Balboa Saloon

On a Sunday, spent a few hours with my bestie at the Newport Beach public library on Avocado (yes…read moreopen on a Sunday and such a beautiful space! Support your local library!) and after was looking for a light fun lunch. Remembered that Whole Foods had a little beer bar in the back, located as someone else had mentioned what would be 1pm on the clock if Newport Center Dr circle was the clock, north of Santa Rosa Dr, with a wonderful parking structure across the street (has those great red light/green light parking indicators and tons of spaces). You can walk in directly through the back, avoiding the Whole Foods front entrance crowds. Back Bay Tavern in Whole Foods has bar, high top, and regular seating. Several TVs on with different sports (in NB, golf and tennis of course lol), not too loud,volume, mellow crowd. You order at the bar. Juanana greeted us - what a sweetheart. Lots of great beers on tap (12+), including several IPAs. Nice food menu with decent prices. I don't eat meat and my buddy was kind and was good with a shared order of the cauliflower nachos. We ordered, grabbed our beers and sat at a high top. Juanana served our cauliflower nachos (did I say how lovely she was?) Ok, we were blown away. Large portion. My buddy said "ok, we won't be eating all this", but boy did we mow. Lightly fried (think tempura) with an amazing sauce drizzled on it along with green onions, lettuce, jalapenos. So delish & still talking about it. (I did take a picture of it but we had already ate half of it - did not think would be too attractive lol). Easy parking, away from the shopping crowds, wonderful service and vast selection of beers and food - what a great little respite!

Really nice place. Good seating but watch out when seating but the swing doors the air comes in…read morefast. Food no longer available but they let you bring any anything you buy at whole foods. Lots of seating and lots of plugs for devices and stuff. Nice ambience! I would definitely come back.

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Wine menu 2

Snipe Island Crafthouse

4.4(173 reviews)

0.6 mi

Great place to get a good glass of beer watch a game have some pizza…read more They also have specials on Tuesdays for taco Tuesday. Service is amazing. Come and check it out. I had the Hawaiian pizza. The dough is perfectly cooked and also had the burger

Yummy French dip sandwich with a side of au jus! Fries were perfectly crispy. Food is super tasty…read more Came on a busy day, so service was a bit slow. But we weren't in a rush. It's clean and it's such a cute little brunch spot for a brew and a bite.

Ribeye sandwich, salad with bleu cheese dressing, and a Mexican lager from Laguna Beer.

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Bar area

Muldoon's Irish Pub

Wow wow wow! Love me a pub! Love the ambience! Love the drink choices! Of course had to get the 1/2…read morefish and shrimps combo!!! Damn!! Those shrimps were big & delicious! The fish was spot on!!! The varieties of sauces yummy!!! Definitely a place to checkout! I wanna come back again to try all the other unique dishes and drinks! It's just something different!

Today was our third visit here. There was no wait and we sat inside which made us feel like we were…read moretransported to a pub in Ireland. The waiter was very courteous and made the dining experience very enjoyable. I will say that the staff seem overwhelmed with how many tables they are responsible for. The food was hot and fresh when it was put on our table. I ordered the French Dip with chips. The sandwich and au jus was perfect. The chips were kinda stale and meh. My wife ordered the corned beef and cabbage. It was cooked to perfection and the sides held up well. We will come back to explore the rest of the menu.

Pub favorites: Shepherd's Pie paired with an Irish coffee

Muldoon's courtyard

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Crab cakes

Wild Goose Tavern

Went looking for a good spot to watch a World Cup game and originally tried the Harp. Big mistake…read more It was absolutely packed and standing room only, so we headed over to Wild Goose Tavern instead. Great decision. We got there a little before the game and had plenty of choices for seats. It definitely filled up as kickoff got closer, but with TVs everywhere, this place is pretty much built for watching sports. The food was surprisingly good, plenty of choices, good beer selection, and the service was excellent. Our waitresses were friendly and attentive even as the place got busier. The whole crowd had a fun energy, which made watching the World Cup even better. I've heard Wild Goose really cranks up at night with a younger crowd, but I haven't experienced that side of it yet. For a big sporting event, though, I'd absolutely come back. Great atmosphere, good food, cold beer, lots of TVs, and friendly service. Hard to ask for much more.

