Thursday nights are pretty lively! Pool tables are always occupied as usual. People are going nuts with the touch tunes. Drinks are still reasonably priced. read more

Beach Ball - Thursday' - Dive Bars Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Sunday Funday riding bikes in HB and we had to stop at our usual for fun drinks and enjoy the sunset. The service is always great. This time I tried an Espresso Martini because I saw another patron drinking one and they recommended it. So glad I did, it was so good I had to have a second! Always a great time here, highly recommend. read more

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Beach ball is a true treasure. Wendy our weekend bartender is amazing. She truly watches out for everyone that comes in whether a customer is rude or not she ensures you are safe and taken care of. Drinks are great regulars are awesome!! When you come in appreciate the window sill garden. Jetson does an incredible job rotating it based off holidays and the seasons! If you are around and see Chuck make sure you say hi! read more

Beach Ball - Dive Bars Near Me - Newport Beach, California

I love going Beach Ball. You get to meet the most random people in a very casual place read more

Beach Ball - Dive Bars Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Best bar in Newport and has a great energy in the evening with people playing pool and drinking. Great place to stop by early morning as they open early and is a great touchdown point after a bender. read more

Physically Assaulted I am writing this review with a sense of disbelief and anger over what transpired at Beach Ball on Feb 8th, 2026. My evening concluded not with a fond memory of the evening, but with being physically assaulted by the security's staff. As I was leaving of my own volition (I was not asked to leave, nor was I the last patron), the bouncer, without a single word of warning or provocation, shoved me in the back out the door. The shove was so violent that I was launched into a group of other patrons standing outside, almost causing a serious collision. I was forced to immediately apologize to these strangers, who witnessed the entire event. This employee, a representative of your establishment, single-handedly created a potentially dangerous situation. After this act of aggression, the door was slammed behind me. In the shock and distress of the moment, I realized I had left my newly purchased sweater inside. Given that I had just been manhandled by staff, I did not feel safe to knock and retrieve my property. Let me be clear: there was no verbal altercation, no refusal to leave, no intoxication--nothing that could remotely justify being put hands on. I would welcome a review of your own security footage to identify what, in your view, constituted deserving such treatment. This goes far beyond poor service. This is a profound failure of safety, security, and basic human decency. Until this is addressed, I cannot in good conscience recommend this establishment to anyone. read more

I visited Beach Ball 15 years ago and after an incredible evening of Golden Tee mixed with blueberry Stoli's & Sprite - ended up with a husband and three gorgeous kids! 5/5 stars would recommend read more

Doorman Physically Assaulted Me I am writing this review with a sense of disbelief and anger over what transpired at Beach Ball last night, 2/7/2026. My evening concluded not with a fond memory of the evening, but with being physically assaulted by a member of the restaurant's staff. As I was leaving of my own volition (I was not asked to leave, nor was I the last patron), the doorman, without a single word of warning or provocation, shoved me in the back with tremendous force. The shove was so violent that I was launched into a group of other patrons standing outside, almost causing a serious collision. I was forced to immediately apologize to these strangers, who witnessed the entire event, for an incident that was entirely the doorman's doing. This employee, a representative of your establishment, single-handedly created a potentially dangerous situation. After this act of aggression, the door was slammed behind me. In the shock and distress of the moment, I realized I had left my newly purchased beach ball sweater inside. Given that I had just been manhandled by staff, I did not feel safe to knock and retrieve my property. Let me be clear: there was no verbal altercation, no refusal to leave, no intoxication. Nothing that could remotely justify being put hands on. I would welcome a review of your own security footage to identify what, in your view, constituted deserving such treatment. This goes far beyond poor service. This is a profound failure of safety, security, and basic human decency. Until this is addressed, I cannot in good conscience recommend this establishment to anyone. I am out the cost of a sweater, and, most importantly, my sense of security at your venue. read more

Beach Ball is one of my favorite dive bars in Newport! My friends and I love going and playing pool. They recently came out with a cocktail menu too! My favorite one is the "Spicy Mike." The bartenders are efficient and friendly. It's really nice during the day because the views of the beach are so pretty! I love being there for sunset! I highly recommend this bar if you want a chill outing with friends! read more

Beach Ball - Dive Bars Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Holy shit!! Amazing dive bar. Service with a smile and a dirty joke. Dark and aged ambiance. This place is just what it should be. If you want food drink dark beer. Fucking Awesome!! read more

The beach ball is one of my favorites in Newport. My family has a tradition of coming here for a couple drinks anytime we are in town. All the bartenders have been awesome. Todd in particular was great when I was in the other day. Always a pleasure to drop in and visit the locals read more

I've ventured to this bar on multiple occasions, and it's for a few reasons. The drinks aren't too expensive, and they have a great selection. Last night, my friend wanted a glass of Chardonnay, and they had four different brands, which I was impressed by. The staff here is also very nice, and their security isn't aggressive like at a lot of other bars in the area. The people who visit the bar are also very friendly. It's a little dive bar on the ocean with a few pool tables in the back. Overall, they have everything you need here, and I will continue coming back to Beach Ball. My rating is 8.5/10. read more

