If you didn’t know now you know…it’s March Madness Month! A month to indulge in college basketball while hanging out with buds, and perhaps sipping on a cold one while indulging in what Newport Beach has to offer. Here’s a list of go-to’s to get your basketball, drink and food fix.

Bear Flag Fish Co.
Fresh seafood, fish tacos embedded in California culture, coconuts, beer, sushi and poke; Bear Flag Fish Co. has it all. Start with some Ahi Tuna Poke with tortilla chips, always made fresh in house, and then grub on their famous Bear Flag Burrito filled with white or brown rice, panko crusted white fish, black beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, their absolutely delicious Tommy Sauce and avocado. Grab a cocktail, beer or coconut water, sit back, relax, watch the games while you cheer on your favorite team.

Royal Hen
Located on Balboa Island surrounded by the beautiful surf is Royal Hen. An upscale gastropub to check all your boxes of deliciousness. Select from a list of unique beers and wine, and chow down on Pork Belly Baos, Steak Tartare, Craft Ale Battered Fish and Chips and Prime Sirloin while watching the game. Don’t forget about their epic brunch service on Sundays either. Drinks from Horchata Milk Punch to the classic mimosas will get you started, and menu items like Smoked Salmon Toast and Lemon Ricotta Pancakes to put you off the edge (in a good way).

Newport Coast First Class Pizza
Pizza, beer and sports, is there a better combination? Newport Coast Pizzeria is the go-to place for fresh and piping hot pies, pastas, and sandwiches. Everything is fresh and made to order to make it that much more memorable and mouth-watering. Start with bar classics like oven roasted chicken wings and cheesy garlic bread and while you cheer on your team, create your own personalized pie. If you’re not one to build your own pizza, go with one of their crowd favorites likes the Zesty Italian made with italian sausage, mushrooms, wax peppers, fresh garlic, olive oil, and special Newport Coast Pizzeria seasonings. Mama Mia!

Shamrock Bar and Grill
A go-to destination for any sports event is a classic bar and grill. Shamrock Bar and Grill has your needs with TVs to watch all the Madness in March, beers on tap and classic dishes like Cheeseburgers, Meatballs, Patty Melts, Onion Rings and Steak Nachos. The perfect combination to energize you while you cheer on your favorite team!

Aqua Lounge
Aqua Lounge is an ideal spot to grab a drink and enjoy the Newport Beach nightlife scene. Their menu boasts refreshing cocktails, and casual yet upscale shareable bites such as fried green tomatoes, tacos and more. You can even swing by on a Friday night and catch a DJ and enjoy an exciting club experience. Celebrate March Madness at Aqua Lounge from March 13th through April 2nd. Bring the whole crew and get half off select beers from 3PM-close just for sporting your team gear while watching the game!

The Stand
Burgers, hot dogs, sausages, fries, beer and a good time? The Stand has it all! Try a classic burger like The Stand Burger made with lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, pickles and the stand burger sauce; OR, go adventurous with The French Onion Soup Burger made with a double parmesan crusted bun, gruyere cheese, red wine onions, crispy onion strings and served with a side of french onion soup au jus. Also, if burgers aren’t your thing, they offer different ‘Standwiches’ and Stand Dog and Sausage creations. Add on some Stand Fries or Chili Fries and then top it all off with a Brownie Sundae. Oh, and don’t forget to watch the game since that’s why you came anyway, right?

Wilma’s Patio
Wilma’s Patio on Balboa Island has been filling bellies with satisfying plates of homestyle food for over 33 years. This full service spot offers an extensive breakfast menu (including the famous Belly Bomber), burgers and authentic Mexican food for lunch, along with plates of seafood, homemade meatloaf, and more for dinner. This casual locals joint has a full bar and is great for big groups, so bring the whole squad for March Madness and watch some basketball with a burger in one hand a beer in the other.