After the presents are unwrapped and the carols sung, what’s left, we ask, but to eat and drink even more on Christmas day? We’ve got the scoop on what’s open around Balboa Peninsula this joyous holiday, so if your heart is full but your stomach isn’t, here are a few festive options:
Malarky’s Pub & Grill
3011 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, CA 92663
Open today: 7:30 a.m. – 2 a.m. (Kitchen closes 8 p.m.)
Good for: Breakfast, brunch and late-night cocktails. Malarky’s prides itself on being an establishment open all day and night on Christmas. Expect local pub grub and TVs with all the football.
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Woody’s Wharf
2318 Newport Blvd. Newport Beach, CA 92663
Open today: Noon to 2 a.m. (Food until 10 p.m.)
Good for: Waterfront dining, simple eats and a festive atmosphere with Christmas decorations and a warm, cozy fire. Staff is friendly, Bloody Marys are divine.
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Mutt Lynch’s
2300 W. Oceanfront, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Open today: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (The kitchen is closed today; the bar will probably close around 6 p.m. but last call is 5 p.m.)
Good for: Schooners of beer and football-watching cheer. If you’re down for some extra-sized pints, Mutt’s is your place today.
Beach Ball
2116 W. Oceanfront, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Open today: 6 a.m. – 2 a.m. (No food but strong drinks and even stronger Christmas cheer.)
Good for: Drinks and local flavor. Seasoned Newport Beach residents know Beach Ball is always good for a good time and that rule has no exception on Christmas Day. Expect Santas boozing and Elves ‘afloozin’ (or something).
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Stag Bar & Grill
121 McFadden Pl., Newport Beach, CA 92663
Open today: 8 a.m. – 2 a.m. (Kitchen closes 9 p.m.)
Good for: Pizzas made to order, elevated bar food and a lively crowd. (Their boozy brunch and custom omelettes are a good, late-morning go-to today.) Play pool, shoot darts, watch football and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at this spot that’ll probably be one of the sliiiightly more crowded locations on the Peninsula today.
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Charlie’s Chili
102 McFadden Pl., Newport Beach, CA 92663
Open today: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Good for: Chili plates, including omelettes, burgers and your standard American fare like BLTs, swiss cheese sandwiches and tuna sandwiches. The patio is dog-friendly, so grab a sweater, grab a seat and chili out!
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Jane’s Corndogs
106 McFadden Pl., Newport Beach, CA 92663
Open today: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Good for: Corndogs and standard beachside food. (Nachos, ice cream, hot dogs and more.) Don’t expect five-star dining but hey, it’s Christmas and you’re steps from the shore. The Michelin Stars aren’t necessary.)
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Cabo Cantina
100 South Main St., Newport Beach, CA 92661
Open today: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. (“We’ll probably stay open a little later than that,” said Cabo Cantina’s host. “But last call is 8 p.m.)
Good for: A Mexican-flavored Christmas. Festive margaritas, quesadillas and taquitos abound. Feliz Navidad, Newport Beach!
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Sharkeez
114 McFadden Pl., Newport Beach, CA 92663
Open today: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. (Kitchen is closing a bit early today, around 8/8:30 p.m.)
Good for: Baja-Mexican vibes and a jolly atmosphere with tinges of holiday rowdiness. The drinks are inexpensive, the staff is friendly and you’re so close to the beach you can almost hear the waves churn.
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Newport Coffee Co.
104 McFadden Pl., Newport Beach, CA 92663
Open today: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Good for: Coffee, pitaya bowls (crushed berry bowls) and small pastries (scones, muffins and cookies). The coffee is made from Stumptown Coffee Roasters’ beans and it’s pure, morning goodness.
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Cruiser’s Bar & Grill
801 E. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach, CA 92661
Open today: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. (Kitchen closes at 1 a.m. but the bar closes 2 a.m.)
Good for: Watching football, eating pizza and typical bar fare, drinking beer … what more could you ask for on Christmas Day in Newport Beach?
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