Best clubs in Irvine: top-rated nights in and near the city

TL;DR:

Irvine proper has one DJ-forward spot, Hive & Honey.
Big-club energy is 10–15 minutes away in Costa Mesa.
TIME Nightclub books touring DJs and VIP tables.
Sevilla OC and Mesa run Latin and open-format nights.
Always confirm tonight’s lineup on Instagram.

This is HELPFUL CONTENT. We checked official venue pages, Instagram feeds, and recent listings on 10 October 2025. Irvine has strict late-night rules, so many club nights sit just outside the city line. Drive times from Irvine Spectrum are noted where helpful.

Quick map cue: Costa Mesa’s Triangle and Harbor Boulevard pack the highest-energy rooms within a 10–15 minute ride.

The shortlist: Irvine and close-by winners

1) Hive & Honey Rooftop Bar, Irvine

Why go: The Marriott Irvine Spectrum rooftop brings DJs on weekends with skyline views and a lively dance vibe. The site and promos list Friday and Saturday DJ nights and special events.
Music: Open format, house, hip hop, and throwbacks.
Vibe: Dressy casual, rooftop lounge that turns into a dance party late.
Best night: Friday and Saturday from 9 pm.
Tip: Book a table or fire pit. Demand spikes on clear nights.

Source check: Weekend DJ programming appears on the official site’s Specials page and on the venue’s Instagram schedule.

2) TIME Nightclub, Costa Mesa, 12–15 min from Irvine

Why go: The Triangle’s flagship club with national EDM and open-format headliners, LED production, and full VIP service. FAQ confirms 21+ and ID rules. Instagram shows weekly lineups and table info.
Music: EDM, house, hip hop, open format, touring DJs.
Vibe: Big room, production-heavy, bottle service.
Best night: Friday and Saturday headline shows.
Tip: Buy tickets early and arrive before 11 pm to avoid long queues.

Source check: Official site, Instagram, and FAQ confirm format, location, and entry rules.

3) Sevilla Nightclub of Orange County, Costa Mesa, 15 min

Why go: Latin-forward calendar with salsa and bachata nights, plus weekend DJs. It sits near TIME, so you can club-hop.
Music: Reggaetón, Latin hits, salsa, bachata, open format on weekends.
Vibe: Dance-first crowd, classes midweek, VIP tables available.
Best night: Salsa or bachata nights for dancers, Saturday for mixed format.
Tip: Check the weekly schedule and consider lessons before the social.

Source check: Official OC page, FAQ on dance classes, and active Facebook and Yelp listings.

4) Mesa, Costa Mesa, 15 min

Why go: Supper-club lounge with DJs after dinner, plus live music nights. Instagram lists hours and weekly programming.
Music: House, hip hop, live bands on select nights.
Vibe: Stylish lounge that fills into a dance floor late.
Best night: Thursday to Saturday after 10 pm.
Tip: Book dinner, then slide into the DJ set without re-queuing.

Source check: Instagram profile and recent posts confirm schedule and vibe.

5) The Wayfarer, Costa Mesa, 15–20 min

Why go: Live music venue that often flips to dance-friendly sets and themed nights. Great for band-to-DJ evenings.
Music: Indie, rock, electro, karaoke, theme parties.
Vibe: Casual, music-first crowd, real stage sound.
Best night: Check the calendar for touring acts and late parties.
Tip: Stand near the soundboard for the best mix.

Source check: Official site and calendar, plus event listings, show an active 2025 schedule.

Honorable mentions near Irvine

Legacy Lounge, Newport Beach area. Lounge with late DJ sets on weekends. Check Instagram before you go.
The Yost Theater, Santa Ana. Historic room that runs concert nights and Saturday club events.

What to expect in Irvine proper

Irvine’s nightlife leans lounges and bars. Hive & Honey is the main spot with a dance floor energy on weekends. Other Irvine listings skew to bars or hookah, not true clubs. Yelp and local chatter reflect that most clubbing happens just over the border.

Sample night plans

Rooftop then big room

Start at Hive & Honey for sunset. Ride to TIME Nightclub by 10:30 pm for the headliner. Book a table if you are a group of six or more.

Latin dance route

Hit Sevilla OC for salsa or bachata lessons, then stay for the social. If you want a second room, walk to TIME at The Triangle.

Dinner-to-dance

Reserve at Mesa for dinner, then stay as the DJ turns it up. If you still have energy, a short ride takes you to Sevilla before 1 am.

Quick comparison table

Venue	City	Best for	Typical close	Dress code	Cover
Hive & Honey Rooftop	Irvine	Rooftop DJs, views	Midnight–12:30 am Fri–Sat	Dressy casual	Often none, special events vary
TIME Nightclub	Costa Mesa	Touring DJs, big-room production	1:30–2:00 am	Club chic	Ticketed or cover on weekends
Sevilla Nightclub OC	Costa Mesa	Latin nights, lessons, VIP	1:30–2:00 am	Dressy casual	Common, varies by night
Mesa	Costa Mesa	Dinner plus DJ lounge	1:30–2:00 am	Smart casual	Often after 10 pm
The Wayfarer	Costa Mesa	Live bands, theme parties	1:30–2:00 am	Casual	Varies by show

Closing times and covers change by event. Always check the day of your visit.

Planning checklist

Pick your music style first.
Check Instagram for tonight’s lineup and cover.
Reserve tables early for groups.
Bring a valid physical ID, 21+ at most venues.
Plan a ride-share pickup near The Triangle or your hotel.
Eat before you go, or choose a venue with dinner service.

Why it matters

If you try to club inside Irvine only, you may miss the best rooms. Knowing the close-by options saves time, avoids cover surprises, and gets you on the right dance floor fast.