Well, Newport Beach – here we are once again, approaching our favorite time of the year, where our days get a little bit brighter! Warm weather brings a lot of musts; must go to the beach, must stay out till the sun goes down, must gather all our friends and have a party, and must enjoy the quintessential sunny day food! And since we’re all about food around here, we’re sharing some of our foodie favorites you can’t miss this season!

Balboa Bar-B-Que

Clearly this wouldn’t be a sunny day foodie post without some BBQ! Balboa Bar-B-Que specializes in smoked meats like brisket, baby back ribs, and pulled pork paired with classic sides like bbq beans, potato salad and cornbread. Not into smoked meats? They also pride themselves on having some the best burgers around piled with 100% fresh angus beef, cheese and Texas all beef chili if you order the Texacali Chili Burger. Come grub, and then walk around the Fun Zone at Balboa Village.

Da Hawaiian Kitchen

Take that Hawaiian vacation you’ve always been wanting to take without leaving the comfort of Newport Beach! Da Hawaiian Kitchen is serving up that locals only, authentic cuisine utilizing only the freshest and special flavors of Hawaiian food. Wake up early for a full day at the beach and order their spam, eggs and rice, or the classic, Loco Moco made with 2 beef patties on top of rice topped with two eggs and smothered with gravy to give you sustenance for the day ahead. If you’re more of a lunch person, start with a half pound of their freshly made everyday poke and then order one of the Hawaiian plates with options like chili peppa chicken, kalua pork, mahi mahi and kalbi ribs; and don’t forget the scoops of rice and side of mac to complete the Hawaiian tradition.

Crocker’s the Well Dressed Frank

Crocker’s the Well Dressed Frank has been serving Balboa Island well dressed franks since 1927! Their simple, yet effective menu consists of all beef hotdogs, grass-fed angus beef burgers and award winning clam chowder. Also, you can’t have a hotdog or burger without something fried! Take your pick with garlic fries, mozzarella sticks, chili fries or zucchini rings for that classic all-American meal.

The Stand

There’s nothing that compares to burgers and fries on a sunshined-filled day. Juicy, savory, salty and then washing it down with something cold and fresh is what a summer eating is all about! The Stand has all that and more to make for the perfect day with an extensive menu featuring drool worthy burgers, stanwiches (yes, you read that right), salads, hotdogs and sausages and of course, fries, sides and desserts! If you’re looking for classic we suggest ordering the Stand Burger with grilled onions, LTO, pickles and their signature stand burger sauce. Up the ante with their fire fries – well done fries tossed with their fire sauce, and then wash it all down with lemon poppy seed milkshake because why not, treat yo’self!

C’est Si Bon Bakery

Picking up a really good sandwich, side salad and a dessert before a full day of fun in the sun at the beach is a great move and C’est Si Bon Bakery is the place to grab and go. Build your own sandwiches with accoutrement offerings like turkey, tuna, brie, chicken curry, black forest ham and salami and piled with cheeses, condiments and veggies. Then, pair your made-to-order sandwich with a pasta salad or one of their many decadent dessert options; we recommend one of each of their cookies (chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin and peanut butter) to go with your sandwich because they’re all worthy. Now head to the beach, lay your blanket out and grub!

Circle Hook

The masterminds behind Wild Taco and Bear Flag Fish Co. present Circle Hook Fish Company in the Lido Marina Village. Enjoy fresh, local and sustainably caught fish such as black cod, and red snapper and enjoy their take on healthy fish, wonton poke tacos, oysters on the half shell, Thai coconut clams as well as an awesome kids menu. Bring the fam, nosh on fresh seafood and enjoy the Newport Bay on a beautiful sunny day!

Written By: Bobby Navarro