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Balboa Saloon
Categories: Nightlife Bars Sports Bars Nightlife Pool Halls Restaurants Sandwiches Restaurants Pizza Sports Bars, Pool Halls, Sandwiches, Pizza [Edit]
700 E Bay AveNewport Beach, CA 92661
(949) 673-9783
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Sun, Sat
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
27 reviews for Balboa Saloon
Review Highlights
"Oh yeah, they have pickled eggs too."
(in 2 reviews)
"bartender was very nice and friendly cracking jokes."
(in 9 reviews)
"plenty of entertainment (pool, darts, arcade, TV."
(in 3 reviews)
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27 reviews in English
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Review from Brian W.
8/29/2011
Nice bartenders, casual crowd-- it's a waterfront bar, what did you expect?
Also, quite possibly the most generous Patron pours I've ever encountered. We needed to make change for the parking meter, so we went in and figured we'd need to buy a drink to get them to make change. Two Patrons and the rest in quarters please... "oh I would've given you the change without a drink!"
A minute later we're staring at our change for the meter, and what looks like triple portions of Patron in rocks glasses. SCORE.
(then we walked back to the car to feed the meter. The girls probably noticed the reek of alcohol from across the street...) -
Review from Christina K.
Irvine, CA
12/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I call it the Smelly Saloon in the most loveable way. I know it's a Miss. Obvious thing to say, but it is what it is - smelly.
BUT, don't let that deter you from going in and having a good time. Just make sure you don't have to use the bathroom if you have a sensitive olfactory system - no matter what sex you are. I have heard s couple of horror stories on the stench that comes out.
Drinks were stiff, plus.
Bartender was nice and not a jerk like most are, plus.
Patrons didn't try to molest you, plus. (But that may be because they were glued drunk to their barstools too busy watching the game)
Big Buck Shooting game, PLUS! (Especially when I win, haha)
Pool table that no one seems to use, plus.
Mellow, non-pretentious atmosphere, plus.
The thing that made me laugh? I want to say I think they were having their company Christmas party. They had a table set-up with outside food, and it looked like only certain people were allowed to nibble. I was interested in some of the treats they had, but didn't want to get my hand slapped away. They had someone standing there at all times, looked like they were acting as the watch dog.
And, they have some ridiculously cool pictures on the walls! -
Review from Jeena E.
11/8/2011
Balboa Saloon is another unlovable little dump of a dive bar in Zooport.
This is not the type of establishment I would ever walk into on my own, but it was a logical stop on a Zooport pub crawl after Newport Landing on a warm Saturday afternoon.
As soon as I walked inside I knew how this was going to end. A motley and grimy collection of local surfers, dirts and what seemed to be drifters occupied the bar and pool table. Several were already bone ass drunk, it was 3pm. Color me prude, but that hour seems really early in the day to be slurring out 4 letter words because you are too inebriated to play billiards with any competence.
I sighed and ordered a beer which came in a frosty mug (nice!). Our crew was most likely sticking out like a sore thumb, but everyone in the bar was very kind, especially the bartender who kept a keen eye on our drinks. At one point I decided to use the facilities and upon entering the women's room regretted that decision and walked right back out. Yuck.
About 2 sips into my second beer an obese and heavily tatted male started slamming his open palm on the window from the outside of the bar and started motioning to one of the pool playing drunkards in what I perceived to be a threatening manner. We collectively decided that the crawl must continue (without Police interaction) and left en route to Mutt's. I wonder how that situation played out...
I am certain that we showed up at a really bad time, but I think I am good with the amount of life experience I have gotten out of the Balboa Saloon.Listed in: Lovely Libations, Newport Beach
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Review from BJ L.
5/27/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is not just a regular bar. This place is old school ripping. Like, an actual landmark. Also, no big deal that this was shot here:
http://www.dailymotion...
Yeah, that just happened.
I guess it just comes down to this: I'll basically give 4 stars to any bar that serves beer by the pitcher, pickled eggs, and delicious hot dogs.Listed in: Bars on Mars eatin' cars.
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Review from Marie L.
Mission Viejo, CA
10/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Terrible customer service. Won't come again for sure.
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Review from Rui N.
Irvine, CA
1/15/2011
O HEY $4 vodka tonics! And its not even happy hour! What's not to like about this place?
The saloon is large and spacious, there are pool tables and arcade games. The bartender, Eric, is really really nice and hilarious. The BF and I came here between whale watching and dinner, and for $20, we got pretty buzzed and happy.
The only down side is the bathroom is a little smelly. But you can just go across the street to use the public bathroom which is much much cleaner.
I would definitely come here again in the future, especially when the weather gets warmer. -
Review from Joy B.
Newport Beach, CA
9/12/2011
Great local dive bar. We love Jeff the bartender!
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Review from mimi p.
6/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Love dive bars! we came across this place after Cabo Cantina..We were on our way home, to catch the last half of the NBA finals, but the parking structure took too long getting our car so we decided to catch the game here.. Great spot.. small...there's a couple pool tables, big juke box.. looks like it has been around for a while, so prob a lot of locals come by there... bartender was very nice and friendly cracking jokes.. Drink prices were cheap..
