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    Bear Flag Fish

    3.9 (1.7k reviews)
    Open • 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Bear Flag Fish Photos

    Business Info

    BEAR FLAG FISH ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Classy
    Casual
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Bear Flag Fish

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    Ahi Poke Bowl (half pound order)
    Brandon S.

    Great spot for fresh fish dishes. We got ceviche, poke, and the Bear Flag fish burrito. All tasted fresh and flavorful. Cool vibe inside with the bar and fish decor!

    Aaron V.

    If you're not from Southern California and you come here, just do yourself a favor and go to bear flag. The fish here is flat out incredible and everything on the menu is SO good. It's a walk up and order place and the ambiance is always so fun inside. Cheers!

    Half pounder of Salmon and chips and some Tommy sauce
    Rob C.

    Came a little late as they close around 9pm. Ordered the Fish sandwich because the roll master wasn't available anymore. Also ordered some grilled shrimp. All were good! Had the Smoky the Bear for the drink. All were good. The only challenge is the parking around here, Crystal Cove. Chris was great as always tending the bar area and the place were both great! Thanks and we'll be back!

    Black cod burrito, ahi poki, calamari and pico de gallo.
    Sandy K.

    Arrived on a Tuesday for the fish taco specials. It's been a long time and I noticed they expanded the dining area and the outdoor patio has been enlarged. Tacos were yummy & healthy tasting as usual and this place is great for people watching. There are car meet ups in the parking lot so you might catch some supercars and parking congestion. There's usually a line here but the line moves promptly and the entire staff is friendly and efficient. Definitely will be returning here again.

    Dave L.

    What an incredible location. The ocean is right there. The decor is amazing. The ocean breeze, the beautiful fish on display, the friendly helpers are all there to lure you in. It is a fun place to have lunch. The chowder arrived. We enjoyed it, but it tasted like they added too much flour. Okay, now comes our fish burritos. It is a cold flour tortilla, filled with plain white rice, cold beans, lettuce, fish and avocado. The taste was plain, meh. The fish was not seasoned at all. Not even salt. Why not season the fish? Add some cheese? Some pico? Some corn? Some pickled onions? Anything to add flavor? Chipolte has a much better burrito at half the price. All promise, but no substance.

    Bear flag burrito
    Will Y.

    LOCATION: in the large shopping plaza on highway 1 by Crystal Cove in Laguna, Bear Flag fish is hard to miss and located in the plaza. Parking can be difficult on weekends or busy as we almost didn't find any. SERVICE and ENVIRONMENT: service was great as you order at the counter and sit down with your number. Plenty of seating outside, not much space inside. It can get crowded during weekends forsure and line sometimes was out of the door. Very beachy, wood, and white interior all the seating were clean and the condiments, complimentary water, and sauces were available. FOOD: lots of different options for seafood meals, you can do tacos, burritos, plates, they have fresh poki. Most things are going to run you $15-23$ sometimes more. The burrito's were ok not much flavor and wish there were more fish. Everything tasted normal, however, you HAVE to get the calamari fries. we tried them and then got another one. Perfectly seasoned, light breading and coat on the outside, and the rest is all seas food meat! The sauce with it was incredible. Best food here hands down!

    Inside
    Srihan B.

    I came in there were big fish decorations at the ceiling, it looked beautiful. The inside area had tons of paintings and a big inside seating, but the outdoor seating is beautiful and right by these gated houses with beautiful houses The food came out quick, service was good I only saw someone at the checkout table I got the salmon 1/4 lb for 17$ (1/2 was 21$, I wish I got that) and I got cucumber, soybeans, furikake, and crunchy chili garlic. I honestly didn't notice that they didn't give me crunchy chili garlic until I wrote this, which made me quite upset. The furikake seasoning was almost nothing, so I essentially only got cucumber and soybeans. The cucumber was okay not like a ton of sauce to go with them (I got Tommy sauce) so I'm not that happy with that, the soybeans were good. I got the crunchy chili garlic later, and it's pretty good. Update: I tried my friends bowl and it was so much better than mine. I am incredibly upset with how little flavor I got, as well as the size of my bowl (apart from the fish). Maybe it's the salmon, or what I chose, but get the tuna and make sure you get your stuff. The greens are quite good. This place is good, but my service and food experience was upsetting. I am giving it a 3, it could definitely be a 4 or 4.5.

