Class of 47

3.5 star rating
26 reviews Rating Details

Category: Dive Bars  [Edit]

209 Palm St
Newport Beach, CA 92661
(949) 675-5774
Hours:

Mon-Sun 9 am - 2 am

Outdoor Seating:
No
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Private Lot
Good for Groups:
Yes
Price Range:
$
Music:
Juke Box
Best Nights:
Fri, Thu, Sat
Happy Hour:
No
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
Coat Check:
No
Noise Level:
Loud
Good For Dancing:
No
Ambience:
Dive-y
Has TV:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"The pool tables are busy on week-ends, and a great way to..." (in 8 reviews)
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"It was nice to hang out here and have a few beers after a..." (in 3 reviews)
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"This is by far the best dive bar on the peninsula." (in 6 reviews)
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26 reviews in English

  • Review from Rebecca N.

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    • 64 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Santa Ana, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/31/2011 5 Check-ins Here

    Best Dive Bar Ever! Bar none.

    My first visit to Class was the ending on a fourth or fifth date (my suspicion is he wanted to make sure I had a true appreciation of dive bars to determine if I was worth keeping around). The size of a large living room, with two well-used pool table, a smattering of booths with questionable upholstery and a ceiling covered in desecrated dollar bills, Class is original in the vein of the cool kid who really doesn't care.

    I should have known that first visit that I was being introduced to a "special" place when half the crowd was dressed as super heroes. At least, it definitely has the making of a memorable evening when you're beaten at billiards by Batman and Kick Ass. Which I celebrated by drinking my first Coor's Light (because this isn't the type of bar you order a cosmo or blended drink......beers or Jack Daniel's shots seem to be the specialty here).

    After more return visits than I care to count (it tends to be our ending spot on Friday or Saturday nights, as well as a great place to bring a bag of peanuts after Monday night softball and enjoy a cold beer), the place has definitely grown on me.

    The slightly seedier (but more fun) version of Cheers, the bartenders are top heavy, pour heavy, and if you are nice enough to bring them some empty glasses from the tables and say hello, you'll be on "sweetie" status in no time. The crowd is like throwing dice....some nights it's packed with locals, other's out of towners who seem intent on getting blacked out on the peninsula (and think it's ok to slap a girl on the derriere while leaning over to make a corner shot). And people with costumes.....always welcome.

    Random pluses: drinks are inexpensive, you can select music on the giant jukebox, friendly staff, they have fantastic card games on the two game computers, AND the bathroom is reasonably clean. Dress code? If you're dressed, you're golden....I've frequented the establishment in cocktail attire, jeans, and even a redneck trucker costume.

  • Review from Josie L.

    Ladera Ranch, CA

    1.0 star rating
    1/19/2012

    My friends and I like to refer to this place as "No Class" because that is what you will find here!  First of all, this place is always filled with old creepy alcoholics and trashy people.  I've even seen a girl here start stripping and lifting up her skirt and dancing alone in the middle of the bar.  This place is dirty and definitely the diviest of dive bars.  Unfortunately, it's RIGHT next to my fiance's best friend's house so I've been dragged here a couple of times.  Last time I lasted about 10 minutes thanks to absolutely appalling service I got here from what another reviewer has so aptly named her - the "Snooki Wannabe" - Trish.  She is the rudest most condescending bartender I've ever come across.  No exaggeration.  As you'll see, many reviewers have stated that the "service is terrible" and I have to say it's all due to this girl because I know Kaitlyn, the other bartender, and she's an absolute sweetheart!  But unfortunately, Kaitlyn is almost never there when I've been there.

    Anyways, onto my most recent experience with Trish:  It was my friend's birthday so I wanted to buy shots for the girls and since I normally don't buy shots I thought, hey, why not ask the bartender what her favorite shot is or what the best shot for a bunch of girls would be.  She immediately snapped at me, started clapping as she enunciated every word (as if I was slow or a 2 year old child) basically telling me that when I was ready to order and knew what the hell I wanted she would help me.  And then she stormed out of the bar to have a smoke.  Unbelievable.  And it's not like she knows me or that I had previously ordered drinks and tipped her like crap (I never do)...that was my first encounter with her for the night.  My jaw was literally on the floor when I turned around so my fiance asked me what had happened and I told him and he said, screw it, let's leave!  So leave we did.  We will not be returning for any more crapptastic service from the Snooki Wanna Be.    

