The Stag Makes a Leap to Comfy Local Hangout

The Stag in Costa Mesa has undergone an attitude and ambience change after 30 years, trading its image as a drinker’s bar to that of a comfy community hangout.

What used to be a rather fun, slimy bar has recently become a fun, friendly bar. Green leafy plants and shelves packed with knickknacks have lightened up the place, which once mostly catered to barflies and the adventurous.

Fortunately, some of the lounge-lizard atmosphere has remained, aided by the fabulous Luis Moreno, who still woos the crowd with his electric piano every Friday and Saturday.

The daring will take to the dance floor or attempt to sing at these weekend performances, while Moreno happily cranks out oldies accompanied by a synthesized Latin beat. For added percussion flavor, maracas and other hand-held instruments get passed around throughout the night. The whole scene is akin to a David Lynch film, and the young hipsters love it.

Other musicians entertain nightly and in the afternoons on Saturday and Sunday.

Besides the piano bar, patrons congregate at the pool table to compete or just to cheer on the players. Such camaraderie is encouraged at the Stag, where days at the races are organized and birthdays are noted in mass celebrations held monthly.

The newly revamped Stag also offers tamales and enchiladas all day for $1.50.

How can you go wrong?

The Stag, 145 E. 19th St., Newport Beach. (714) 673-4470. Open daily, 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.