    Bear Flag Burrito with Brown Rice
    Michelle C.

    Bear Flag is my favorite spot to go to, especially the PCH location since you can view the ocean from some of the tables. The food consistently tastes fresh, and the quality keeps me coming back. The only downside is the parking situation, it's almost always a challenge, especially during busy hours. My favorite order is the Bear Flag Burrito. The fish is always fresh and gets a nice sear, which adds great flavor and texture. I do wish they were a little more generous with the Cajun seasoning, though, as the fish could use a bit more spice and depth. The half-pound tuna poke is another staple for me. The tuna is consistently fresh and marinated with shoyu sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and scallions, creating a simple but delicious flavor that lets the quality of the fish shine. I always pair it with their chips, which are incredibly crunchy. That said, I feel like the chips changed about a year or two ago. They used to be thicker and sturdier, which made them perfect for scooping up poke. The current version still tastes good, but they seem to break more easily, and I definitely prefer the original chips. Overall, Bear Flag continues to deliver fresh seafood and satisfying meals. Despite the parking headaches and a few minor tweaks I'd love to see, it's still the best spot for poke and fish burritos/tacos in OC.

    New England Clam Chowder
    Denise J.

    I stopped by yesterday at 8:29pm They close at 9:00pm The cashier Reese R. (Her name was on my receipt) was so kind and bubbly even though it was late in the evening, I ordered the New England clam chowder and one Bear Flag Taco To Go. My clam chowder was given to me quick. So I sat down and took a spoonful of the clam chowder while waiting for the Bear Flag Taco. Big mistake though ....I should've ordered 2 Bear Flag Tacos. I'll be back Bear Flag Fish.

    Laura S.

    I eat at this Bear Flag a few times a month and the fish is always good. The poke is fresh, the entrees, tacos, veggies, burritos and chowder, are all very good. The line usually goes through the restaurant and out the door to the sidewalk! It's worth the wait for a good, casual meal in a nice location.

    Ahi Tuna Loke, Bear flag taco, bear flag burrito
    Brian N.

    Bearflags has always been my go to spot whenever I'm around the Crystal Cove for the last 10. I could say it wouldn't be a successful beach day without bearflags !! My go to order is always the bearflags burrito and either half a pound of salmon or tuna. This time I went with the tuna. Ahi Tuna Poke - it's not your traditional Hawaiian seasoned poke. But it sure is good. I think the seasoning goes perfectly with chips. The ahi tuna was nice and firm and paired will with the seasoning. Bearflags burrito - Was the star of the lunch! The burrito was filled with beans and rice and pico and avocados with their Tommy sauce. All in combination with the charred blackened flavor on the fish. My go to. I recommend getting their El Yucatera salsa from the counter to go with it !

    Interior
    Tiffany N.

    Love bear flag so much. This is actually the first location I've ever visited. Typically get the ceviche but have tried other items on the menu like the burrito! Such fresh fish. You can never get anything better anywhere else!

    Wild King Salmon small fish plate
    Firas S.

    Poke here is always fresh. Their seafood is some of the freshest you can find. The fish market sells fresh cuts of whatever is in season and never disappoints. Great location and atmosphere for some healthy fish. The sides are customizable to fit any diet. Healthy and well portioned entrees, an easy pick. Staff is extremely friendly and the service is quick and reliable.

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    Bear Flag Fish Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Bear Flag Fish

    How is the parking?

    Competitive🤣

    Are there any specials during the week?

    What time are you closing tonight , Christmas Eve?

    Why are closed right now?

    It says on here that they are, but they are not.

    What time for taco tuesday specials?