Tried this place after discovering on yelp. I was looking for a good espresso martini and this…read moreplace was a suggested result. I will say the espresso martini was not 5 star, but other drinks were good. We tried the blood orange marg, the spicy strawberry marg, and the cowboy marg. My mom liked the blood orange but the second round did not taste the same as the first. A bit of a consistency issue but she nursed it and finished it. My favorite drink was the cowboy marg. It was on the sweeter side but refreshing. For food. We had an assortment. Standouts were the steak dinner and onion rings! I would come back to try other things. The short rib grilled cheese was mid, but would be great to soak up alcohol. Cassidy was an excellent server, even as it got really busy for a UFC fight. Ambiance is definitely fun and unique. Generally, the experience was good. I would give it another shot to try other food and drinks.

Margaritas

NEW Ahi Salad

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ZENTRL Kitchen + Bar - Fashion Island

4.4(43 reviews)

1.6 mi

Hands down, one of the best spots in Newport to watch NFL football!…read more The massive LED wall is incredible, and there are TVs throughout the entire property, so you never miss a moment of the game. The outdoor patio is another huge plus -- great atmosphere, fire pits, and screens outside make it the perfect place to settle in and watch football. The service was amazing. GM Sergio has the entire staff engaged, attentive, and on point. What really stood out to me is that the employees genuinely seem to love working here -- and that kind of energy makes a difference. The food is quality and consistently good. The wings I had during the game were delicious -- crispy and cooked perfectly. It's also a great family-friendly spot if you want to bring the kids to watch a game or even catch a movie together. Great atmosphere. Great food. Great service. Great people. Absolutely love this spot!

So I would give more stars except they were out of 3 beers before I could place an order. I ended…read moreup getting Blue Moon which was down the list for me. The Dover game was on an it was a Sunday and they did have Happy hour ended up ordering some poke nachos and they were decent.

Best Big Screen to watch for any sporting event!

Sliders

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SideDoor

4.2(907 reviews)

2.0 mi

•$$$

Premium food with a casual atmosphere! Yess! I love the 5 Crowns menu, but dine solo a lot so I…read moreappreciate the casual vibes here. You can make new friends at the bar, or enjoy you meal in a relaxed setting. The service is 5 stars and so is the menu!

SideDoor has an intimate feel and the same food you know you'll always get from 5 Crowns…read more Parking is easy right across the street in the parking lot or on a side street. We usually sit at the bar where people are so friendly, as well as the bartenders. Get there early because it gets crowded. For a change from 5 Crowns, step to the side and try SideDoor. (ouch I didn't mean to make a bad pun! lol)

Inside.. love it!

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Class of '47

3.7(199 reviews)

0.1 mi

One of my favorite spots in Newport! You gotta check it out. Service quick and friendly. Maybe…read moresee Dennis Rodman while you're there. Lol

We stopped by this bar after the boat parade since it was the closest spot once we docked. I…read moreusually am not into dive bars, but this one pleasantly surprised me. The crowd was much more dressed up than expected, which gave it a fun, lively vibe right away. The bar was decorated beautifully for the holidays and already has a lot of character on its own. It felt festive without being over the top. There was also a taco stand right outside, which was such a great touch. My friends grabbed a burrito along with chips and guacamole, and it was perfect late night food after being out on the water. The bartenders were friendly and welcoming, and overall it was just a really fun place to spend time with friends and people watch. Definitely a better experience than I expected and a great stop after the boat parade.

John Wayne used to drink here.

