Japanese-Flavored Jaspar’s Is Many Things to Many People

The best time to find some excitement at Jaspar’s is in the evening, when owner Susie Johnson tends bar while pool players bustle around two tables and a compact disc jukebox spins contemporary hits. During the day, it’s busy, but more sedate: a place where regulars stop by for lunch or a little after-work relaxation.

The combination bar and restaurant, in business since 1976, is hidden in the Metro Town Square on Bristol Street in Santa Ana. Johnson has a lot of experience in the trade, having formerly owned two bars in Japan and a Japanese restaurant in Costa Mesa, and it shows. She keeps a tight rein on things.

Beers on tap (Coors Light and Bud) are a bargain at $1.25 for a 12-ounce glass. Also available is a vast array of bottled brews, including Japanese selections such as Kirin and Sapporo, wine, sake and a full range of tropical and mixed drinks.

Jaspar’s can be many things to its wide-ranging customers: an everyday bar during the week, a restaurant of Japanese and traditional American fare when you’re hungry, a sports bar featuring six televisions and a nightclub with live rock music and dancing on Friday and Saturday nights. (The Friday night band, Main Street, plays a strong selection of ‘60s and ‘70s classics. Bands start at 9 p.m.)

A pool tournament is held on Wednesday nights at 7 p.m.

This is a fairly large place, with the main bar situated just inside the stained-glass entrance. The pool area is to the right of the bar. On the left is a bandstand, a decent-sized oak dance floor and plenty of booths and tables to relax at.

Jaspar’s Bar & Grill, 3672 S. Bristol St., Santa Ana. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. (714) 751-4604.