A Rockin’ Country Spot

Thank the good Lord for country music.

Not only does it understand an aching heart, but it’s also been a boon to nightclubs in these parts during an otherwise bleak time for the entertainment industry. While clubs of all styles continue to fold or hold on by offering a safe, mediocre program, country music venues have thrived.

Take, for instance, the Hop--that golden oldies dance and concert hall in Lake Forest. Since the building reopened last fall as the Country Rock Cafe, couples have forgone East Coast swing for West Coast steps on its 2,200-square-foot dance floor.

Kudos to the folks in charge of the reported $500,000 face lift. It looks like they spent three times that much.

Mood-setting sunset murals cover the walls, and over the bar a three-dimensional sculpture of cowboys riding horses stampedes toward you. A jewel in CRC’s cowboy hat is the large mirrored saddle that hangs from the ceiling, a fabulous alternative to the ubiquitous ball. Every inch of the club is branded by Western details.

Hailed as one of the more attractive and glitzier country music nightclubs in the county, CRC is also one of the only clubs of its kind here that always charges a cover. But with few other options in South County as gorgeous, well-managed and chock-full of activities as CRC, the few bucks required for entry isn’t too painful.

Beverage prices, on the other hand, can bleed your wallet. So cash in on the nightly drink specials whenever possible. Domestic brews are $3, while bottles of Heineken, Zima and Corona are $3.50, as are glasses of wine. Wells start at $3.25 and go up to $4.75. Sodas, juices and mineral water sell for $1.75.

The Tex-Mex menu is reasonable, with prices from $3.50 to $10. There are appetizers such as Texas nachos and quesadillas, salads, sandwiches and entrees such as rattlesnake steak and fajitas. The weekday “Western round-up� happy hour, from 5 to 8 p.m., features half-price appetizers and drink specials. Friday’s “spaghetti Western� happy hour offers all the spaghetti, Caesar salad and garlic bread you can eat for $3.

The reason CRC regularly reaches its capacity of 532 is the good times. Events are scheduled nightly, from dance contests to auctions of Western duds. Even Monday night rages with live acts, from local bands to national performers (MCA recording artists the Mavericks will be featured this Monday).

Dance lessons are offered nightly from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., except during Sunday’s family day when they begin at 2 p.m. and are scattered throughout the day. Both Saturday and Sunday are designated family days until 7 p.m. and attract many a young urban cowpoke revved up to two-step or do some of such trendier dances as the tush push and the electric slide.

* COUNTRY ROCK CAFE

* 23822 Mercury Road, Lake Forest.

* (714) 455-1881.

* Opens weekdays at 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.; closes nightly at 2 a.m.

* Cover: $2 after 6 p.m. weekdays, from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturdays and all day Sunday; $5 after 7 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.