Almost every Orange County rock fan heaved a sigh of regret when Linda's Doll Hut closed in August 2001. The club spawned one of county's liveliest rock scenes and almost anybody who was somebody in local music sang a few notes here, from the Offspring to members of No Doubt. Current owners, Blue and Anthony Castaneda, couldn't stand the thought of the Doll Hut becoming empty space. So the couple (they met at the Doll Hut in the early 1990s) reopened the venerable rockin' place in November 2001 and put their own stamp on it.

The notorious layers of scummy bumper stickers lining the walls were soaped off and replaced by a luscious layer of crimson paint. There's more room to move around, because the Castanedas cleared out some storage space. Also, the they built a new stage, albeit a small one.

A snappy sangria is on the drinks menu, but the preferred drink is beer; mostly snob brews such as Guinness and Sam Adams. However, the blue-collar favorite Pabst Blue Ribbon is a proud choice on the menu.

The Doll Hut will continue its heritage of providing an independent place for roots rock bands. Expect rockabilly, blues, country, doo-wop and even occasional punk and surf bands. The Doll Hut also features the only jukebox in the county to spin CDs of such local roots rock bands as Hellbound Hayride, the Dave & Deke Combo and Los Infernos. The Castanedas provide something of a musical public service with their lounge version of the historic Doll Hut.

Categories: Night Clubs, Bars

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