    Is the Crystal Cove location open? Website won't allow online orders.

    Yes - they're open! I've noticed that they turn off online ordering when it's really busy

    What's their Taco Tuesday like?

    $2 Bear Flag Tacos (Panko Crusted White fish tacos)

    How do you sauté the veggies or what dressing do you use?

    The sautéed veggies had a nice char and really plain seasoning

    Will you be open Christmas night?

    Is the spicy sauce for poke mayo based?

    Yes it is

    Are the tortillas for the tacos gluten free?

    Yes they are

    Do they serve halibut or Cod?

    Yes

    View All 14 Questions

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    Bear Flag Fish - Ocean to table seafood in Lido Marina Village featuring freshly caught fish and bold coastal flavors at Bear Flag Fish Company in Newport Be

    Bear Flag Fish

    3.9(2.1k reviews)
    6.5 mi
    •$$

    Took me this long to finally try Bear Flag, and it did not disappoint!…read more Got a 1/2 pound of salmon poke and 1/2 pound of ahi tuna poke., and they each came with a side of tortilla chips! The salmon was buttery and soft, while the tuna was flavorful. Honestly don't know which one I liked more, they were both delicious. 'Bear Flag Taco': this tasted really fresh and light, felt like I could have multiple! 'Pineapple Margarita': I believe this was their special drink of the day, and it was only around $12! Personally thought it was strong, so it's such a good deal! Verdict: i didn't have high expectations, but everything I tried was actually really yummy!

    One of the Worst First Impressions I've Had at a Restaurant…read more I recently moved to Newport Beach and came across Bear Flag Fish Co. while shopping. It was my first time there, and unfortunately, it will probably be my last. I ordered a sushi lobster roll that was around $35. The menu did not clearly disclose the ingredients, and nobody explained to me what was included in the roll. When it arrived, it was covered in a very heavy amount of mayonnaise and other sauces mixed together. Because I have allergies to certain ingredients, I politely asked the waiter if they could take it back and prepare one without the sauces. The waiter was actually very polite and handled the request professionally. I had no issue with him whatsoever. Then JUAN, THE MANAGER, came over. Instead of trying to understand the situation or simply resolving the issue, he questioned why I would return an expensive item after it had already been prepared. I explained very clearly that the ingredients had not been disclosed to me and that I had an allergy, which was the reason I needed it prepared differently. His response was extremely unprofessional. Rather than showing concern about a customer's allergy or acknowledging that the ingredients could have been explained more clearly, he basically told me that the issue with the ingredients was not his business. Seriously? A customer comes into your restaurant for the first time, spends money on a $35 roll, explains that they have a food allergy, and this is how the manager chooses to handle the situation? Mistakes happen. Restaurants get orders wrong. That isn't what bothered me. The way management treated me after I politely explained the problem is what bothered me. For a restaurant charging premium prices, I expect premium-level customer service and professionalism. Instead, I left feeling like my concerns were an inconvenience. JUAN, as the manager, should understand that customer service is part of his job. If a customer has an allergy concern, the appropriate response should be to listen, clarify the ingredients, and find a reasonable solution--not argue with the customer about the cost of the food. The waiter was courteous and tried to help, so I want to give him credit for that. Unfortunately, the manager's behavior completely overshadowed the rest of the experience. First impression: extremely disappointing. If you're going to charge around $35 for a roll, customers should be able to expect clear communication about what's in their food and professional treatment when they raise a legitimate allergy concern. I came in as a new customer who was simply looking for a good place to eat in my new neighborhood. Instead, I walked away wondering how a restaurant with these prices can have management that handles customers this way.

