27 Best Dive Bars near Newport Beach

“Newport Beach in my opinion is one of the best beaches for young families. The beach itself is flat, easy to walk on, and continues out into the water. Small waves that run along the beach make it easy and confidence-building for the little ones. Very clean, bathrooms are close, and lifeguards are present and very active. Parking is the only factor that might take a bit. You have to cruise the parking lot to find someone pulling out.“

“If you're looking for a true Newport Beach classic, Cassidy's Bar & Grill is one of those places that absolutely deserves a visit. Whether you're stopping in after a day at the beach, bar hopping through the Peninsula, or just looking for a place with great people and cold beer, Cassidy's delivers every single time.

One of the first things you'll notice is how professional and hardworking the security staff is. Tai, Will, Troy, and Saed do an incredible job keeping the place safe and making sure everyone has a good time. They're respectful, approachable, and always on top of things, but here's a friendly piece of advice... don't screw with them. They're there to keep the atmosphere fun for everyone, and they do that job exceptionally well.

The bartenders are just as awesome. Both Dereks and Brian have always treated me like family. They're fast, friendly, know how to keep the drinks flowing, and somehow remember faces even after a packed weekend. Great bartenders can make or break a neighborhood bar, and these guys are a huge reason Cassidy's has built such a loyal following over the years.

And let's talk about the food.

The burgers are seriously underrated. They're exactly what you'd hope for after a few beers, fresh, juicy, cooked right, and absolutely hit the spot. Whether you're grabbing lunch or trying to recover from a long night out, you won't leave disappointed. Voted best in all of Orange County multiple times, dont forget the sauce!

What really makes Cassidy's special, though, is the atmosphere. It's one of those rare bars where locals, visitors, regulars, and first timers all seem to fit right in. The conversations come easy, the staff makes you feel welcome, and every visit has the potential to become another great story.

As the founder of Beerslut, I can honestly say places like Cassidy's have inspired a lot of our blog stories and even some of our clothing designs just like Beachball & Baja Sharkies. It's a genuine neighborhood bar with personality, history, and the kind of authentic Newport Beach character that's becoming harder to find.
Its honestly my absolute favorite for a plethora of reasons.

If you're in Newport Beach and want to experience a real local institution dive bar instead of just another trendy spot, put Cassidy's Bar & Grill at the top of your list.“

“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“

“Always a blast at the Blarney Stone! Regulars that will make your day and bartenders that know your drink! They are hard working and great people you will love them all no matter who is working! All the memories and Great Wall decor it’s worth checking it all out! Different things going on all the time no matter what day of the week! I go every time I visit Orange county! You may just find your people here !! Cheers!
(Also.. you can get food next door , just ask and anyone will tell ya! I recommend the carne asada fries)
Forever grateful for the people I have met here!“

“A MUST go. As a veteran and parent to an active service member who was in the area during military training this place is a must go for all veterans or military members. The pizza is out of this world and probably top two of the best I’ve ever had in my life. The atmosphere is great and Johnny is a class act guy.“

“Great place for drinks bartender was awesome and super nice. Great beer selection and great music too“

“love this spot ! Music, food ,& the service is awesome 👌 Will be back !“

“Reviewed this place on yelp as well! I come here almost every night and adore it. Truly feels like a second home (with a lot more booze- lol) If you get to meet the bartender Kat you’re in for the best time. I’ve adored her since the minute she started there. I haven’t seen her as much lately- hope that changes. Other than that, this place is truly the best local bar in Orange County.“

“This place is an absolute gem in Costa Mesa. I stopped in for a drink and the atmosphere is exactly what you want from a local spot. It is vibrant, laid back, and full of character.

I really enjoyed the setup. The walls are covered in so many unique stickers that you could spend an hour just looking at them. It makes for such a cool, personal vibe while you enjoy your beer.

Everything was perfect for a relaxing night out. Whether you are grabbing a pint or just hanging out at the bar, it is a great time. I will definitely be back.“

“Fun place bartenders are nice, They host Pool league and a Dart league several nights a week dart players are older folks who can be slightly rude but otherwise fun place for any night of the week they have TouchTunes jukebox that has an app you can pick almost any song you can think of it's fun“

“really appreciate the staff here, especially the bartenders Taylor, Kaylee, Chris, and Tammy, as well as the doormen Daffer and Leon. They’ve always been friendly, professional, and helped create a welcoming atmosphere.