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Helmsman Ale House

Helmsman Ale House is a good place to go if you're looking for a couple of great beverages…read morealongside a few tasty bar foods. My girlfriend and I opted for the breakfast burrito before we went off to the beach, and our friends got the steak frites. The steak frites are more of a chimichurri sauce style, but it was still pretty tasty, and you can never go wrong with a lovely breakfast burrito. Furthermore, drinks are very affordable here. I would recommend getting a few of their World Cup-style drinks as well. From there, would love to come back. Thank you so much, Helms Ale House. Great service and great ambiance as well. Nautical themed but not a lot of seafood. Why? I don't know.

Came thru on a weeknight for a couple of appetizers and drinks…read more Thankfully parking was easy and found a spot close by. The space was fairly empty, so we snagged some bar top seats. Bartender was friendly and attentive throughout the visit. Put in an order for a pretzel and fried pickles & jalapeños. Food was quick to come out, and everything looked fresh and tasted delicious. Paired the food up with some beers that were on tap (a Mexican lager, pilsner, and hazy IPA that they currently had). Brews and food were great! Vibes were chill, would come back again!

Helmsman Mac

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Hopdoddy Burger Bar

3.8(1.1k reviews)

1.7 mi

A cute burger spot in fashion island. There's plenty of parking and it's counter service. We came…read morefor a birthday party so we got two big tables close to each other. I loved their brussel leaves! It was so crispy - get it with the hot honey. I highly recommend the wagyu burger, it was SO saucy. I will say the portions are on the smaller side here but it filled me up. I love that they have a vegetarian menu which has vegetarian versions of their main menu!

Oh man, the Hopdoddy Brussels sprouts are officially on my list of food I must find a way to dupe…read moreat home. I love that they were crispy without being burned and they had great flavor. This was a delicious alternative to a classic burger or even a burger in a bowl with just romaine. I topped mine with their Nashville hot chicken which was actually pretty spicy! But the chicken was delicious and everything tasted very fresh. We also tried the queso fries which were good but nothing super special. I actually thought just the fries without the queso were good, I don't think I'd splurge for the queso again. Staff were friendly! The line to order did move a little slow but once we got sat it was pretty quick to get our food. I also appreciate the kind of indoor outdoor vibe here with the big windows and patio. I would definitely make this a regular stop if I was at Fashion Island more often.

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Mutt Lynch's

4.1(1.3k reviews)

1.8 mi

Visited Mutt Lynch's last night and our food was absolutely amazing. Our waitress Alex was awesome…read more Very attentive and friendly. We will definitely be back. Chicken tenders and Mac and cheese were perfect!!

My friends and I love this place!! The service is the best and the ambiance is always so great…read more Shoutout to Avel for being the best bouncer too!! We always have so much fun here.

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Mutt Lynch's in Newport Beach.

Muchos Nachos with shredded chicken (IG: @eatwithbaobae)

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Mimosa schooner

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29 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Monica C.

12 years ago

The duelling banjos from the movie "Deliverance" should be the background music playing in this bar. It would be a subtle warning that "outsiders" are not welcome! We held a reunion at a friend's residence along the bay front on Balboa Island on Halloween. We attended at this premises in the afternoon of October 31st dressed in our Halloween costumes. As we entered the premises we noticed the bartender was wearing a wolf mask. We figured we had hit on a fun bar to celebrate our reunion before the kids came around for their treats. One of the men in our group and I walked up to the bar to order a drink. The bartender was unbelievably rude to my friend when he ordered a Tab soft drink for someone in our group. The bartender proceeded to mock my friend and said "Tab?? Oh you mean the drink my dad would drink?" and when filling the beer order I observed him loudly using very vulgar language directed at my friend. We were appalled but thought possibly he was joking. We had two drinks and upon exiting the premises we filled the plastic drink cup containing the soft drink with the remaining ice from the drinks. We were walking toward the ferry when all of a sudden the bartender came running out of the premises and proceed to scream at us from the top of his lungs. He accused us of leaving with a glass of liquor. We attempted to explain but he was extremely aggressive and started to scream obscenities at us. He was out of control and so aggressive that we quickly walked away. We were extremely shaken up by this experience and I want to warn everyone that you are at risk of verbal abuse should this bartender be working. We are all professionals and simply wanted to have a quick drink before Halloween. We frequently meet up on Balboa Island from across Canada and the U.S. and it was our first and last time ever attending this place. I so wish I would have read the reviews below before wasting my time and money here. There is clearly no point in advising the owner either based on another reviewer's experience dealing with him. I suspect the bartender must be a relative of the owners. NOBODY in the hospitality industry would have someone like him employed in their premises. I did a bit of research on this Saloon and read elsewhere that the police have numerous charges filed against this bar. Our biggest mistake was not walking out as soon as my friend was subjected to round one of the abuse... read more

