throughout, walk-in showers with rain shower heads and expansive windows with stunning city views and lake views. Is your favorite room in the house your kitchen? 580 Anton’s beautiful kitchens are lined with two-toned cabinetry and stainless-steel appliances—dinner at your place! The amenities aren’t half bad either: a 24-hour fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment that includes Peloton, Technogym and Virtual Aktiv, a pool table and table tennis so you can show off your skills in the game room, a fully-equipped business center where you can print what you need or host a conference in the interactive meeting rooms. Swim laps in the heated pool to jump-start your day or grab your gourmet coffee at the espresso machines. Their experienced, high-level customer service and staff will make sure every expectation is exceeded—right down to their attentive valet. “580 Anton compliments any lifestyle,” says Business Manager Stephanie Houk. “Our vision with 580 Anton is to not only pioneer a new way of living, but it is to welcome each one of our resident’s home. Luxury Awaits You!”

Native Knowledge: Take part in community events and gain access to exclusive social clubs, special offerings from restaurants, entertainment and professional services.

580 Anton
580 Anton Blvd
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714.540.5580

South Coast Metro

Be a Trendsetter

The LAB Anti-Mall

 

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Vegans, fans of upcycling, creatives and everyone in between, this one’s for you. The LAB Anti-Mall is just that: a shopping, eating and artistic space where people from all walks of life can enjoy vendors that tap into their curiosity, broaden their range of options and also help small businesses thrive. Browse secondhand clothes at Buffalo Exchange, snag a new pair of shades at Eye Society and rep new sneakers from Blends. If you find shopping works up your appetite, go for vegan eats—highly recommend the purple potato taquitos—at Seabirds, meatier options at LA Brisket or just head straight for dessert at Good Town Doughnuts or a creamy matcha popsicle at Popbar.

Native Knowledge: Parking can sometimes be a nightmare at peak hours, so try the parking lot in the back or across the street on Randolph Ave.

The LAB Anti-Mall
2930 Bristol St
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714.966.6661

South Coast Metro

Think Outside the Box

The CAMP

Just across the street from The LAB lies The CAMP, it’s sister center and equally uber-cool counterpart. They want visitors to enjoy the fresh air, ample greenery and repurposed materials that make this collective so unique. Go nuts at Taco Asylum—if you’re brave, get the Firepig taco with ghost chili-braised pork. Sit on the patio at Vitaly while you munch on a piadina sammy. Have some upscale cocktails at Mesa. The options are endless and you could spend an entire day eating, drinking and shopping at spots like Seed People’s Market or getting a fresh tat at Outer Limits Tattoo after taking in a well-deserved mani-pedi at Lollipop.

Native Knowledge: Parking is also a bit tricky at lunchtime, so take advantage of the free valet with validation.

The CAMP
2937 Bristol St
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714.966.6661

South Coast Metro

It’s Rainin’ Ramen

Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai

Whether it’s for a Sunday morning hangover, to soothe the flu or just because, ramen is the be-all-end-all when it comes to scoring a warm bowl of the good stuff. The setting is casual and intimate, with the focus being directed to the food you are about to demolish rather than fancy white cloths or romantic candles. The broth is the perfect base for a hefty helping of gorgeous noodles and toppings like ground and perfectly-seasoned meats, soft boiled eggs and more. And if you know what’s good, order some fried chicken. You won’t regret it.

Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai
891 Baker St, Ste B21
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714.557.2947

 

Tapas, Please!

Vaca

 

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Romantics will love Vaca. Aside from the dimly lit ambiance and the extensive collection of wines and spirits, the menu will make a big impression on bae. Start things off with a few tapas like shrimp and forbidden rice, or some dates with blue cheese and bacon. And if you’re still hungry, it’s nothing a good portion of Iberian ham or an Aspen Ridge Farm steak grilled over a crackling wood fire can’t fix. I’m not drooling, you are.

Native Knowledge: Rather than hope your beef is good enough to eat, check it out before it’s cooked! Vaca lets you pick your slab yourself out of the refrigerator.

Vaca
695 Town Center Dr
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714.463.6060

 

So Brew-tiful

Barley Forge

 

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Costa Mesa is obviously known for its underground foodie cuisine, but the breweries are coming in hot for the top spot. Barley Forge is one of the city’s favorites. The locale is kid-friendly, and offer toys so your little ones can stay busy while you hydrate. Callout sips include The Patsy, a rye stout brewed with coconut or The Orange Curtain IPA. There’s food on deck too, in case you get the munchies. Lamb burgers for everyone! Unless you’re a vegetarian, which in that case, the grilled cheese has your name on it.

Native Knowledge: If the conversation gets a bit dry, break out some of the games they have onsite like Connect Four or Jenga.

Barley Forge
2957 Randolph Ave, Ste D
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714.641.2084

Dine in Style

Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar

 

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Outdoor patio with heaters to keep you warm on those chilly nights? Check. Upscale decor that could double as the perfect date spot or an ideal location to close a business deal? Check. Bomb eats like bacon-wrapped dates or a grass-fed, USDA Prime filet with red onion bacon jam? Check. Do you really need more to convince you to run, not walk over here ASAP?

Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar
3350 Avenue of the Arts
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714.442.8593

 

Artistic Flair

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

 

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Eddie Izzard. Tim Allen. Diana Krall. Big names have graced the stage at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and they will continue to do so for years to come thanks to the exquisitely-built auditorium that offers the perfect setting and acoustics for whatever is on the schedule that night. Upcoming shows include symphonic performances, ballet, Broadway hits like Waitress, and so much more.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Dr
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714.556.2787

 

Inhale, Exhale

Ra Yoga

Forget the Youtube video. Ra Yoga is a studio of a different breed. Their classes crank up the heat while maximizing the benefits like improved flexibility, toned and lean muscles and a newfound sense of zen. The instructors feel like family, and with amenities like lockers, showers, mats and towels for rent, and even childcare, you’ll call the studio your second home. You can even buy some new gear at their in-house shop.

Native Knowledge: Bring a reusable water bottle—or two—because when the temp is high, you’ll want it nearby to hydrate and stay with the flow. They have a water fountain on site so you can refill as needed. Forgot it at home? You can buy one when you check in.

Ra Yoga
3077 Bristol St
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714.708.3060

 

Shop Till You Drop

South Coast Plaza

 

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The mecca of devoted shopaholics everywhere, South Coast Plaza is world-renown. Drop some major dollars at luxe shops like Louis Vuitton and Valentino, or load up on gear from Uniqlo or Zara if you need to revamp your wardrobe. Take a break at Din Tai Fung if you need a break, and grab some See’s candy on your way out because…why not?

South Coast Plaza
3333 Bristol St
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714.435.2000

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