Seems that I wake up every morning to a new “national food or beverage holiday” these days, but TODAY, April 26 is NATIONAL PRETZEL DAY! I couldn’t be happier for a day recognizing such an amazing favorite snack item. As a kid, I fondly remember going to the Fair or a football game: the excitement of getting a soft pretzel, lightly covered in salt, and so warm to the touch that you had to wait sometimes to take that first bite, of course with a side dipping sauce. Even today, I have to have a bag of hard pretzels in the house as the best go-to snack. In honor of National Pretzel Day, here are some of the best options that Newport Beach has to offer.

Photo Credit: @auntieannespretzels

Let’s start with the ultimate choice – Auntie Anne’s. A Fashion Island haven and hot spot by locals and tourists alike. Known for their hand made pretzels to order – the most obvious choice is the Signature Original Pretzel. Lightly bathed in butter, baked, and adorned with sea salt – you can’t go wrong with this choice. An added bonus – their dipping sauces. My Personal preference is the OG pretzel with a side of their Cheese Dip. Then again, if your sweet tooth is calling – the Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel nuggets are a sure bet with a side of the homemade caramel sauce.

A&O Kitchen + Bar at the Balboa Bay Resort has had a huge following for a long time. But just recently did I discover their Clam Chowder accompanied by a homemade pretzel roll. I am a sucker for a great homemade soup, but this pretzel roll takes the top notch. Baked to perfection with a slight toast to the top, it is a wonderful addition to dip with – but I loved to scrape the final bites of that chowder, filled with pancetta and chives, with that lovely, salty pretzel bread that will leave me dreaming of that dish for days.

Turkey Pretzel Melt
Photo Credit: Larry Tenney

Well, thank you, A Market – for your grab-and-go sandwiches! The “Turkey Pretzel” is a must have – stop in while filling up your cooler this Summer headed to the beach. Pick up a 6-pack or a few bottles of wine and make sure to ask for this local-favorite. You can’t go wrong with the combination of roasted turkey, spinach, cheddar cheese, and Italian dressing on a pretzel roll. Glass of Rose? Done

Just off the news wire: Crocker’s on Balboa Island is now offering Jalapeno – Cheese “Pretzels”. And let me be discrete – you are all the first to know. Let me tell you folks, these pretzels are OFF THE CHARTS. Known for their infamously amazing and delicious Hot Dogs, these side treats should not be overlooked. Covered in melted cheddar cheese and sliced jalapenos, this is if a food lovers dream. Definitely try to pre-order if possible.

One of the best in town that can’t be missed: SideDoor in Corona del Mar. One of the best happy hours and charcuterie plates in town, but don’t miss out on the Pretzel appetizer. Make a point of ordering the in-house made pretzel paired with a well-balanced stilton-cheese dipping sauce. A full-bodied glass of Chardonnay is always a good choice.

Written By: Lesley Riccabona