Santa Ana, CA -- There are many great cafes and restaurants outside the chain "box" to enjoy in Santa Ana and some of them are located downtown. One is in the Arts District, and is a popular hang-out for a bite to eat, some coffee, and evening entertainment ranging from guitarist/singers to bands and poetry nights.

Gypsy Den is part cafe, part venue, and a community gathering place for artists and bankers, vegetarians and meat eaters, punk rockers and therapy shoppers. Opened initially in Costa Mesa's  LAB anti-mall, Gypsy Den evolved and grew into two locations. Five years after the first opening, it was launched in 1999 in Santa Ana's downtown Arts District.

On the calendar of events Sunday through Thursday nights are usually open mic, Django jams, or maybe just hanging out. Friday & Saturday you will usually find a single musical artists, or jazz trio. The first Saturday of the month is always Artist Village Open House, however, and is hopping because of all the people.

On the menu is breakfast with Waffles, Eggs, Fruit & Yogurt, French Toast, Pancakes and Oatmeal with fresh brewed espressos or coffee blends.

Lunch includes cold sandwiches such as Eggplant or Chicken Salad, grilled sandwiches such as Veggie Burger, Turkey Burger, Grilled Chicken or Ahi, and Quesadillas, Chicken Tacos, Lasagna, Combo Soups & Salads and "Delectable Desserts". Dessert offerings to tempt your waistline into busting out include Bread Pudding, Peach Cobbler, Big Cookies, Pumpkin Pier, Homemade Carrot Cake, Fudge Brownie with Walnuts, Cheesecake, Creme Brulee, and other seasonal delights.