Memorial Day Weekend Musts
Looking for the best BBQ and grab-and-go fare to indulge in this holiday weekend? Newport Beach has countless offerings to satisfy your summer-kick off cravings. Memorial Day Weekend is here and we hope you’ll be enjoying the gorgeous California weather with a refreshing beverage in one hand, and maybe even some killer BBQ in the other. Stock up on extra napkins and outdoor cutlery–it’s going to get saucy and flavorful at the beach this weekend!
Balboa Bar B Que
If you find yourself at the Balboa Fun Zone with the whole family this weekend, you might as well mosey on in to Balboa Bar B Que to satisfy those saucy-meat cravings you’ve been having. There’s something for everyone – Babyback Ribs, Smoked Brisket, Burgers, even hot dogs and corn dogs! An ideal pit stop to grub within a busy day having fun outdoors.
In need of a quick grab-and-go meal before your 3-day weekend adventures begin? Sessions West Coast Deli has you covered. Beach-goers and locals rejoice, Sessions continues to serve up some of the freshest and most satisfying sandwiches and salads in town. If your hunger levels are high, don’t skip on their popular hot sandwich, the Sloppy Barney. Served on warm ciabatta bread, it’s stuffed with house made bbq pulled pork, melty jalapeno jack cheese, pickles, onions, and slaw. A sandwich built for the weekend warrior.
Photo Credit: @thefoodbb
Crocker’s “The Well Dressed Frank”
It’s Memorial Day Weekend, which means hot dogs are in order! Strolling down Marine Ave with the crew? Grab a Frank (our four) and head down to the beach with this ideal comfort food in hand. This quaint local shop offers a wide array of dogs and side orders for you to choose from, including the Frank’s Foot Long, and the Wet & Wild Chili Dog. For those looking for something other than a dog, they’re servin’ up burgers and sandwiches on the regular, too.
One of the most unique things to do in Newport Beach is what locals like to call “dock and dine”; where one parks their boat on the waterfront before indulging in a casual yet refined dining experience. Only a few steps from the dock is the Lighthouse Bayview Cafe, offering SoCal natives a varietal menu of California classics, as well as some not-so-common plates. Keeping in theme with the Memorial Day Weekend vibes, we recommend grabbing the new BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders; they’re served with jicama slaw and pickled onions. Plus, since it’s technically an appetizer, it’ll leave you room to try plenty of other plates too like their Crisp Brussel Sprouts served with chorizo, or even the Chipotle Ketchup Glazed Meatloaf… yum.
Bandera
After a full day at the beach this weekend, put your on Sunday best on and grab a seat at Bandera. Treat yourself to a cocktail or two at this Corona del Mar hotspot. Bandera serves up a wide variety of well-crafted plates, thanks to their wood-fueled kitchen. Hot off the grill you can find racks of Barbecue Beef Back Ribs, as well as Bandera-Style Roasted Chicken served with an apricot glaze and pommes purée. Can’t choose? Fear not, they even offer a Rotisserie Chicken and Barbecue Rib Combo complete with coleslaw, and tomatoes with goat cheese–what more could you ask for?
This popular burger bar is reminding patrons that burgers can be different, and that’s totally okay. Straying far from the ordinary, this counter-service eatery offers unique combinations between two buns that’ll make you want to come back again and again, to eventually try them all. Might we suggest their Goodnight / Good Cause burger, composed of Angus Beef, Tillamook Cheddar, Caramelized Onions, Sliced Jalapeno, Hickory BBQ Sauce, Sassy Sauce, Red Leaf Lettuce, and a Beefsteak Tomato slice. Bonus, $1 of this is purchase is donated to Lone Star Paralysis. Double Bonus, Hopdoddy also offers a huge selection of beers, cocktails and milkshakes as well. Cheers to that!
The Original Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store
When it’s a long weekend, sometimes the easiest dinner choice is a well-made pizza. Sgt. Pepperoni’s has been spreading love through the art of pizza since 1976, and there’s often nothing more satisfying than an exceptional pie. In lieu of Memorial Day Weekend and the American soul’s need for BBQ this time of year, try their traditional BBQ Chicken Pizza. Its crispy crust and generous layer of cheeses is topped with BBQ chicken chunks, red onion and cilantro. Grab your friends, a few brews and a slice and there you have it… the perfect 3-day weekend combo.
