I saw this place got best bar in the OC weekly's "best of OC" so I wanted to check it out. Turns out this is really part of the beachcomber. The receipt says the beachcomber and it's connected to it. You can get appetizers from the beachcomber at the bar here too. Not that there's anything wrong with being attached to the beachcomber. I mean, this little area is like it's own world, hidden on the beach under the rubies shack on PCH in crystal cove. Although there are steps from the rubies lot that lead down to this area, the correct way to handle parking is to park in the state parking lot across the street and either: A) pay $1 per person for the shuttle to the beach or B) take a short walk down the hill, through a tunnel, and over to the beach. Want the best of both worlds? Walk TO the beach from the lot, it's all downhill and super easy. Take the shuttle back. So the bar doesn't have the direct beach view of the beachcomber but pretty damn close. They have a drink called "Tonga Lei", it's $16, serves two people, has 3 types of rum + champagne and some fruit juice and a little pineapple square on the side of the glass that gives me that "sippin' on a daiquiri in hawaii" kinda feel. Best part - your receipt for the drink is also your ticket to free parking when you leave the state lot. Hold on to it. This bar really does feel like you are on vacation when you are hanging out there. Great place to take out of towners. Great place to go on a hot day in the off season. I can't even imagine how crazy it gets during tourist season, I would avoid that. I saw someone mention there aren't bathrooms here. There are. Not in the restaurant but beach bathrooms are available around the corner. read more

The Bootlegger Bar - Shuttle looks like this! - American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

The Bootlegger Bar is one of my favorite destinations after hiking in Moro Canyon. Burn the calories and put them right back - works for me! At this casual patio spot alongside the Beachcomber you will see guests ranging from the post-hike or beach messy (yep, that would be me) to the perfect examples of OC fashion. It doesn't matter what you wear - the drinks are good and the servers are fast and friendly. While a full menu is not available, there is a nice selection of appetizers to choose from and a full bar of cocktails. If you arrive before the appetizers are available (starting at 11am), you can always enjoy the sweet and pillowy beignets. What else do you need? In addition to the all-important mimosas (hey, orange juice is healthy), my absolute favorite item is the Tiny Ahi Tacos. I love these - four small (two or three bites small) fried shells stuffed FULL of succulent Ahi and graced with Asian slaw. The Sirarcha aioli is a perfect accent of creamy and spicy. You will probably want your own full order of these, because you know, sharing is hard. Still hungry? Try the lemon grass chicken skewers. A really pretty presentation of Thai marinated chicken served with a coconut peanut sauce (I don't like coconut, but this stuff is good!), shishito peppers and edamame salad. Four skewers make this easy to share. A patio, a sunny day and mimosas. It really doesn't take much to make me happy. read more

The Bootlegger Bar - Ahi Tacos - love these! - American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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We went here to NOT pay $15 parking at Crystal Cove's lot on Los Trancos. :) Thank you friendly Yelpers for the tip! [[ Parking & Location ]]-- parked across the ocean, on the other side of PCH in the Los Trancos lot and walked over here for the beach trail. You can walk across via street lights and over PCH. Or you can take the tunnel which winds down a path to get you under and over to the beach side. This bar is the backside of Beachcombers. Sit where you see a spot. Order from the bar. [[ Food ]]-- they don't seem to serve a full menu. For breakfast it's only fruits and beignets. Lunch is only appetizers. You can always get drinks! :) ++ Fruits plate: paid $10+ for a bowl of fruits was what it was. BUT! You do get refreshing grapes, pineapples, cantaloupes, etc. ++ Beignets: again, $10 for 12 tiny bread squares. It wasn't doughy like a donut. It was airy and tastes like a thin waffle square. MEH, it was ok... [[ Validation ]]-- You have to spend at least $15 and the validation will print at the bottom of your receipt. We had 2 cars so split the purchases to get 2 receipts! Hand your receipt to the attendant when exiting the parking lot. read more

