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Five Spots to Brunch on New Year’s Day in Newport Beach


Hello 2018! What better way to kick off the first day of a brand new year than with brunch at one of Newport Beach’s finest establishments? Forget Sunday Funday, this year, it will be Monday Funday! If you want to ring in the new year with a fabulous brunch, here are five Newport Beach restaurants to consider. All of which take, and highly recommend, making a reservation in advance.

Bosscat Kitchen & Libations

Bosscat Kitchen & Libations boasts American comfort food with a Southern flair and an extensive domestic and imported whiskey selection along with an assortment of locally crafted beers and specialty cocktails.

Brunch aficionados flock to Bosscat for their “Bottomless Bundles”…your choice of either an entree + bottomless Bloody Marys or entree + bottomless Mimosas.

With unique culinary offerings like “Fruity Pebbles” French Toast with bacon, milk glaze and fresh berries or Short Rib Chilaquiles with corn tortillas, eggs, chiles, duck fat fried egg, cheese, avocado, and sour cream there are lots of sweet and savory options to delight any palate.

What the Yelp’ers say, “Who’s the boss? Bosscat is! I had to get The King blue suede pancakes. I took a bite of pancakes with buttery, bacon, banana-y goodness and OMG…I felt like singing with joy!” – Jannet C.

New Year’s Day: Open for brunch 11am – 2pm

Back Bay Bistro

Tucked away in the ecological reserves of the Newport Dunes, Back Bay Bistro is the ideal place for waterfront dining in Newport Beach. With panoramic windows and a retractable roof, the waterfront patio provides the perfect spot to enjoy fabulous food while watching boats and yachts cruise Newport Bay.

For brunch-lovers who want to sample a little bit of everything, Back Bay Bistro’s Brunch Buffet delivers with its legendary spread. Guests will be on cloud nine taking in all the different culinary options like made-to-order pancake and omelette stations, taco bar with fresh tortillas, seasonal salad bar, carving stations and more. Bringing the kids along? The chocolate fountain is always a hit. Even without the kids!

What the Yelp’ers say, “Came with out of town guests & everyone loved the brunch buffet. Plenty of fresh, tasty and healthy choices. Plus the chocolate fountain! The location is kind of hidden but once you find it, you will be coming here very often.” – Nicole S.

New Year’s Day: Open for brunch 10am – 2pm

SOL Mexican Cocina

In an upscale setting right on the Balboa Marina with stunning waterfront views, guests can relish in a south-of-the-borderesque twist on brunch.

SOL’s brunch menu includes universal brunch faves like Huevos Rancheros along with unique dishes like their Souffle Carlotta, SOL’s version of french toast….a rich and creamy bread pudding spiked with Patron Citronge and lemon zest, butter-salted and drizzled with organic agave syrup and topped with fresh mango, berries, vanilla whipped cream, almonds and powdered sugar.

The $3 mimosas are a big draw at SOL’s brunch, as are their brunch drink specials with elevated options like the Michelada, a spicy Mexican beer drink with Clamato, fresh lime juice, Mexican seasoning, and a chile con limon-rimmed glass is a local favorite. Or, try the Mango Mimosa with sparkling wine and fresh mango. Si, por favor!

What the Yelp’ers say, “Brunch was excellent!!!! Highly recommend the crab cake eggs Benedict. Sooooo good!” – Angela W.

New Year’s Day: Brunch served 11:30am – 3:00pm

The Alley Newport Beach

The Alley, a neighborhood favorite pub and saloon, is a spot where locals (affectionately called Alleycats) love lounging and dining.

Offering $10 Bottomless Mimosas (with entree purchase), the brunch menu is comprised of daily specials served with your choice of cheesy potatoes, fries, sweet potato fries, cole slaw, or fresh fruit.

The BELTA, a BLT with avocado and over easy egg is one of the most popular menu items. Guest can also order custom burritos or omelets. In the mood for a “Benedict?” Order from one of three styles, including the “Southern” with meatloaf, grilled onion, egg and sriracha hollandaise.

What the Yelpers are saying, “This place is a great place for brunch! I’m an eggs Benedict fan, highly recommend the California Benedict. And it’s a great spot for mimosas.” – Dyan N.

New Years Day: Open for brunch 10am – 3pm

3-Thirty-3 Waterfront

Located waterfront on the beautiful Newport Bay, 3-Thirty-3 is an adult clubhouse of sorts, where you can relax and revel in the beautiful view at the Home of the Original Gourmet Burritos!

Fans of breakfast burritos can celebrate the option to “build their own.” Start with a flour tortilla, add scrambled eggs, then choose a meat, like carnitas, chorizo, or smoked bacon for example, fill in with veggies and cheese, then finish with a favorite side item.

3-Thirty-3 also gives guests the chance to “build their own” spectacular Bloody Mary. They bring the vodka and ice, the rest is up to the guest. Too much work for the 1st? Simply order their award-winning house specialty and they will make it for you!

For those not in the mood for a burrito, guests can find lots of traditional breakfast specials like pancakes, eggs Benedict, french toast, and more.

What the  Yelpers are saying, “Nice Sunday brunch. Burritos, which I think is their signature dish, were awesome and one of the best I’ve tasted. Definitely go for tables near windows for a great view of Newport Bay.” – Igor B.

New Years Day: Brunch served 9am – 2pm (Lunch service 11am – 3pm)

Written by Jennifer Scheumann

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