Celebrate July 4th in Newport Beach

Sandy beaches, backyard BBQs, and fireworks – there is nothing more quintessential for the 4th of July in Newport Beach. Here’s what’s on the “must do” list for dining, drinking, and cooking in the NB – celebrating Independence Day with fun, food, and drinks for 2018.

If you must, which I would consider a “must”, start with an early libation at the Beach Ball on the Newport Peninsula. Voted one of “The Best Bars in America” by Esquire Magazine, there is a reason there is a line forming as early as 6:00am for this landmark bar. An absolute gem of Newport Beach, a go-to drink to awaken your palate is their Greyhound. Gin or Vodka, topped off with a splash of grapefruit juice and a wedge of lime, this is sure to get your 4th going off in a wonderful direction.

Another Newport Peninsula place not to miss is Dory Deli. A local favorite, this casual location serves up the best breakfast burritos in town. The Boardwalk Burrito is a personal favorite, tying together the combination of perfectly cooked eggs, avocado, crispy bacon, Monterey Jack Cheese, and the most amazing crispy potatoes I have ever had. You can’t even call them hash browns – they are potatoes from another universe. Oh, and let’s also not forget the Chicken and Waffles – yes, for breakfast. Served on a perfectly crisp-yet-thin waffle, the chicken tenders are fried to perfection, and drizzled with Maple Syrup. Wash all of it down with a fabulous Mimosa and you have a wonderful base for the day ahead.

Stag Bar + Kitchen is another favorite amongst locals and tourists alike on the Newport Peninsula. Its storied history goes back to its opening in 1908, and it is still one of the oldest bars operating in Southern California. The bar opens at 8:00am, where you can sip on one of the best Bloody Mary’s in town, hand shaken with their homemade Bloody Mary mix. The kitchen opens at 11:00am, and make sure to try one of their freshly baked pizzas. Personal fave? The “Abe Froman, Sausage King of Chicago”. The thick and bubbly crust is topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, Italian sausage, sautéed leeks and roasted fennel – even Ferris Bueller would be scarfing this pizza down.

Backyard BBQ on your mind instead? Well, here are the best of the best:

Head over to Bristol Farms to choose from a myriad of choices of pre-marinated meats and poultry. located in the Corona del Mar shopping center This is the best one-stop-shopping for all of your culinary needs. Try this on the BBQ this 4th: Asian Short Ribs. Thinly sliced and marinated to perfection, they grill up in about a few minutes. Also check out their pre-made burgers. Featured this week for the 4th are their Cheddar and Bacon and also their Blue Cheese patties. Your guests will be asking for seconds of everything.

Got ribs on your mind? Whole Foods Market has you covered. This Fashion Island haven has the best selection of pork ribs in town. Save the time on the grill and pre-order the Yakinika Ribs – their secret sauce that is slathered on the ribs that is equally sweet as it is tangy. All you need to do is just reheat in the oven or throw on the grill for a last-minute crust. Or, pick up a side of St. Louis or Baby Back ribs and a bottle of their Santa Maria seasoning and have yourself a feast!

What is more American than a hot dog? I can easily see my Mom grilling them up for my sister and I before we set out to watch the fireworks as a family. Summer memories of those dogs coming off the grill, grabbing a soft, white bun, and devouring it in two seconds flat. And therefore, The Butchery: known for its amazing meat selection, But this 4th, Their amazing selection of sausages and hot dogs for this onset of an amazing grilling season are undeniably the best. Located in Crystal Cove – Newport Coast shopping center, their offerings are abundant. A must try: Big City Red All-Beef Hot Dogs. Super moist and juicy – they hold up to all BBQ grilling. Other notable hot dogs/sausages are their Snake River Beef hot dogs, Mild Italian Sausage with Goat Cheese, Port Wine Romano Sausage, Bratwurst, and, also a local favorite the Bacon-Cheddar-Jalapeno Sausage.

Written By: Lesley Riccabona – Lesley is also Managing Partner with Elle and Em Catering, focused on corporate catering for Orange County