7 Spots for Live Music in Newport Beach
Whether you prefer classic rock n’ roll or some smooth country tunes, Newport Beach is home to several restaurants and bars with live music! And let’s be honest, dinner is great, but dinner and a show is even better. Here are seven spots to grab a drink and some grub and let the band do the rest. Cheers!
Feelin’ lucky? Head to Muldoon’s Irish Pub on Newport Center Dr for a pint and some groovy tunes. This rustic watering hole not only serves up one heck of a good time, but it also whips up authentic Irish cuisine, like shepherd’s pie and corn beef and cabbage. Plus, this Dublin-style pub recently got a facelift and now features a remodeled courtyard, a new menu with seasonal items, craft cocktails and a stellar lineup of DJs and bands. To see what’s on the calendar at Muldoon’s, click here.
Come for the views, stay for the music! This iconic Newport Beach hotspot sits on the harbor’s edge, offering diners stunning waterfront views and an ambiance like none other. Indulge in a menu of tasty Cali Riviera cuisine, featuring dishes like agave shrimp, ahi poke, veggie pizza and more. And for those in search of some live jams, The Peninsula Lounge has made a name for itself with its popular Reggae Thursdays (7-10 p.m.), featuring musicians Errol Bonnick & De Lionz. Thursdays also include drink specials like $5 Red Stripes, $8 Malibu Pineapples and $10 Jamaican Rum Punches!
Unlike most venues, Bayside Restaurant features live music every night of the week! From acoustic duo Mick & Lisa on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5:30-9:30 p.m. to the Irvine Barclay Theater Jazz Band on Thursdays from 6-10 p.m., there’s no shortage of entertainment at Bayside! Stop by for the music and stay for the restaurant’s elegant menu of fresh seafood and house specialties like the delicious steamed black mussels and lamb chop trio.
For decades, The Quiet Woman in Corona del Mar has been dedicated to celebrating local musicians and providing live music to its loyal patrons. This iconic American establishment serves up contemporary cocktails, sophisticated comfort food and wines from an award-winning list that simply don’t disappoint. To experience The Quiet Woman’s vibrant live music scene, stop by after dinner service to see who’s playing. You can expect a live band most nights of the week!
For those looking to dance the night away, Woody’s Wharf is a time-honored spot for a night on the town. This Newport restaurant and bar offers a variety of beer, wine and spirits and features a DJ three nights a week (Thursday-Saturday from 10 p.m.-2 a.m.) with no cover charge. Most nights, they have two bars open—the main bar at the front of the house and the patio bar. And if you decide to head out on a Thursday, don’t miss out on Woody’s $3 Corona Thursdays from 9-11p.m!
Since 1933, The Village Inn has remained Balboa Island’s premier dining (and drinking) establishment. Though it may appear a bit “rustic” in style, it lives up to its timeless reputation with a menu of tasty American fare, an open-air patio, stiff drinks and live music. Grab a seat at the bar or near the fireplace and enjoy a variety of live bands in the evenings every Tuesday through Sunday.
As if the stunning waterfront views weren’t enough, A+O Restaurant | Bar at the famed Balboa Bay Resort takes the entertainment factor to a new level with live music on the weekends. This chic restaurant was recently redesigned to mirror the vibe of the Italian Riviera with its nautical color palette of blues and whites. The sweeping wrap-around patio features white resin stone tables, cozy fire pits and yellow-striped umbrellas for a pop of color. For an evening well-spent, grab a seat during sunset and enjoy stellar views, good tunes and one of A+O Restaurant | Bar’s signature smoked cocktails!
Written By: Kaylin Waizinger
