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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Balboa Peninsula

Food and Bar

You want a place where the food is as reliable as the drinks, and you shouldn't have to choose between a good meal and a proper bar.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
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Updated May 2026
01
Cassidy's Bar & Grill image 1
Cassidy's Bar & Grill image 2
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Garage-like space with wood walls and flickering beer signs creates a dive bar vibe. Crowd is lively and relaxed, with pool tables and music adding to the casual atmosphere. Known for best burgers and a unique, unpolished charm.

Greasy food stands out with a great taste that matches the vibe of a dive bar. Service is friendly and efficient, making it a solid spot for cheap drinks and hearty meals.

Dive bar vibe defines the place with a chill atmosphere and consistent crowd. Pool tables and a selection of bourbon complement the amazing beverages and classic bar food like the patty melt and Back Yard BBQ style burger.

People are saying

"It's a great dive bar with a chill vibe."

"It's a great dive bar with stiff drinks and chill vibes."

"The food here is great, just like the service."

Good to know

1

Cassidy's Bar & Grill does not allow kids, making it an adult-only venue.

2

Parking is easy to find near Cassidy's Bar & Grill.

3

Expect a casual atmosphere perfect for relaxing and hanging out.

02
Bee's Knees Southern Kitchen & Bar image 1
Southern restaurant (US)

Quaint Southern restaurant with a cozy back patio featuring heaters and an open, airy dining room. Atmosphere feels friendly and down-to-earth, like a neighborhood joint that welcomes guests warmly. Known for creative menu items and standout cocktails like the spicy chipotle Bloody Mary.

Food features gourmet southern cuisine with a modern twist and refined presentation. Dishes cook to perfection and balance authentic flavors with visual appeal.

Bar service includes fantastic staff and a great bar setup. Ambiance feels like a hole-in-the-wall bar, but staff may ask guests to leave promptly after paying, even if the bar remains open.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the southern style dishes."

"The American food here, especially the pork chop and fried green tomatoes, is outstanding."

"The bar's food was good, but it arrived very late."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Arriving before 6pm allows access to the happy hour menu.

3

Parking is available on the street, but be sure to pay to avoid fines.

03
Baja Sharkeez image 1
Restaurant

Sports bar with numerous TVs and an open seating layout creates a lively party atmosphere that fills up later in the night. Unlimited self-serve chips and salsa complement strong drinks like margaritas and Bloody Marys. The decor features a beach theme with impressive art and views toward the ocean.

Mexican food stands out with authentic flavors and strong drinks complementing the menu. The spot combines a pub vibe with solid Mexican dishes.

A relaxed beach bar vibe sets the tone with quick service and bartenders who remember your drink. The spot offers a bloody Mary bar, chips and salsa, and a dance-friendly atmosphere with friendly bartenders.

People are saying

"It's a fun bar with a lively, casual beach vibe."

"I found the fish tacos here to be incredible."

"The food here was amazing and the portions were big."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great drink specials.

2

Monday Night Football features happy hour pricing for drinks.

3

Minors are not allowed after a certain time.

04
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with retractable roof and island-like giant table offers an open-air dining experience with Cabo vibes. Atmosphere is lively and loud, featuring perfect lighting and music with a DJ, creating a cozy yet energetic mood. Comfortable seating includes a communal bar table, attracting a crowd that enjoys socializing and people watching.

Immaculate food features hot tortillas served with a trio of salsa, guacamole, and sweet butter. Drinks and service stay consistently excellent, creating a well-rounded dining experience.

Strong team behind the bar includes Jake and Nikki, who deliver friendly, quick service and know their cocktails well.

People are saying

"You have to try the crab enchiladas; they're amazing."

"The food and service here are top notch."

"I found my new go-to spot for crab enchiladas."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant is often crowded.

2

Valet parking is available for $8, making access easier.

3

The restaurant turns into a bar at night with house and electronic music.

05
The Blue Beet image 1

Bar combines live music with a rooftop patio offering a chill vibe. Atmosphere shifts from packed, lively nights with a younger crowd to quieter weekdays. Known for late night food and a hidden gem feel near the beach.

Late night food arrives quickly and the bartender offers to bring it upstairs for comfort. Lighting can be an issue, as it sometimes gets turned off while eating, making it hard to see the food.

A full bar serves drinks while bands play on some nights. The rooftop bar offers a chill spot when it's not too hot, attracting a younger crowd in a dive bar setting.

People are saying

"The rooftop bar is a nice spot to chill."

"The live music here is a major plus and really fun to hear."

"The food here is delicious street tacos from a taco window."

Good to know

1

The bar offers late night food options until 1am on weekends.

2

Drink specials are available on Wednesdays to attract more visitors.

3

The menu is limited, so check online before visiting.

06
Cabo Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with colorful decor and ocean breeze from open windows creates a lively, party-like atmosphere. Multiple TVs show sports games, attracting a mix of young and middle-aged crowds. Known for giant margaritas and generous nachos, it offers a fun beachside vibe.

Food comes with large portions and is consistently delicious and amazing. Drinks and service match the quality of the food.

Located next to the beach with easy parking, the bar features an open window area and a well curated pop music video playlist on multiple screens. The bartender is approachable, and the bar serves a large quantity of food for the price.

People are saying

"You have to try the giant margaritas with the Mexican food."

"I enjoyed the good food here."

"The margaritas here are top notch and huge."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 PM with buy one, get one free beers.

2

Two-for-one cocktails are available during happy hour.

3

Expect confusion around happy hour promotions; they may not always apply.

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Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach

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