    The only reason I'll give this place a star is because of Kaitlyn!

  • Review from Ryan Blu B.

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    • 13 friends
    • 30 reviews

    Huntington Beach, CA

    1.0 star rating
    12/26/2011

    This place is a shit hole for a dive bar. The customer service is terrible. We went in after a party and they treated us so poorly. We thought it would be a great place to throw a few back but they were completely rude and disrespectful!!!!!!

  • Review from Brian L.

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    • 11 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Newport Beach, CA

    3.0 star rating
    7/19/2011

    First of all, let's start out with the fact that at the top of the main page it says that "Class" is good for dancing!  No...that's simply wrong.  The Class of 47 is not for dancing, it's for straight up drinking.  Day, night, crowded, or if you're the only one in there, Class is for one thing only.

    Of course there's a couple pool tables, arcade games, and one of the better jukeboxes on the peninsula, but it's still a tiny dive bar meant for boozing with friends.  Here's the breakdown:

    Positive: Local atmosphere, easy to get a drink, off the beaten path (by the Balboa Pier) so it's less crowded, a warm-up bar for the night.

    Negative: Small (if crowded), no drink deals, out of the way if you're not already down there, dudes can be drunken annoyances at all hours.

    Try it out.  If you like dive bars where you can just get a drink without a big fuss, then Class is your spot.  If you're looking to get an appletini or a white wine spritzer with your date after a nice dinner, try somewhere else.

  • Review from Randy J.

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    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Fountain Valley, CA

    1.0 star rating
    1/1/2012

    Was here for new years 2012, arrived at 10:40pm ordered first round for 4 of us and upon ordering the first round the snooki wanna be bartender said, aren't you going to say please? After ordering a few rounds (buddy and I took turns) my bill was 80 bucks. I asked for an itemized list of charges and was told they don't do that and my bill was what I ordered. I regrettably paid the bill with tip but feel I was ripped off by being over charged. Lame!

  • Review from Drew M.

    Costa Mesa, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/27/2011 3 Check-ins Here

    Classic bar in Newport, where if you're dressed like you're going out to LA or to a Punk show, you don't get in.  

    Just kidding.  But that's how it should be.  

    My only qualm is the 10 dollar minimum for Credit Cards because I usually don't last here for more than a drink... and I always forget to bring cash.  

    The crowd is usually full of people who just LOOK like they have stories to tell, and truth be told, will probably make those stories to you known to you if you hang around long enough.

    Notable Mention:  A "girl" who was caked in makeup and was just about as tall as I am (6'3) playing pool.  I didn't see an adams apple, but there may or may not have been a bulge.  Sadly, my attempts at flirtation failed miserably.  Too bad so sad for me, I bet it'd be like getting the best of both worlds.

    Highly recommended for a drink, a few laughs, some solid people watching (possible transsexual experiences) and a viable stop on a fun bar crawl around the Bal Pier area.

  • Review from Tammy J.

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    • 2 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Newport Beach, CA

    1.0 star rating
    1/1/2012

    BEWARE:  I was skeptical on the charges, asked for an itemized bill and was told they do not have them. I was totally over charged with no explanation.

  • Review from Lisa H.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/4/2011

    I have been going to the Class of "47 since I moved to Balboa in decades ago.  We often referred to it, kindly, as the "No Class."  It is a hometown bar, where locals, inlanders, and tourists, alike can feel at home.  The  bartender is  friendly and hard working- quick to make sure you do not go thirsty (there is a full bar).  Everyone is there to have a great time at no one else's exspense.  The pool tables are busy on  week-ends, and a great way to make new friends. There are some good shooters, although anyone is welcome to play, either singles or doubles.  The music is your choice, as the jukebox  offers a large variation of music genres.  You will, without a doubt, see people dancing, although there is not a designated dance floor, there definitely is a party going on.
    No pretenses necessary, leave your ego at the door, and unwind.

  • Review from Jeff S.

