Newport Beach Brewing Company

Newport Beach Brewing CompanyNewport Beach Brewing Company
Newport Beach Brewing CompanyNewport Beach Brewing Company
Brewery, Bar, Eatery

2920 Newport Blvd.
Newport Beach, California, 92663
United States

// CLOSED //
BEER STATS
Average:
3.59
Beers:
32
Ratings:
110
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.59
Reviews:
34
Ratings:
46
pDev:
14.21%
View: Beers | Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by warmstorage:
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Reviewed by warmstorage from California

2.78/5  rDev -22.6%
vibe: 2 | quality: 2 | service: 4 | selection: 2.5 | food: 3.5
Pretty blah place, though not out of the norm for Orange County. Atmosphere is a sports bar inside, though with lots of dark wood. Loud music playing at 2:35 in the afternoon, heavy on the late 80s progressive and synth pop; place is very slow. The patio looked nice, though it is on the main drag (Newport Blvd) so I chose to sit inside. Plenty of free parking in back, and easy to find. I'm writing this from inside, thanks to the free wifi, which a couple others are also using.

The beer selection is pretty limited on this visit: six taps (steam, brown, pale, oktoberfest, blonde, ESB.) Reviews already posted for the ESB and Pale; Oktoberfest is not available as a listed beer, but is pretty average, as are the others. I wouldn't bother ordering another pint, though I might drink the Pelican Pale again if I returned. The ESB I wouldn't ever bother with again, or the Oktoberfest.

Service is friendly and efficient, and when they brought me the wrong beer (asked for Pale, got Oktoberfest) they brought a free Pale, and I got to retain the Oktoberfest. Nice. Server seemed surprised that I liked the Pale best of the three: "wow! you like hoppy beers!" as though this was very unusual. (And no, the Pale isn't particularly hoppy: pretty standard for an APA.)

Prices for the food relatively high compared to other brewpubs, but pretty standard for south Orange County. (apps $7-$11; salads $6-$11; sandwiches $8-$12, meat entrees up to $30 or so.) Food is tasty, and was ridiculously fast on this slow afternoon.

Nice to have wifi and free parking, but life is too short, and there are too many better places, for me to bother returning unless I was driving by and not able to go anywhere else.
Nov 07, 2005
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 3.78 by BeerForMuscle from New Jersey

Jan 27, 2017
 
Rated: 3.33 by chrisjws from California

Sep 18, 2016
 
Rated: 3.16 by dexterk1 from Illinois

Jun 04, 2016
 
Rated: 3.69 by dbriesemeister from Minnesota

Mar 04, 2016
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Reviewed by MoorBeerPlz from Arizona

2.86/5  rDev -20.3%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 2.5 | selection: 3
Have seen NBBC at some local beer festivals so we decided to give their place a try. Visited on a weekend/game day, which is rare for us. Place was packed and the noise level was almost deafening at times. That's expected considering what football games were on TV (lots of fans for the local teams there). Definitely a local sports bar vibe to the place.

We came in to try the beers rather than eat. Service was a little slow but friendly. I started off with their Pelican Pale and the wife got their Riptide Red. I just did not like the pale which was neither hoppy nor citrusy as the menu indicated. Its taste was more like farmhouse ale funk and I wondered if I got served the wrong beer. I would have asked my server about it but when we ordered and told her we weren't eating, we really never saw her again. The red my wife had was passable, but the flavors were muted and forgettable.

With as busy as the place was, we decided to leave and try again on a week day when it might be less chaotic. I want to like NBBC beers but so far it's not happening, although I don't mind giving 2nd and 3rd chances.
Oct 19, 2015
 
Rated: 4.03 by ivegot3Dvision from Oregon

Feb 14, 2015
 
Rated: 3.76 by fureousangel from California

Nov 24, 2014
 
Rated: 3.32 by HippieDave56 from Arizona

Nov 14, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by LXIXME from New Mexico

Oct 21, 2014
 
Rated: 3 by Rollzroyce21 from California

Oct 03, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by portia99 from Massachusetts

Apr 30, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by jeff1973 from California

Apr 04, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Booner818 from California

Nov 17, 2013
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Reviewed by breeb714 from California

2.95/5  rDev -17.8%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 3.75 | service: 2 | selection: 2.5 | food: 3.25
If you can sit on the patio facing a tv on a game day this is a decent place. Beers get warm quick and i find the service is rather slow...

