Irvine Spectrum Center

by Evelyn K.

This is a great place to go for movies and food and shopping. The huge Edwards theatre has many screens and an IMAX theater. Spectrum is a fun place for people watching. Tonight I saw people dressing snazzy for dates, others dressed casually, kids and adults in costume for Halloween and a guy wearing a wife beater and track pants plus a bandanna. You can't beat that for variety.In terms of stores, they have the typical Macy's Nordstrom department stores, Target, a 2-story Barnes and Noble and more. Smaller boutiques like Anthropologie are also there. I think Spectrum is good for deserts with Pinkberry, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Kelly's Coffee and Fudge and more.For food there's a lot of restaurants also. I like the Veggie Grill and yes, Red Robin. Did you know Red Robin was ranked Zagat's Best burger in the full service chain category? And I do like those fries with a side of ranch.This is a great outdoor mall for walking. There are plenty of kiosks around with merchandise. The Oasis food court offers free wifi. At least one of the parking structures has a digital display that gives the numbers of parking spaces left on each floor. Irvine Spectrum has come a long way since it first began, when it was primarily known for the movie theater and restaurants.

by Joy M.

The rides alone keep my kids occupied while I get a chance to sneak away and visit a few stores!  Shopping is one of my guilty pleasures.My kids LOVE this mall!  I met my husband at UCI in 1994 and whenever we visit his parents, we always make a stop at Irvine Spectrum!  We'll try to have family lunches in the area so that we can all ride the ferris wheel.  And while my husband and kids (ages 7, 6 and 4) ride the train, I head over to Nordstroms to check out what's on sale.Last winter they had an ice-skating rink, how much fun is this mall, I wish they had one of these in San Diego!

by Hazel Q.

I'm such a sellout. How can it be that my fave SoCal shopping center is owned by the epitome of the evil corporation, The Irvine Company? If I felt dirty for liking Westminster Mall, I really feel dirty now. But how can it be so bad if it feels so right? The spectrum knows its demographic well, and I fall for it hook, line, and sinker, every single time. They go after 25-35 ladies. Guilty. All the things a 25-35 year old lady loves. Anthropologie, lululemon, Apple Store, and Sur la Table. All the stores in the center are very well organized and carry the newest items. Even the Target! Oh! The Target, the apple of eye. Best Target in OC. And, guess what? A surprising lack of teenagers. Of course they're there, but not in hordes like at The Block or at Bella Terra. Lack of teenagers at a mall? It's an anomaly. Sure, lots and lots of kids. But kids in strollers I can deal with. Plus, I've got estrogen running through my veins - I can't resist a cute baby. Speaking of estrogen, you can't go 100 yards in this mall without passing something chocolate. Gourmet chocolate stores, cupcakes, crepes? My hormones are happy.

by Lisa M.

i LOVE this mall. i'm usually too broke to be shopping, but i don't care. i love this mall! it's like your one stop shop place. i could totally spend an entire day here because it seriously has EVERYTHING all in one place and i love love love that. i'm so used to going to different malls for different stores...this mall might have this one store, but it won't have that store..yadadadimean?here at spectrum, it's got all the stores to fulfill my shopping needs. sure, i'm too broke to buy anything, but it's ok, window shopping is great too! there's forever 21 (a staple), urban outfitters, HM, bebe, hollister, macy's nordstroms, TARGET, wet seal, tilly's...etc etc. then there's all the food places...great selection of restaurants and places to snack. cheesecake factory, pinkberry, jamba juice, chipotle, yard house..mMm a perfect day here: - catch a matinee movie at the theater- shop for a few hours- grab a light dinner - when the mall closes at 9, head to barnes and nobles and read magazines for an hour ..or go straight to dave and busters- 10pm, go to dave and busters for some happy hour 1/2 off drinks (happy hour = sun-thurs 9-11pm)- 11pm, go to yard house for happy hour 1/2 off appetizers and cheap drinks. (happy hour = sun-wed 10pm-midnight)-12:30am, go home drunk, full, happy.

by Justin B.

