Blackie’s By The Sea
2118 W. Oceanfront, Newport Beach, CA 92663
As local as local gets. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the no nonsense, classic Balboa Peninsula dive, Blackie’s is the spot. The drinks are cheap, the bartenders and patrons are friendly and if you sit at the bar and sip on a cold Pacifico, order a pickled egg then thank us later.
Cassidy’s Bar and Grill
2603 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, CA 92663
From the outside, Cassidy’s looks pretty much like an abandoned building you’d pass when getting to the real place you’re going for the night. Step inside though and you’re transported into a mystical dive bar land of pool-playing, TV-lined, music-blasting, dimly lit awesomeness, where bartenders know 90% of the patrons by first name and have their drink ready and waiting before they can even find a seat.Cassidy’s burgers are known as the best in O.C. and trust us, their no-nonsense fare more than lives up to the hype. For those who want a little sizzle to their slider, add the “special sauce.”
Class of 47
209 Palm St,, Newport Beach, CA 92661
A local favorite wedged between the iconic Balboa Ferry and Balboa Fun Zone, Class of 47 is one of those if-you-know-you-know dive bars on Balboa Peninsula. The ceiling is a covered in dollar bills signed by patrons and the walls are lined with photos and cutouts of John Wayne. There’s no food here—just strong, cheap drinks—but everyone knows everyone and if you don’t, you will by the time you leave.
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