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    • 165 friends
    • 118 reviews

    Costa Mesa, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/3/2010 1 Check-in Here

    A TRUE dive bar.

    I didnt even know this place existed till a few weeks ago!!

    its a real mix of everything.  Given its location you get your newport beach traffic and due to the nature of the bar, you get the biker/drinker/old-sailor type.  Some women ive seen in here can truly kick the shit out of me, and others are not so bad to look at ;) yada?

    STORY TIME:
    My buddy lives near by and brings the door man a burger from time to time so he buys us a round every time we come in! Pretty funny arrangement.  

    QUICKLY:
    The people are cool, bar is a lot fun, and the prices are right! bring your friends and woop it up!

    - pool tables
    - arcade thing
    - jukebox
    - dollar bills stapled all over the ceiling
    - crazy regulars

    Ill definitely be back again and again.

  • Review from Alan Y.

    Oakland, CA

    3.0 star rating
    11/18/2010

    Class of '47 is like walking into the local VFW.

    10 years ago we used to laugh at all the "old" people getting their drink on. 10 years later.....yeah....

  • Review from Kayla M.

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    • 94 friends
    • 76 reviews

    Corona del Mar, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/11/2010 3 Check-ins Here

    Super fun dive bar!! Most of the staff is great and friendly, they have red stripe (bonus!!) a couple of pool tables and a great juke box!!

    The crowd they attract is usually really fun too!! Not as douchy as other bars in Newport.

  • Review from Danielle C.

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    • 59 friends
    • 187 reviews

    Huntington Beach, CA

    3.0 star rating
    6/30/2010

    This place is Klassy... yes, with a capital K... and that's why I like it. What do you get with a capital K?

    You get... guys wearing shirts that read "wanna make-out", dollar bills stapled to the ceiling, impromptu stripping of shirts by beer bellied men, and cheap drinks!

    If you want to find a dive bar in the midst of the Newport peninsula, this is the place.

  • Review from Ara D.

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    • 1 friend
    • 17 reviews

    Newport Beach, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/23/2011

    Class of 47 is a really neat local joint. It's definitely dive bar status, but that's not a bad thing by any means.There are some interesting characters to say the least, but also some down to earth people as well. Overall, a lively yet not too obnoxious crowd.

    I only had one beer, so I can't really comment about the alcohol too much other than that the selection seemed to be pretty standard for a dive bar. However, it has a tight knit, laid back atmosphere complete with a couple properly maintained pool tables unlike some places (*cough* Cassidy's *cough*) as well as good bar music (classic rock, new wave, etc.) and some arcade games.

    If you want a simple place to have a couple drinks, shoot some pool, and not feel like you have to dress to impress, Class of 47 is the place.

  • Review from Paul G.

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    • 46 friends
    • 127 reviews

    Orange, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/17/2010

    This place is pretty cool. The bar maids at this bar are cool as are the customers. This is a nice place to unwind from the snootiness of Newport.

    the bar has a few pool tables, a table top arcade machine and a pretty cool juke box that look like a huge ipod.

    This bar is very dog friendly(in case you happen to own a dog).When i came to this place there where a few Scottish terriers and a retriever. my friend walked in here with a Staffordshire terrier, It was fun to have a few beers and watch all the dogs play. when we walked in the bar the bartender was nice enough to pull out a water dish and give the dogs some water and a few puppy treats. It was nice to hang out here and have a few beers after a long swim.

  • Review from eric g.

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    • 2 friends
    • 40 reviews

    Newport Beach, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/2/2011

    This is by far the best dive bar on the peninsula.  Always a good time and a funny crowd.  Go see Holly on Mondays she rocks!  Also a great place to swing through for Sunday fun-day.

  • Review from Dan L.

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    • 56 friends
    • 45 reviews

    Mesa, AZ

    3.0 star rating
    6/19/2011

    Wow ... what an eclectic mix of people. We went there with a pretty large group of people for a friends birthday (pub crawl on bikes), and this was the second to last stop. Make no mistake, it's a dive bar, but a FUN dive bar. The people there were pretty hammered at 5pm on A Sunday afternoon, and there was a good mix of locals, hipsters, street rats, and girls. The bartenders were nice, the drinks flowed freely and it really was a good time had by all. I can only imagine what this place is like on a Friday/Saturday night. A couple pool tables, two video games (Donkey Kong ftw) and a pretty awesome juke box. Go check it out.