The Bootlegger Bar - Fruit plate for breakfast at the bar - American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Friendly bartenders. Scenic view. Alcohol. What's not to love? Oh, paying the price for beachfront booze and finding parking. read more

The service was really good and atmosphere is completely awesome. You do need to do a little better on the drinks because my wifes drink was water down but my daughters had too much alcohol which of course is personal preference on taste. But other than that the place is awesome and we will definitely go back again in a little. I did think it was a little pricier than it should have been with two appetizers, two drinks, and two sodas is over $100 with the tip. But the view of the sunset and the atmosphere I guess makes up for it definitely a place you should give it a try. read more

First the good. The calamari was amazing, as were the drinks. There was a male server, Oscar, who was extremely kind. The good ends there. I had never been to Crystal Cove and Beachcomber said we should go to the bar, due to there being at least a 1.5 hr wait for lunch. Mind you, it was 93 degrees at the beach and very humid. One of Cali's rare, miserable beach days, and it was miserable. Walked around to Bootlegger Bar to see 3 people in a line. They had it roped off, yet there were empty tables. The staff saw us, standing, with no shade, no seats and sweating. Never addressed when we would be seated, even after 30 mins. By that time, heat exhaustion started to kick in...where food isn't a priority, but nausea and dizziness is real. Finally, after about 45 mins, in the hot sun, she comes and tells us to wait while they clean off tables. I told her we could go sit down while they cleaned off the tables. Oh no...stand in the heat longer. Took another 5 mins and finally sat. Waited another 10 mins and she had not even taken an order for water. A guy came over to help us, thankfully. She was extremely rude, uncaring and the extreme heat, nausea had me wanting to read her the riot act. I didn't, but was ready to. Her behavior, ruined it for me, for any future plans to return. One, nothing is worth waiting that long for when it comes to food and especially not in heat. Two, add attitude and it is def not. As for the food at Beachcomber? It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't worth the wait and I've had better. Want a beach day? Go to Dana Point, or drive to San Diego. A much better experience. Even Laguna Beach. You certainly won't be waiting in long lines to eat. Crystal Cove-just a lot of hype from OCers. read more

Do you like a scenic walk from your car? Do you like the sound of the waves and the smell of beach? Do you like pricy drinks on a patio? If you answered yes, The Bootlegger Bar is for you! (and me too!) Spent one Sunday Funday here celebrating a friend's birthday ~ not a great amount of space but we lined up along the 10-15 seater bar facing the creek & cottages so it worked for our mingling purposes. Drinks and apps range from $10-$20, are heavily poured and easy to share. The creative cocktail & martini list is longer than the food offerings but that's what I prefer anyway so I consider that I plus! The service was sparce and hectic but it was a Sunday in August so that was to be expected - I'm not sure if the servers of this bar and the Beachcomber restaurant are shared but it looked like they were really working hard running around so we made sure to be thorough when ordering. I am an avid lover of pesto so every time I come to this location I MUST get the ciabatta stack which is about 5-6 slices of toasted ciabatta with sides of butter and parmesan pesto spread... I always ask for EXTRA of this garlicy-amazingness-pesto spread because I just cannot get enough. They used to have a better version of this same pesto dish but for some reason they changed it... I cannot remember what it was called but all I remember is, it was MUCH better and I WANT IT BACK... please. Among the drinks ordered were raspberry mojitos & mango mojitos (both big hits with FRESH fruit!) as well as many of the creative signature cocktails such as "The Beach Comber" (citrus vodka, lemon juice, lime juice & blue pucker) and "Paradiso" (pear vodka, orange liqueur, elderflower and citrus juices) - all so unique and tasty! They also have a list of 4-6 "skinny" drinks that are lighter calorically but not alcoholically - WIN! The lunch menu/cocktail list that we enjoyed that day can be found here: http://www.thebeachcombercafe.com/_crystalcove/cms/menu/Beachcomber_Lunch.pdf With the alcohol flowing, old time music playing (Dean Martin, Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, etc!) along with the waves crashing and fabulous friends surrounding, I couldn't have asked for a better Sunday! The walk back to your car can be a little daunting if its after dark - usually a 10 min hike through a tunnel that brings you safely from the Los Trancos parking lot under PCH and into the Crystal Cove area but I find it fun with friends! I think the restaurant will validate your parking or something when you leave so you are not charged... there is also a designated shuttle (cost: $1) that will take you back if you would prefer. Definitely GO if you're looking for a unique/classic bar on the beach! Its one of my favorites! read more

