11 Newport Beach Sports Bars Perfect for The Big Game
Let the festivities begin! The Big Game is nearly here, February 9th to be exact, and no matter what team you’re pulling for, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to where to watch it in Newport Beach. From jumpin’ dive bars to Irish pubs, these local hotspots are as close as it gets to sideline seats. Here’s to big punts and even bigger pints!
Helmsman Ale House
One of the best breweries in Newport Beach, Helmsman Ale House is a stellar spot for craft beer and tasty bites! Snag a seat inside or on the patio (the brewery has a total of 25 TVs), and enjoy your favorite game-day grub like Helmsman’s Bavarian Pretzel with fried thyme, IPA cheese sauce and spicy mustard—a crowd favorite. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 2-6 p.m. (and all day on Monday), but Helmsman also serves up a mean brunch on Saturday and Sunday until 2 p.m. Be sure to check out their football season food and drink specials and details on their Newport Beach Big Game watch party too!
Stag Bar + Kitchen
This time-honored bar on the Balboa Peninsula is a staple when it comes to big-game viewing. With a selection of locally brewed craft beer, small-batch spirits and seasonal cocktails, Stag Bar + Kitchen is the ideal watering hole for the Big Game. You and your crew can sip on beer, seltzers and cocktails and snack on sliders, wings, nachos, tots, fries and more. There’s no better place to catch the big game than at Stag Bar + Kitchen—expect a big crowd!
Newport Beach Whaler
Known for its weekend nightlife scene, The Whaler transforms into a paradise for football fans on game day. This lively sports bar offers everything you need to enjoy the biggest NFL showdown of the year. Cozy up by the outdoor fireplace on the patio or snag a seat at the bustling central bar—no matter where you sit, you’ll have a prime view of every touchdown and tackle. Fuel your cheering squad with game-day bites like crispy calamari and birria street nachos, and raise a glass of Whaler Lager to toast the ultimate football feast.
Baja Sharkeez
Perched right next to the Newport Pier, Baja Sharkeez is a jumpin’ Newport Beach bar for a round of drinks with your fellow fans. This beachfront hotspot boasts several TVs and a front-row view of the pier. Belly up to the bar or grab a table and gear up for an epic game-day environment. Start with the Smoky Queso & Chips or the Fiery Buffalo Wings, and be sure to order one of their famous flavored margaritas or a Corona-rita, which comes with an upside-down bottle of Corona in it. Nothing beats Football Sunday at Baja Sharkeez.
Mutt Lynch’s
Known for its hefty schooners and bustling beachfront location, Mutt Lynch’s is easily one of the most popular spots for some day drinking. Take in views of the pier as you sip the day away with friends. When it comes to that festive football Newport Beach atmosphere, Mutt’s is the place! Order a schooner of your favorite beer, snack on bar bites like chicken tenders, garlic knots, nachos and fried dill pickles and be prepared for a rowdy vibe.
Malarky’s Irish Pub
For the past four decades, Malarky’s has remained a local staple with its Irish spirit and upbeat atmosphere. This popular pub serves all your Irish favorites, including prime rib, corned beef and drinks like Irish coffee and Guinness on tap. Malarky’s is sure to cure your football, food and beer cravings for the Big Game in Newport Beach. P.S. Stay tuned for deets on their Newport Beach Bit Game watch party!
Muldoon’s Irish Pub
Another festive Irish pub in Newport Beach, Muldoon’s underwent a full refresh a few years ago that features a remodeled courtyard, fresh craft cocktails, a seasonal menu and a lineup of DJs and bands. They even offer 89-cent wings, drink specials and beer pitchers on NFL game day! Newport Beach Football fans will also be happy to know that this Dublin-style pub has plenty of TVs too, so you won’t miss a single tackle during the big game.
Tavern House Kitchen + Bar
Comfort food comes to life at Tavern House on the bay. This chic yet cozy Newport Beach bar and restaurant sits on the water’s edge, offering guests an enjoyable spot to sip back, relax and catch the game of the year. Stop in for brunch and dig into delicious plates like their Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Malted Waffles or Prime Rib Hash. Pair your meal with one of their a.m. cocktails like the Tavern Mary or Blood Orange Mimosa, and don’t look back.
Cruisers Pizza Bar Grill
For those craving that classic pizza-and-beer experience, Cruisers is a happening spot in Balboa Village that fires up traditional Chicago stuffed pizzas in a casual and upbeat setting. Whether you’re with friends or family, you’ll love the selection of pies, beers and craft cocktails served in huge schooners. Plus, Cruisers is home to 30 big-screen HDTVs, including the largest 4K projector in Orange County.
The Place
Located in the heart of Corona del Mar, this long-standing sports bar dishes out juicy burgers and craft cocktails in an unpretentious setting. Snag a seat in the beer garden in the back, and dig into one of their Famous Flame Burgers while the Big Game teams duel it out! The Place is dedicated to helping you avoid the Sunday scaries with live sports, beer and good grub.
The Village Inn
Take the ferry across to Balboa Island and enjoy a Sunday afternoon with the locals at The Village Inn. This old-school bar in Newport Beach is not only a hoppin’ place for sports viewing, but it also features live entertainment Tuesday through Sunday. Wine and dine alfresco on the sidewalk patio or belly up to the bar for optimal viewing. Be sure to try one of their signature bloody marys.
