The Best Sports Bars in Newport Beach to Watch Football All Season Long
The countdown is over—football season is here! Sundays (and Mondays and Thursdays) are now reserved for touchdowns, big plays, and gathering with fellow fans to cheer on your team. And what better way to do it than at one of the many sports bars in Newport Beach? From high-energy pubs and beachfront hangouts to cozy Balboa Island bars and even local breweries in Newport Beach, these spots are some of the best sports bars in Newport Beach for game day. If you’re searching for the best bars to watch football this season, we’ve rounded up 15 local favorites that deliver ice cold drinks, big screens, and all the game-day highlights.
Helmsman Ale House
Helmsman Ale House stands out as one of Newport Beach’s only craft breweries, offering a unique spot for football fans who love great beer. Inside or on the expansive patio, there are plenty of TVs so you won’t miss a single play. Snack on fan favorites like the Bavarian pretzel with craft beer cheese, sip one of their house brews, and soak in the energetic crowd. With weekend brunch served Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and happy hour specials Monday through Friday from 2-6 p.m., Helmsman turns every football day into a celebration worth showing up early for.
Stag Bar + Kitchen
Stag Bar + Kitchen has been a Balboa Peninsula tradition for decades, and it remains a go-to for game-day gatherings. The bar’s selection of local craft beers, seasonal cocktails, and hearty pub bites make it the perfect place to settle in for the big game. Plus, they just launched their new LA Rams hats (available for purchase)! Stag Bar + Kitchen offers wings, personal pizzas, and drink specials, making it a lively spot for fans who want more than just a TV to watch.
Baja Sharkeez
Just steps from the Newport Pier, Baja Sharkeez brings major game-day energy to the Balboa Peninsula. Catch Monday and Thursday Night Football, plus a full slate of weekend games, on wall-to-wall HDTVs with crystal-clear surround sound. Rep your team during Sharkeez’s Victory Blitz for game-day deals, or fuel up on Saturdays and Sundays with breakfast specials starting at 9 a.m. Add giant beers, pitchers, buckets and football-themed cocktails to the mix, and Sharkeez is an easy pick for fans who want a high-energy crowd from kickoff to the final whistle.
Mutt Lynch’s
Mutt Lynch’s is a beachfront favorite, famous for its massive schooners of beer and seltzer and casual, but rowdy vibe. Fans gather for a mix of live football, festive energy, and bar bites like wings, nachos, and fried pickles. Watching the game with a view of the pier and waves makes Mutt Lynch’s a quintessential Newport Beach experience for anyone looking for a fun, laid-back sports bar.
The Village Inn
Hop on the ferry to Balboa Island and enjoy a game at The Village Inn, a local favorite with both indoor and patio seating. With live music on select nights, hearty meals, and their signature bloody marys, it’s a great spot to combine football with a touch of island charm. The cozy, neighborhood vibe of this sports bar in Newport Beach makes it a must-visit among Balboa Island bars for NFL game-day fun.
Cruisers Pizza Bar Grill
If pizza and football are your go-to combo, Cruisers delivers to the max. Known for Chicago-style stuffed pies, craft cocktails and 30 big-screen HDTVs, it’s a perfect spot for both casual and die-hard fans. Buffalo Bills fans will feel especially at home: Cruisers hosts the BillsBackers of Orange County, aka Bills at the Beach, with dedicated Bills watch parties throughout the 2026-27 season. Fans can reserve a spot in the Bills section for select games and keep up with watch party updates throughout the season.
A+O Kitchen | Bar at Balboa Bay Resort
Football with a waterfront view? A+O Kitchen | Bar at Balboa Bay Resort offers a breezy alternative to the traditional sports bar. Inspired by the Italian Riviera, the restaurant overlooks Newport Harbor with an expansive wraparound patio, fire pit tables and a bright coastal atmosphere. Sundays are especially inviting with Brunch, Bubbles and Beats, featuring brunch board specials from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and live music from noon-3 p.m. For weekday matchups, stop by Monday through Thursday from 3-6 p.m. for happy hour cocktails and elevated bites alongside the harbor.
