221

This place is out of business. The phone number is disconnected.
When we arrived the doors were closed shut (and yes, I’m familiar w/​how Speakeasy’s work). We asked around and all the local shops are saying this place is closed for business.
Sucks. I was hoping OC would have more Speakeasy’s. Right now there are only a few places to get a good whiskey cocktail in OC.

Don’t plan on this place being open on Fridays. I called ahead on Thursday to make sure that 221 would be open. I was assured by the girl on the phone that it would. I planned the evening around this and upon arrival found out that they were not opening 221 for the night. The place looked nice enough, but a disappointing experience. I doubt I will be back.

This place is one of a kind. It’s a perfect compliment to the boisterous derby piano bar area. You will walk back into time to the roaring ‘20s. There is a craps table, two Blackjack tables, and even someone named Johnny Magic who does just that: magic. Perfect for that special one of a kind event. And a great place to learn the games for free !

My friends and I were regulars here for quite some time. We knew the staff, the bartenders, and made some great friends there. It was an awesome place to go on Friday nights to blow off some steam with some great people, and some fantastically handcrafted drinks. Time got away from us, and we lost someone close to us. As part of the healing process we needed to revisit some of our regular places where we had some wonderful memories. Last night was that night.
We walked in, and saw that there was no «guard», and the curtain was open for anyone to just waltz in, taking away some of the exclusivity that was part of the charm. We paid our $ 10 Cover for $ 10 in chips. We went to the bar, and found one of our regular bartenders there, but the bar was noticeably different — absent were the herbs, infusions, and craft cocktails that we had come to expect. What was told to us was «The owner doesn’t seem to think the idea provided a good ROI». The place was pretty deserted, there were a lot of new dealers, who seemed apathetic to even do their jobs well.
Unfortunately, we will be searching for a new bar to hang out with friends at until things improve here.

We mistakenly stopped here last Friday night thinking speakeasy/​gambling for fun was going on but found this is only on Saturday nights. That said not sure why they open this place on Friday nights as it was dead and staff as another reviewer points is pathetic. The bartender was rather inattentive preferring to joke around with his coworkers. I was particularly disturbed that the cook or chef came behind the bar and to drink and grab ass with bartender. I would suggest that if you aren’t going to manage the place than just close it.

Went here for my cousins birthday. Didn’t know what to expect. It’s in a mall in South County, within a bar behind a curtain. It was cool to feel like you were the VIP but once inside it looked just as manufactured as the mall. You get to gamble, but not for real money which just seems pointless. The drinks were expensive, they put a hold on my credit card for 4 days which sucked. I wanted to like it so bad but it just didn’t have that charm I was hoping for.
All in all the night was fun but I wouldn’t return.

I had my birthday party here on Saturday night for about 20 people. From the website, I expected this bar to be very secretive, and truly stick to the speakeasy theme– password and all. However, Bar 221 is basically a separate bar within the Derby, hidden by a curtain. We didn’t need a password to get in and just walked through the curtain. Once inside, there are lots of gambling tables and a bar. It wasn’t crowded at all for a Saturday night… overall the drinks were good and the gambling is fun. But just don’t expect a TRUE «Speakeasy» experience. It’s basically just fake gambling and a bar.
The staff was very accommodating in reserving an area for us… but nothing that special. It’s a fun place for something besides just a regular bar.

We used to go here all the time when it was a true speakeasy theme with hand crafted cocktails and period themed movies playing. Now, there is a $ 10 cover charge, no special cocktails, and really no theme beside the password to get in which isn’t always needed. It is too bad, they had a good thing going and ruined it. We will not be back.

Fun little place to fake gamble and grab a cocktail. I had no idea they served food so I ate before hand. Despite paying an entrance fee, it comes with gambling money. They recommended coming early if you want to learn how to play craps. The dealers will pretty much give you a one-​on-​one since most of the guests came later in the evening. The location, FYI, is inside «The Derby» piano bar. You’ll also need a password to get in so RSVP.

I have been there four times so far and am hooked. The staff is friendly, entertaining, and educational. When anyone has a question or is confused with a game, the dealers explain and walk them through it (great place to really learn craps). The staff are in costume and have «personas» that they keep to. «Big Daddy» the head dealer must be an actor and a clairvoyant because he plays his role well and has an uncanny ability to call the correct die rolls… he hit 27 the other night! They play old movies (ex: Its a Wonderful Life) on their big screens. It is cool when the customers are in costume, too!
Drinks are all hand crafted with fresh fruits and herbs. I don’t see too many bars stocked with fresh basil and rosemary! Good selection of top shelf liquor, as well. They catered to the individuals as well as parties while I was there. Can say I only had mediocre service once (she had a bad night?) and the bartender had stepped away for a break and his sub was not on top of his game.
The owner stops by often to check on things — and the attention shows. I have only seen two gentlemen and one gal act poorly (drinking establishment) in my visits, but we treated respectfully and stopped being served alcohol or escorted out deftly.
It makes for a great Date Night or diversion from the Dueling Piano Bar… heard they give prizes to the top chip earners each month!!!