Easy location, good place. The only thing is the place is gigantic. It takes quite a bit of time to walk from one end to the other. I also like the fact that  this place can have both a Nordstorms AND a target at the same place and it suprisingly works.

by Jimmy N.Evelyn K.Ashley L.Will C.

If it wasn't so darned far, I would love to come here more often. The store selection is varied enough to attract all types of shoppers, and the novelty of the ferris wheel, giant fountain, and carousel never wears off.. And I think it's because when it's night time, everything is lit up and glows so dreamlike that you almost forget where you are. The location couldn't be more perfect for high visability, dead center where the 5 and 405 merge, you can't miss it. Parking is a PITA but it's not that bad compared to other centers of similar size. I have noticed that with the current economic situation however, the Spectrum has not really been affected that severely. So that's a good sign, right? That it can definitely endure times like this, which is said to be one of the worst of all time.This is a great place to go for movies and food and shopping. The huge Edwards theatre has many screens and an IMAX theater. Spectrum is a fun place for people watching. Tonight I saw people dressing snazzy for dates, others dressed casually, kids and adults in costume for Halloween and a guy wearing a wife beater and track pants plus a bandanna. You can't beat that for variety.In terms of stores, they have the typical Macy's Nordstrom department stores, Target, a 2-story Barnes and Noble and more. Smaller boutiques like Anthropologie are also there. I think Spectrum is good for deserts with Pinkberry, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Kelly's Coffee and Fudge and more.For food there's a lot of restaurants also. I like the Veggie Grill and yes, Red Robin. Did you know Red Robin was ranked Zagat's Best burger in the full service chain category? And I do like those fries with a side of ranch.This is a great outdoor mall for walking. There are plenty of kiosks around with merchandise. The Oasis food court offers free wifi. At least one of the parking structures has a digital display that gives the numbers of parking spaces left on each floor. Irvine Spectrum has come a long way since it first began, when it was primarily known for the movie theater and restaurants.I've given in....Hi My name is Ashley and I'm addicted to the Spectrum. TargetF21KaitlynCathy JeanWidsorPinkberryCheescake FactoryThis is a one stop shop for me and i will never quit it!Not to mention I just received a gift card that you can use for ANY store in the Spectrum, it's officially game over.  Damn you! this place is part of my life. which is not a good thing. its the place i love to hate. i always… My this place has really blossomed over the years. Back in High School I remember driving up Moulton on what was basically a desolate stretch of undeveloped road to watch movies at the Edwards 21. It used to be just the theaters and the food court. I believe a real success of the Spectrum has been its traffic design, since it really mitigates congestion. Then again it helps to have two freeways conveniently located on both sides. Sure parking isn't always the best but what do you expect when your community revolves around private transportation? Although the parking structure is a bit of an eyesore, it serves a necessary function. Parking can be a real atrocity on busy weekends. However getting quickly in and out of the Spectrum lot is usually smooth as you're not having to fight with motorists looking for parking. Overall, the diversity of shopping and dining allows for just about anyone to go there. You don't even have to buy anything, its just a nice place to walk around. There really is something for everyone here. Want a somewhat 'classy' dining, there's Javier's, PF Chang's or Cheesecake Factory. Want a quick meal that's affordable but not 'cheap,' and you don't want the foodcourt atmosphere, there's Chipotle or Wahoo's. The location could not have been better, as it gives the South OC residents an accessible entertainment center. Not only that, the Spectrum caters to the numerous commercial districts surrounding it. An entertainment center without daytime business just isn't sustainable. This mall is a great departure from the old indoor concepts of the 80's. Then again, an outdoor mall like this could only thrive with OC's great weather year round and suburban sprawl layout.

by Tina D.