In my opinion there is nothing very exciting about the beer selection and limited menu at this place... Redeeming quality is that it is by the beach, affordable and casual
Sep 05, 2013
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Reviewed by mactrail from Washington

3.35/5  rDev -6.7%
vibe: 3.25 | quality: 2.75 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 2
This enduring place hasn't been reviewed for a while, so I'll give my first impression. It really seems like the 1970s, only the TV screens have gotten bigger. In fact the tvs dominate the sights and sounds of this place. We tried three beers. They seem to try some more adventurous styles but sort of fumblingly. Ten taps with blonde, pale, IPA, and other usual styles well represented. More interesting was a tart cherry sourish stout and the 18th anniversary over-funked Belgian style.

I have to say that even expecting the usual mediocre greasy bar food, the food here was as bad as I've had in a brewpub. For $11 you get a plate of lasagna with grainy ricotta, meat ground to a paste, and everything seemingly boiled down. Mealy tomatoes on the salad, and greasy cheese on a limp slice of damp pizza-like stuff. The fish and chips had the weirdest smell of the dishwasher with a whiff of amonia. No seasoning whatsoever but the breading was unpleasantly bitter. I give points for service since the waitress offered to omit charges for the fish without being asked.

For some reason, there don't seem to be many interesting beer spots along the whole Huntington-Newport-Laguna coast. There are a couple of corporate places but not much between my favorites-- La Sirena in far south Laguna and Beachwood in Seal Beach.
Apr 27, 2013
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Reviewed by OCBeerBaron from California

4.08/5  rDev +13.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
Brewco is my local brewery... In fact it's only a short walk or bike ride away from me. I've been coming here since 1998 and have always loved the brew pub feel it gives off. Sure the service isn't always the best but I usually do have great service and the dudes who work there that love beer are really cool when you show interest in beer yourself. Remember that you are at the beach where people are a little more laid back... In other words don't be impatient and if you need something they are cool enough people to approach. I see some pretty negative reviews on here and I guarantee those are one offs and that another visit would turn the original impression around. The food is great and the brews are good too. There is always something new on tap that I like to try and I also have my standard Pelican Pale Ale while I'm visiting. The patio is fun and at night the whole place goes off and brings in a fun local crowd. For a little brew pub I think they do a great job at making some good beer and great food.
Aug 10, 2011
Photo of AlexM
Reviewed by AlexM from California

3.43/5  rDev -4.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3
Gotta love the location of this place … 3 blocks from the beach.

Decent selection of beer … although some were a bit “interesting”. I attewmpted to order three different beers … each time the waiter was like “let me bring you a sample first and then decide if you want a full pint” … went through three “tastes” before I actually found one suitable for my palette … LOL, no really into cucumber aftertaste.

Food is ok … nothing thrilling, but nothing offensive either. Prices are going to be a touch high since this is an Orange County beach town … but considering the area, very reasonable.

No special trip to this place is necessary … but if you’re in the area, by all means grab some local brew!
Jul 13, 2011
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Reviewed by TheSevenDuffs from Canada (ON)

3.7/5  rDev +3.1%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 3
Visited the brewpub on a recent trip to Newport Beach. Had a couple of pints and nachos.

Beer list was pretty decent for a small micro brewery. It included a few easy drinking beers (steam, amber, blonde, etc.) as well as an IPA, double IPA, barrel aged brown sour, nitro stout and a couple of others. Atmosphere was typical pub style. Service was well informed and friendly.

I had the IPA and the steam beer, which were both good. Would have gone back has we visited for more than just a day. Worth a visit if you are in Newport Beach.
Jul 07, 2011
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Reviewed by Dogbrick from Ohio

3.5/5  rDev -2.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5
Newport Beach Brewing is located on Newport Boulevard not too far from the PCH. There is street parking as well as a lot behind the building, and there are entrances on both sides.

The inside is very open with a lot of wood and the bar is on one side with brewing tanks right behind it (along with an inexplicably placed Cincinnati Bengals sign). We sat outside on the ground level patio, and there was an upstairs one too.

