The Best Sports Bars for Football Season in Newport Beach
With school back in session and the resurgence of pumpkin spice everything, it can only mean one thing: fall is officially here! And for sports fans, this season ushers in a feeling of excitement as the NFL season kicks off. But before you throw on your jersey and spend all Sunday on the couch, we’ve rallied up 12 of the best sports bars in Newport Beach where you can catch all the action. From dive bars to Irish pubs, these local hotspots are as close as it gets to sideline seats. Here’s to big punts and even bigger pints!
Not only is Newport Beach Whaler a popular nightlife destination on the weekends, but it’s also a happening sports bar in Newport Beach for football season. You can soak up the sun on the patio or belly up to the central bar for a front-row seat to all the action. The menu features all kinds of shareable bites perfect for NFL game day. Start with a round of Whaler Lagers, then order the crispy calamari and birria street nachos to snack on as you cheer on your team.
Helmsman Ale House, Newport Beach’s only craft beer brewery, is a stellar spot for craft beer and tasty bites. Snag a seat inside or on the patio (both have TVs), and enjoy your favorite game-day grub like Helmsman’s Bavarian Pretzel with craft beer cheese sauce and dill pickles—a crowd favorite. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 2-6 p.m., but Helmsman also serves up a mean brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
This time-honored establishment on the Balboa Peninsula is a staple when it comes to watching football in Newport Beach. With a selection of locally brewed craft beer, small-batch spirits and seasonal cocktails, Stag Bar + Kitchen is the ideal watering hole for NFL game day. Throw on your jersey, order a bucket of Happy Dads for the table and snack on the Stag Nachos with fellow fans!
A Newport Beach icon, Baja Sharkeez is a small-but-mighty watering hole with views of the Newport Pier and dozens of beers on tap. Sport your team colors and come catch a game! This Balboa Peninsula hotspot is always hoppin’ on game days and features a variety of food and drink specials every football season. This year, fans can look forward to 32-ounce domestic beers for $10, 22-ounce Modeloritas for $10.25 and more.
Known for its hefty schooners and bustling beachfront location, Mutt Lynch’s is easily one of the most popular spots for some day drinking. Take in views of the pier and waves as you sip the day away with friends. When it comes to that festive, sporty atmosphere, Mutt’s is the place to be! Order a schooner of your favorite beer and snack on bar bites like chicken tenders, garlic knots, nachos and fried dill pickles.
Take the ferry across to Balboa Island and enjoy a Sunday afternoon at The Village Inn. This hyperlocal hotspot is not only a hoppin’ place for sports viewing, but it also features live entertainment on select nights. Wine and dine alfresco on the sidewalk patio or belly up to the bar for optimal viewing. Be sure to try one of their signature bloody marys!
For those craving a classic pizza-and-beer experience, Cruisers is a happening sports bar in Balboa Village that fires up traditional Chicago stuffed pizzas in a casual setting. Whether you’re with friends or family, you’ll love the selection of pies, beers and craft cocktails served in huge schooners. Plus, Cruisers is home to 30 big-screen HDTVs, and on Sundays, they serve an epic bottomless brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Located in the heart of Corona del Mar, this long-standing sports bar dishes out juicy burgers and craft cocktails in a no-frills space. Dig into one of their Famous Flame Burgers and watch your favorite teams play live in the beer garden. The Place is dedicated to helping you avoid the Sunday scaries with live sports, beer and good grub.
Get your game face on this Sunday at Newport’s Cabo Cantina! This casual Mexican eatery serves up classic Mexican cuisine and has an interior lined with 80-inch TVs. This fall, you and your crew can score big with game-day specials like their 2-for-1 drink prices. This bargain runs every day from 4-8 p.m.—don’t miss out!
For the past four decades, Malarky’s has remained a local staple with its Irish spirit and upbeat atmosphere. This popular pub serves all your Irish favorites, including prime rib, corned beef and drinks like Irish coffee and Guinness on tap. Whether you’re popping in for brunch on Sunday or dinner during sunset, Malarky’s is sure to cure your football, food and beer cravings.
Another festive Irish sports pub in Newport Beach, Muldoon’s, recently underwent a full refresh not too long ago and now features a remodeled courtyard, fresh craft cocktails, a seasonal menu and a lineup of DJs and bands. Football fans will also be happy to know that this Dublin-style pub has plenty of TVs too, so you won’t miss a single tackle.
Comfort food comes to life at Tavern House on the bay. Coastal yet cozy, this Newport Beach restaurant sits on the water’s edge, offering guests an enjoyable spot to sip back, relax and catch a game. Stop in for brunch and dig into delicious plates like their signature Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Waffles. Pair your meal with one of their a.m. cocktails like the Tavern Mary or Tequila Sunrise Mimosa, and cheers to a Sunday well spent.
