How about a little live music to jazz up your night? These six restaurants and bars are our favorite spots for grabbing a bite and a drink when we’re looking to rock out to some good tunes.
The Blue Beet
The Blue Beet has our heart for a number of reasons. For one, they serve killer food at killer prices. Two, they have a 2-6pm happy hour from M-Fs with $5 drinks that we love to enjoy on their oceanview rooftop patio. But our favorite time to come to the Blue Beet is when the sun sets. Almost 7 days a week, you can hear live sets of jazz, blue, or rock, with zero cover charge. The venue is small but draws a fun-loving crowd. It’s an absolute must if you’re in town!
Muldoon’s Irish Pub
About a 15 minute drive from the peninsula is the most charming Irish pub you ever did see! Muldoon’s Irish Pub does it right, with a menu that includes traditional Irish favorites as well as California bar food (we’re talking everything from seared ahi to burgers). And best of all, on Friday-Sunday evenings, you can also expect a line-up of fun, lively bands to get you moving and shaking.
Billy’s at the Beach
For a tropical-themed scene as relaxing and sunny as Newport Beach, head to Billy’s at the Beach. The bayfront setting, paired with the tiki bar aesthetic makes this the perfect destination for a brunch, happy hour, or festive dinner. Live music is often on the menu, too. They are still ramping things up since Covid, so we suggest calling them for schedule specifics.
Bayside Restaurant
You’ll find live music seven days a week at Bayside Restaurant! More upscale than some of the other establishments on this list, Bayside Restaurant serves classic dishes in a traditional dining setting. The evening performances range from Latin Jazz to R&B to contemporary classics & covers. Great for date nights or for any night you want to be serenaded by some top-notch talent.
Woody’s Wharf
Woody’s Wharf, a casual eatery right on the bayfront, turns into a nightclub three nights a week with live DJ sets. Come here any Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night from 10pm-2am and you’ll find both of their bar areas and dance floor packed. There’s never a cover for entry, so nothing’s stopping you from giving the local night life a try!
Campus JAX
Campus JAX is the only supper club in Newport Beach, and it’s a good thing too, because they would blow any of their competition out of the water. About a 15 minute drive from the peninsula, this supper club is one-of-a-kind. With such a robust line-up of bands, you’d think the food would be an afterthought, but far from it. Their cajun-inspired menu is fabulous. They have a full bar, a dance floor, and the best musical acts in town. Tickets go anywhere from $25-$50/person and each person must purchase an entree. Be sure to carve out time for an evening here – it’s sure to be a memorable one!
Newport Beach may be known for its sunny beaches, but its music scene is just as fun. At these venues, you’ll find small town charm, great food, better music, and an all around good time!
