Such a chill experience. Loved how friendly and attentive the bartender Jasmine was. Made it felt very welcoming. Will be coming back for the great service. read more

Looks like we came when it opened. It is a dive bar with the local regulars during this time. The interior is clean, spacious and has games. The games and activities include pool tables, boxing test machine and darts. Touchtunes is the juke box. They have a good selection of drafts, full bar and cans behind the fridge. The bartender was attentive and friendly. Great service and a spot to hang out. read more

Balboa Saloon - Bar top with cans - Sports Bars Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Outstanding historic little Saloon located in the Balboa village area in Newport Beach right outside the fun zone area. Quite a bit to do here whether it's for the kids or the adults.. There are lots of little restaurants, pubs and places to eat with some arcades for the kids or teenagers and a Ferris wheel for the little ones along with boat rentals for use in the Bay Area. Been a few years since I've been here but I'll definitely be back. For something different you can even take the Ferry across with your vehicle or bikes from Balboa Island to the Balboa Village area and then drive out if you prefer without going back on the ferry. The saloon is A dark quiet little place for a cold one and lunch like Pizza and sandwiches etc. They've got a couple pool tables and dart boards, it's a nice local spot to relax with satellite TV and sports! read more

Balboa Saloon - Balboa Village fun zone Ferris wheel - Sports Bars Near Me - Newport Beach, California

We're visiting balboa for the first time and we stopped by here for a quick Shirley temple and a non-alcoholic corona! Great little spot and I love that they have NA options. Great music too and very friendly bartenders! Thank you! read more

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The bar is very chill the bartender Very friendly and attentive. Will definitely go back again.

Greatest bar on the planet probably. Great service. Good spot. Dont let Shane on the touch tunes tho

Came in with some homies for beers and pool. Jasmine took care of us and was so sweet and attentive! Will 100% be coming back on Tuesdays to see her!! read more

The bar is great! Great atmosphere! Eleni was my bartender and she was absolutely amazing! It was a fun time! I def say if she's there I'd recommend Eleni! read more

Balboa Saloon - Sports Bars Near Me - Newport Beach, California

This is our go to spot! Darla is so great and we come here Saturday's just to see her! read more

Balboa Saloon - Tito's H2O & Vodka Press - delish - Sports Bars Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Love this place, solid spot... but the music volume is ridiculously loud... you can't hear someone standing half a foot from you talk, it's a dive bar not a night club, people come for pool and to chat with friends... had to go to the bar across the street to be able to enjoy the rest of my night with the friends I came out with read more

Jasmine was the best bartender! Busy shift and she was quick to get my drinks, sweetest girl I've ever met behind the bar and on top of glassware and attentive to customers. Recommend coming here if you ever want to grab a quick drink read more

Been coming here for 40 years or more. Love Darla. She's not working the bar as much as she used to or at least when I come buy She's great!

This place holds a special place in my drinking history as one of the first places I frequented as a novice drinker. It was part of the infamous Balboa Triangle (The Saloon, Class of 47 and Studio Cafe).I even remember when INXS filmed their "Devil Inside" video there. A celebration of life brought me back after many years and it was great to feel that same Saloon vibe again. I've been coming back since. Lauren is a wonderful bartender and a wonderful host. Thank you still being around all these years! read more

5 star dive bar. Great location and friendly patrons. Nothing fancy as any good Dive bar should be Jeff, the Bartender is really nice and serves a cold beer!! Cheers read more

Love the staff here,Darla , Lauren and Jeff are always welcoming and know my drink. Getting to know the rest of tbe staff as they are newer. It can get a bit loud for my taste af night,, but usually there daytime. Drinks are strong,reasonably prced,liots of drink specials as well. read more

Balboa Saloon is already a great spot, but Lauren behind the bar takes it to another level. She's friendly, attentive, and somehow always remembers exactly what you like without being overbearing. Drinks are consistently on point, service is fast, and she creates the kind of welcoming vibe that makes you want to stay for "just one more." Bonus points if you're a fan of Taylor Swift or the Los Angeles Dodgers -- Lauren's energy and personality make the experience even better. You can tell she genuinely enjoys what she does, and it shows in how she treats everyone at the bar. Don't mention "Drake Maye" or the Patriots until at least next season though. If you're stopping by Balboa Saloon, do yourself a favor and grab a seat with Lauren. She's a big reason this place keeps me coming back. read more

I love the Balboa Saloon. This is a great local dive bar. Lauren might possibly be the best bartender on the planet!

I stopped by with some friends to watch football and get some food and ended up staying longer than I expected playing pool I had a great time The staff was friendly and the vibes were great Definitely recommend this dive bar The food is also really good read more

Food and service was AMAZING! Love the vibe there! Everyone was very welcoming! What I like is the history behind the place lots of cool historic facts. read more

For a good time, see Jeff at The Balboa Saloon. Buyer beware, you won't not be able to not go back. read more

Balboa Saloon - Sports Bars Near Me - Newport Beach, California

This place is our go to in Newport! And Darla is the best bartender! We make sure to go in on the days we know she is there!