  • Review from Anne M.

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    • 24 friends
    • 270 reviews

    Tustin, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/19/2011

    Ladies...want to have your pick of men? I love this place! It is a classic dive bar minus the weirdos. You can come as you are, meaning super casual or like a hootchie mama - whatever you are in the mood for. There's usually a good mix of people who are there just to hang out and drink. This place is totally non-pretentious...a rarity in Newport. Even the bouncers and bartenders are cool (not sure where they got them from). It will probably never be a prime spot because it's so far down on the peninsula, but I like that. Anyway, if you're looking to get a REALLY stiff drink, have some fun, play pool, listen to tunes and chill this is a good spot.

  • Review from Dwight C.

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    • 0 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Costa Mesa, CA

    3.0 star rating
    4/7/2010

    Just went to "class" for the first time last night.

    Good
    - dark atmosphere
    - cool retro decorations
    - cheap drinks
    - right amount of TVs
    - chill clientele and staff

    Bad
    - very small
    - not enough seating, pool tables, or games
    - outdoor area is a parking lot
    - no beer on tap (bottles only)

    This place is a true dive bar, which is kind of refreshing in upscale Newport Beach

  • Review from Joel T.

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    • 14 friends
    • 1 review

    Corona del Mar, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/27/2010

    WOW!  Some of these reviews really suck!  This is the best bar in Newport Beach hands down.  And Alysha L., the red headed guy who buys drinks is Pat by the way.  All I can drink if I'm wearing eye liner if he's there when I show up.   Love all the bartenders, Trish the dish, Holly, Ashley, Katelyn, Elaine and can't forget Matt and Nick.  See you later on tonight via bike ride!

  • Review from k b.

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    • 43 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Temple City, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/29/2010

    Home away from home! ;)

  • Review from Shawn F.

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    • 1 friend
    • 8 reviews

    CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/10/2011

    My old "home away from home" circa 2000-01 sniff sniff. I miss it so badly. Definitely the BEST DIVE BAR EVER.

  • Review from Jackie D.

    Newport Beach, CA

    2.0 star rating
    3/1/2009

    This place is pretty gross, I live by this place so I have been here alot.  The crowd is a bunch of desperate lonely old men, one kissed my hand, and my hand was wet from it, gross. Beer is a decent price, bottle of Miller Lite is $2.75, can't complain. Overall will I go here again, probably because it's local and always open. Free pizza on Sun, but you have to be drunk to eat it because it's Laventina.

  • Review from Brian A.

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    • 9 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Manhattan Beach, CA

    3.0 star rating
    8/20/2007

    I went to this place when I was in the area for some birthday parties. Pretty cool little dive bar. Cheap(er) beer and an amazing juke box. They have pool for only 50 cents a game which is sweet. I would go back, but bring some friends to have a good time. I would give it 3.5 stars if I could.

  • Review from Tom h.

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    • 33 friends
    • 174 reviews

    CA

    3.0 star rating
    2/22/2007

    Cool dark, little place.  Been there for years, lots of drinkers in there.  Can get busy, but usually a chillin spot.  Unless you are walking by, or want to make it your 'regular' spot, there are a lot of better choices nearby.  But on a very busy day at the other local bars, this is usually the one to escape some of the crowds.

  • Review from Rob K.

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    • 10 friends
    • 38 reviews

    Newport Beach, CA

    2.0 star rating
    12/3/2008

    Usually refer to this place as Classless of 47 due to its trashy customer base.  There never is a line, its not hard to get a drink, and prices are very cheap...yet I still only give this place 2 stars because of the size and terrible atmosphere/crowd

  • Review from P T.

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    • 10 friends
    • 57 reviews

    Newport Beach, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/18/2009

    Not sure how this place has such a review.  The Class or "No Class" is a great local hangout on the peninsula.  The drinks are cheap and its a great place to shoot some pool.  The bartenders are a million times more friendly than The Saloon and it doesnt have the vomit smell that Cabo has (maybe because they do not serve to minors)? Either way, The Class is a great hang out!

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