My friends and I went here Saturday night. It was low key but so freaking fun! We all had a blast, everyone was extremely nice and friendly and we all had the opportunity to learn how to really play cramps. The drinks we average priced but serious works of art. One of them, I can’t recall the name, is probably the best drink I’ve ever had. It literally tasted just like apple pie. Anyways, we will be coming back next week! Who doesn’t love an opportunity to dress up and enjoy a classy fun evening?

Very dissappointed !
No more gambling apparently OC wants permits for fake gambling. Hardly anybody there on a sat night. Waitress never came back after serving our food. Left the money and drove straight to Edison in LA. 200 people were there with live performances and people were actually fixed up.
The food at the 221 wasnt bad, And it’s cheap compared to Edison.

My friends and I stumbled across this bar when we were trying to go to the Derby last week. I saw a man with a machine gun and was intrigued. He told us we needed a password to get in (none of us knew this password… or what the hell he was talking about). Anyways, he eventually let us in and we were taken to another era. We saw gambling tables, low green lights, flappers… it was awesome! This place is a nice secret gem in Orange County. The only problem was our waitress. She charged the wrong amounts on all of our cards and straight up disappeared when we tried to find her. She also seemed a little loopy… didn’t make sense when she talked to us.
Other than our crazy waitress, 221 is an awesome joint! Great little place and I definitely recommend it if you are in the mood for trying something new!

This place is special, and there isn’t anything like it in Orange County. Sad to say but things this cool are usually only in L.A.
They serve real honest to God cocktails, that are each made right in front of your eyes with fresh garnishes.
Speak 221 is modeled after the speakeasys of old, so be sure you know the password to enter (which you can find on their twitter and facebook page that day of your visit) and do not be caught dead trying to get in without looking the part (people do take the time to dress to the period with varying amounts of success). To top it off there is gambling (poker and craps, but it’s just for fun) and as a result the crowd is social and chatty.
I really hope this place is able to attract the business and following that it deserves, because (in terms of nightlife) there are simply not enough cool things like this to do in Orange County.

This is my kind of place: Incredible drinks, good vibe, beautiful woman and an extremely friendly staff!
Tucked behind curtains and protected by a tall, model looking dude holding a Tommy Gun, 221 is a Prohibition era speakeasy. I love the concept of illegal gambling for fun, and regulars wearing 1920’s costumes.
After knocking-​back a few Sidecar Martini’s I devoured a pastrami sandwich and Baja fish tacos. I was pleasantly surprised by the pastrami sandwich. It was very good. The pastrami was nice and moist and very flavorful and the portion was large. The 3 tacos were done right, fresh and crispy but needed a tad hot sauce to activate them to my level.
The crowd is OC cool and laid-​back and the service is attentive and friendly. This is a great place to grab a quality cocktail!

Shoutout to Kristin A. for planning her graduation party here — excellent choice in venue! minus the plasma screen tv’s airing top gun and SNL, this place is totally 1920s haha. it was so much fun to spend an evening here hanging with friends dressed in our best 1920s gear.
loved the service and cocktails here! also special shoutout to Cara, our server for the evening. you handled our group of 15+ like a true professional! she graciously split our tabs in whatever way we wanted and kept checking up on us to see if we were ok. at one point she even asked us if she was coming back to our table TOO much b/​c she didnt want to be a bother haha. i’ve never had that happen with our server and i mean what a bad problem to have right?
another bright spot at 221 are the drinks! the specialty cocktails are made from scratch so it may take a while to actually get to you but its worth the wait! loved both the drinks i got (parisian sunday and the burning bush) specialty drinks run about $ 10 – 12 but they also serve a ful bar. (tip: if you do order drinks from the derby next door, they are a bit cheaper).
and also while i loved that they had blackjack and craps to play (shout out to Big daddy for your stories and magic tricks), would have loved it even more if you could gamble for some incentive. obviously you cant win money but maybe free drinks or raffle tickets for prizes? i think that may make people take it more seriously. i mean i busted on a 22 in blackjack and was still paid out chips haha.
and while this is supposed to a be ‘secret’ club where you need a password to get in, i was kinda disappointed that when i entered, i wasnt asked to recite the phrase that i thought i needed for an entrance. instead all i got was a ‘oh go on in, your party is already here” womp :(haha. would have loved if 221 really put an emphasis on the exclusivity of the speakeasy where you really feel special for getting to enter the place. overall though this is an awesome place to check out for something different and fun! will definitely be back

