The Best Sports Bars for Football Season in Newport Beach
With school back in session and the resurgence of pumpkin spice everything, it can only mean one thing: fall is officially here! And for sports fans, this season ushers in a feeling of excitement as the NFL season kicks off. But before you throw on your jersey and spend all Sunday on the couch, we’ve rallied up 10 of the best sports bars in Newport Beach where you can catch all the action. From 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, Newport Beach’s only craft beer brewery, is a stellar spot for craft beer and tasty bites. Snag a seat inside or on the patio (both have 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., but Helmsman also serves up a mean brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
This time-honored establishment on the Balboa Peninsula is a staple when it comes to game day. With a selection of locally brewed craft beer, small-batch spirits and seasonal cocktails, Stag Bar + Kitchen is the ideal watering hole for football season. And on Monday, Sept. 11, you can meet former USC and NFL quarterback, Mark Sanchez who’ll be guest bartending for the Buffalo Bills vs. NY Jets game!
A Newport Beach icon, Baja Sharkeez is a small-but-mighty watering hole with waterfront views and dozens of beers on tap. Throw on your team’s jersey and come catch a game! This Balboa Peninsula hotspot is always hoppin’ on game days and features a variety of food and drink specials every football season.
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 “sports” atmosphere, Mutt’s is the place! Order a schooner of your favorite beer and snack on bar bites like chicken tenders, garlic knots, nachos and fried dill pickles.
Take the ferry across to Balboa Island and enjoy a Sunday afternoon at The Village Inn! This hyperlocal hotspot is not only a hoppin’ place for sports viewing, but it also features live entertainment on select nights. 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!
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 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, and on Sundays, they serve an epic bottomless brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Located in the heart of Corona del Mar, this long-standing sports bar dishes out juicy burgers and craft cocktails in an unpretentious setting. Dig into one of their Famous Flame Burgers and watch your favorite teams play live in the beer garden. The Place is dedicated to helping you avoid the Sunday scaries with live sports, beer and good grub.
Get your game face on this Sunday at Newport’s Cabo Cantina! This casual Mexican eatery serves up classic Mexican cuisine and has an interior lined with 65-inch TVs. This fall, you and your crew can score big with game-day specials like their 2-for-1 drink prices. This bargain runs every day from 4-8 p.m.—don’t miss out!
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. Whether you’re popping in for brunch on Sunday or dinner during sunset, Malarky’s is sure to cure your football, food and beer cravings.
Another festive Irish pub in Newport Beach, Muldoon’s, recently underwent a full refresh not too long ago and now features a remodeled courtyard, fresh craft cocktails, a seasonal menu and a lineup of DJs and bands. 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
Comfort food comes to life at Tavern House on the bay. This coastal yet cozy restaurant sits on the water’s edge, offering guests an enjoyable spot to sip back, relax and catch a game. Stop in for brunch and dig into delicious plates like their signature Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Waffles. Pair your meal with one of their a.m. cocktails like the Tavern Mary or Tequila Sunrise Mimosa, and don’t look back!
Written By: Kaylin Waizinger
