The Foxfire Legend: 5 Untold Secrets Of Anaheim Hills' Most Infamous 'Cougar Bar' That Shut Down In 2016
The Foxfire Bar in Anaheim Hills remains one of Orange County's most talked-about, yet mysterious, venues, nearly a decade after its closure. As of December 21, 2025, the building that once housed the legendary restaurant and nightclub is long gone, replaced by a completely different kind of business. The Foxfire was more than just a place to grab a drink; it was a cultural landmark, a vibrant hub of Orange County nightlife, and a source of countless stories—some scandalous, some tragic, and all unforgettable. Its legacy is a potent mix of high-energy dancing, fine American cuisine, and a certain notorious reputation.
The establishment, located at 5717 E Santa Ana Canyon Rd, became an institution known for its unique atmosphere and clientele. Its final chapter was abruptly written in 2016, leaving a void in the local social scene that has yet to be filled. For those who remember its prime, and for those curious about the legend, the true story of its rise, its infamous reputation, and the circumstances surrounding its sudden end are finally being unsealed.
The Rise and Fall: Foxfire's Timeline and Core Identity
The Foxfire Restaurant & Nightclub was an Orange County staple for decades, offering a dual experience of upscale dining and a high-energy dance floor. It was a unique combination that drew a diverse and dedicated crowd from Anaheim Hills and surrounding areas, including Yorba Linda, Orange, and Tustin. The venue was especially popular for its live music and DJ nights, which often spilled over from the cocktail lounge into the main dining area.
The restaurant section was known for its American cuisine, often featuring classic steakhouse fare and a robust wine list. However, it was the bar and nightclub that truly etched its name into local lore. The establishment became a central pillar of the local nightlife scene, hosting events like Paint Nite and offering a welcoming atmosphere for patrons of all ages, though it gained a very specific, and widely circulated, reputation.
- Location: 5717 E Santa Ana Canyon Rd, Anaheim, CA 92807
- Cuisine Style: American Cuisine / Steakhouse
- Primary Function: Dual Restaurant and Nightclub/Cocktail Lounge
- Notorious Reputation: "Cougar Bar" (see details below)
- Closure Year: 2016
- Current Business at Location: BevMo!
1. The Unofficial Title: Why It Was Called The 'Cougar Bar'
No discussion of Foxfire is complete without addressing its most famous, albeit unofficial, title: the premier "cougar bar" of Orange County. This reputation was not a secret; it was widely embraced and even celebrated in local media and conversations for years. The term, used to describe older women seeking younger male companions, became synonymous with the Foxfire experience.
The atmosphere cultivated this image through its design and programming. The cocktail lounge was known for its dimly lit, intimate setting, and the vibrant dance floor provided a high-energy backdrop for mingling. Anecdotes and stories from the bar became part of Orange County folklore, cementing Foxfire’s status as the hallowed hunting grounds for a specific demographic. This reputation, while drawing a fun-loving crowd, also contributed to the high-stakes, dramatic environment that occasionally defined the venue's history.
2. The Tragic Incident That Sealed Its Fate
While the exact, singular cause of the 2016 closure remains a source of speculation, the bar’s history is marked by a dark, tragic incident that is often cited as a contributing factor to its eventual demise. The venue was the site of a widely reported shooting in its cocktail lounge, where a man shot a woman and then turned the gun on himself. The victim, Mary Louise Cutbirth, 51, was reportedly having a nightcap with a friend when the assailant, Larry Burgoon, sat down at her table and committed the horrific act.
This kind of high-profile tragedy casts a long shadow over any establishment, especially one that thrives on a carefree, party atmosphere. The incident, along with other unconfirmed reports of a "homicide" inside the bar in January 2016, created a chilling footnote in the bar's otherwise lively history. The combination of a high-profile, violent event and the inevitable challenges of operating a large nightclub ultimately led to the decision to close the doors for good in 2016.
3. The Post-Closure Reality: What Replaced The Legend
For years after the 2016 closure, the empty building at 5717 E Santa Ana Canyon Rd served as a stark reminder of the bar’s vibrant past. Locals often wondered what would replace the iconic Foxfire nightclub. The location, a prime piece of real estate in Anaheim Hills, eventually saw a new tenant take over the space. Today, the site of the legendary Foxfire is occupied by a BevMo! liquor store.
This transition from a high-stakes, dramatic nightclub to a retail liquor establishment is a stark contrast and a symbol of the changing landscape of Orange County nightlife. The location, once a destination for late-night cocktails and dancing, is now a place for convenient wine and spirits purchases. The change underscores the finality of the Foxfire era, replacing the mystery and excitement of the nightclub with the predictability of a popular retail chain.
4. The Foxfire Menu: More Than Just Cocktails
While the bar was the main attraction, the Foxfire was also a successful restaurant, known for its classic American menu. Its dining room offered a more subdued, elegant experience compared to the cocktail lounge. The menu typically featured:
- Steak and Seafood: Standard steakhouse cuts and daily fresh seafood specials.
- Classic American Fare: Dishes like prime rib, hearty pasta, and signature burgers.
- Extensive Wine List: Catering to the upscale Anaheim Hills clientele.
The restaurant provided the foundation for the entire complex, offering a full dinner service before the late-night crowds arrived. This dual model—fine dining and high-energy club—was key to its longevity and broad appeal in the Orange County area, making it a unique competitor to other local establishments.
5. The Lingering Legacy and Nostalgia of Orange County Nightlife
Despite being closed for nearly a decade, Foxfire continues to generate significant nostalgia and discussion across Orange County forums and social media. The bar is often mentioned alongside other legendary, now-closed OC venues like Cowboy Seafood in Newport, which shared a similar reputation and clientele. The Hive in Anaheim Hills is one of the current local establishments that occasionally gets compared to the old Foxfire atmosphere.
The legend of Foxfire is a reminder of a bygone era of Orange County nightlife, an era characterized by big, standalone restaurant-nightclubs that served as community hubs for dining, socializing, and dancing. The fact that people still actively discuss the venue and wish for its return is a testament to the powerful, unique, and dramatic legacy it left behind, firmly cementing its place as one of Anaheim Hills' most infamous and unforgettable institutions.
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