The Happiest of Happy Hours on Balboa Peninsula

Oh, happy hour! You’re just unendingly wonderful and delightful and … happy!

Is there anything better than escaping from the confines of a gray-ish cubicle to the sunshine of an outdoor patio, cool drink in hand? We think not. And so, to guide you on this libation-minded, post-work journey, we’re listing some of our favorite happy hours around town.

21 Oceanfront

2100 W Oceanfront, Newport Beach, CA 92663

Happy Hour: Sunday through Thursday, 4 – 7 p.m 

Image via facebook.com/pg/21-Oceanfront-Restaurant

Happy hour at 21 Oceanfront is a mix of old-world charm and local flavor. Enjoy $9 well drinks, discounts on select wines by the glass, $6 beers and reduced-price appetizer items. Among our food favorites? The salmon poke stack, jumbo lump crab cakes and petite New Zealand lamb chops.

// VIEW MENU

3-Thirty-3 Waterfront

333 Bayside Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Happy Hour: Monday through Friday, 3 – 6 p.m. 

Image via facebook.com/3thirty3waterfront

Discounted drinks and appetizers abound at this perennial favorite for after-work libations. As its name suggests, the waterfront boasts rows of wood tables with comfy booths, high, vaulted ceilings, an enormous, circular bar and picture windows that overlook an evening-glittered Newport Bay.

// VIEW MENU

The Cannery

3010 Lafayette Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92663

Happy Hour: Every day, 3:30 – 7 p.m. 

Two words: Jellyfish. Lounge. The upstairs retreat at The Cannery (decorated with faux, electric jellyfish hanging from the ceiling) has not only garnered the unofficial title of Jellyfish Lounge, it’s also known as one of the best happy hours in Newport Beach. Half price sushi and discounted craft cocktails? Yes, please. 

// VIEW MENU

Fly N Fish Oyster Bar and Grill

2304 W Oceanfront, Newport Beach, CA 92663

Happy Hour: Monday through Friday, 3 – 6 p.m. 

Image via facebook.com/flynfishoysters

Fly N Fish is a local happy go-to for those seeking a fancier happy hour alternative to the more casual options around town. Highlights on the discounted happy hour menu include fresh oysters, crispy calamari and Wild Alaskan Cod fish tacos. Plus, with the restaurant’s massive windows overlooking the glittery Pacific Ocean beyond, happy hour in Newport Beach never looked so scenic … or scrumptious.

// VIEW MENU

Nobu

3450 Via Oporto Suite 101, Newport Beach, CA 92663

Happy Hour: Monday through Thursday, 3:30 – 6:30 at the bar

Image via Facebook.com/NobuNewportBeach

At Nobu, happy hour is called Tanoshi Hour and features: cold plates like Yellowtail Sashimi Jalapeño and a three-piece oyster platter; hot plates like Prime Beef Kushiyaki with Teriyaki and Umami Seabass Taco; four varieties of sushi maki; discounted cocktails, sparking wine, red wine, white wine and sake.

// VIEW MENU

SOL Mexican Cocina

251 Pacific Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Happy Hour: Monday through Friday, 3 – 6 p.m

Image via facebook.com/SolCocinaRestaurants

The vibes at this Baja-inspired, waterfront spot are always bright and lively, with a delightful happy hour menu to match. Fishes include street tacos, grilled sweet corn, firecracker quesadilla and SOL Mexican Cocina’s signature hot and raw ceviche. House margaritas are priced at $6, Skinny margaritas are $7, the watermelon margarita is $9, 12 oz. beers are $4, and house red and white wine is $6 per glass.

// VIEW MENU

Zinqué

3446 Via Oporto, Newport Beach, CA 92663

Happy Hour: Monday through Friday, 4 – 6:30 p.m. 

Image via facebook.com/LeZinque

A happy hour with coastal-chic vibes in Lido Marina Village, Zinqué is ideal for indulging in bay-front views, discounted wines and fresh small plates. (The burrata cheese platter is particularly sumptuous and pairs oh-so-well with happy hour wine.)

// VIEW MENU

*NOTE: Prices on all happy hour menus are subject to change. Please check the restaurant menu for pricing.*