Where to Dine & Watch The Big Game
On Sunday, February 1st, 2015, Super Bowl XLIX, the 49th edition of the National Football League (NFL) championship game will be held. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:30pm PST, so start your planning for the big game now. Everyone needs a strategy, right? With that in mind, here are some great viewing spots located in neighborhoods throughout Newport Beach for all you die-hard “sports fan” who might want to catch the game somewhere new.
Located in the Back Bay Marian is the Back Bay Bistro. They will be participating in Restaurant Week on Super Bowl Sunday, and there are two TV’s and a wonderful view from the bar out on to the water and boat activity. However, if it is raining, they will close the restaurant due to the retractable roof.
1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach
(949) 729-1144, www.newportdunes.com/back-bay-bistro
On the island, The Village Inn has 7 TV’s with two on each side of the bar, one large projection screen on a stage in the lounge, and two others strategically positioned around the lounge area. Offering cocktails, numerous beers and a complete dining menu there are plenty of options here.
127 Marine Avenue, Newport Beach
(949) 675-8300, www.vibalboaisland.com
It’s pretty hard for me to pick just one spot, so I am including two of the Sports Bars here. I would tend to go hide out at 21Oceanfront, however the bar doesn’t open until 4:00pm.
Rudy’s Pub & Grill holds the record for the most number of flat screens—with 31-big screens and 10 beers on tap. There is an outdoor patio, an indoor/outdoor area with astro-turf, and a cozy interior, with wood floors. When the weather is right, the entire center roof retracts. This place will be rocking with activity!
3110 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach
(949) 723-0293, www.rudyspubandgrill.com
The Newport Beach Brewing Company is not too far from Rudy’s. There is a very nice outdoor patio, and inside there is a small dining area, and the two huge bars with high-tops throughout the building. With 14-flat screens and 3-projection screens, it will be non-stop action. I count 9 beers on tap which makes for a nice selection. They are bound to have some specials on game day!
2920 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach
(949) 675-8449, www.newportbeachbrewingcompany.com
Cruisers Pizza Bar & Grill has 25-big screen TV’s and 1- huge projector screen in its own private dining room! Unlike some sports bars, Cruisers is committed to exceptional food. The dining room is bar-centric, and an outdoor patio with flat screens galore, and a second private that seats about 60 people, and has a 14-foot projector screen, as well as flat screens. The staff is very friendly, and the bar offers numerous craft cocktails and 10 beers on tap.
801 East Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach
(949) 220-9414, www.cruisersNB.com
The Porch– This is a charming hide-away restaurant is just off the beaten path. The cozy cottage has 14-TV’s, a bar and patio ideal for viewing the big game. They will be serving lunch, dinner and appetizers, with some bar specials as well.
508 29th Street, Newport Beach
(949) 673-1600, www.meetattheporch.com
The Crow Bar & Kitchen has the best burgers in town, and a perfect spot to belly up and watch the game. I am told there will be special offerings but that is still in development.
2325 East Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar
(949) 675-0070, www.thecrowbarcdm.com
The Oak Grill, located at Island Hotel, features a lovely dining room, a bar area with an outside patio under a canopy of trees. For Super Bowl Sunday there will be numerous TV’s set up for viewing and a BBQ is planned out on the terrace. This will be the last night of Restaurant Week, so do check out their menu at www.www.dinenb.com .
690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach
(949) 760-4920, www.oakgrillnb.com
In Fashion Island, a huge venue is found at the Yardhouse. With 16-flat screens, and approximately 68 beers on tap, this is the quintessential “something for everyone” sports bar. I don’t think there is a bad seat in the house.
Fashion Island- Next To Bloomingdale’s
(949) 640-9273, www.yardhouse.com
A bar perched above the water and docks below is home to 3 Thirty 3 Waterfront. The bar is elegant, with stonework, colorful lights above, and numerous seating option—from high-tops to booths, barstools to couches and dining tables. It is all there. There are 6-big screens, three on either side, so no one has to miss a play. The audio is often set to silent, so hopefully they will crank it up on game day! There is a private dining room, with ten four-tops, windows on two sides overlooking the docks, a retractable roof, and 2-flat screens. This would be a perfect spot for a team take-over! Just sayin’.
333 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach
(949) 673-8464, www.3thirty3nb.com
High atop The Resort at Pelican Hill is the Pelican Grill Lounge which also serves as the 19th hole for the Pelican Hill Golf Course. It is a regal, elegant enclave, with a bit of a Napa-style flair. The horseshoe shaped bar is expansive, and conversational seating is sprinkled throughout the lounge area, with an outdoor patio offering lovely ocean views. Anchoring the fireplace are 2 gigantic 9 foot projection screens. The sound is audible, but not overpowering. No happy hour specials to be found here, or beer on tap, for that matter. It is a refined approach to sports viewing. This is the spot to see, and be seen.
22800 S Pelican Hill Rd, Newport Coast
(949) 467-6800, www.pelicanhill.com
So there you have it, 13 great spots to enjoy the upcoming Super Bowl game! Here’s to a great game, delicious food and a cold draft beer in-hand. Go for it!
