Celebrate the 4th in Newport Beach with Brews, Views & BBQ!
Ice cold drinks, delicious grub, and gorgeous views of sunny Newport Beach — that’s how Fourth of July in Orange County is meant to be celebrated. From a small burger joint right off of PCH, to a seaside spot serving up fresh seafood, these Newport eateries provide the perfect setting to ring in Independence Day.
Ruby’s Shake Shack
Located off Pacific Coast Highway, a visit to Ruby’s Shake Shack will transport you to a hot summer day in the 1950s. Drive up to this little shack off of Coast Highway for a juicy burger, fries, and milkshake. They offer an amazing view of Crystal Cove from their patio, and some highlights on the menu include the Hickory Burger, made with cheddar cheese, thick-cut bacon, and zesty BBQ sauce, and the Guacamole Burger. Of course, no stop to Ruby’s Shake Shack is complete without a creamy milkshake! We love the Strawberry and Caramel Banana Milkshakes.
American Junkie
Right on the Balboa Peninsula, you’ll find this adorable outdoor spot. Perfect for catching a tan while enjoying some yummy bites, American Junkie serves up filling food all day. For brunch, try the chicken and waffles or the breakfast sandwich, made with a fried egg, bacon, cheese, and cilantro aioli. Later in the day, stop by for a waterfront dinner of Slow Cooked Chicken Wings, Honey Jalapeno Chicken Sliders, or BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders — YUM.
Coliseum Pool & Grill
Dining overlooking the beautiful Coliseum Pool at the Resort at Pelican Hill on a sunny day has got to be the perfect way to spend a summer day. At the Coliseum Pool & Grill, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner, made with fresh seasonal ingredients, many of which are sourced locally from the Irvine Ranch. The Coliseum’s Albacore Sandwich and Beef Burger are delicious, and to top it off, you can enjoy a bucket of six beers with friends. Their wide selection of bottled and handcrafted draft beers includes Firestone Walker 805 Pale Ale and Stone IPA.
Balboa Bar-B-Que
Barbecue and 4th of July go together like PB & J, so what better place to celebrate than Balboa Bar-B-Que! Unlike most BBQ joints, this local spot features beautiful views of Newport Harbor. With a ‘big Texas taste and bayside address,’ Balboa Bar-B-Que specializes in Smoked Brisket, Pulled Pork and Hot Links. They smoke their food daily and can run out, so go before the sun sets.
Newport Beach Brewing Company
Situated on Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach Brewing Company offers a wide selection of award-winning brews and tasty, high-quality bites. With one of the most spacious outdoor dining areas in the neighborhood, the Brew Co. is the perfect place to enjoy a handcrafted beer, sporting event, and yummy grub. Head over to this local favorite and grab their signature BrewCo Angus Burger, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Beer Battered Onion Rings, or Buffalo Wings — and of course, a Newport Beach Blondie. The Brew Co. is also a great spot to hit if you’re looking to bar hop through the Balboa Peninsula on the 4th!
The Beachcomber Cafe
Just a few steps from the sand, this local spot’s outdoor patio is the perfect place to sip on a refreshing cocktail while enjoying lemongrass chicken skewers — served with shishito peppers, edamame salad, and a coconut peanut sauce, Blue Crab Stuffed Salmon, or clam chowder. The Beachcomber offers a delicious selection of cocktails (over 25 on the menu) and there are a ton of tropical and traditional drinks as well as a seasonal selection of craft and bottled beers, so there is something for everyone!