The environment can vary depending on the night and the crowd, but overall it’s a great place to relax, play some pool, and hang out with friends. The pool tables are well-maintained and reasonably priced, which is a big plus. If you’re looking for a laid-back spot to chill and shoot some pool, this place is definitely worth checking out.“

“A strip mall bar, that is exactly what it should be. Locals at the bar, cheap drinks and a jukebox playing. Will return for the drink prices alone and I'll stay for the good vibes.
Also the beer selection was excellent. Just good ol' reliable classics. Not a whole lot for the beer nerds but this isn't really that kinda place.“

“Great little place to have a quick drink or spend a Friday or Saturday night. They have multiple TV sets for watching the game,two pool tables and an old school shuffle board .the place is clean and even they bathrooms were kept clean and fresh.The bartender was a beautiful young woman with an affectionate smile and was busy and still made sure to c g neck on her customers and make sure they were good.i would recommend this spot over any other in the Tustin area come down to nite it's always funn“

“Great place love going there !“

“Been a nice place for many years to sit have a beer, catch a game or sip some wine with a date. My favorite is shooting the breeze or some pool. Serving staff always cordial and with a smile. Pretty decent selection of Taps, bottle and canned beers. Lots of Big Screens to boot“

“LOVE the GOAT‼️♥️ 1st place I headed on my last day to begin my RETIREMENT‼️ Life is good‼️😃“

“This is a quiet, tucked-away bar with plenty of space inside. It features pool tables, pinball machines, and soon will have Phoenix online dart boards where you can compete with players from around the world or from the bar next door. Dart leagues are starting soon, so ask the bartender for more information and to sign up. There’s also a TouchTunes jukebox for your music needs.“

“Invited my friend for her Bday treat and was not disappointed 🤩 steak was melting in my mouth and my friend said that fillet mignon was super tender !! potatoes and veggies simply delicious 😋 very good service and atmosphere 🥰 highly recommended 5⭐️👌“

“My wife and I were on vacation from AZ and visited this great dive bar three times. Everyone treated us like regulars and we fit right in. Bartenders and the patrons were all so welcoming and nice. The AZ couple will be back every time we visit Huntington Beach. Thanks for the hospitality, shots, and ride to the airport!“

“Love this place. Sleepy little dive bar with hands down, the most hilarious K.J. on Wednesday nights. Service is always fast and happy to see you. Pool tables are always clean and ready to go. Only complaint. I really wish they served pitchers. Easily my favorite place to spend a Wednesday night.“

“Showed up with my boy who was visiting from out of town. Never been to a lounge or bar in Santa Ana before. This is definitely the neighborhood spot, but they made me and my friend feel like regulars.

Claudia hooked it up with the libations. She made it happen. I mean you won’t get Clase Azul here but you’ll get first class food and service.

I had no idea the food was going to be on point as it was and it surprised me. You expect bar food, but this food is on another level. Fresh made tortilla chips served hot with mouth watering and juicy tacos. I had the asada and al pastor. Served hot and fresh.

Claudia and the chef Josh made it real nice for the experience. I highly recommend if you’re in Santa Ana. It’s dark in there so when we came out the doors at 5p you definitely need sun shades or time to adjust.

It’s a perfect vibe in there. Lookout for the baby giraffe!“

“I've been going to Mother's for years. This Tavern is small but cozy. It's a bikers bar but everyone there are really Chill and Cool. The drinks are good and reasonably inexpensive. They don't serve food but that's ok. Visit if you want a change of pace and people there are really cool.“

“It’s a great place to have a beer.“

“It's an Awesome place to have a drink and Par-tay the cocktail waitresses we're a total blast my band played there Saturday Oct 29th and we were treated with the best of respect by all can't wait to come back and play again .. Switch-Blade Rocks !“

“Great live music, wonderful bartenders, low key atmosphere!!!“

“Love the atmosphere, everyone that walks in just wants to have a drink, a good time and make friends... Best little dive bar in Costa Mesa and Penny is the coolest bar tender :-)“

“LOVE the GOAT‼️♥️ 1st place I headed on my last day to begin my RETIREMENT‼️ Life is good‼️😃“