NBB's beer selection consists of 6 beers including a couple rotators/seasonals. The beers are also available in a sampler tray for $9. They included on my visit a Pils, APA, ESB, IIPA, Barley Wine and Barrel Aged Imperial Dunkelweizen. Half the beers were average and the other half were above average.

Service was decent on a late afternoon. The place was not overly busy to begin with, and our server didn't need to check on us often anyway as we only had the beer sampler.

We did not try any food on this visit.

All in all this brewpub was a nice stop a coastal-type trip we took that day. Hard to complain while having a decent brew on a patio near the ocean on a beautiful sunny day in CA.
Oct 14, 2010
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Reviewed by gixxerman from Pennsylvania

1.98/5  rDev -44.8%
vibe: 2 | quality: 1.5 | service: 1.5 | selection: 3
Stopped in for a quick one, maybe if was an off day or something but it went like this.

I walked around the front and noticed the outside was a little busy, I sat at the bar inside, where there were only 2 other people.

About 10 - 15 minutes later I finally see the bartender and order up an IPA. I had not even seen any staff prior to her. Ok, I thought, maybe she was waiting on the people outside, but I noticed someone else was.

I drank about 1/2 the IPA or less, it had a real funky sour taste and smell to it.

I never saw the bartender again, so I left the money on the bar and exited.

Place seemed to be laid out pretty good, tanks behind the bar, nice outdoor area.

Service and product were way too substandard for any type of recommendation from me. Look elsewhere for better service, beer unless they turn this place around.
Aug 11, 2010
Photo of brokensail
Reviewed by brokensail from California

2.55/5  rDev -29%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3 | service: 1 | selection: 3 | food: 3
Stopped in here yesterday with a group of friends after doing some cycling.

Things did not get off to a good start. We had 12 people in our group (fairly large, I understand) and we were given a table on the patio that could fit about 8 people. When we asked if we could get an extra small table to add on to fit us more comfortably, we were told no.

A couple people in our group were not interested in having beer, so they ordered sodas. The beer came out reasonably quickly, but we had to ask multiple times about the sodas. When they finally came, the waiter made a patronizing and sarcastic comment.

The beer was mediocre, but I already knew to expect that to be honest. The food was not too bad for your basic brewpub food, but again, a service problem showed itself.

I had ordered a turkey burger, but the waiter had (apparently) decided I wanted a hickory burger. When the food came out, we made this error known, but nothing was done about it. After waiting another 10 minutes, we found another member of the staff and told them about the error and that we were still waiting. By the time I got my food, everyone else at our table was long since finished eating.

Maybe if you just sit at the bar and have a few beers this place isn't so bad. But, I would not bother coming here for anything more than that.

While this review focused far more on the service aspect of NBBC, I feel that is honestly just as important as any of the others. You can have good food and beer, but if your service is awful, then I'm not going to enjoy myself. The inverse is true as well: if you your service is good and friendly, I'm more inclined to overlook some substandard food and/or beer.
Jul 05, 2010
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Reviewed by schoolcb from Texas

3.75/5  rDev +4.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
Traveling on business we arrived at John Wayne airport about 4pm (mind you this is dinner time in my time zone) so we headed straight in to beat the traffic. Pleasant surprise that tournament was on TV. Place was fairly empty and there was only one bartender to cover us all (and she seemed slightly disinterested). Ordered a round of beers and an appetizer (nachos with chicken - yum!) as we waited for a colleague to arrive. ESB was good. Ordered the bourbon barrel aged selection next (it was out of this world). Business started to pick up and several more servers arrived, and the one waiting on our area was MUCH more attentive and even smiled as she took our orders. Turns out it was Taco Tuesday night, or $5 for 3 taco's (your choice of carne asada, chicken, or fish). Taco's were good, although the fish was a bit too fishy for me. Taco's were good enough we each had 4. So we spent $20 on food between 3 of us and another $50 in beer. Not bad at all, and the beers were good. Highly recommend if you are in the area.
Mar 25, 2010
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Reviewed by magictrokini from California

