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Detention

Detention Detention is an American-style restaurant situated on E 4th Street, offering a unique dining experience inspired by school detention. With its recent renovations, Detention has become a popular destination for food and drink enthusiasts. Though they offer limited walk-in menus, the restaurant's social media pages reveal frequent themed events and innovative dining experiences like their Molto Rustico and Trust Dinner Party or Ultimate Steak Dinner Seats to keep its customers coming back.
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Recent social media posts

Ultimate Chef Battle:  Cheat Codes -
05/18/2026

Ultimate Chef Battle: Cheat Codes -

Greetings, We celebrated Mothers' Day yesterday because last weekend we were at a wedding and didn't have the opportunity to celebrate on the official day.  That's why I forgot to wish all of you a Happy Mothers' Day last Monday.  I apologize.  I hope you had a wonderful day.   We are down to a...

Last Chance -
05/14/2026

Last Chance -

Greetings, Imagine a great wedding.  I attended one over the weekend, but it was nothing like you just imagined.  The bride called it "Bohemian."  It took place over the entire weekend and was filled with community building workshops and ceremonies, a sacred fire (a friction fire started by the g...

Ultimate Chef Battle:  Cheat Codes -
05/12/2026

Ultimate Chef Battle: Cheat Codes -

Greetings, Imagine a great wedding.  I attended one over the weekend, but it was nothing like you just imagined.  The bride called it "Bohemian."  It took place over the entire weekend and was filled with community building workshops and ceremonies, a sacred fire (a friction fire started by the g...

04/30/2026

Trust Farewell Tour -

Greetings, We've got two months to go.  I've been so busy trying to bring everything to a graceful conclusion here in Santa Ana and preparing for what comes next on the other side of the world that I don't have any personal stories to share.  When I'm not working, I'm trying to squeeze in a few f...

04/23/2026

Trust Farewell Tour -

Greetings, I've been working on websites and the like for Jason's Valencia, Spain business.  We'll introduce you to the website soon and tell you more about how we can make your visit to Valencia the most memorable part of your next trip to Europe.    For now, let's focus on finishing strong at T...

04/20/2026

Trust Farewell Tour Begins Next Week -

Greetings, I've been working on websites and the like for Jason's Valencia, Spain business.  We'll introduce you to the website soon and tell you more about how we can make your visit to Valencia the most memorable part of your next trip to Europe.    For now, let's focus on finishing strong at T...

04/15/2026

Trust Farewell Tour -

Greetings, I'm feeling a bit melancholy as we approach the finish line here.  By my count, Trust has 45 operating days until we turn it over to Chuy, who will turn it into his own thing.  After that, it's Playground Valencia for us. We've got a few classic Trust Dinner Parties this week and New ...

04/13/2026

This week: Wednesday and Thursday Trust Events -

Greetings, I'm feeling a bit melancholy as we approach the finish line here.  By my count, Trust has 45 operating days until we turn it over to Chuy, who will turn it into his own thing.  After that, it's Playground Valencia for us. We've got a few classic Trust Dinner Parties this week and New ...

04/09/2026

Veggies and Seafood This Week -

Greetings, We hope you all had a delightful weekend, and that your celebration of Easter, Passover and/or the Final Four was memorable. This week we are celebrating the bounty of the earth with a vegetarian feast and a couple nights of pescatarian fare.  We do hope you'll join us. Also, don't delay...

04/06/2026

Mothers' Day Brunch -

Greetings, We hope you all had a delightful weekend, and that your celebration of Easter, Passover and/or the Final Four was memorable. This week we are celebrating the bounty of the earth with a vegetarian feast and a couple nights of pescatarian fare.  We do hope you'll join us. Also, don't delay...

04/02/2026

April Calendar -

Greetings, We've got a lot of seats available at this week's Izakaya events.  I'm a little surprised because it's one of my favorites.  Maybe it's spring break or something, but the fact is, I'd really appreciate if you'd join us for one of our Japanese events this week. If the inherent quality of...

03/30/2026

Japanese Izakaya This Week -

Greetings, We've got a lot of seats available at this week's Izakaya events.  I'm a little surprised because it's one of my favorites.  Maybe it's spring break or something, but the fact is, I'd really appreciate if you'd join us for one of our Japanese events this week. If the inherent quality of...

03/26/2026

April Calendar -

Greetings, The April calendar is up, and we've got something for everyone.  Steak, seafood or vegetables, there are events for you.  Japanese izakaya, you bet.  And this week we still have a few seats open for our Trust events. I hope to see you soon, Bob

03/23/2026

April Calendar: Something for Everyone -

Greetings, The April calendar is up, and we've got something for everyone.  Steak, seafood or vegetables, there are events for you.  Japanese izakaya, you bet.  And this week we still have a few seats open for our Trust events. I hope to see you soon, Bob

03/19/2026

White Boy Thai Food -

Greetings, I'll never forget my first Thai food experience.  It was in the early 1980s.  My parents took my new wife and I to Charlie's Hideaway in Garden Grove (or maybe Westminister).  I tasted curries and exotic noodle dishes for the first time.  I've never looked back.  I've since gone to ...