They won't validate your parking if you order for less than $15. I had guests visiting and we arrived there after 4PM just for 15 min quick look. We weren't hungry so I just ordered cafe. The waiter refused to validate our parking ticket. Not a very nice service! read more

+ lovely 50's atmosphere, + awesome location at the beach, - service could be more attentive If you like to add some retro to your stay along Southern California's coast you have to stop at Crystal Cove. The State Park re-vitalized old cottages from the 1930's and allowed a restaurant and bar to serve the area. While the restaurant is quite pricey and needs a reservation the Bootleger Bar is more affordable. It faces the center of the cottages and underlines the retro atmosphere with matching beach songs and 50's look-alike waiters. If those guys wouldn't have been so self-absorbed our experience probably would have been outstanding but still it was awesome. In particular for design minded people the bar and area is a great recommendations. Besides ice cold drinks you can enjoy appetizers from the restaurant. I personally hope to be able to return asap and combine my visit with a stay in one of the cottages! read more

The Bootlegger Bar - Bootlegger Bar/storefront - American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

We have been staying at the Marriott Newport Coast Villas for 10 years and we decided to try the Beachcomber restaurant. Thanks to the 30 minute wait that we decided to wait at The Bootlegger Bar where we have truly the best Bloody Mary ever had. When it was delivered to the bar table, someone in the next table asked if the bloody mary was on the appetizer menu. Crab claw, shrimp, pickled carrots and green beans and a celery stalk. You must stop here to try for yourself with a view of the surf. read more

The Bootlegger Bar - American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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This is the most chill/quaint "I'm on a little island" slash barstool people watching type of seat/view. The staff is super attentive when you're ordering. I like how this section of the restaurant is just the bar and that it's super small because it makes it seem more vacationey and more of a special secluded spot. The Luscious Lemonade is the perfect combo of sugary and tart goodness. read more

The Bootlegger Bar - American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

I like this bar! Great for waiting the 90+ minutes to sit at the waterfront patio at the Beach Comber without reservations (bad move) but they only allow 30% of their tables to be reserved so it takes weeks in advance. Anyway! Ordered a margarita here it was typical nothing explosive 3/5. Beignets that people rave about is just ok, ice cream it comes with is tasty & the Ghirardelli drizzle chocolate sauce on top 3/5. Bartenders are nice, my bfs dad accidentally dropped some beer and they gave him a free replacement Blue Moon. I ordered a pina colada next, garnished with a fresh pineapple wedge and beautiful purple flower. They told my BF they would make it extra strong for me and they delivered when I got it. Really tasty drink! 5/5 ;) Anyway, good spot to relax if you can get a seat. read more

The Bootlegger Bar - Pina! - American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

This is my first place coming here and I must say this place provides awesome customer service. We came with a big party of 12 and had to wait till everyone arrived but with their hospitality they made sure we were comfortable while we waited and drank at the bar. The view this place has is awesome. It sits just to off the newport beach which provides a beautiful scenery of the ocean. The place has several areas where you can cherish happy moments whether it is for a couples day out, family outing, or a vacation place. So bring your camera and cherish the moments. As for the food, the food I had was amazing. I had a salmon plate with asparagus and quinoa vegetables. The skin on the salmon had a sweet, savory, crunchy texture which made this place amazing. The salmon was cooked correctly and I enjoyed every bite. For their alcoholic beverages, they sure know how to make a drink. I had just a regular perfect margarita and I was feeling a buxx after half of it and it was mixed perfectly with the amount of alcohol and margarita mix. The servers were amazing at describing the drinks they had as well. Overall, if I were to have went when it was sunny this would have been amazing. To get to the place you need to ride a shuttle which charges $1 to and from the place which is a bummer but the experience at this secret place is unforgettable. read more

