Well, we made it. 2018. Resolutions were promised and broken, lips were kissed, champagne was slung across crowded bars as poppers exploded and confetti flew. No matter how you celebrated last night, it’s now morning. The sun is shining and beer bottles are rolling across West Balboa Blvd. in the slight breeze.
It’s a glorious Newport Beach tradition that each New Year’s Day, locals gather at their favorite watering holes to ring in the new wearing their favorite pajamas. No need for makeup or glitter; this morning is all about celebrating au naturel.
If you’re looking to partake in the pajama game, here’s where to do it:
Mutt Lynch’s
2300 W Oceanfront, Newport Beach, CA 92663
A classic New Year’s Day choice. Mutt’s has long been the go-to for New Year’s Day-ers in Newport Beach. Starting at just about the crack of dawn, (or 7 a.m.) enjoy breakfast and brunch (view the menu here but it’s your standard bar fare) while gulping down an entire schooner of beer. Because nothing says go big in 2018 like downing an IPA pitcher so large you have to hold it with two hands.
Pro tip: If you’re planning to do New Year’s Day at Mutt’s, expect countdowns to New Year’s at regular, 15-minute intervals; Christmas carol and Top 40 sing-a-longs and a slight line to get into the party. But with such a great time to be had on the other side of that elusive Mutt’s door, what’s a five-minute wait?
Cruiser’s Bar & Grill
801 E. Balboa Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92661
At Cruiser’s on Jan. 1, watch College Bowl games in your jammies. This locally loved spot on the east end of the Balboa Peninsula is serving its regular brunch and lunch menu, plus bottomless mimosas until 1 p.m. So, throw on a onesie and toast to the New Year!
