20 Best Bars in Newport Beach

“They have great food and a fantastic venue to listen to quality musicians! I was there last night with my husband. We got to hear Kenny Metcalf perform Elton John’s Deep Cuts. It was SO good! Kenny Metcalf performed songs I have only heard on Elton John’s albums. I’m so delighted I got to see this particular show!! WOW! It was off the charts musically and Kenny is such a talented singer and musician. When I closed my eyes I thought Elton was singing. The band was amazing too. That guitar player that I don’t remember his name, played a few solo guitar riffs that had everyone in the room clapping. The sold out venue was electric with the sound of Elton John’s deep cuts that I would never have heard live. So amazingly well done!!!! I left with a big smile on my face. I’m going to tell all my friends about Campus Jax….“

“Cool Newport Beach bar sitting on the beach side. Has been There that I remember from the ’60’s“

“Un bout de France à Newport. Merci encore pour votre passion et dedication!“

“Always a good time. Will be back“

“Me and my hubby been docking boats or ferry-hopping our bikes to Balboa saloon since the seventies. Half the year we live in Newport, half Montana-where whiskey still hollers your name out there. This here's our bar, our heartbeat. Fourth we light it up, holidays on lock, pool tables bruised from our elbows, salt and lager thick as perfume. Ensenada-Newport race? Honey, we command this place like pirates. The Owner finally did somethin' right-floor don't grab my flip-flops, somebody's moppin'! Jeff's still king behind the bar, new gals laugh real, pour cold, TVs sharp as knives. Only hitch-get Cruisers to wing it over so we quit dodgin' Death Trap Balboa Boulevard. Five stars, fat tip, and girl-we're bringin' every neighbor, every sunburned neighbor's dog, every salty soul we love down here to share the buzz we just crashed into.“

“Went in on a Friday night and the place had a nice energy without feeling too crowded. The bartenders were friendly and actually took the time to help me pick a drink I ended up really liking. Prices seemed fair for the area, and the music was at a good volume where you could still have a conversation. Food was decent too, especially the appetizers. Service got a little slow later in the evening, but nothing that really took away from the experience. Overall, it was a pretty good spot to relax with friends and I'd probly come back again.“

“Fabulous food and cool interior“

“I’ve been going down to the peninsula for 30 years never even bothered going in this bar, what a mistake that was I love it and will definitely be back. Found a new hang out bar for the summer.“

“Lobby Bar at Hyatt Regency Newport Beach is an easy, low-key spot to grab a drink without dealing with the usual chaos. The setup is clean and comfortable, with plenty of space to sit and actually have a conversation. Drinks are solid, nothing overcomplicated, and the service is steady without hovering. It’s not trying to be a scene, which is exactly why it works. Simple place to meet up, unwind, and keep things easy.“

“Amazing food & service! Kirk if the Best❤️“

“specials daily. strong cocktails. my go to when I'm in town.“

“If you're looking for one of the true Newport Beach institutions, Malarky's Irish Pub is a place you simply can't skip. It's been part of the Peninsula for decades, and there's a reason locals, tourists, beachgoers, and regulars continue coming back year after year. It's the kind of place that feels like Newport Beach the second you walk through the front door.

Malarky's has a personality all its own. It's casual, welcoming, loud in all the right ways, and always full of people looking to have a good time. You'll find everyone from lifelong locals to first time visitors sharing drinks, watching sports, celebrating birthdays, or just ending another perfect day at the beach. It has that rare ability to make everyone feel like they've been coming there for years.

The food is consistently excellent. Whether you're stopping in for lunch, grabbing dinner before heading down the Peninsula, or looking for something to soak up a few beers, the menu delivers. The burgers are always a solid choice, the appetizers are perfect for sharing with friends, and everything comes out fresh and satisfying. It's comfort food done right without trying to overcomplicate anything.

The bar is just as impressive. Ice cold beers, great cocktails, and bartenders who know how to keep the atmosphere fun make it easy to settle in for a while. Whether you're watching a game, catching up with friends, or meeting new people, the drinks and service never disappoint.

One of my favorite things about Malarky's is how it blends the old school Irish pub feel with the laid back beach culture Newport Beach is famous for. It never feels pretentious. It simply feels authentic. That's becoming harder to find these days, and it's one of the reasons the place has remained so popular for so long.

As the founder of Beerslut, I spend a lot of time in bars around Newport Beach because they're where some of the best conversations, funniest stories, and most memorable nights begin. Malarky's has definitely earned its reputation as one of those places. Every visit has its own story, whether it's meeting someone new, laughing over a few beers, or simply enjoying the atmosphere that keeps people coming back.

If you're visiting Newport Beach and want to experience one of the Peninsula's true classics, Malarky's Irish Pub should absolutely be on your list. Great food, cold drinks, friendly staff, and an atmosphere that captures everything people love about this beach town make it an easy recommendation.

Five stars from me. It's one of those places that never seems to go out of style, and I hope it never does.“

“If you're looking for awesome seafood with a killer view, Bluewater Grill Newport Beach is where it's at. The scene: 🌅 Imagine enjoying your meal while gazing at fancy yachts and the Newport dock. Pretty sweet, right? The grub: 🦀🐟 • Crab cakes: So good, it's mostly jumbo lump crab meat, no fillers • Mahi Mahi: Cooked to perfection, moist and flaky on the inside, crispy on the outside • Scallops: Melt-in-your-mouth delicious with a perfect sear Everything came out hot and tasting amazing. No sad, cold fish here! Drinks: 🍹 The red sangria hit the spot. Perfect for sipping and yacht-watching. Vibes: 😊 Everyone working there seemed genuinely happy. Like, actual smiles, not the fake "I hate my job" kind. Made us feel right at home. Bottom line: Great food, awesome views, cool staff. We're definitely coming back for round two! #NomNom #ViewsForDays #HappyBelly“

“I have only great memories of the Beach Ball in the early 1980's when Phil Johnson was owner or manager. Beach Ball always had a live band on Sunday afternoons. Great drinks great people great memories and times“

“Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach is a gem, especially for its live music every night. The atmosphere is so captivating that I often find myself singing along or even getting up to dance. The food and service are just as exceptional: my go-to dishes are the scallops, the lamb, and all the steaks. The seafood is so fresh and the steaks are far superior in flavor to any high-end restaurant. For appetizers, the ahi tuna tartare is a must-try (THE BEST I’ve had anywhere), and the calamari with its Thai-style twist of chilies, green onion, and cilantro over an amazing salad is a standout. Desserts? Absolutely heavenly. The cheesecake and panna cotta are favorites, but the Grand Marnier souffle is simply to die for. The service is also impeccable…from the moment you arrive with the complimentary valet service, to the hostesses, the bartenders, servers, and bussers. Everyone is so friendly and attentive! Bayside is an experience I cherish every time. Can’t wait for my next visit!“

“Best beef dip sandwich ever!!“

“Good Time !!! Recommend you should check it out !! 👍👍“

“We always get the Boardwalk Burrito 😋“

“This Italian restaurant has become my wife's favorite in the area. They have several locations but we have only visited the Newport Beach location. The servers, busboys, and management made us feel connected. So far, everything we've tried there has been outstanding. My wife's go to is the Artichoke hearts in evoo and garlic. The pizza, pasta, and everything in-between has never disappointed. The entire team at the Newport location helped make our special evening even more special. Thank you for treating us so well.“