The short of it:
— 1920s speakeasy
— need password to get in
— gambling for fun
— awesome cocktails, great service!
— Favs: Parisian sunday
The long of it:
This place is the bee’s knees! The cat’s meow! I absolutely love this place, the ambiance, the people, the pretend gambling, the unique drinks! What’s even better is when people dress up in their 1920s get up, it makes this place so much fun! Cara, our wonderful server was so attentive and just a delightful person. This place is inside the Derby Dueling Piano Bar, just head towards the back when you enter and you’ll see the red curtain that will take you to 221. Of course there’s a big cheese at the door with a gun and you’ll have to give him the password to get in. Inside there’s plenty of seating, a craps table, blackjack tables, beautiful chandeliers, and a bar. Gambling here was so much fun, its pretend of course, but there’s nothing like winning $ 104,450 in one night! I don’t care if its not real, its just a blast to play, mingle, have fun with friends and just daydream about how it would’ve been awesome if it was real money haha. The dealers here are awesome, funny, and they’ll show you some crazy magic tricks too! All in all this is one of the best bars I’ve been to and I definitely recommend that you head over there soon and don’t forget to dress up, its the best part and makes for awesome pictures and memories :)

This is an amazing gem tucked into a secret corner of the Kaleidoscope in Mission Viejo. As if dressing up wasn’t enough, there is a just a certain feeling that you get being let behind the curtain just by dropping a password.
Once inside, you’ll be transported into a magical place where everyone, from the regulars to the new initiates (like me), the manager to the staff are all incredibly friendly and focused on showing you something that is a little off of the beaten path.
Going behind the curtain, we were greeted by a friendly server and seated at a plush booth. Even though we decided to take a seat at the bar, the server was more than happy to transfer our tab up to the bar where most of the action was. After moving to the bar, Roy introduced himself to us and took us on a fabulous tour of classic cocktails and amazing mixology. We sampled classics like a true Old Fashioned, and some of their original creations like the refreshing Savory Smash. Pick one and try something, or better yet, let the expert choose something based on your tastes.
As if that wasn’t enough, there are even casino style tables where where you can feel the thrill of gambling without leaving Orange County.
I can’t recommend this place enough, and I’m sure I will be returning soon for many more visits. When you go (and I’m sure that if you have made it this far, you will go) be sure to try something new, you just may find a new favorite.

This place should get five stars just for being the only joint like it in south Orange County. It’s tucked away in a back room of the Derby, and you need a password each night to get in (it’s available on their Facebook page, I think?).
I love the idea: a vintage-​themed speakeasy, with mixologists at the bar, tables for your gambling pleasure, and cool music playing in the background. Oh and — the chandeliers! They are gorgeous!
The drinks are unique and very tasty. It’s definitely the kind of place where you should tell the cocktail server or mixologist what you’re in the mood for, and they will pick a drink out for you. Both of my recommendations, though I can’t quite remember them, turned out to be spot on. At $ 10-​$ 13 per mixed drink, it’s knocking on the pricey door but still worth not having to stick to Captain & Diet.
The dealers here seem to be super cool, but I can only vouch for John at the blackjack table last night. He was super chill, willing to help out a gambling novice like myself, and I had a blast because of him.
We ran into just a couple glitches with the front desk. When I showed her my check-​in offer for free chips, she simply said, «Oh, we’re not participating in that.» Like I had brought a coupon for a different place and tried to use it here. I had to restate that it was a Unilocal check-​in offer, with THIS establishment, that someone here had set up with Unilocal and therefore had to be useful for something. Once the front desk girl brought in her manager cohort guy, he honored the check-​in offer without asking questions and all was right again.
To be honest, the way this «gambling» setup works is a little confusing. I understand that there’s some sort of raffle system, which requires you to be present during their drawing to win, and that no actual money is on the line. That’s about the extent of my understanding, despite two attempts at explaining it… you guessed it, by the front desk. Both I and my friend still left confused as to how it works. It’s worth reading up about this system on the website before coming here, if your goal is to have a chance at those prizes.
I’m definitely a fan and plan on returning again soon. An establishment like this in south Orange County definitely deserves the support of anyone who doesn’t have kids, or who can find a babysitter!

I absolutely love this place! Amazing drinks.
Where It’s At:
It’s located in the same place as the Derby dueling piano bar, but in the back corner. You have to have a password to get in, which you can find online on their website or if you forget, the people who work there are pretty good about letting you in on the password which changes every night. Super weird that it’s connected to the Derby because this bar is so much better!
What to Expect:
First of all, great drinks. These aren’t your standard drinks, much much better. They put some love into them and make up some great concoctions for a great price. They have a large and delightful selection of bourbons and whiskeys as well. Second, expect a very 20s prohibition-​like atmosphere. All the bartenders and waitresses dress up and it’s got a great feel to the place. They have poker tables there as well if you like to play but you don’t win money and if that’s what you’re going there to do, then you shouldn’t be there anyway! This place is about having a good drink and hanging out with good company.
I definitely recommend trying this place out. Never too crowded, which is great and I’m always happy to get a great drink. If you’ve ever been to Bourbon and Branch in San Francisco, then you’ll love this place since they’re very similar. Now stop reading this and get over there!