3.55/5  rDev -1.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3.5
This place used to go off, and upon my return about 4 years later, well, I'm kind of disappointed. Great location, but what isn't on the Peninsula. Big interior, good patio, and plenty of talent on the weekends. The beers used to be very good, but it seems the quality has slipped, as has the consistency of what is on tap. The service is disinterested, but friendly if tipped, shocker. They are proud of their product, which makes me happy. I hope I just got them on an off night. I'll still keep going here, but I fear NBBC's best days are behind them.
Jun 09, 2009
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Reviewed by getkrunkhoe from California

4.7/5  rDev +30.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5
Went here for the first time, for their Belgian appreciation night. Early Jan.09

Parking was a bit tough even though they had a pretty decent lot out back.

As soon I walked in... I automatically knew i was gonna like this place.TV's everywhere.Fermenters and other Tanks out in the open(which I love).
They have their brews along with guest beers; Such as Avery, Lost Abbey(MAGI), and a few others. Food was great it can be pretty pricey depending on what you order, but good food nonetheless.

Derek who ran the event that nite was a great "host" took good care of the few BAs that attended that nite. The Bruery was there as a guest brewery they were also nice people to enjoy a beer(or two) with.

The Brewer for Newport Beach Brewing was a nice and generous guy. Thank You Kirk.

All in all this is a fun place, with a good beer, great service, just a fun time.

THANKS NBBC Crew!
Jan 29, 2009
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Reviewed by woodychandler from Pennsylvania

3.64/5  rDev +1.4%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5
I like dbONE's review as my notes do not seem as extensive as I would like. Also, this review is slightly out of order in terms of my visitations. It should have come directly after Huntington Beach BC, just before Brewbaker's, and then Gordon Biersch (Burbank). My apologies. Here goes, FWIW:

I am a back door man and so we entered from the rear. Actually, we were searching for a parking space and happened upon the back lot. The front had a patio area which opened onto a bar to the immediate right and a restaurant area to the left. Continuing aft, a separate "J"-shaped bar was also off to the left with additional seating to the right. It was really crowded when we visited on a Saturday night, so no seats were available at either bar (!). Me, at a table!?! Wow.

Beers: NB Blonde; Pelican Pale Ale; Bisbee's ESB; The WedgeWeizen; Newport Coast Steam; and Dead Cowboy Imperial Stout were the ones available on our visit. They also make Snug Harbor Honey Ale; Balboa Brown; Lefty's Cream; Dockside IPA; Pistol Packin' Porter; and Oktoberfest.
Aug 22, 2008
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Reviewed by dbONE from California

4.22/5  rDev +17.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 5
I have been going to the place since it opened 13 years ago, and not much has changed. The parking can be a bit challenging on the weekends. There is a big lot out back that can yield a parking spot just about every time I go. There is also an overflow lot behind that which is metered until 6pm.
Upon entering you can miss the mash tun and kettle which a right in front of you with the serving tanks adorning the whole right wall behind the bar. The 14 bbl system keeps the tanks full with the standards Newport Beach Blonde, Pelican Pale Ale, Bisbees ESB. The Dory Fleet Gold and Wedge Weizen are rotated pretty frequently. The award winning brewmaster Kirk Roberts has been mixing it up this last year with his special brews. Most recently with Crooked Teeth, an English style IPA and Dubble Trubble a nice Belgian Double. In the works is a Sour Cherry ale that will be on soon, along with some special barrel aged stuff that is sure to be great. The guest beer selection rotates once a month so you a sure to find something new to try, like the Stone 12th on draft.
The food is great. Any picky person will find something on the menu, from fish tacos, salads, pizza/pasta, steak and even mac and cheese for the kids. All at a good price and nice portions. The service is also pretty good, and the knowledge of the beers is pretty good as well. You will find some staff that knows more about beer than others so don't be afraid to ask around they are very nice.
I have gone in for a pint and I have started a Saturday with breakfast there that ended with a dinner. A fun place to hang out and have good food and beer.
Aug 08, 2008
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Reviewed by DoubleJ from Wisconsin

3.78/5  rDev +5.3%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
Update 8-4-09: The pizzas are quite good. There is rotation in the draft lineup, which is nice, and they have a small bottle selection of guests beer as well. $4 pints on most house beers.

