The Best Bars in Newport Beach, California

Oak Grill brings you Cali vibes through fresh food, craft cocktails and a super stylish design. Based at Fashion Island Hotel, the venue extends through light-filled interiors to a green-canopied outdoor deck and fireside area that’s spot on for happy hour drinks. It’s not just cocktails either – there’s a premium selection of wines from Napa and beyond and a solid range of beers to quench your thirst. As for the food, you can expect Cali-inspired dishes put together with locally sourced ingredients – from the Eight Karat salad featuring carrots prepared in eight different ways, to a lighter take on a classic Crab Louie salad. Private dining is also available.

Something of a Newport Beach institution, Blue Beet has changed names and hands a few times over the years. It began life in 1912 as “Stark’s” – owing to original owner Henry Stark who kept the doors open right through Prohibition – before becoming known as “Sid’s Blue Beet” when sold to Sid Soffer in the ’60s. In the years since, the venue has lost none of its rebellious attitude – and is now one of the liveliest and most popular spots in town – Sid and Henry may be long gone, but their spirits live on through hearty American diner-style food, craft beers and cocktails, and nightly live music from local blues and rock bands.