The Ultimate Guide To Happy Hour In Newport Beach
With all of the indisputable delightful and diverse dining options Newport Beach has to offer, happy hour specials can often get overlooked. With happy hour in Newport Beach, you can venture through the various neighborhoods, trying an assortment of food and beverages. Whether you are taking the time to cool off during a hot beach day at beachside establishment, taking in breathless harborfront views or simply relaxing with friends at a neighborhood haunt, you are guaranteed to have a delicious time! Not sure where to start? We have laid out a happy hour starter plan to get you started in each of the wonderful Newport Beach neighborhoods.
JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT DISTRICT
All of that traveling is bound to leave you hungry and ready for a drink…and at a discount. Luckily for all you business travelers coming through one of the nation’s most efficient airports, John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA), you will be quickly on your way to the freshest seafood, and most popular happy hour in the area, over at Wildfish Seafood Grille. Any night of the week from 4-7 PM (and all night on Saturdays and Sundays), dine in at the lively contemporary bar or al fresco on the outdoor patio to enjoy specially priced appetizers, such as live oysters, as well as $6 premium creative cocktails or wines by the glass. Make Wildfish Seafood Grille your go-to destination after a long flight, or a healthy last stop on your way out, and take advantage of their fresh happy hour offerings.
BACK BAY
The Back Bay, more formally referred to as the Upper Newport Bay, is big (and by big I mean 1,000-acres-of-coastal-wetlands big) on outdoor activities and nature exploration. Enjoy an afternoon with loved-ones by taking out a kayak or paddleboard across the bay, or wander through nature on one of the various trails in the area. Don’t bother packing a lunch because you are going to want to leave plenty of room for these quintessential offerings all while overlooking The Back Bay Nature Preserve, only available at this dining favorite, The Back Bay Bistro. Dock & Dine Wednesday-Sunday, from 4-7 PM, for a $7 Dark and Stormy, White Peach Margarita, or Red Berry Sangria, as well as the chef’s choice $6 appetizer special. Wine Down at the Bistro on Wednesdays, from 5-9 PM, to enjoy half price bottles of wine, live entertainment, and a $19 pre-fixe chef’s feature dinner. Date Night is on Thursday at The Back Bay Bistro, where they offer a full course pre-fixe “Surf & Turf” special for two totaling only $29, only from 5-9 PM. If this already wasn’t the perfect happy hour to complete a long day of outdoor activity, their dog friendly patio should take the stress out
of bringing your canine friend along for the fun.
MARINER’S MILE & WESTCLIFF
When you’re looking to spend some time along Newport Beach’s nautical heart, Mariner’s Mile, you had better hope that you can take a boat there. If you’re looking for a yacht, checking out luxury automobiles, unique shopping, or waterfront dining then this is the place for you. When in indulging in upscale shopping and dining, a flavorful and fairly priced happy hour is a treasure. Dine & Dine your boat after a trip around Newport Harbor and sit down to enjoy some deliciously fresh Mexican cuisine at SOL Cocina for their daily happy hour, from 4-7 PM. In addition to margaritas starting at $5.50, $3 off wine by the glass, and a blanco tequila flight for $7.50, indulge in some pork carnitas street tacos, lemon-mescal chicken street tacos, panuchos, and Baja shrimp cocktel starting at only $4.50. If those deals aren’t enough, SOL does “Tacos & Tequila” every Tuesday, from 4 PM to close. In addition to innovative and healthy dining creations, SOL Cocina gets even more lively on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, when they offer live music. After you have eaten to full capacity, head back out to your boat, and on to another great Newport Beach adventure.
CANNERY VILLAGE & LIDO VILLAGE
This historic waterfront village, with a vibrant art scene and the art-deco Lido Theater, is a popular place for those interested in relishing the array of seaside restaurants or taking out decadent meals to compliment a cruise around the harbor. Naturally, The Cannery Seafood of the Pacific, stands out as the perfect place to dine while enjoying the historic Cannery Village. Even better, they have a daily happy hour from 4-6:30 PM in the lounge, where they offer $2 off cocktails, draft beers, and wine by the glass, to go with their diverse selection of sushi, unique bar snacks, outstanding seafood, and juicy steaks. The Cannery is undoubtedly a social hotspot, with an exceptional atmosphere any day of the week…and the dazzling waterfront view isn’t so bad either.
BALBOA PENINSULA
Beach-goers flock to the Newport Beach Balboa Peninsula to enjoy the sun-drenched beaches and beachfront dining. Take a break from the heat and cool down at the historic Woody’s Wharf, established in 1965. Enjoy this causal waterfront dining spot with great happy hour deals Monday-Friday from 3-6 PM, where domestic beers are $3, imported draft beers and well drinks are $3.50, along with amazing dining deals such as the $5.95 grilled lamb chops, $1 chicken or fish tacos, $2 steak tacos, and $3 kobe beef sliders on Hawaiian bread… just to name a few. Fill up, cool down, and take it easy at Woody’s Wharf, then head back to the beach, or go for a bike ride along the boardwalk, with money still in your pocket!