The Place
The Place in Corona del Mar keeps it simple with a neighborhood vibe, great burgers, and plenty of TVs. It’s perfect for fans who want a casual spot with solid bar bites, refreshing drinks, and a fun crowd. Don’t miss their signature Famous Flameburger, featuring a half-pound patty, lettuce, tomato, onions and bacon. It’s a must-try and a local favorite! Whether you’re looking to relax with friends or celebrate big plays, this bar delivers on classic game-day energy.
Cabo Cantina
Cabo Cantina brings big flavors and big screens together for the ultimate Newport Beach sports bar experience. With 80-inch TVs, a lively crowd, and plenty of space for cheering, it’s a go-to spot for football fans. Snack on classic Mexican favorites, sip a margarita or two, and take advantage of daily specials like 2-for-1 drinks from 4-8 p.m. Whether you’re celebrating a touchdown or commiserating a close game, Cabo Cantina keeps the energy high and the fun rolling all season long.
Malarky’s Irish Pub
For over 40 years, Malarky’s has been a staple of Newport Beach nightlife and football culture. With more than 26 flat-screen TVs, a lively crowd and Guinness on tap, it’s a reliable go-to for every NFL game day. Settle in with cold beer buckets, a legendary Guinness Bloody Mary and shareable favorites like hand-cut fries, loaded nachos and appetizer samplers. During NFL season, keep an eye on your coaster for Irish Luck of the Draw, where if you find a gold star, you win a prize. With plenty of screens, game-day bites and a little luck of the Irish, Malarky’s is a lively spot to catch the action all season long.
Muldoon’s Irish Pub
Muldoon’s brings Irish charm and big-game energy together in a cozy, festive setting. Flat-screen TVs are located both inside the pub and out on the patio, making it easy to catch college and NFL games all weekend long. Football fans can dig into game-day specials like 89-cent wings and banger street dogs, offered during games every Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
Tavern House Kitchen + Bar
Tavern House Kitchen + Bar brings a mix of coastal elegance and casual comfort to football watching. Located right on the water, it’s ideal for brunch games or evening matchups. Dive into fried chicken and waffles, sip a Tavern Mary, and enjoy the relaxed energy as fans cheer on their teams. With TVs sprinkled throughout, it’s an inviting spot for anyone who wants great food alongside the game.
Blackie’s by the Sea
Just steps from the sand, Blackie’s by the Sea is a legendary local dive bar with a loyal following. Famous for Blizzard Beer served below 29 degrees in a frosty beer mug or pitcher, Blackie’s features plenty of TVs, pool tables, a fun crowd and an unbeatable location just steps from the beach. Whether you’re a Newport local or visiting for the first time, it’s a must-stop for anyone wanting a quintessential seaside football experience.
JOEY Newport Beach
For an elevated take on game day, JOEY Newport Beach at Fashion Island pairs an energetic atmosphere with a stylish setting. Grab a seat at the expansive wraparound bar for a front-row view of the action while enjoying a globally inspired menu, craft cocktails and plenty of game-day camaraderie. Plus, happy hour runs daily from 3-5 p.m. in the lounge, bar and patio. Whether you’re stopping in after shopping or settling in for the game, JOEY brings an upscale spin to football season.
The Mayor’s Table Pacific Pub + Kitchen
For game day with a little more polish, The Mayor’s Table Pacific Pub + Kitchen at Lido House delivers coastal cuisine, creative cocktails and a chic neighborhood atmosphere. A few TVs around the bar make it easy to keep an eye on the score without sacrificing the elevated dining experience. Settle in with seafood-forward and seasonal dishes, explore the restaurant’s signature cocktails, and catch the game from the bar. It’s an ideal choice for football fans looking for something a little more refined than the typical sports-bar scene.
