4th of July Bar Crawl
Just as The Wedge has earned an extraordinary reputation in Orange County for its huge waves and near-perfect surfing conditions, the Newport Beach bar scene has earned its standing in Orange County for its bustling, yet relaxing atmosphere. There’s something for every brand of drinker. If you’re looking for a crisp and unique, after-the-beach beer while enjoying the colorful summer sunset, Newport Beach has got it. If you’re one who’s looking to shake things up a bit, perhaps with a bigger crowd and some tunes, Newport Beach can offer that as well. No matter what end of the spectrum you fall on or what scene your mood dictates, you’re guaranteed a memorable experience. With the 4th of July holiday approaching and the long weekend ahead, venture out in Newport. We’ve curated a 4th of July bar crawl that will make you proud to be an American and thrilled that you’re spending your holiday bar hopping in Newport Beach. So suit up in your best red, white and blue combination for a bar crawl that showcases some of Newport Beach’s greatest local hotspots and old-time treasures.
Start off your crawl at Beach Ball. Bounce on over to this legendary, dive bar known for its stiff drinks and more importantly, its incredible ocean views. Why is this the first stop on the crawl list? Because its opens at 6am. That’s right, they mean business. Interested in kicking off your day with a Bloody Mary? You got it. Their sense of humor will solidify our choice as first stop on our list – without fail, you’ll find a joke on their outside chalkboard welcoming you in. Beach Ball has pool games and a jukebox to keep you occupied while you wait for your next stop to open its doors. Start your engines, this Newport Beach Peninsula classic will send you off ready for the 4th of July celebrations that’ll ensue.
Number two on our list is Stag Bar + Kitchen. Their red, white and blue themed logo promotes Independence Day spirit year round. Their brand new, innovative brunch menu, running from 9am-1pm (Saturday, Sunday & Monday in honor of the 4th) lands Stag Bar as the second stop on our crawl. They offer a vast omelet menu featuring all of the most beloved breakfast ingredients. You may go for the “Eggs in Hell” dish complete with sausage, marinara and two eggs or decide to stick with the “Heart of Newport” classic packed with feta, tomato and artichoke. If you’re not finding exactly what you’re looking for with specialty omelets, freestyle and make your own. After all, freedom is the reason for celebration. If we haven’t hook, line and sinker’d you yet, the hash browns and biscuits will do the trick. Stag Bar is sure to be your 4th of July weekend headquarters.
Ready for some sunshine? Bring your shades and catch some rays at Rudy’s. Located in the heart of the Newport Beach peninsula Rudy’s convenient location will make it impossible for your friends to turn down an invite. The open-air patio creates the ultimate setting for sipping on all of your favorite beverages. By now, many more “crawlers” will have joined in on the celebrating. Order a few pre-game favorites if you find yourself in search of something tasty. Rudy’s bacon, jalapeno chicken wings are a heavenly choice, and the 4th of July holiday wouldn’t be complete without a basket or two of salty, crisp French fries. Rudy’s is jam-packed with all-American eats, and features flat screens galore making it the perfect spot to celebrate America and honor the stars and stripes.
Next stop, Newport Beach Brewing Company. If their one-of-a-kind Brew Co. BBQ style nachos aren’t enough to reel you in, their freshly brewed in-house beer selection sure will. Brew Co. offers an all-day happy hour every Monday. Lucky for you, that means you’ll get to delight in drink specials all day on the 4th. Beers are $4 and wells will be offered at $5. Enough said.
This crawl is not for the faint of heart. If you’ve saved up the energy for another stop, mosey on over to Mutt Lynch’s. Their impressive inventory of draft beers will have you saying, “Beer Me!” They’ll serve it up in a frosty-edged scooner that will leave you feeling refreshed and filled to the brim with beer. Claim a stool near the window so you can enjoy the sound of crashing waves in a front-row boardwalk seat. Mutt Lynch’s is the perfect location for any people-watching fiend and this holiday takes the cake for the best people-watching day of the year. If you find yourself in the “Dog House” at any point during your visit to Mutt Lynch’s, don’t fret. The Mutt Dog, the TJ Dog and the Chili Cheese Dog are all of Mutt Lynch’s “Dog House” favorites. The Mutt Dog is tailored to the hot dog purist, dog in a bun fan – you doctor it up the way you like it. The TJ Dog is bacon-wrapped with grilled onions, tomatoes and pepper jack cheese. Finally, there’s the Chili Cheese Dog – you know the drill – chili, cheddar cheese and chopped onions. If you find you’ve had your fix of salty treats, grab a Fun Bun to go with your brew. This deep-fried biscuit rolled in cinnamon sugar is irresistible. Don’t hold back – exercise your freedom – because there’s no calorie count on the Fourth of July.
Take a ride down the boardwalk because you’re invited to display your patriotism and pride at our 6th bar crawl stop, Cruisers Pizza Bar Grill. Their weekend lineup is jam-packed with parties and drink specials. There’s always something electric happening at Cruisers. On Friday, July 1st, make your way to their Friday of the 4th, 2nd Annual Blacklight Keggar Party. $5 cover gets you penny beers until their 4 kegs are empty. On the day of the 4th, allow our bar crawl to land you at the Cruisers $4 Fourth of July “We Love Merica” Party. You’ll receive $4 drink specials all day long. Prepare yourself for the perfect peninsula, party-hopping experience.
Just a quick Ferry ride away, you’ll find our last and final stop of the day, The Village Inn. Wind down in preparation for some evening fireworks and enjoy the live entertainment that they’ve lined up for the 4th of July. Catch a solo acoustic performance from 7-10pm and end your day with the soothing sounds of the guitar.
You’ve successfully trekked it through our Fourth of July pub-crawl and have earned a ticket home so grab an UBER and get some Z’s. Stow away your Fourth of July garb and we’ll see you next year!