03/16/2026

If you love Thai food ... -

Greetings, I'll never forget my first Thai food experience.  It was in the early 1980s.  My parents took my new wife and I to Charlie's Hideaway in Garden Grove (or maybe Westminister).  I tasted curries and exotic noodle dishes for the first time.  I've never looked back.  I've since gone to ...

03/12/2026

TONIGHT: Last Chance for The Spanish Dream Continues -

Greetings, I am a bit surprised to report that we still have seats available for tonight's The Spanish Dream Continues events.  I would have thought guests would be beating down the doors for this one.  When we were in Valencia, and later Madrid, with Jason and his family, he dragged us from resta...

03/09/2026

The Spanish Dream Continues -

Greetings, I am a bit surprised to report that we have seats available for Thursday's The Spanish Dream Continues events.  I would have thought guests would be beating down the doors for this one.  When we were in Valencia, and later Madrid, with Jason and his family, he dragged us from restaurant...

03/02/2026

Fun March Events: Steak and Spain -

Greetings, For those of you who haven't been following the family saga, Jason and his family will be moving to Spain in July of this year.  Meanwhile, he's loving his last months as the executive chef in Trust.  Please try to come by to wish him luck before July.  We are just back from an amazing...

02/13/2026

Fun March Events: Steak and Spain -

Greetings, We've got two fun events to kick off March.  First, New and Improved Ultimate Steak Dinner will run the first week.  This will provide you a rare chance to enjoy our favorite steak event on the weekend.  The second week is dedicated again to Spain.  Chef Jason will have just returned ...

02/09/2026

Fun March Events: Steak and Spain -

Greetings, I'm writing this before the Super Bowl because I'm sure when the Rams win the streets will be filled with rioters celebrating by burning cars and stuff and I may not make it home safely.  What?  The Rams aren't in the Super Bowl?  ... And it's Philadelphia that does that kind of celebr...

02/05/2026

March Calendar Released -

Greetings, I'm sorry.  We're getting lots of inquiries for Valentines' Day and now have a long waitlist.  I tried to give you lots of notice.  We still have several seats available for our vegetarian event in celebration of San Valentino.  We'd love to have you join us for that. We've got two fu...

02/02/2026

Chefs' Battle -

Greetings, While in Northern California with my youngest son last weekend we learned that he's getting married.  As we love his fiancée and her family, it was great news.  If only they intended to live closer.  (But this is the same son who lived in India for years running a reforestation projec...

01/22/2026

Chefs' Battle and While the Cats Away -

Greetings, I'm off for the weekend to visit son number two in Northern California, so I won't find it easy to send out my Monday missive.  And as we have just posted events for the last half of February, I decided to send this out before I leave.   I hope you have a nice weekend. I hope to see yo...

Address

220 E 4th Street, Ste 102
Santa Ana, CA
92701

To get to the American restaurant located on E 4th Street in Santa Ana, there are a few public transport options:

1. Take the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Bus Route 56 and get off at E 4th-Henningway stop. The restaurant will be a short walk from there.

2. Board the Metrolink train and get off at the Santa Ana station. From there, take the OC Streetcar to the last stop at W 5th St.-Spurgeon St. The restaurant is just a block away.

If you prefer driving, parking options near this location include street parking or paid parking garages nearby.

Opening Hours

Tuesday 5pm - 10pm
Wednesday 5pm - 10pm
Thursday 5pm - 10pm
Friday 5pm - 12am
Saturday 10am - 2pm
5pm - 12am
Sunday 9am - 2pm

Telephone

+17145604444

Alerts

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What people say

Detention on E 4th Street in Santa Ana is a must-visit American restaurant for anyone looking for a unique dining experience. The restaurant's playful theme of being in detention on the playground adds an element of fun to the dining experience. The recent renovations have made the ambiance even more inviting and comfortable.

One of the best things about Detention is their weekly specials that showcase their culinary expertise. From Adventures in Seafood to Molto Rustico, they offer a diverse range of dishes that cater to all tastes. Their Ultimate Steak Dinner is a must-try for meat lovers, and their Veggie Edition of Spoiled Lovers is perfect for vegetarians.

The restaurant has also received recognition for its exceptional service and food quality, as evidenced by its inclusion in TRUST's Top 100 US Restaurants for 2023. Additionally, they frequently host guest chefs like Gabriel Pascuzzi, adding variety to their already impressive menu.

Overall, Detention offers an unforgettable dining experience with delicious food and excellent service. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner or a fun night out with friends, this American restaurant should be at the top of your list.

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