Casey’s the Joint: Urban Jungle for Party Animals

The rallying cry splashed around a pillar in the middle of the club says it all: “Party Animals Welcome.” For 14 years, the local wildlife has responded, rushing into Casey’s in Orange once the workday leash is untied.

They arrive in droves nightly, usually by 9, a festive bunch of twenty- and thirtysomethings who’ve kicked off their white pumps and thrown on something more party-friendly. No dress code and an affable ambience set an earthy tone here: Sweat pants are suitable even on a Saturday night.

But don’t leave home without an I.D. They card hard here.

Inside, the decor is distinctly urban jungle--much like the comic-book version of Gotham City. The front half of a yellow checkered cab juts out of a wall, the main bar is wrapped in corrugated metal like a trash can, and street lamps illuminate parts of the club. Clouds cover the blue ceiling and a night skyline, and graffiti run along the walls.

Whether the pizzas served here are as good as New York’s is up for debate. Pans (which run from $10 to $15) flow from the kitchen until 11 nightly, as do appetizers, burritos and burgers (from $1.95 to $6). A complimentary happy-hour buffet--which Casey’s touts as the largest in the county--offers a selection from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

A full bar serves wells for $3.25, a glass of wine for $3 and sodas $1 (free to designated drivers). Mineral water is not available. The popular 16-ounce bottle of Coors Light goes for $3.50. Other bottled beers are $3.25 for domestic and $3.50 for import. On tap, commercial domestics are $2.75, and nine “microbrews” run $3.75 to $4. Smart shoppers, and the not too finicky, opt for the specials, which run as low as a buck.

Yet, it’s more than savory Americana fare and a frothy brew that fills Casey’s up to 300 strong on the weekends. A deejay and band provide the music six nights a week, leaving Sunday reserved for karaoke. Cover bands fronted by longhaired rockers play most evenings, bringing their live versions of Pearl Jam and Belly hits. Last Inch, the house band, takes the stage Monday and Tuesday with its own brand of rock.

Otherwise, patrons here tend to love old school, hip-hop, new wave and alternative hits. It’s when the band breaks and the deejay spins that the dance floor sees maximum use.

For the dance-challenged, there are seven $1 coin-operated pool tables, a pinball machine and electronic dart board. Three large screens and several TVs play sports or action movies through the night.

* CASEY’S

* 1352 N. Tustin, Orange

* (714) 538-9683

* Open daily 11:30 to 1:30 a.m.

* $5 cover Friday and Saturday only