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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Balboa Peninsula

Bars

A bar where you can hear yourself think instead of shouting over the music just to order a drink.

Based on 505 Opinions
+502
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Updated July 2026
01
Cassidy's Bar & Grill image 1
Cassidy's Bar & Grill image 2
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Garage-like space with wood walls sets a dive bar vibe. Lively crowd enjoys pool tables and flickering beer signs. Known for best burgers and a chill atmosphere with great bourbon and classic bar food.

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."

"I thought the American Food patty melt was the best I'd ever had."

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

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
Blackie's By the Sea image 1

Beachfront dive bar offers a relaxed vibe with cold beer and surf-themed decor. Friendly bartenders create an authentic atmosphere while multiple TVs and pool tables keep things lively. Classic snacks like pickled eggs add to the casual fun.

A beachfront dive bar with a cozy, friendly vibe and fair prices. Bartenders and women at the bar are welcoming and helpful, creating an authentic, fun atmosphere.

People are saying

"The beer here is ice-cold, even pouring at 29ยฐ."

"It's a great dive bar right next to the beach."

"It's a cool, local dive bar right on the beach."

Good to know

1

Blackie's By the Sea is located right on the beach.

2

The prices at Blackie's By the Sea are affordable.

3

Blackie's By the Sea is dog friendly.

03
Class of 47 image 1
Cocktail bar

Classic dive bar offers two pool tables and a large jukebox for fun. Friendly staff and locals create a welcoming atmosphere. Outdoor patio and nearby taco truck add casual dining and extra space.

A classic dive bar with a big room layout, a long bar along one wall, and two quarter-operated pool tables charging $2 per game. Friendly staff and locals create a welcoming, unassuming atmosphere.

People are saying

"The bar staff here are so friendly and welcoming."

"It's a cool, chill place with laid-back people."

"This groovy old school bar has a ceiling filled with dollar bills."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging due to its location in the Fun Zone.

2

No food is served, but a taco truck is available on weekends.

3

Expect a fun, lively crowd, especially on weekends.

04
Balboa Saloon image 1

Rustic charm meets nautical twist in a bar buzzing with friendly local vibe. Bartenders share local lore while pouring cold drinks. Pool tables and darts add to the lively weekend energy, making it perfect for casual fun.

Local lore and history come alive with the bartender's warm energy. Staff laugh genuinely and pour cold drinks in this cool local bar with a dive bar vibe.

People are saying

"I've been coming here for decades for the beer."

"Jeff made me feel like I was back home, sharing local lore."

"The barman Jeff made me feel like I was back home."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price drinks from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

Parking is available in a lot directly across the street.

3

Reservations are not required, but it can get busy on weekends.

05
Topside Roof Deck image 1

Rooftop spot boasts stunning harbor views and a real lighthouse nearby. Bar offers a very good drink menu with casual wristband entry. Atmosphere blends luxurious vibes with a chill crowd and mellow DJ tunes.

Rooftop bar features a real lighthouse and a very good drink menu. Staff check IDs and give wristbands, creating a casual vibe.

People are saying

"The views from the rooftop are stunning, especially of the harbor."

"It's a great spot for date nights with amazing views and vibes."

"The rooftop bar has stunning harbor views and great vibes."

Good to know

1

Reservations at Topside are highly recommended due to high demand.

2

Valet parking is available for $14; no self-parking at the venue.

3

Expect a wait of 1.5 hours even with open tables available.

06
Baja Sharkeez image 1
Restaurant

Sports bar buzzes with numerous TVs and a lively crowd. Beach-themed decor offers ocean views and art. Strong drinks like margaritas and a bloody Mary bar keep the party going with friendly bartenders and unlimited chips and salsa.

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."

"I loved the free, self-serve chips and salsa bar."

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.

07
The Blue Beet image 1

Bar blends live music with a rooftop patio for a chill vibe. Nights get packed and lively with a younger crowd, while weekdays stay quiet. Known for late night food and a hidden gem feel near the beach.

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.

08
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot with retractable roof offers lively, open-air vibes and a giant island table for socializing. Bar team Jake and Nikki serve friendly, quick cocktails. Perfect lighting and DJ create a cozy yet energetic mood for people watching.

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."

"You have to try the fresh seafood, especially the shrimp taquitos."

"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.

09
Cabo Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a lively party atmosphere with colorful decor and ocean breeze. Bar next to the beach serves giant margaritas and generous nachos with easy parking. Multiple TVs show sports and pop music videos, drawing a mixed crowd and friendly bartenders.

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."

"The happy hour drinks here are two for one and really tasty."

"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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