I've been fortunate to enjoy some of the best spots across the world--but few have the soul, energy, and genuine hospitality that you'll find at Beach Ball in Newport Beach. This place isn't just a bar--it's a community. The kind where the staff greets you like family, the music brings you back to good memories, and the drinks? Let's just say they know how to pour. I was thrilled to see how they handled our tequila--respectfully, with creativity and care. That tells me everything I need to know about the people behind the bar. Beach Ball has that rare magic--a little grit, a lot of heart, and a loyal crowd that gives the place its heartbeat. I raise a glass to spots like this, that keep the good times rolling with authenticity and a damn good pour. -Rick read more

My brothers and I came here on a Sunday night after a day at the beach, and although we were not here that long, we had a great experience. The drinks were good and strong, the bar staff was friendly, and the atmosphere was neat. We will definitely come back, would recommend!! read more

Places is awesome. Takes me back to 1969 gets me really wet and horny fired up. Apparently you need 85 characters to leave her review so let me reiterate the beer is gold cheap and the vibes are good. Come here for a good time read more

Beach Ball - Good beer it's very cold. Root temperature is nice crowd is nice and friendly. Recommend crowd is also horny and we love it. - Dive Bars Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Awesome place for some quick service and decently priced drinks and great vibes with pool available !

I absolutely love this bar! The vibe is super chill and laid-back, with that perfect dive bar feel, but everyone is friendly and welcoming. The bartender was amazing--relaxed, helpful, and made the whole experience even better. They even gave us quarters for the pool table, which is a huge plus. Speaking of pool tables, they're awesome! Purple felt with cheetah print rims--such a fun and unique touch. And, if you're into music, they have TouchTunes, which I personally love. Being able to choose my own songs while hanging out with friends made the night even more enjoyable. The drinks were perfect to sit back, relax, and enjoy. Overall, it's just a great place to unwind and have a good time. Our bartenders name was Wendy! She was lovely. read more

Beach Ball - Pool tables - Dive Bars Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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I have lived in Newport Beach, on and off since 1977, and I have never been bored one time at the Beach Ball. Forget going anywhere else in Newport Beach. read more

Beach Ball is part of the culture of Newport Beach. Friendliest staff in town! Established in 1969 and hasn't changed in over 53 years. Cozy elevated bar with AMAZING ocean views. Great beer selection, skilled bar staff, and good vibe. Pool tables are in great condition and the Restrooms are very nice for a dive bar. If you're ever in Newport Beach the Beach Ball is a small cozy neighborhood tavern. Great merch as well. Cheers read more

This place is a rundown dive with a weird, inconvenient layout--you have to go upstairs just to walk back down into the bar. The whole place looks and feels old, and not in a good "charm" kind of way--just tired and worn out. The pool tables are small and cheap, the staff is uninterested and mediocre, and the food is flat-out lousy. Sure, the prices are fair, but you get what you pay for--and here, that's not much. Honestly, there's nothing memorable about this spot except how forgettable it is. Definitely not worth your time. read more

Best bar of all time love! We love the wood interior and the lovely ambiance made better by the FANTASTIC WORLD CLASS EMPLOYEES they make the best experiences and cocktails read more

I love it so much, happy birthday Madi!!! Best place evaaa, love the drink and the vibe!

A group of 8 girls walk into beach ball for a bachelorette. The bar is completely empty and we're ready to spend money. Each of us is carded at the door and the last girl makes a stupid joke that I'm sure the door guy has heard 1000 times before. She said "it's a fake". The door guy must have been drunk or has an alarming amount of built up anger because he says "that's the kinda joke that gets you kicked out you fucking bitch". I can understand being annoyed by the joke but that was completely inappropriate. We went next door immediately after that and didn't spend a dime. There's a reason they're always dead. read more

Beach Ball vs. Blackie's....it's so close. Both are great bars, but I give Blackie's a slight advantage, primarily because of the obnoxious bouncers at Beach Ball. Anyway, Beach Ball is an incredible bar with a great location. After walking up a few stairs, you enter the small bar area perched above the sidewalk. With a rounded bar there are a good number of barstools available. Friendly service once you're in. Downstairs there are a couple pools tables and a few other seating options. Love Beach Ball and am super thankful they've been able to remain in their location. read more

We always hit Beach Ball and Blackie's when passing thru Balboa and Beach Ball is our fave! Wayyyy more welcoming and friendly! We'll be coming back thru tomorrow! read more

Just an overall cool vibe at this speakeasy bar. Very small but it creates a very intimate spot for you to chat with strangers and just have an amazing time. The pool table at the back just a great addition for activities. read more

Come here if you want to meet the most rude bartender in all of Newport. Just walked in and he was yelling at me to see my id not problem to show it but he could learn to ask politely. I'm 35 years old. Not 21...he needs to relax. And last time I went there for a drink he was the bartender and he was rude then ...I was hesitant to go back. Now I know...never again. read more

The bartender is extremely rude, and when I was trying to explain my order, he was not listening to me, and he was changing the prices on the drinks I was getting the same drink why were the prices changing ? I went there on a Tuesday evening read more

Our by far favorite local bar...it's like a home away from our home bar! Great people and even better workers! Gotta love Uncle Chuck!

