Sean Godos
It’s a hodgepodge of bars, a food court and a super vintage arcade. Combination of sometimes too loud and sometimes too quiet, you just pick your mid-week chill mode or your weekend party vibe. Great for playing pinball rounds with your friends.
… moreCody Pham
I wanted to like this bar, but ultimately I don’t think it was for me. I found Mission Control on Yelp. I really liked the concept. I loved the video game theme and was so excited to give them a try.
We found a $5 parking garage nearby and walked over. The entrance was a little difficult to find, but we got there eventually. When we arrived, it was around 11pm on a Saturday night. There were less people than I was expecting at this time, and it was not as lively as I’d hoped it’d be. The DJ, despite the vacant dance floor, was pretty good, and a couple of guests were having a good time dancing together. In the arcade section, some other guests were enjoying the collection of games with drinks in hand. But although these (regulars?) seemed to be enjoying their night, I just couldn’t get into the swing of things.
Perhaps it was the lukewarm ambiance. Or maybe the fact that I didn’t like my drink. I got “The Smash Ball,” a Jameson cocktail with lemon juice, mint, and simple syrup. It tasted abrasive, like that harsh taste you get from bottled lemon juice. My friends’ cocktails tasted fine, but I ended up chugging mine. But another complaint I have is that all three cocktails looked the same, despite being three different drinks. I suppose since I came into this bar expecting a “video game theme,” I was expecting the cocktails to also be a little bit more dressed up? I did not feel that there was anything particularly “Smash Ball” – esque about my drink.
I was expecting a little more from this experience and left disappointed.
… moreRebecca Lopez
Had so much fun!! Went for a birthday and birthday girl had a blast so definitely cool atmosphere with a dj and good music was hot inside though definitely could use more ventilation in that place but other than that Pizza was delicious had the El Pastor pizza was tasty. Retro games were fun!! Will return for sure!!
… moreErich Wenis
Exactly what I was looking for – an arcade with food and drinks.
Multiple options to eat and I went with the spiced burgers and their Bhangra smash.
Bar upstairs where you purchase tokens and pickup the occasional drink.
Lots of pinball games, taking 2-4 tokens each, and I think Godzilla was my favorite. An old school game of Diner was on the first floor but it kept eating my tokens. Regular stand ups are just single tokens but also can vary.
Wished I had more time to stay for the pinball tournament at 730!
Parking kind of sucks, and the outside signage makes you question yourself, but Google maps will get you there
… moreEverett Jimenez
I’ve been going to MC since 2019. I really enjoy Friday or Saturday nights with Dj Ceaze. No cover charge. Mix drinks are prices between $12 – 15 bucks and they are good. The Arcade games and pin ball machines are fun. The Halloween parties are fun and music is always on point. I recommend MC to anyone looking to check out a new bar in Downtown Orange County.
… moreCliff J.
This nostalgic barcade is hidden inside McFadden Public Market in downtown Santa Ana. Two nights in a row this ended up being our starting off point for a night out and it didn’t disappoint.
They have an assortment of games to choose from and a fun game themed menu. We’re pretty patient people but the lines at the bar did take awhile to move along even for it being fairly early in the evening. Once we got our drinks we noticed they were made really well.
There’s also an outdoor balcony with flame heaters in the cooler months. This area looked to be pretty popular for birthdays as half was reserved celebrations both nights.
… moreDerek Yarno
My first visit had me hooked. Great atmosphere, beer selection, and most importantly, 19 pinball machines (as well as other retro arcade games)! The staff are all incredibly friendly and helpful! Karaoke, Pinball League, Trivia, and occasional DJ’s during the week. Pizza and tacos are available from the restaurants downstairs. Parking is behind the building down a ways. The happy hour specials are awesome! Tokens can be purchased with cash and card. Prices are reasonable! It’s definitely a must visit for pinball enthusiasts and arcade fans!
… moreBrian Brick
Great little spot, I only wish there was more of it. Bartenders are friendly and quick, the games are typically in good working order, and they have a lot of pinball machines for those interested; occasionally they will host pinball tournaments.
Really love the updated bar they just installed; looks great and the space feels way more open.
As far as I am aware, Mission Control only serves beverages, but there’s a decent variety of good food on the first floor of the building.
It also has their often photographed neon sign on the wall that says “come play with me”
Lastly, and my favorite part, they have a fantastic trivia night by Geeks Who Drink host Ryan on Thursday evenings where you can hang out and play for free, and even win free drinks without having to win the whole game.
… moreFlorence P
I absolutely love this place but I don’t come as often because of the mosquitoes. The retro game machines, and fun pinball machines, plus there’s a bar and downstairs there’s also small businesses selling amazing food. It’s a small cozy place.
… moreRicardo Garcia
I came here with my friend who had a limp and was told by the “bouncer” we couldnt come in because my friend with the limp was drunk. Who ever the 9:30 bouncer is needs to chill out because some of us just want to play games and chill out. Wont be coming back again
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