Although the area is notorious for its parking meters, there is some free parking provided by Newport Brewing out of street view. I came in at noon for a quick pint, and one which I found to be enjoyable: Bisbee's ESB. During my visit, they had six house brews on-tap and six guest taps (such as Union Jack IPA, Blanche de Bruxelles, Stone 11th Anniversery Ale). The beer, unless noted, is served in typical tumbler pints glasses. But watch the pours; I was noticably short-poured by my bartender. There are many bars in this area of Newport Beach, but this one actually makes their own beer, and as a bonus, it's pretty good.
Jun 13, 2008
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Reviewed by charlzm from California

4/5  rDev +11.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
Visited on Monday afternoon 04/21/08, at about 4:00pm.

Dark and cozy interior complemented by open, breezy and sunny patio. Not a big place, but that helps to set the intimate feel. Inevitable ESPN flat screen distractions all over.

Crowd was sparse and seemed to be a mix of sports-crazed regulars and professionals grabbing a quick one after knocking off early.

Bartender was very knowledgable about beer and threw a free sampler at me of a brand new beer that had just come online that morning.

Staff was uniformly friendly and attentive.

The brewmaster has apparently become somewhat ambitious in the last couple of years as the beers have gotten more interesting than I recall on my last visit a few years back.

I didn't have any food, but the specials on the sandwich board outside looked appetizing and inexpensive.

I'd recommend driving a bit out of your way for this one. Of all the "beach" breweries (Redondo, Manhattan, Huntington and this one), this one has by far the best beer. I also really grooved on the friendly vibe given off by the happy customers and staff.
Apr 23, 2008
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Reviewed by Halcyondays from California

3.83/5  rDev +6.7%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3 | selection: 4
Took the drive down today, after zigzagging from Heil and Graham to Brookhurst and PCH, down to the 55, I'm glad there was parking in the back, so I didn't have to use the ubiquitous parking meters. Walked in, lots of brewing equipment, fermenters, looked a lot like the HBBC if they flipped everything about 90 degrees. Ordered their 2 Double Stouts, very good stuff. Bartender was cool, there wasn't much traffic in the place, attentive, got me my beers, nothing special. Didn't have any food, but it seemed a bit on the pricey side, but this is Newport, so what do you expect. Really good beer, a step up from the Huntington Beach scene, IMO, I'd definitely go back if in the area, also only a stone's throw away from Hi-Times, literally 3 minutes with the green lights, so you're in the double bonus going down here.
Mar 05, 2008
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Reviewed by Floydster from California

3.76/5  rDev +4.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
Stopped here with my girlfriend for a few hours today around four after spending some time on the surfboard at 36th street, this place is right on the corner of 30th and Newport, nice big parking lot in the back, first thing I noticed when I walked in was that they were out of the Uber Ganger Eisbock and that was the main reason for my visit, missed it by two days but that is alright, sat down at a table near the bar, two bars in the place with seating both inside and out, did not order food because it looked expensive and we were not too hungry yet, we ordered a beer sampler with seven brews and it was nine dollars, a little expensive but the glasses were four ounces which is more than anywhere else I have been to expect BJs, it came with Newport Beach Blonde, Bisbee's ESB, Pelican Pale Ale, Village Idiot IPA, Resurrection Imperial Coffee Stout, Amarillo Red, and Elmer's Reserve Bourbon Stout, the two stouts were my favorites, you can look at my reviews on all of them in the near future, they had six guest beers that included Arrogant Bastard, Brother David's Double, Paulener Hefe-Weiss, Storm King Stout, Chimay Red, and Duvel, those ranged from five to nine dollars, place was pretty pricey overall, three different people working near the bar and they were all helpful and friendly, cannot go wrong with the atmosphere, you are in Newport Beach you know, lots of elderly couples in there enjoying some pints, nice mellow crowd, pizza and mexican food looked good, maybe I will try that next time, will go back very soon since my beach of choice is less than a mile away, glad I checked this spot out today
Mar 01, 2008
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Reviewed by gorillatantrum from California

2.6/5  rDev -27.6%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 2 | service: 3 | selection: 2 | food: 4
Although sports bars aren't my personal preference, I cant fault the NBBC on its atmosphere. They have the requisite massive TVs and the mildly confused waitresses that one would expect. Sadly, the beer was not at all impressive.