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Review from Bong E.
9/21/2008
Came to Newport Beach on a Sunday afternoon because my mom wanted to spend a nice afternoon with the nephew and the rest of the family in the sweet outdoors.
The plan was to take a boat ride around Balboa Island whatever you call it but there were 7 of us but there was a boat for 6 people so I decided to sit this one out to accommodate the group. So what do I do to kill 1 hour? Find the closest bar quickly!
This bar was cool .. there was some guy standing in the front holding the door open so I tell him, you need to see my ID? He says "i'm not the doorman" ... I say "you kinda look like it holding the door open"
Anyway this was a full bar, had pool tables, dartboards, video games and best thing of all Direct TV NFL Sunday Ticket. This made the 1 hour go by so quick. I seen a group there able to bring in pizza from a near by place and I thought that was cool. Draft beers were $6 ~ I guess they gotta pay the rent somehow ..... definitely a good place to kill an hour.
The one thing that stuck out to me though the most was a sign that said something like this:
$27.50 for a 10 mile cab ride
$2500 plus fees for DUI
Don't drink and drive
Talk about buzz kill ... good thing I didn't drive.
BTW ~ I'm going to buy a portable breathalyzer, any1 got one already? -
Review from Dan H.
7/21/2009
Oh sweet Jesus! Have I really been going here for 30+ years?
Only get here a few times a year since I no longer live "barcycling" close, but it is still the same old BS. I am shocked by some of the bad experiences of some other yelpers, but those seem to be in the later hours when otherwise friendly establishments can turn ugly.
During the day its just a great local, friendly beach sports bar. Lotsa TV's, pool tables, video games etc. Nice variety of beers, and full bar.
Hey kids! Stay out of the bars at night would ya. Grow up, drink during the day, and get to bed early!! Its a nicer world out here when it's daylight.Listed in: Weekend Daytime Drinking
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Review from Lizzy J.
Newport Beach, CA
6/24/2011
I really like this bar, it's simple, I get my beer and I'm out.
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Review from Jessica S.
Laguna Niguel, CA
5/22/2011
I didn't notice anything special about this place, just a regular bar. Never seems that crowded. Cheap drinks (~$3 beer). Sign listing the beers lists a Bavarian Busch for $11 a pitcher or something. Bartender says they haven't had that in 30 years. Also had a sign for some munchie foods, but I'm guessing they didn't really have munchies here either.
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Review from Cheri. A G.
Los Angeles, CA
6/11/2007 1 photo
I have friends that live down the street from this bar so whenever I come to visit we always end up stopping by for a drink. It's a very neighborly pub where most of the patrons are locals and regulars.
They have flat screen TV for viewing sports, darts and pool tables and good sandwiches and pizzas too.
It is located just a couple blocks for the Balboa Ferry.
Oh yeah, they have pickled eggs too!
What's up with pickled eggs?Listed in: Down and Out In OC
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Review from Meredith W.
Costa Mesa, CA
12/1/2008
Our Bike crew stops in here almost every sunday..
I like the sunday afternoon atmosphere... its laid back. If you go in on a weekend night its crowded with newport 20 somethings.
On sunday, the bartender is always sweet, and makes a strong drink.
They have twoo pool tables, dart boards, golden tee, and many televisions if you like watching sports. At the bar they sell pickeled eggs,
(im still working up my nerve to try one).
Their best feature? The fish mobile hanging from the ceiling.. I love that thing!Listed in: Bicycle Riding in Costa Mesa
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Review from Randoll C.
Orange County, CA
7/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
Two pool tables, one dart board and a pretty decent selection of beer and alcohol.
Located on the peninsula, a stone's throw away from the waterfront. Don't expect a lot of parking on the weekends however you'll find ample during the week.
It's not for everyone so just know it's a bar. A typical bar/tavern. -
Review from Jenie T.
Garden Grove, CA
6/28/2008
Occasionally when I get invited to Newport beach I always get bamboozle. I know I shouldn't assume that there will be a mix crowd but I hope. Usually my experience in Newport beach is only through my cousin's and whichever co-workers lives there throwing a party. I usually say no but on that rare night I am not doing something I venture into the city. See I am a huge fan of Costa mesa but once I cross that line its a whole nother world.
Balboa saloon is dirty, the wait for a drink is crazy long and the people unless your into surfers and bro's this is the place for you. I like my mix of people so I rather be at the goathill drinking beers and watching dust fall on my head. -
Review from Chase A.
Tustin, CA
2/9/2008 2 photos
This place kills you with drink prices, WAY over priced
-Free WiFi
-Never gets overly crowded
-2 Pool Table
-Tons of room to move around
-The bartender here is super nice
-Internet Jukebox
-Fire Place
-Darts (always a plus)
-Just a hop skip and a jump from the beach
-Well lit bar not dark which is nice for a change
-Great place to hang out with friends and drink it up in an extremely mellow laid back atmosphere.
-They actually have KENO here! LOL
-Place is surrounded with windows, and inside decked out with tons of history and fishing memorabilia. -
Review from Rob K.