Bridget V.

2 years ago

If I had the option to not star this place and just post a review I would! Do not recommend this place to anyone. I came in with my sister in-law to have a drink and play some pool while we waited for my husband but the bartender decided not to help us. Her tone and rude attitude was felt as soon as we approached the bar. We were looking forward to having a drink while needing to wait but unfortunately ended up having an awful experience at this place. They need to hire a new bartender that can provide a friendly customer service. read more

Amber B.

5 years ago

This place is a filthy, stinky dump. Me and my girlfriends stopped in to have a drink and the disgusting smell almost choked us out. On top of that, some creepy old dude, who said he owned the place, tried to block us from leaving and intentionally rubbed himself against us as we tried to get passed him and out the door. Thank goodness we never even sat down long enough to order. Ladies... if you find yourself at this bar, be careful and stay clear of the creepy owner. read more

Brenda A.

108

6 months ago

Angelica at Balboa Saloon is hands down one of the best bartenders I've come across. She's friendly, attentive, and knows exactly how to make you feel welcome from the moment you sit down. Her drink recommendations are always on point, and she makes everything with care and consistency. Even when it gets busy, she keeps a great attitude and makes sure everyone is taken care of. If you're stopping by, definitely ask for Angelica you won't be disappointed! read more

Shea R.

16 years ago

Love love love love this place!! O HEY $4 vodka tonics! And its not even happy hour! What's not to like about this place? Even better i tried this new drink called ty ku witch i loved even more....love love love!! The saloon is large and spacious, there are pool tables and arcade games. The bartender, Eric, is really really nice and hilarious. The BF and I came here between whale watching and dinner, and for $20, we got pretty buzzed and happy. read more

Amber D.

654

10 years ago

Never have I ever been so disrespected in my life. Apparently the older lady bartender likes to run out and defend her old perverted boyfriends who tend to harass girls at the bar. First time at this bar and will gladly say I'll never be back. Older crew that comes here. And they apparently have territory at every seat of the bar even when there's only 10 people inside. It's a joke. Don't come here read more

Dana E.

1 year ago

I just heard the new owners of the Balboa Saloon fired all the staff . Bartenders who've been there for 35, 22 and 18 years amongst the others. This is a local bar and the locals attend because of their relationships with the people across the bar and the friendships we've all developed because of The Saloon. My sincere wish is these owners suffer severe financial hardship. Stupid Focks! read more

Philip C.

11 years ago

Douchebag bartenders, every one of them. They all act too cool for school and serve only their friends. If you go there, only order beer because the bartenders get pissy with liquor drinks. I literally cannot figure out these guys, they seem like hippie, down to earth people, but they're really just complete assholes. Good luck if you go there. P.S. Their bathrooms smell like dick. read more

Salem B.

11 years ago

One of my favorite local places! Always a great time, excellent bar service and amazing drink prices. Friday/Saturday nights are the most captivating. Rod and Jeff are consistently going above and beyond to ensure everyone is feeling welcomed and appreciated! Engaging local crowd with some noteworthy stories into the history of the place!! read more

Jenna K.