The IPA was not on offer tonight which was a disappointment. I mention that up front so you can, perhaps, correct for my predilections. I enjoy a big, hoppy, sweet, alcoholic beer.

I had the Pelican Pale Ale first and the first sip let me know I had come to the wrong place. It was certainly hoppy, but it was a harsh and uncomplex bitterness that leads me to the conclusion that the brewmaster prefers one long brutal boil. The body of the beer was thick and strangely opaque. The beer lacked fruitiness or any of the subtle flavor profile of an ale. In short, it was a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.

The ESB was marginally more successful, with some ale flavor and sweetness and less of the annoyingly severe bitter.

I had a sip of the Octoberfest and I must say that this was the most successful beer of the evening. Its sweetness balanced or perhaps only obscured the bitter.

I will say, to make up for my harsh review, that I enjoyed my food, as did everyone in my party. I only wish that I had had a good beer to go with it. Looking at other reviews on this site, I see that NBBC hosts guest beers, and I wish I had asked about those. I think I could have done much better.
Oct 14, 2007
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Reviewed by DESTRO from Nevada

3.75/5  rDev +4.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | food: 4
i stopped in here after some nice beach action not to long ago. its a smaller place with a nice wood interior. lots of bikes parked outside. great weather. they had a good measure of their own brews on tap plus some stone guest taps. the waitress was so so and didnt know much about the brews. i had the esb and brown which were both very solid as well as some fish n chips which werent pretty good. my girlfriend enjoyed her burger as well. i hear at night its a little more happenin as it was pretty empty mid day, which i found nice. i good stop for a drink and grub, i cant get to intense as i dont frequent the place but i enjoyed my visit.
Jun 05, 2007
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Reviewed by PhiloPsych from California

3.95/5  rDev +10%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
I visited NBBC on a Saturday evening. I had some work to do and wanted to drink a few beers while working. I found a little table where I could plug in my laptop and do my thing. The place was pretty busy, but I never felt like I wasn't getting enough attention from my server. My beer never got to the bottom of a glass before I was offered another. Since I was involved with my own stuff, I didn't pay a lot of attention to the social atmosphere, but here are some brief observations. When I got there at 7:30 or so there were people sitting at the bars (they have a few different bar areas) and there were people of all different ages at the tables, including a few families with children and teenagers. When I left around 11:00 it had transitioned to the twenty-something bar scene for the most part.

They had several of their own beers on tap. I chose NBBC because of their list of beers currently on tap posted on their website. I was disappointed they didn't have their IPA even though it had been listed on the site. Maybe they had just run out. They also had a handful of guest beers on tap and/or in bottles. I had two of their beers and two guest beers. The best beer I had all night was their Dead Cowboy Stout, which I really liked.

I didn't eat much, but from my own food and from looking around, I'd say their food is only so-so. For those in the area, here's a comparison: I'd say that NBBC's food is not as good as the food at Steelhead, but their beer is better than Steelhead's.
May 13, 2007
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Reviewed by jeffjfindley from California

4.03/5  rDev +12.3%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
Brought my girlfriend and my brother who was in from out of town. The fantastic exterior leads to disappointment when you walk in. We went early on a Saturday night, and it wasn't busy at all, but due to the layout there were pockets of idiotic frat guys all over the place crowded around the many TV's the place features. I mean, I like sports as much as the next guy, unless of course the next guy is someone who likes places like this. Basically the floor layout created an impression that the place was crowded, even though it was nowhere near capacity.

We tried their IPA, ESB, and I had a sample of their quad. All were damn good, especially the IPA. Big, malty, hoppy, etc. Quad wasn't great, but it ain't the Brussels Brewing Company so we'll give them an A for effort. Our server was attentive and knowledgable, but spread a little thin. The food was also teriffic. I had the ribs, my girlfriend the fish & chips, and my bro had the kobe burger. My ribs were fall of the bone good, with a nice side of veggies. I tried the fish and chips which were passable but not great. My brother didn't give me a piece of the damn burger but it sure looked good.