Newport Beach, CA
12/3/2008
I would give this place one star if it wasn't for the fact you never have to wait in line
The crowd usually consists of the same 20-30 surfers or scrubs you see surfing the wedge
Prices aren't terrbile but the atmosphere usually is -
Review from Brent S.
Huntington Beach, CA
9/13/2009
I love the balboa saloon! I live across the bay and I will always pay the ferry to take me to the saloon. I know all the bar tenders and they are all pretty cool. I've been there when I'm one of 4 people on the bar including the bar tender! But I've also been there when there is a line to get in the place. I of course never have to wait in line at my favorite bar in Newport!
Very chill will always go back. -
Review from Robert C.
9/25/2009
This would probably be my regular bar if I lived in the area.
Right on the water, great people, friendly staff. Locals. Good drink deals and pool tables. What's not to love. -
Review from Heru M.
Elmhurst, NY
10/13/2009
My left coast friend gave me a t-shirt featuring the bar's name and I always wondered what it was like. Well finally I was able to when we visited him for a round of beers. After we browsed the bay-front and ferry launch, we made a short walk to the bar.
Okay, it was Monday afternoon and we wanted to just to have Coney Dogs and a cold one and maybe a t-shirt. Well, they were out of my size for the shirt but the dogs were satisfying. Since we were the only ones to be there, our bartender was really attentive.
I liked that they had frozen mugs and bottles clearly lit in cold case behind the counter and chuckled at the frozen Jagermeister dispenser. That's a first for me. -
Review from Dwight C.
Costa Mesa, CA
4/7/2010
Cool spot for a night of drinks with friends.
Good
- plenty of space
- big fish & sharks on walls
- plenty of entertainment (pool, darts, arcade, TV)
- selection of beer on tap
- decent pitcher prices
- very high ceilings
- friendly patrons
- attentive barkeeps
Bad
- too bright
- small/gross bathroom
- no outdoor area
- cool inside balcony area used for storage only -
Review from Trina D.
11/8/2009
This place is a hole in the wall dive bar near the Balboa pier. My friends and I come here for a mellow time. The bar is pretty standard with pool tables and TVs. There are a lot of locals that come here. It's off the beaten path for tourists.
Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Lauren B.
Newport Beach, CA
5/19/2011
best bar in the world. and anyone who thinks otherwise doesnt belong there.
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Review from Rory M.
Huntington Beach, CA
12/6/2009
The Saloon.. pretty cool drinking establishment if your on the peninsula but kinda out of the way if you don't live down there. This place is a locals bar, a lot of the same people here alll the time. Pool tables, and pretty good prices on beer. I went to this bar a lot when I was underage and lots of underage girls go to this bar because of a lax ID check. Because its all the way down the peninsula your better off leaving early enough to take your car on the ferry before last call as to avoid all the cops that love to hang around the peninsula area.
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Review from Johnny B.
Brentwood, CA
1/13/2009
Let me start out by saying this is my first post to Yelp as I felt extremely obligated to share my experience with everyone so no one else would have to deal w/ the same BS I had to.
I live in LA and was visiting a friend in Newport about 2 months ago. I went to the Saloon and surprisingly walked in to find an empty bar on a Saturday night. Whatever it may be, me and my 10+ group of friends decided to grace them with our presence [and if that wasn't good enough, our wallets]. After asking for 2 Coors Lights and trying to bring the dead beat bar alive, we decided to get our tabs. To my dismay, surprise, and concern the bartender ever-so-eloquently (sarcasm) brings a blank piece of receipt paper over, puts it down in front of me, takes a moment to think, and jots down an arbitrary $22.50 for my bar tab. I asked for an itemized receipt which I was refused...after I questioned the price of 2 Coors Light drafts I was rudely insulted and talked down to, "ya know what I do when I don't wanna pay my bar tab...I don't sign it and I don't pay for it...". I told both bartenders, who were now both verbally attacking me, that I insisted on paying for my 2 beers. They refused and before I could sign anything, I was ripped away from the bar and literally carried out of the bar (I'm glad I only had the 2 beers b/c if I was drunk it would have got a lot more violent at this point).
Regardless, I put this off as a bad situation and knew I would never go back to such a boring, poorly managed, pathetic establishment again.
THEN, when I was looking through my bank statements last month, I found that they illegally charged me for the full account of items I didn't purchase WITHOUT MY SIGNATURE of approval on the receipt.
It gets even worse...when I called the owner to try to salvage the situation he insulted, questioned, and called the me "ridiculous and annoying", an obvious sign that he either participates in and/or condone the unethical activities the bartenders partake in.
The situation is now under investigation with my bank's fraud department, but PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE IF YOU'RE READING THIS DON'T CONDONE THIS ACTIVITY BY SUPPORTING THIS ESTABLISHMENT!!!! -
Review from Austin C.
4/10/2008
Great alternative to the busy newport scene. Bartenders rock. They have red stripe and imperial in the bottle. They also have blue moon on tap, and it's cold, they have this thermo and it read the temp of the cooler. Nice and cold at 28.1. that's cold.