BALBOA VILLAGE
Balboa Village – Home to The Fun Zone screams fun! There are numerous amusing water-based activities to occupy the whole family, such as jet-skis, sailboats, powerboats, whale watching, and stand-up paddleboards, for example. The Village is bound to keep the kids busy, with fun and games at the Balboa Arcade or a ride on the infamous Ferris wheel. Save your money to make memories playing all around the Balboa Village and head over to the happy hour at The Newport Landing Restaurant and Oyster Bar. The Oyster Bar happy hour goes on every Monday-Friday, from 4-7 PM, and is structured into a large selection of $3, $4, and $5 food and drink offerings, such as $3 wine and Manhattan clam chowder, $4 margaritas and mai-tais, as well as $5 salmon sliders and chicken nachos. In addition to a fantastic happy hour, The Newport Landing offers nightly specials, such as extended happy hours until 9 PM on Mondays, Burger and Beer Tuesdays, Filet and Wine Wednesday nights, $2 Taco Thursdays, and another 9 PM late night happy hour to end the week right on Sundays. Find something for everyone here, and take advantage of that extra cash to treat the family to an extra Balboa Village activity!
BALBOA ISLAND
Balboa Island continues to be a local favorite, whether it be taking a harbor side walk around the island, enjoying the calm atmosphere and scenic beauty, or drift into a cozy cafe. While you are there, wander over to the quaint Village Inn, a restaurant and lounge abounding in community, bringing together locals and visitors alike. The Village Inn hosts a happy hour Monday-Friday, from 3-7 PM, where diners can get $2 off food and drink items. Nestle into a cozy spot, and enjoy live music any Tuesday-Sunday night and indulge in all that The Village Inn has to offer.
FASHION ISLAND
This elegant, open-air, lifestyle center is home to numerous upscale boutiques, luxury dining, and lush landscaping. The center is surrounded by the Newport Center’s bustling business, active locals, and people looking for that next level cultural and culinary experience. Everyone seems to gather here, to relax and unwind, whether it be after a hard day of work or a successful day of shopping. Out of all of the extraordinary dining options that Fashion Island has to offer, Yardhouse certainly provides diners with unbeatable happy hour deals. Their happy hour runs from 3-6 PM Monday-Friday, as well as from 10 PM until they close every Sunday-Wednesday. If those hours don’t put a smile on your face, their happy hour selection definitely will. Happy hour at Yardhouse means select half-priced pizzas, sliders, and appetizers, which includes everything from seared ahi sashimi to traditional or their trademark vegetarian gardein wings. Wash all that goodness down with martinis and beer starting at $2.25, or grab on of their infamous half yard beers, starting at $7.50. Grab a seat at the bar to enjoy the game, or catch-up with friends in a booth, and let these Yardhouse happy hour deals put your mind, and wallet, at ease.
CORONA DEL MAR
Corona del Mar, known to the locals as simply CdM, has a unique vintage, yet elegant, aesthetic where quaint cottage style homes sit among stunning new waterfront houses on flower-themed streets. Located right along Pacific Coast Highway, perched on cliffs overlooking the glistening Pacific Ocean; Corona del Mar has a charming atmosphere of its own. Nestled into the flower inspired street, Heliotrope Avenue, Port Restaurant and Bar serves as Corona del Mar’s lively and inviting dining treasure. Port offers superb global cuisines, specialty drinks, and the best happy hour in town. Everyday of the week, until 7 PM, take in the scene and see and be seen, at The Port bar or patio. Enjoy $2 off starters, rustic flatbreads, green plates, and tapas, $2 off all beers, $3 off liquor, wine by the glass, and specialty martinis and cocktails, as well as $4 off signature entrees. Savor quality dishes and exquisite cocktails in the ocean breeze, along with the Port Restaurant and Bar’s nightly live music. Experience a night on the town the right way in Corona del Mar, and treat yourself to the happy hour at Port Restaurant and Bar.
NEWPORT COAST & CRYSTAL COVE
Marvelous views, vintage beach cottages, gourmet dining, and high fashion shopping all contained in these luxurious Newport Beach neighborhoods. The hillside of Newport Coast and rugged coastline of Crystal Cove are known for their upscale offerings and beautiful settings. Satisfy your need to be pampered and enjoy a drink with loved-ones or friends while the sun sets over the beach. Their are many world-class dining options located in just this one area: Javier’s Cantina and Grill, The Beachcomber Cafe and Bootlegger Bar, Mastro’s Ocean Club, Bluefin Sushi, and Andrea. However, Zov’s Mediterranean kitchen of Newport Coast offers happy hour deals you will want to check out. Nightly from 3-6 PM, in the bar and patio dining areas, Zov’s offers spiced chicken or marinated lamb tahini tacos for $5-$6, Charmoula Seared Ahi Slider for $6, Roasted Vegetable Bruschetta for only $6, as well as draft beer for $5, cocktails between $6-$9, and of course wine by the glass for $6. Grab a bite to eat up in the Newport Coast hills, and then venture down to the beaches of crystal cove to catch a breathtaking sunset.
Being more knowledgeable about the one-of-a-kind array of Newport Beach neighborhoods may help you better decide what area, and happy hour, are right for you. Each location offers a unique, tailored experience, but the unparalleled quality of offerings and service throughout each neighborhood remains. These happy hours prove that you don’t have to sacrifice luxury and flavor to fully experience all that dining in Newport Beach has to offer.