Jeff is the best bartender! Personal, courteous, engaging. Great atmosphere. Home away from home. read more

After all these years The Saloon still has a great seaside dive bar vibe. The prices are reasonable and the service is wonderful. Bartender Lauren is a real gem that can read minds when it's time for a refill or telling you it's time to order that shot you have been secretly thinking you need. read more

Lauren is the #1 bartender here, so warm and friendly, and of course always knows the tea when it comes to Taylor Swift (for all my swifties out there). She makes the tastiest shots and is always so fun to see. Definitely check it out on Mondays when she's working -- you won't regret it! read more

1st time here, and I must say, bartender Jeff is a straight stud!!!! Came in for 1, left with more & will come back because of him! Dude is great! Keep him around because lots of bars dont have bar staff with great energy, & he is that!!! Thanks for the great service!!!! read more

One star is for bad service in general including some of the customers being rude and employees being rude

Great spot on the peninsula for drinks, pool and darts! Lauren was our bartender and she is super nice and had some great recommendations of things to do in the area! Thanks for a great time Lauren! read more

Love this bar!! Always come to see Darla when she's here! She's the best! When we are here, she makes it feel like home!

At the saloon this Saturday afternoon. The bartender is Darla. She is attentive, and alert to our needs. Darla is extremely friendly and comfortable to be around. I will definitely recommend this place to my numerous friends as we are looking for a place to frequent on Balboa Peninsula. read more

Had the best time with Jeff at the Saloon! Great atmosphere! The best bartender in town!! Makes us keep coming back!

I love the Balboa Saloon but most of all I love the Bartender Sara that's Sarah with an H that is. She is great and she makes the best Jack Daniel honey with two ice cubes I've ever had in my life. I mean come on give this girl a raise. read more

Long time divey bar in Balboa. I've been getting beers here for over 30 years now. Cold beer on tap with wine and full bar stock available. Years ago they served food but those days are long gone. Bring food in and eat it there with a drink from the bartender. If you want suggestions on what food is good and close by ask the bartender or one of the locals hanging out having a drink. Pizza Pete is literally next door for pizza by the slice or whole pie. Great Mex is about a block away for tacos. The Balboa market makes sandwiches to order that are solid as well. Darts, pool tables, and games. This is a bar, so no one under 21 is admitted. I saw one review that thought you could bring a baby in. Not sure why the reviewer would believe that was okay but it is clearly against the law. Enjoy the local ambiance, lots of long time Newport characters hang out here. If you're interested in fishing you should have no problem finding someone to talk fishing with. read more

We've been coming here for 30+ years but will NEVER EVER set foot in here again. New owner took over today & fired everyone. Such a sad day for the community read more

We love the Balboa Saloon!! My boyfriend and I visit here about every other month from Las Vegas so I can absolutely destroy him at darts, pool, golden tee (he tries his best). Bartender (Jeff) is always great to talk to and pours great drinks. Headed back there in a week and a half. read more

Balboa Saloon - Jeff! - Sports Bars Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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New owners made a major mistake, fired all the people brought some people back, but in general, they still do NOT know how to manage Business for the locals. My major local still stay away from the business because of the way they handle everything in general. read more

My coworkers and I went down there on Labor Day. We had great time. We experienced great service from the bartender Jacqueline and the bar manager Jake. I would definitely come back again. read more

My wife, her grandmother, her uncle and I went to this Saloon to celebrate her 25th birthday. It's my first time in the area as I'm not from so cal. Beautiful area and came across quite a lot of nice people. Unfortunately, our celebratory outing was completely ruined by the rude and aggressive way we were treated by the bartender. When we entered, the bartender (older lady) loudly demanded IDs from across the room. We were just walking in and as we were pulling out our id's my wife realized she left hers in the car, so her uncle immediately said he would go grab it for her. As he said this, my wife's grandmother tried to make friendly conversation, mentioning we were there for her 25th birthday. We all had our I.D's. Before she could finish her sentence, the bartender abruptly cut her off, stating the I.D policy in a way that was disrespectful. We were all surprised by the bartender's aggressive tone, as we clearly understood and agreed with the ID policy. My wife's grandmother politely raised her hand to calm her down since the bartender lady was coming off aggressive, she told the lady my wife would step outside, my Wife was already doing it. Shockingly, this hand gesture sent the bartender into a rage, and she started angrily speaking my grandmother-in-law (a 72 year old woman) saying "Don't raise your hand at me lady." I tried to defuse the situation, telling the bartender "You're taking it the wrong way, relax - we understand she's going to leave." Rather than calming down, this reasonable statement seemed to enrage the bartender further. Especially after I said "you need to relax". She then says "you know what!" slammed all our IDs down on the bar and had us get out. I was stunned and appalled at the bartender's unhinged aggression towards my family, despite our initial friendly demeanor and clear communication of our intent to comply with the bar's rules. Her hostile behavior cast a pall over what should have been a joyful occasion. It was strange for me to see as an outsider to this area, I have never experienced anything like that. We were there to celebrate and we're always sure to respect the rules of any establishment we go into as we know them to be reasonable. The bartender's conduct was egregious, inexcusable and in no way acceptable for any customer-facing employee, regardless of the circumstances. Lashing out at patrons with such unwarranted animosity when they are being fully cooperative and respectful is beyond the pale. This Saloon needs to take a long, hard look at the professionalism and decency of the staff they employ. If you're someone visiting the area, or wanting to have a local experience, I would strongly caution any potential customers against patronizing this establishment, as I wouldn't want anyone else to be subjected to the disrespect. read more

Balboa Saloon - Sports Bars Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Bartender's Darla & Jeff are one of a kind! We are treated so well & they always deliver exceptional service!!!

Dope bar. Good service & drinks. Bartenders friendly. Definitely recommend going if your in the area

Cool spot, they have a good choice of liquor and beer. The drinks are well poured, and the jukebox works! The staff also had a great attitude. Definitely coming back! read more