All in all, a good place and good experience. If they redid the floor plan to make it a little less like Hooters I'd love it.
May 01, 2007
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Reviewed by TheLongBeachBum from California

3.23/5  rDev -10%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 2 | selection: 4
With the Friday VIP and Evening session coupled with a full Saturday at the Pizza Port 2006 Strong Ale Festival under our belts, what better way to spend a Sunday that drinking yet more beer!! The drive from Carlsbad back to Long Beach seemed a little too far so along with BA’s Erica, Seagoat and HoppyJess we first stopped off at Hi-Times in Costa Mesa for some beer shopping. Then it was a reasonably short ride from there down to Newport Beach Brewing.

Of all the times that I have been to Hi-Times, I simply cannot believe that I have never taken the 10 minute drive and opportunity to hit up the nearby Newport Beach, so this was my first visit here.

Set in the Balboa Peninsula area it is situated on Newport Beach Boulevard where it forks between 29th and 30th Streets, and is just off to your left as you head South, a set of lights will allow you to turn left here down 30th Street, this in turn will allow you to gain access to the Parking Lot at the back of the main building.

Parking was tight, the back lot was almost full but whilst I managed to steal the last remaining spot Seagoat and HoppyJess struggled for a while. And if you think about winging the street parking rules - Don’t!! Because the little Hitler’s that patrol the streets were here checking frequently and you will probably end up with a ticket, so park wisely.

The entrance at the back is to the right of a large grain silo, which is hard to miss thanks to the fact that it is painted in a bright canary yellow. On the Silo are the names of the many brews on sale here; of note was the fact that the words “John Wayne Imperial Stout” had been painted over and replaced with the description “Dead Cowboy Stout”…same beer but I guess they had to change the name for legal reasons maybe?

Inside it has a very laid back SoCal feel. Lots of faded varnished woods lend a seafaring feel, whilst a myriad of TV’s adding Sports Bar into the equation. There are two bars, one lies off to your immediate right, whilst another sits against the far back wall but in front of the shining Coppers and other brewery equipment. To the left a small area contains tables and chairs bounded by 3 foot tall wooden walls. To the far right is the entrance to the outside seating area and another interior seating area. We were originally told we could sit here, and then told we couldn’t, which brings me onto Service….hmmm, how can I put this? Well it *Sucks* Service is a dirty word here. If you’ve been here before you may not feel out of sorts, but if you are new then it is a “suck it and see” set up. You seat yourself and hope that one of the servers recognizes that you entered the building and are alive…..even then it may take a while to get “the nod”, this is where one server acknowledges you and then promptly ignores you for a while and then appears later all nice and cheery with one of those really annoying false Californian smiles. Also, it is hard to tell who the servers are at times too thanks to the fact that they dress just the same as the punters. Crap service is part of the deal here, so you have to live with it I guess but it is not good and the worst part of NBBC for me.

Thankfully, the beer range makes the wait worth while. During my visit they had Bisbee’s ESB, Newport Beach Blonde, Pelican Pale Ale, Pistol Packin’ Porter, Wedge Weizen and a seasonal special called Xmas Coffee Porter. In addition to the house beers they also had Stone 10th and Stone ‘Oaked’ Arrogant Bastard on Tap, so the line up is very healthy. The Xmas Coffee Porter was imbibed by all four visiting BA’s and it was very good. We opted out of the food, but the Menu didn’t seem to be anything that you can’t get at any other SoCal Brewpub and rather standard fare.

This place has a lovely set-up, a well-worn and established Brewpub that knocks out some great brews, and it is for the solid brews that you should come here, the rest is so-so and ancillary to the solid regular brews and excellent specials. I hear that the Dead Cowboy Imperial Stout is legendary, so another trip may be in order here in the coming months, or after my next visit to HiTimes even.

Thanks to Seagoat and HoppyJess for the inspiration and directions as well as the lovely Erica for the company. I’ll surely be heading back here in the future and if I play my cards right I may just get to try some of the better specials when I do.

