Comics Toons N’ Toys: A Comic Collector’s Dream in Tustin

Since its opening in 1988, Comics Toons N’ Toys has been the go-to spot for comic book fans in Tustin. From graphic novels and back issues to new issues, manga, action figures, and more, Comics Toons N’ Toys promises to have it, locals say. The owner will even order back issues for you if he doesn’t have it in stock, and employees will put items on hold, as well. However, regulars insist Comics Toons N’ Toys is likely to have what you're looking for in stock.

The staff is notably friendly and knowledgeable and will help a new collector or fan find exactly what you’re looking for. The store stocks a wide diversity of comics, including many indie publishers alongside DC and Marvel. Even though the inventory is massive, customers praise the level of organization and ease with which titles can be found.

Comics Toons N’ Toys
13542 Newport Avenue
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 730-2117
www.facebook.com/ComicsTNT
www.yelp.com/biz/comics-toons-n-toys-tustin-2

The Auld Dubliner: Guinness, Sports, and Snacks in Tustin

With a name like “The Auld Dubliner,” how would you image this Irish pub to look? Dark wood? Check. Big mirrors? Check. Guinness and a bunch of other draughts? Check. Sports, events, and that ineffable Irish spirit? Check, check, check.

Tustin’s Auld Dubliner is the quintessential Irish pub, renowned for good beer, strong whiskey, and warm service direct from the Emerald Isle. The menu makes plenty of nods to California—don’t miss the burgers or Taco Tuesday—and there’s always a game on one of the many TVs. Many events are held here, too, from trivia and DJs to theme nights, and of course, the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebration you ever saw.

The Auld Dubliner
2497 Park Avenue
Tustin, CA 92782
(714) 259-1562
www.tustin.thedubpubs.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/the-auld-dubliner-tustin

Shop Back Issue Comics at Comics Toons & Toys

Go on, check out Tustin’s Comics Toon & Toys. It’s full of stuff you don’t know you want. New issues, back issues, graphic novels, game cards, a Homer Simpson decal to stick on your dashboard. Regulars call it Orange County’s best comic book store and it’s bigger than it looks on the outside.

Whether you want to dive into nostalgia with Archie, check out the latest from Marvel, or start replacing the Star Wars stuff that Mom threw out, Comics Toons & Toys probably has it on the shelf. If not they can order it and you’ll likely leave with an armload of cool stuff anyway. It’s that kind of place. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Check the Facebook page for hours, specials, and live events, including music.

Comics Toons & Toys
13542 Newport Avenue
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 730-2117
www.facebook.com/ComicsTNT
www.yelp.com/biz/comics-toons-and-toys-tustin

Brushstrokes: Express Yourself

Not every small city has its own dedicated art studio, but Tustin is lucky enough to be home to Brushstrokes on W Main Street. Hobbyists and professionals alike can sign up for two-hour classes where an instructor goes over how to create a pre-selected painting stroke by stroke. More than enough allowance is made for creativity, however, and visitors are encouraged to add their own touches to their original works. The atmosphere is as casual and flexible as the instruction, with fun music playing and students encouraged to talk to the staff and each other. There are summer camps and classes for children as well as more general open sessions with the pre-selected painting available online so that those interested can choose one they like. The art supplies are student grade and the employees are on hand always to swap out brushes or paints. Bring your own snacks and beverages and be ready to get a little messy and have some fun.

 

Brushstrokes
138 W Main St
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 544-1994
http://www.yelp.com/biz/brushstrokes-tustin

Pozzuoli Winery – From The Vine

 

Pozzuoli Winery produces around five hundred cases of wine every year. For an $8 tasting fee anyone stopping through can try five Paso Robles wine samples, about two ounces per sample. The fee is waived if a visitor decides to purchase a bottle, all of which are fairly inexpensive. Italian appetizers cooked on-site are available as well. While the tasting room is on the small side, the staff and owners are clearly committed both to excellent taste and an enjoyable atmosphere for wine enthusiasts both new and veteran. Olive oil is also created and harvested here, and even available for sampling. You can make reservations online at Pozzuoli’s website, which also regularly updates its event listings and has a form where you can sign up to join the wine club with benefits like discounts and a complimentary tasting.

 

Pozzuoli Winery
15481 Red Hill Ave Ste C
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 258-8817
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pozzuoli-vineyard-and-winery-tustin

Marconi Automotive Museum: Drive Hard

After amassing a glut of amazing motor vehicles, car enthusiast and Marconi Automotive Museum founder Dick Marconi wanted to give back to his community. In order to do so he also created the Marconi Foundation for Kids. Every visit to the museum costs a $5 donation to the Foundation, which then disseminates at least a million dollars a year to other local charities for at-risk children.  The $30 million collection itself is very impressive, more than worth the price of admission, with everything from a Roadster Coupe to a Ferrari F50 in its collection. The staff here is knowledgeable and more than willing to help in a visitor’s perusal of the collection, and the cars and motorcycles are not roped off, which means you can approach them and look inside at your leisure. The museum rents its space out for events running the gamut from mitzvahs to weddings, as well, with net proceeds from these going to charities too.

Marconi Automotive Museum
1302 Industrial Drive
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 258-3001
http://www.yelp.com/biz/marconi-automotive-museum-tustin

The Winery: An Upscale Wine Bar in Tustin, California

Per its name, The Winery is a combination between a wine bar and an upscale restaurant with a relaxed but sophisticated ambience. The interior here is lovely with private rooms available at request. The YG’s Alsatian “Pizza”, made with crème fraîche, Gruyère, applewood smoked bacon, and onions, is a delicious appetizer, though heavy for a flatbread. A sommelier is available to recommend wines to pair with it and every other item on the menu, and the wine selection is about as extensive as befits a restaurant named for its fully-stocked bar. The duck breast and seared Alaskan halibut are both well-regarded entrees. The Tahitian vanilla bean crème brulee makes for a great conclusion to a meal!

The Winery
2647 Park Avenue
Tustin, CA 92782
(714) 258-7600
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-winery-restaurant-and-wine-bar-tustin-2

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