The Best Live Music Hangouts in Newport Beach

There are not many things better than getting out with friends and family to have a good time and unwind over appetizing food and delectable drinks, all within the comforting and exciting atmosphere created by the sound of live music. Newport Beach happens to be stuffed full of places for you to dive right into the musical ambiance to suit your ever-changing desires.

THE BLUE BEET
The classic brick building, located only a few steps from the sandy shores of Newport Beach’s Balboa Peninsula, has long served as a local hangout, providing patrons with all the blues, jazz, and rock ’n’ roll they could want. The Blue Beet is a great spot to grab a drink and catch some live music. If the laid-back, casual atmosphere, stacked tall with three floors, and topped off with a rooftop patio with an incredible ocean view, wasn’t enough to get you excited, the lively nightly local entertainment will draw you in. Their line-up changes regularly, so stop in or call the Blue Beet for their current schedule visit www.thebluebeet.com/beet-music.htm.

BILLY’S AT THE BEACH
Billy’s at the Beach is the spot to go for a quick tropical island getaway without leaving Newport Beach. Pull up to Billy’s, valet your car, and leave your worries behind. Settle into one of their cozy booths, watch the sunset over the Newport Harbor on their outdoor patio, or snag a seat at the tropical bar complete with a TV to watch the game. Be sure to order one of Billy’s famous Mai Tai. For your live music craving, venture into Billy’s at the Beach any evening of the week where the live musical entertainment tropical decor will transport you to Hawaii. Currently, Billy’s offers three musical performers who return every week to play a mix of rock and easy-listening to keep the tropical atmosphere going after the sun sets. Monday and Thursday nights, hear the soulful voice and guitar work of Rabbi Blue. Matthew Akiona (Tropical Blue) entertains on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Finally, the Reef Brothers set the mood on Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as on Sundays from the afternoon into the evening. Billy’s at the Beach truly is the “aloha in the heart of Newport [Beach].” www.billysatthebeach.net

PELICAN GRILL
For fresh, fine Napa-inspired dining, visit the Lounge at Pelican Grill, located at the Pelican Hill Golf Club. Pelican Grill provides the luxury experience of a country club, complete with two nine-foot televisions to catch the latest sporting event with weekly live entertainment. From 6:30 – 10:30 p.m. on Thursdays, and 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Pelican Grill features live music from a variety of genres ranging from classic rock to contemporary to country. Indulge in one of their specialty martinis, or make a selection from their extensive wine-by-the-glass offerings, and enjoy a night to remember, with the luxury of a beautiful oceanfront view of the sunset behind you. www.pelicanhill.com/dining/pelican-grill/

ALTA COFFEE & RESTAURANT
Right on the Balboa Peninsula is Alta Coffee & Restaurant, a local cozy coffee shop boasting a unique menu and serving locally roasted coffees. Not only do they make great coffee and serve up delectable dishes, they also host awesome weekly live music. Alta offers nights for locals to showcase their musical talent each month, as well as a variety of live music every week. Stop by Alta on any given Friday or Saturday evening to hear everything from jazz and blues, to folk pop and Celtic tunes — and maybe even some poetry. Alta Coffee & Restaurant posts the monthly schedule on their website to help plan your next visit www.altacoffeeshop.com.

BAYSIDE RESTAURANT
Bayside is a lavish new-American restaurant serving steaks, seafood, and quality drinks overlooking the Newport Harbor. Any night is a good night to dine at Bayside with live entertainment daily. The music at Bayside truly enhances the relaxing and romantic mood with entertainment such as contemporary piano performances, jazz, ballads, pop, and acoustic guitar, giving the dining experience an added touch of elegance. Enjoy “Jazz Friday” every week where Ron Kobayashi and special guests performers soothe guests who can enjoy specially designed cocktails and a late night fare menu served in the bar and lounge. Bayside Restaurant holds a popular Sunday Champagne Brunch accompanied by a rotating schedule to live musical artists every week. For a full schedule of weekly recurring artists at Bayside, visit their website www.baysiderestaurant.com/live_music.html.

MULDOON’S IRISH PUB
Muldoon’s Irish Pub absolutely sticks to its roots by creating that warm and lively ambiance you would expect to find in an Irish pub. With excellent service, drinks, and live music, Muldoon’s knows how to keep patrons coming back often. Although Muldoon’s is fittingly Irish spirited in its decor and animated pub atmosphere, they keep the live music experience diverse. Journey into Muldoon’s Irish Pub Thursday through Saturday to hear anything from modern pop and rock hits to Irish-Hillbilly-Swing entertainment. They list their full monthly live music schedule on their website www.muldoonspub.com/new-events/, so make sure to take a look before you go!

THE QUIET WOMAN
The Quiet Woman has long been a local favorite for people of all ages. The Corona del Mar restaurant and bar is a great spot to enjoy some live musical acts while enjoying delicious food and drinks. Head up the short brick staircase into this energetic little space, and immediately feel welcomed in by the sociable climate. Live bands captivate locals and visitors five nights a week, Tuesday through Saturday, with acts ranging from acoustic to rock ’n’ roll from the corner stage by the bar. The Quiet Woman is the perfect place to go in Corona del Mar for a late night hangout with friends, grab a drink, and enjoy the lively mood set to the sound of live music. Check out the Quiet Woman’s website to find out who they have playing each week www.quietwoman.com/barband.php.

THE VILLAGE INN
The Village Inn offers live music multiple nights a week at it premiere Marine Avenue location. You will the Balboa Island hospitality as you enjoy delicious food, the wide variety of drinks and welcoming atmosphere. The open concept ensures that you will have great spot to catch the live entertainment. Visit the Village Inn’s website for the full music line-up. www.vibalboaisland.com

Photo Credit: Kevin Steele

Music makes going out all the more enjoyable. When you add inventive delicious cuisine and libations, the comfort and joy of being in the company of family and friends, and the thrill of a complimentary live performance, staying in just does not sound quite as fun.

Photo Credit for main image: Kevin Steele