I can't believe I'm reviewing a mall!  But recently the bf and I went here to do a little bit of shopping.  YES - we drove 30 miles from Long Beach, passed by three other malls to go here.Why?  A plethora of reasons.  As much as I truly hate Irvine, this place has it WIRED.  Let's start with Target.  Target at a mall?!  Why, yes.  It's large and in charge.  Brilliant in the way that anything you want from a shopping experience, check off your list.  "Oh, we need laundry detergent while we're out."  Check.HM.  LOVE HM.  Although there is one at the South Crap Plaza, I go to Irvine.  Something about the outdoor-ness of it all really helps with the shopping claustrophobia I have at SCP.  There isn't a hot mess of rich, white plastic ladies here.  It's just normal people that go here.Forever 21.  Yes, there is a Forever 21 at both the Westminster Mall, Cerritos Mall and downtown HB.  But who cares, this location just expanded and I can go to Target and HM at the same time!  I win!And while I'm at it, let me hit up the Veggie Grill / Wahoo's / Red Robin / Corner Bakery/ California Pizza Kitchen!I also used to work at this mall. TIPS FOR PARKING-----Park at the top of the structures.  It takes an extra minute to get to the third or fourth floor, but then you can park right next to the elevators and save yourself the hassle of fighting for a spot and then walking forever to get to the entrance of the mall.  Seriously!  DO IT!Hesistant yet grateful to give thanks to Irvine, but here we go...THANKS, IRVINE!

by David T.

love going to Spectrum!    so much to do --- its always a fun place when i take someone special ;Dwould suggest to anyone i know to come here....so if you havent been yet, go!

by Cathy K.

As I waited at Spectrum for the rest of the group to show up so we could carpool down to SD, I figured out the BEST spot for people watching.Sit between Chipotle and Panda Express.I saw so many funny things, the hour or so of wait time just breezed by!1.  These two totally metro guys.  At first, I thought they were a couple, then I quickly dismissed the notion.  Both were smoking FURIOUSLY as they walked past, lost in conversation.2.  A high school aged couple holding hands walked by, the guy literally looking like his skinny jeans were so tight up his ass that he couldn't walk properly. He was TWITCHING as he walked.3.  The totally metro guys, this time, walking past me in the other direction.4.  It being St. Paddy's Day, a family dressed entirely in different shades of NEON green.  Their toddler daughter was so swathed in strips of neon green sloth, she looked like a mini Swamp Thing.5.  The totally metro guys, walking past again.. still smoking FURIOUSLY and DESPERATELY lost in conversation.6.  The valet guy... SLEEPING.  No joke.  IPod stuck in his ears, arms on the table, head in the crook of his arm, SNORING.Ahhh... I love people watching!  And Spectrum is the perfect place to see a variety of people in all shapes, sizes, colors, and... habits! WHY I LOVE SPECTRUM1.  It's clean2.  It's BIG, so I can walk around forever3.  They actually have…

by Will C.

My this place has really blossomed over the years. Back in High School I remember driving up Moulton on what was basically a desolate stretch of undeveloped road to watch movies at the Edwards 21. It used to be just the theaters and the food court. I believe a real success of the Spectrum has been its traffic design, since it really mitigates congestion. Then again it helps to have two freeways conveniently located on both sides. Sure parking isn't always the best but what do you expect when your community revolves around private transportation? Although the parking structure is a bit of an eyesore, it serves a necessary function. Parking can be a real atrocity on busy weekends. However getting quickly in and out of the Spectrum lot is usually smooth as you're not having to fight with motorists looking for parking. Overall, the diversity of shopping and dining allows for just about anyone to go there. You don't even have to buy anything, its just a nice place to walk around. There really is something for everyone here. Want a somewhat 'classy' dining, there's Javier's, PF Chang's or Cheesecake Factory. Want a quick meal that's affordable but not 'cheap,' and you don't want the foodcourt atmosphere, there's Chipotle or Wahoo's. The location could not have been better, as it gives the South OC residents an accessible entertainment center. Not only that, the Spectrum caters to the numerous commercial districts surrounding it. An entertainment center without daytime business just isn't sustainable. This mall is a great departure from the old indoor concepts of the 80's. Then again, an outdoor mall like this could only thrive with OC's great weather year round and suburban sprawl layout.