Chain Reaction

Chain Reaction is perhaps O.C.'s key all-ages club, especially since Koo's Art Cafe closed. Hosting punk rock, ska, hardcore and the occasional indie-rock shows, it's sweaty, crowded, and a little grimy, as a punk venue should be. The crowd is mostly high school and early college aged students, with the occasional over-21 who isn’t a mom or dad chaperoning but the young concert goers aren’t without enthusiasm. Big names in pop-punk make stops for their underage fans; Fall Out Boy played a number of “secret shows” to a screaming, thrashing group. The small stage and packed-in crowd make for memorable, if not comfortable, shows. No alcohol is served. Sodas and snack foods are available. The venue is isolated so plan on cruising around to find food.