We get it. Sometimes, you just want a cold beer, a hot plate of comfort food and a TV with your favorite sports team victoriously hurtling across the screen. Enter: the pub scene of Newport Beach. These gems of the culinary casual are ideal places for arm, friendly vibes. So, pop a squat, play a few rounds of pool and enjoy the real local scene of our coastal town.
Cruisers Pizza Bar and Grill
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801 E. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach, CA 92661 // (949) 220-9414
A warm bar with Midwest-friendly vibes, Cruisers’ menu features build-your-own Chicago-style pizza, sliders, loaded nachos, wings, poke, hummus and an outdoor patio for playing ‘pong.
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Malarky’s Irish Pub
3011 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92663 // (949) 675-2340
A local favorite for brunch, affordable dinners and of course, a weekend night out on the town. If you haven’t spent a Friday or Saturday night at Malarky’s, you haven’t truly experienced Balboa Peninsula nightlife. Known for their steak specials and Taco Thursdays.
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Newport Beach Brewing Company
2920 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92663 // (949) 675-8449
Newport Beach Brewing Co. (“Brew Co.” to locals) features all your standard bar fare—sandwiches, burgers, onion rings, quesadillas and the “Brewco Pretzel” as well as home-brewed beer made with only three ingredients: barley, hops and water.
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Stag Bar + Kitchen
121 Mc Fadden Pl, Newport Beach, CA 92663 // (949) 673-4470
Stag features a menu of elevated bar food, including made-to-order pizzas and gourmet meatball platters. The boozy brunch and custom omelettes are also a good, late-morning go-to on weekends. Play pool, shoot darts, watch football and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at this spot just about a block from Newport Pier.
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