    Photos
    Bear Flag Fish - Ocean to table seafood in Lido Marina Village featuring freshly caught fish and bold coastal flavors at Bear Flag Fish Company in Newport Be

    Ocean to table seafood in Lido Marina Village featuring freshly caught fish and bold coastal flavors at Bear Flag Fish Company in Newport Be

    Bear Flag Fish - Ocean to table seafood in Lido Marina Village featuring freshly caught fish and bold coastal flavors at Bear Flag Fish Company in Newport Be

    Ocean to table seafood in Lido Marina Village featuring freshly caught fish and bold coastal flavors at Bear Flag Fish Company in Newport Be

    Bear Flag Fish - Outside seating available

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    Outside seating available

    Mastro's Ocean Club

    Mastro's Ocean Club

    4.1(3.2k reviews)
    0.2 mi
    •$$$$

    PROS: Very upscale as in employees are in white tuxedos…read more I ordered the chicken with veggies on the side. The chicken with tomatoes is the best I have ever had. I had an awesome mocktail of pear no-rita. My friend ordered the buttered steak. I tried her steak. My friend did not like the hot-me Mango mocktail. It was too spicy. CONS: Loved the seating but I wish this was more open or had a better location. But definitely best food for date night and that is all that matters. *ONLY VALET. $12 You can park across in the shopping area. LOVED OUR WAITER!

    I made a reservation here for my anniversary with my girlfriend on the recommendation from a…read morekitchen manager of mine. I wanted to give my girlfriend the experience of a fine dining restaurant with a good view of the sunset in a nice setting for a change of pace for us, especially on a special occasion. I made a reservation 1-3 weeks ago, along with a request to be sat where we were able to have a good view of the sunset by the ocean. My reservation was at 7pm. I understand they were busy and needed to clean/set tables. But, I had to wait 20 minutes to be sat. I chose that time specifically because of the sunset time that day. The sun already was sat before we were. I will say: we were given the view of the ocean, just the view was blocked by a big party. Underwhelming start. Then we proceeded to wait 3-4 minutes to be greeted (started a stopwatch after we already were waiting a minute or two), which is not that long in retrospect, but sitting there with no menus made it feel long. I honestly was ready to walk out and get fast food in place of dinner for my anniversary. When our server finally came, she was nice. I do not think she apologized for the wait, but her section buddy did help greet the table in advanced and fired our Maestros Bread to get us started. We let her know we were first timers and it was our anniversary. She excused herself and let us know she would be back in a minute to explain the restaurant. When she came back, we could not hear her all too well as the restaurant was loud, but she did not project her voice to the table well. I appreciate the effort and the explanation of all the meals we had ordered as well. I enjoyed her recommendations and she was very cheerful the entire experience which was one of the highlights. What was not so great was: upon taking awhile to greet us, it took awhile for the server to come back to take the order. After taking the order, each course took 25-30 minutes in between to come out. To say the least: I got full off of the bread bowl we ordered in the beginning of our meal. We were not given ETAs on food or updates on the status of the kitchen or where our food was as we saw other tables that were sat after us get their full on courses. I understand they might have ordered items that would be cooked faster, but having to wait 30 minutes in between bites of food for an pricey (personally) dinner, rubbed me the wrong way as a service worker. I also felt that we were treated a bit indifferently as we are younger and their usual clientele they have are much older. Food: The oysters were great and I am not usually a fan, but they did a wonderful job. It tasted fresh and the amount of caviar to the size of the oysters was perfect in my opinion. Very well balanced. The Wagyu Meatballs were okay, honestly nothing too special about them. The marina sauce was good, rich in flavor. Paired amazingly with their bread. The filet was cooked spot on for me. So tender and juicy, but unfortunately I was already full from waiting at that point. The white cheddar mac and cheese was alright, I should have chose different for the side, but the dinner was an already heavier one. I do appreciate the gestures the server did for us, for our anniversary such as the dessert and also packing up our food for us. Though, I am sorry to say, but overall I do not see myself coming back nor recommending this spot. The food does not save the lack of service. side note: valet guys, super chill and friendly. very brief, but they gave the best experience of the night for me if that means anything.

    Photos
    Mastro's Ocean Club
    Mastro's Ocean Club
    Mastro's Ocean Club

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    Bear Flag Fish - seafoodmarkets - Updated October 2026

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