Last Visit: Sunday 3rd December, 2006.
Dec 10, 2006
Photo of blitheringidiot
Reviewed by blitheringidiot from Pennsylvania

3.53/5  rDev -1.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 2.5 | selection: 4 | food: 3
Newport Beach Brewing seems to be located in the "hot spot" of Balboa Island. Entrance is in the back but parking is plentiful out front. Immediately, the comfortable environs are a welcome vibe. Hoist a seat and observe the wooden planks that create the interior. Sports on the tvs are everywhere.

Beer selection is a tad spotty, but thanks to guest taps, the selection widens to a formidable offering. This place actually cares about beer. Try guest taps of Stone 10th Anniversary, North Coast Prankster and Stone Arrogant Bastidge!

Service was kinda lame. Looks like the 'tender was asleep at the switch, but who really cares?

Pizzas are $6 on Wednesdays. They are huge!

Last call: Could you take your Mom here? Yes! Clean Men's room might mean clean b-rooms. Comfy T-shirt ambiance and food was ok to good. Try the ESB.
Sep 22, 2006
Photo of SwillinBrew
Reviewed by SwillinBrew from California

4/5  rDev +11.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
Of the local brewing companies, i like this one the most. It's right in the heart of newport beach. There's nothing better than riding your beach cruiser there after a days surfing, then coming in for some locally brewed brew. (some notes on the brew a little later)

You come in thru the back and the inside has a nice relaxed sports bar look with many TV's and the brewing tanks behind the back bar. There's a patio in the front on the main street which is perfect for people watching. You get a nice beach crowd here, many locals and tourist as well. Quite friendly and can get really busy at night or on a hot day, which is fine because you get many so cal beach sweeties hanging out.

I find their standard brews on tap to be okay, but when they have their John Wayne Imperial Stout now known as Dead Cowboy Stout or their Santa's Little Helper holiday brew on tap, fill your growlers because they are both exemplary. Their hefeweizen is pretty tasty as well. When i was here last they had a guest tap of Arrogant Bastard, love that stuff. The food is hot and tasty and satisfies the tummy... standard pub fare.

If i still lived close by, i would come here more often. Anyways, as head inland from here, make sure to stop by Hi Times in Costa Mesa.
Sep 21, 2006
Photo of IntriqKen
Reviewed by IntriqKen from California

3.88/5  rDev +8.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
Ok..this place is fun. Visited on a Wednesday night and still it got crowded starting around 8 PM.
Wednesdays are $6 Pizza and $6 pitcher nights so I can understand the crowd.
Large Brewpub with spacious seating for dinner (typical brewpub fare) and lots of bar space.
Beautiful towering tanks behind the bar holding the beer and then beautiful fermenting tanks behind a second bar.
Lots and LOTS of wide screen TV's showing lots of sports.
6 good brews on tap they make with rotating specials and 3 very respectible guest brews. Tonight they had Pranqster, Stone's 10th, and Arrogant Bastard.
Best brew I tried was the APA....wish they had the IPA on tap tonight. The APA was great.
Fun place...very comfortable....great atmosphere....good brews.
Sep 21, 2006
Photo of PuckLSHS
Reviewed by PuckLSHS from Iowa

3.36/5  rDev -6.4%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3 | selection: 3.5
I hit up Newport Beach Brewing after doing a tour of Laguna and Huntington, and Hi-Time Wine Cellars. Newport was a step up after my trips to Laguna and especially Huntington Beach. It is standard brewpub decorating - signs for places that are part of the local area, beer related tin, and wood everywhere. We walk in and order the taster set. Standard fare really...IPA, Pale, Lager, Hef, and seasonal. Nothing too interesting about any of them. Nothing strikes my fancy because nothing is really big, but feels semi-watered down instead of a hearty beer for the end of my day.

The reason I rate it higher is that I had to drink Laguna and Huntington beer first...this was liquid gold compared to those.

The people were nice in the place...even the drunken local receiving an earfull from the bartender who deals with the man every single time he comes in. We enjoyed our time and left saying that we should come back and order some food that was passing under our noses smelling of brewpub goodness.

Hit up the Newport Beach Brewing instead of the other two and you won't be too sorry. Just don't look for anything big or amazing because you won't find it here...at least you won't find it here all the time.
Apr 19, 2006
Newport Beach Brewing Company in Newport Beach, CA
Brewery rating: 3.59 out of 5 with 110 ratings