8 years ago

I would give 0 stars if I could. Can't believe this place is still in business, please don't support a racist establishment. I wish I would've read the reviews before going. Hope to see this place close soon, I'm all for fun dive bars with cheap drinks and pool tables. But not discrimination. read more

Harpreet D.

1 year ago

I had an amazing experience at this bar! The atmosphere was comfortable, the staff were incredibly friendly and attentive. The music and vibe made it a perfect spot to relax with friends or enjoy a night out. I'll definitely be coming back! read more

Ken T.

9 years ago

Friends came here and were turned away for being Asian. "We don't serve your kind here." Please dont support an establishment like this. They don't deserve the patronage of Americans when they don't support American ideals. read more

Raul C.

9 years ago

Sadly this place has become a haven for racist bartenders/management. Stopped coming once my buddies told me they were subjected to a racist encounter by their bartenders. Disappointed, will never come back. read more

Saylor r.

16 years ago

completely love this place first timer going here had alot of fun best part they have my favorite drink called tyku witch is hard to find places but i love it! so yummy top my night and its low cal yay! read more

Allie D.

1 year ago

So happy Jeff and Darla are still employed at the loon! Super great people, super friendly, we can carry on our continued relationship at the Balboa Saloon!!!! It's family read more

Nate M.

12 years ago

The stoner bar tender seriously just left the bar whole people were waiting to get drunk to go out back to smoke a join... Come on what happened to service. read more

Jenny M.

2 years ago

The bartender was rude AF. Don't come here unless you want bad service. A-hole with the beard was mean idk what his problem was terrible place read more

Mike S.

13 years ago

Bad service and food was par at best for price. People were nice in general but seemed to be a click and we felt it was a local place.

Venus G.

3 years ago

If you want to go to a bar with absolutely ZERO hospitality this is the place. Grumpy Roddy behind the bar needs to just stay home

Karl H.

101

152

2 years ago

Came in today , NEVER AGAIN. RUDE OLD HAG WITCH running the bar. nothing but local drunks. FK this place read more

Balboa Saloon - sportsbars - Updated October 2026

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One of my favorite spots in Newport! You gotta check it out. Service quick and friendly. Maybe…read moresee Dennis Rodman while you're there. Lol

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Place was stinky, dirty and looked almost abandoned. The bartender was rude and only had polite…read moreconversation with the old white people, I didn't get a second drink.

Madeleine's

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I like this place because it knows what it is and doesn't claim to be anything else. Small little…read moredive bar with 2 pool tables and cheap drinks. You can't get a Modelo for under $5 anywhere else as far as I know. I come almost exclusively for the pool tables. Its probably the only place in Costa Mesa that I never have to wait in line for a game. There are good players that come in from time to time to give you a good challenge. Yeah its cash only but that means you're not over charged on drinks to pay for those processing fees. My only complaint would be the bathrooms. God they smell horrible. I wish guys had better aim.

Just terrible owner was drunk, service was terrible we went there for my friends birthday party…read moreterrible mistake. We had to close out within an hour and leave owner was drunk and rude and thought she was good at pool which she is not. Don't come here terrible owner, service, and drinks. Owner drives drunk all The time !!!

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My friends and I love this place!! The service is the best and the ambiance is always so great…read more Shoutout to Avel for being the best bouncer too!! We always have so much fun here.

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The bar is cool on weekend nights for live music…read more Sucks that you have to pay a $10 cover I get it... like gotta pay the band But like discouraging when you trynna roll deep and they only take cash. Still a vibe for sure

The drinks were fine and the musicians were good. But it's definitely a crowded place, so be…read moreprepared to wait at the bar

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Another great Monday. Rory makes a mean Sugar Free Redbull…read more Can't wait to cruise back for some good times. Thanks

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