Though it's not even 10 years old, the Irvine Spectrum is the granddaddy of OC's modern entertainment complexes. Its entertainment centerpiece, the Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21 Theaters, doesn't even feature all-stadium seating! (The Spectrum opened in 1996, when stadium seating was just being introduced, and so only SOME of its theaters have it.) It's still a great theater--just be sure to get a showing in a stadium theater if that's important to you. (It sure is to me!)
In addition to movies, the Spectrum features other entertainment venues, some of which are unique. The Crazy Horse Nightclub, for example, is an old Orange County country-western club that moved into larger quarters at the Spectrum when it opened. It features live music and concerts by visiting Country stars. The Improv Comedy Club, of course, stages comedy performances, both of up-and-coming comedians as well as the more-famous. Dave and Buster's---the adult's video game playground---has a location at the Spectrum. Then, there's the giant ferris wheel (The Great Wheel) and a kiddie train. There are about a dozen sit-down restaurants and also fast-food restaurants and snack outlets.
Unfortunately for the adventuresome eaters in your party, these are all branches of chain restaurants. (The unadventuresome will like the dependability of what they'll find!) For Mandarin cuisine, there's P.F. Chang's China Bistro (which is a favorite restaurant of one of my sons.) For Japanese, there's Maki Maki. Traditional Mexican--Javier's (ha-vee-AIRS) cantina and grill. Baja Mexican--Rubio's and Wahoo's Fish Tacos (both very popular with Southern Californians.) Then, there's a whole slew of restaurants in the American/Pasta/Pizza group--The Cheesecake Factory (which offers entrees as well as desserts, contrary to its name), Fox Sports Grill, California Pizza Kitchen, Red Robin, Champp's Americana and Johnny Rocket's Diner (a 50's style place spotlighting burgers, fries and shakes.)
When the Spectrum opened, it focused solely on entertainment. Parking was plentiful and close, despite the crowds. Well, with success came greed, I guess, because the owners have been building additions ever since. The parking situation has become a hassle, and so many stores have been added that it's soon going to lose its cute-date-spot feel. (There are two major department stores here, plus a crowd-attracting Target coming in 2006.) Still, in another way, it's become more convenient for all-around shopping. There are many teen-oriented clothing stores, too--such as Quiksilver, vans, No Fear, Tilly's Skechers, and others. A two-story Barnes and Noble is here, and the store-of-weird-inventions, Brookstone, has an store, too. If you're in the area, it's worth your time for a look around.