Great energy! Great bar! Great staff! Just good vibes all around ...... also if you're too inebriated (time to go) you'll get kicked out. Just be cool and respect ‍ Recently witnessed a few girls drink toooo much and blamed others . Act right and this place will be super amazing read more

If I could give zero stars i would Didn't seem to care about the hrs they posted they locked the doors early and snubbed me when I called Don't waste your time Not even a quality bar anyways only the location is good / otherwise what a waste of a business read more

Love coming to beach ball, chill spot.. pool tables.. touch tunes. What more does a girl need?? Had a fun Thursday night with Scooter and Paul read more

Aaron has always been a welcoming face and always took care of us. The service and atmosphere at this place is always great. Locals still love it even though it's in the heart of tourist central. read more

I've been coming to Beachball for over five years and I've always loved experience, and once Aaron started working there, he really added a personal touch. Always making us feel safe and making sure that how we left with a smile on our face. Can't wait to come back and hangout! Will come back to say hi to Aaron! Also ps , love that you guys open so early hahaha read more

Any decent Newport Beach bar crawl isn't complete without the Beach Ball. Our crew stopped by this beachside dive bar while attending an 80s bar crawl at several Newport Beach establishments. This spot is definitely a dive with great drink specials and a variety of pool tables available. It gets a little crowded as the night goes on, so we snagged a table and played a round of pool with fellow 80s goers. The Beach Ball is located along the Newport boardwalk and is easily accessible to the beach, as well as a variety of other bar options. It's single window looks out onto the pier, and has some pretty breathtaking views! Parking is relatively easy, but it's paid until 6pm. read more

Been here a few times before but never had too bad of an experience until the other night. A group of 7 of us were playing pool when the table next to us started hounding us for no reason - we were playing our game and minding our business. A woman in a Beach Ball tank top randomly shouts "let's go Brandon!" (The political right-wing affiliated phrase.) Out of annoyance, I responded for them to shut up. I was in a bar with friends and didn't want to be bothered with politics from strangers we've never met. The woman in the Beach Ball shirt just kept laughing and mocking us saying how mad we were, how upset we were, etc. It felt like mean children on the playground. She then kept saying "you don't belong here, this isn't the bar for you, we could tell you were liberals the second you walked in." Not one of us ever spoke a word about politics. We were just playing pool minding our business. Maybe she said that just because we were young? We are just average looking people in our mid-20s, with no words or clothes being related to politics. It's clear the type of people this bar attracts... and since this woman was clearly either an employee or a superfan of Beach Ball, we decided we won't be returning. I later attempted to sit at a shared stool in between our tables and she said I wasn't allowed to. (?) Just strange behavior. If those are what the casuals look like then I don't want to return. Seems like a hateful bar who promotes spewing hateful messages. Edit: Coming back weeks later to say that five of us got Covid after coming here. Lmaoooo read more

It's a bar folks. I read a lot of reviews- good and bad. The drinks are strong and Bloody Mary's delicious. View is great if you score a window seat. If you don't? Please put down your device and chat with a fellow customer. It's not a club. It's not a fancy "speakeasy" There are pool tables. Get your ID ready even with grey hair. Yes, people, it's a dive where the restroom is small and I suggest grabbing the handle out with a paper towel. Bar staff and door person have always been cool. YES folks that are over served need not try. Cmon you all with 1 star posts that can't spell and don't remember the day. They are doing their jobs. Melanie Michael Sam- thanks. My go to for laughs in Newport read more

Love this place! Super chill staff and friendly customers. Great spot to just hang out with a beer. I really liked the ambience of this bar. It's got this nautical feel inside that fits right in with the beach location and the wood molding makes it warm and inviting. Hilarious signs posted throughout so give 'em a read, you'll be glad you did. read more

Well, three years later and I visited again. Man bun is gone, (most likely a lawyer now), and Paul is the new door man. Paul is awesome, friendly, accommodating and the rest of the staff follows suit. Beachball gets out cash again! Cheers read more

Bar is ok small with poll Tables, no DJ, bartender kind and vibe pretty much what you make of it, TouchTunes DJ at a cost. However the door person is rude w/ a chip on their shoulder. First he was not present at the door as we walked in, we immediately were greeted by the bar and our drink order was taken along with our ID check, shortly after door guy walks w/ terrible attitude as if we walked in legally or something of such. Furthermore, as we attempted to make the best of our night there, my girlfriend had placed her head down from a headache without any visible sign of intoxication, and this guy aggressively harassed us leave. I have never felt so uncomfortable and bullied by a grown adult male. I will never return nor would recommend it. read more