The City National Grove of Anaheim, 2200 E. Katella Ave., is an intimate concert venue presenting headliners on the order of Bob Dylan and Kenny G as well as lesser musical lights. Looking for laughs? Check the Grove's online calendar; the venue is a regular OC stop for a number of touring comedians; phone (714) 712-2700.
Cold Beer and Game Night
If you've scored tickets to see the Angels or Ducks in action, tip back a pre- or post-game cold one and munch on chicken wings at a nearby sports bar. In the shadow of Angel Stadium of Anaheim, across from the Grove venue, The Catch has a full bar and plenty of fun things to do with friends. It features loads of high-definition TVs and a lounge menu that includes a 5-pound, belt-busting patty known as “The O.M.G.” burger; phone (714) 935-0101. JT Schmid's Restaurant & Brewery, across the street from the Honda Center, is another solid bet for suds and high-def sports; phone (714) 634-9200.
Places to Eat, Places to Enjoy
Across the way, the Crescent City meets SoCal at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen, an easy-going New Orleans-themed restaurant and jazz club with live music nightly and exciting things for couples to do. A high-energy, dueling piano show gets the joint jumpin' on Thursday evenings; phone (714) 776-5200.
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Live Music and DJ Nights
Anaheim GardenWalk (down the street from Disneyland® Resort) is home to some fun nightspots and local restaurants. TMZ ambush artists won't be camping outside Blush Nightclub anytime soon (this is Anaheim, not Hollywood), but this trendy club will at least give you a taste of Tinseltown's velvet rope scene and fun things to do this weekend; phone (714) 844-2170. House of Blues Anaheim books acts ranging in style from indie rock and metal to country and, naturally, blues. This is a good place to see some quality musicians up close; nearly all shows are general admission (no seats). A fun way to kick off a Sunday at the theme parks is with the weekly Gospel Brunch show; phone (714) 778-2583.
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Fun Things To Do for the Whole Family
Family in tow? Treat them to strikes and gutters at GardenWalk's sleek Bowlmor Lanes bowling alley; phone (714) 783-2810.
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The Phoenix Club, 1340 S. Sanderson Ave., the city's German American cultural center, rolls out the barrel with live big band music for dancing every Thursday evening, and traditional German accordion music on Fridays and Sundays. On nights with no live entertainment, it's still worth going to quaff a German draft beer in the cozy Bierstube pub; phone (714) 563-4166.