What Is the LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa?

The LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa was established in 1993 and is a creative space full of a vibrant assortment of cafes, restaurants, and shops. The LAB stands for Little American Businesses, and this is precisely what is so special about the place. The Lab Anti-Mall, first and foremost, focuses on supporting small businesses as well as artists, musicians, local culture, and fashion. Moreover, this creative space takes pride in being a harbor for free thinking, originality, fun, and funkiness.

Now, the Lab Anti-Mall is a unique center with indoor space and an outdoor courtyard for all who love art, culture, and good food. The three-decade history of the Anti-Mall began when a Costa Mesa night-vision goggle factory was reborn as a creative space with the help of The LAB Team in 1993.

The array of events hosted by the LAB Anti-Mall truly speaks for itself and illustrates the goals and vision of its team. Except for various art shows and pop-up and artisan markets, there are such events as book and poetry readings, creative classes, sustainable wardrobe clothing swaps, and even animal adoption pop-ups.

What Is the LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa?

The LAB Anti-Mall is not just another creative space, but it is a welcoming community with projects like a wishing tree messaging installation, “The living room” community seating, a walk-through gallery, and rotating murals. The LAB Anti-Mall takes pride in promoting creative evolution in the area, giving space to local artists for art and musical events, and bringing together a diverse mix of cultures.

Don’t forget to admire projects such as:

Community Tile Wall Project: the mosaic tile wall is one of the oldest pieces of art on the territory of the LAB. Volunteers from Orange County have been helping to build the wall throughout the years, and this is a good case in point for the community surrounding the LAB Anti-Mall.

• Here, you can find the list of the various events constantly curated and hosted by the LAB.

Memorable Eats from Affordable to Luxurious

Apart from art, the LAB is known for its abundant choice of:

• Unique cafes and restaurants with seasonal vegan cuisine
• Hand-crafted gourmet pizza
• Instagram-worthy lattes
• Organic teas
• Plant-based ice cream
• Craft beer
• Trivia
• And more

You can find here such gastronomic gems as Lebanese and Cuban cuisines, traditional Southern food, and a sushi bar crowned with one MICHELIN star. You can also go on a dream adventure of searching for a hidden speakeasy bar. In addition, the LAB Anti-Mall is a home for shops with locally sourced eco-friendly goods.

Key Restaurants to Try

Here are a couple of eateries that can be thrilling destinations with the trip to the LAB in Costa Mesa: 

• Barbonzai is a restaurant of unique Lebanese cuisine with a modern Mediterranean twist. The food is not only flavorful but healthy as well. The business is local and family-owned.
• Hana Re is a Michelin-star sushi bar known for its intimate atmosphere and exceptional omakase experience curated by Chef Atsushi Yokoyama, a true master of his craft. Keep in mind that you need to have a reservation. 
• Ruin Bar will take you on a true speakeasy adventure. This cozy bar is hidden behind white shuttered doors and consists of indoor and outdoor space. The atmosphere is quirky, and the craft cocktails are delicious. Moreover, on Fridays and Saturdays, the air is spiced up by DJ performances, and guests can enjoy Live Music on Thursdays.
• Seabirds Kitchen has an outstanding vegan menu carefully crafted using seasonal products.

Another exciting part of the LAB is a variety of one-of-a-kind fashion boutiques and clothing shops. These promote the “anti-mall” atmosphere. Staying true to its nature and mindset, the LAB hosts shops with:

• Vintage clothing
• Handmade jewelry
• High-quality minimalist designs
• Streetwear
• Children’s clothing
• And more

LAB Anti-Mall Shops Where You Can Treat Yourself

• Red and Blue Vintage is part of a doughnut shop and is the personal passion project of its owner. Apart from a curated collection of clothing, visitors can find unique vintage decor pieces. Take notice that the shop is closed on Tuesdays.
• Buffalo Exchange began its history in 1974 and keeps an affordable and curated collection of vintage clothing. This thrift shop also buys clothes and has a trade-on-the-spot program.
• Mod Ref | Common Market is a quality clothing and lifestyle accessories brand aiming to provide customers with affordable and timeless clothing inspired by minimal architecture, art, music, and nature. The store is closed on Mondays.

Smaller Shops That Make a Big Difference

• Eco Now is a refill shop that promotes sustainable living and features eco-friendly and locally sourced goods.
• Plant Matter. Is there a nicer reason for having a day out in Costa Mesa than adopting a new plant under the attentive guidance of the knowledgeable team of this plant shop? Come and choose your new green companion. The shop is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
• Creme Tangerine is putting its efforts into keeping the vinyl culture alive and has a superb collection of records.

The LAB: A Place to Experience a Different Side to Commerce

The LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa is about more than spending your hard-earned cash. It’s a place to support your community and reward the efforts of creators, chefs, designers, and more. To learn more about the LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa (and about visiting this city in general), pop by Travel Costa Mesa.