On Father’s Day, treat pop to a meal in Newport Beach

Take a moment to consider the stereotypical gifts kids get their dad for Father’s Day. You probably came up with a hodgepodge of ties, socks, slippers, and coffee mugs. Some of you may have thrown a cheap watch or wallet into the mix. We’re sure your dad appreciated the gesture at the time, but let’s be real for a moment. The gifts probably weren’t all that great. Don’t beat yourself up – it’s the thought that counts. Besides, you were on a budget partially dictated by the allowance your dad gave you. You’re practically blameless here.

Now, of course, is a different story. You can afford something a little better than a polyester tie or a ceramic mug with a stamped-on “Number One Dad” design, and we trust you’ll take advantage of this by getting him a proper gift. But why not take him to dinner as well? Newport Beach offers several terrific dining options that are sure to please your pop on his special day. Doing so will probably please him a whole lot more than the pair of socks you got him when you were eight.

A Restaurant – There was probably a point in your life, probably during your teen years, where you thought your dad wasn’t cool. Now that your older, chances are you’ve realized how wrong you were back then. Father’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate your dad’s coolness, and there may not be a better place to do so than this Mariner’s Mile venue. After all, this place dishes out sleek, “be and be seen” hipness in spades, wrapped up in a slightly retro package of deep reds, dark woods, and black leather banquettes. The building it calls home has also been around since 1926, so your dad may even have a few stories to share about the space back in the day as you indulge in contemporary fare like A5 rib cap carpaccio or roasted Colorado spring lamb rack chop.

The Bungalow – If your father was into barbecuing back in the day, you can probably close your eyes and envision him standing in front the grill, tongs in hand, apron wrapped around his frame, the smell of slowly charring meat wafting through the air and turning your mouth into a dripping faucet of anticipation. It may behoove you to return the favor on June 17th, but that doesn’t mean you to turn on your own grill. All you need to do is take him to this Corona Del Mar venue and indulge in their special Father’s Day BBQ menu, where an all-star group of proteins such as mesquite smoked baby back ribs, grilled king salmon, and half BBQ chicken are available for enjoyment. Dad can pair the smoky goodness with a free beer, wine, or cocktail from the venue’s Father’s Day cocktail menu. No apron is required, but a bib may be a good idea.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar – Steak is the quintessential dad food. It’s hearty. It has a crusty edge that gives way to a tender center. It needs to rest a bit after it gets worked on the grill before it can be its best. In a way, these characteristics may mirror dad himself. The pleasures of a great steak are being celebrated all Father’s Day weekend at this Fashion Island steakhouse, who is rolling out a special Three Course Tomahawk Steak menu. A juicy, giant 35-ounce steak accompanied by signature butters stands at the center of this primal feast, which also includes a salad and a dessert like a chocolate lava cake. It’s a decadent treat, but you can even make it more indulgent by starting off the evening with a bourbon tasting flight.

Muldoon’s – Brunch and Mother’s Day are a classic pairing, but your dad deserves some brunch love, too. It’s something this legendary Fashion Island Irish pub understands, as evidenced by their terrific Sunday brunch. A wide host of hearty Celtic delights pepper the menu, from the traditional Irish country breakfast of two bangers, eggs, and either fruit or fries to the Guinness stout beef stew. The venue also has dad covered if he wants to pair brunch with booze. Case in point: “The Craythur;” a Scotch tasting flight offering one ounce pours of Tullamore Dew, Jameson, Red Bush, and Jameson Caskmates.

Rockin Baja Lobster Coastal Cantina – Father’s Day is a great day for dad to relax. At the very least, it can be a great day for dad to immerse himself in a relaxing atmosphere. This is precisely what this relentlessly chill Balboa Peninsula joint delivers. Coming here will provide your pop Baja California’s famously breezy vibe, but without the hassle of actually driving down to Baja California. It will also give the both of you the unique opportunity to split the venue’s Big Papa Bucket. This variation on the restaurant’s stuffed-container showstopper comes loaded with abundance of surf and turf goodness. We’re talking Canadian lobster tails, a snow crab cluster, shrimp, grilled chicken, and grilled corn on the cob. Add the venue’s legendary all-you-can-eat beans, rice, and tortillas into the mix, and you both may be headed to a food coma – a nice, relaxing food coma.

The Village Inn – Your dad may not want anything fancy on Father’s Day. He may be content with the company you have to offer. If that’s the case, it’s not too much of a stretch to think that he’ll want a meal anchored by approachable, unfussy comfort food – one that is outstanding without being ostentatious. Enter this low-key Balboa Island venue, who is rolling out a trio of special Father’s Day menu items that simply make a solid impression by being delicious. Pop can choose from homemade carnitas with refried chorizo beans and corn cake, slow cooked ribs pulled off the bone, or sliders featuring beef, chicken, bbq, and meatball. With a little luck, choosing what plate to enjoy can be the second toughest decision he makes that day. The toughest? Making the call on pairing the dish with a complementary beer or specialty cocktail.

View more Father’s Day Dining Offers here.

Written By: Rich Manning