The Bootlegger Bar - American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

A long wait but such a cute date spot. Get the beef skewers they are soooo good. Can't wait to go back. read more

The Bootlegger Bar - The beef skewers, so good - American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

The crab stake is the best shareable appetizer if you just want a drink at the beach and a little food. The mixed drinks are a little too syrupy and sweet for me. But the sparkling Italian Rose was fantastic and more than made up for the cocktail. Brandon gets extra points for great service! read more

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We were spending the day on the beach with a large group and lots of kids. A few of us headed over here for drinks in between riding waves and playing frisbee. We found an open table for 6 in the back, no ocean view but was in the shade. They had an ok beer list and lots of mixed drinks that the ladies really enjoyed. It got really crowded and service was a little slow but everyone enjoyed the experience for the hour or so that we were here. read more

5 STARS!! This place and was amazing. Drinks and food right on the beach. I can't ask for anything more. Check out the foodie blog I did about this place. http://bit.ly/2fRNbFa This was the best way to end our Sunday Funday so you need to check it out for yourself! read more

The Bootlegger Bar - Great place for drinks right on the beach!! - American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Love this place. Highly recommend the Tiny Ahi Tacos (for an appetizer or light meal) and the Beachcomber Beignets for dessert. And the watermelon mojitos! Our server last night, Danielle, made it even better - she's awesome! Super friendly, attentive, got everything right, checked in with us even though she was clearly very busy- the best!! Always great when a server makes a place you already like even better. We'll be back. read more

Obsessed with this bar! Makes you feel like you're on vacay. We had watermelon mojitos and they were in huge mason jars. I only needed one! Super strong, nice bartenders. read more

The drinks & artichokes were amazing! Uncle Randy loves to sit on outside of bar & watch the pretty girls go back & forth to the beach! We ordered a Kentucky Mule & a Pina Colada. Drinks were good & artichoke amazing! read more

Love it here I order spring rolls and a mango smoothie and beignets. Always delicious

Unbelievably great seaside bar! It's almost nirvana, no joke. From the outstanding and friendly bar service to the quality of drinks and food menu items it's tough to beat. We're lucky enough to be able to walk to this bar but you can do the same - just park across the street and make your way over in short few minutes. Then work it off taking the stairs up to the Shake Shack on PCH for a ridiculous Monkey Flip shake. Life couldn't be better! read more

"That's the secret, grand adventure of the infamous Jack Sparrow. You spent three days lying on a beach drinking rum." - Elizabeth Swann I could spend three days at The Bootlegger Bar... And apparently that is actually possible... you can rent beach bungalows next to the The Bootlegger Bar... which is attached to The Beachcomber... not to be confused with Don The Beachcomber... This outdoor bar pretty much begs you to chill out... it is either the salted air from the ocean or the 1940 tunes that set the mood... One of the very nice waiters will bounce up to you in due time... They have a full bar or you can get one of their signature drinks... Tonga Lei... it has happened to me... I ordered the Tonga Lei in the signature chalace (+$15)... It is a concotion of Champagne and Rum, plus juices... made for 2 people or 1 Jaramillo... i am not sure if it was the drink or just the vibe... but i was totally at ease there... my bud got a Fog Cutter which was rum on top of rum on top of rum... They have a limited menu in the bar... and from what I could see and smell... looked pretty good... not sure if you can order any of the meals from The Beachcomber... I don't see why not... You don't have a view of the beach at The Bootlegger, but you have this village near the water type thing to look at... My friend described it as Big Bear near the ocean... which i think was pretty accurate... We saw people going to and fro from the beach... some for water sport, some for weddings... Good Chill out place... Oh... if you park at the state parking and take the underground tunnel (or shuttle $1... i reco walking tho... its a nice nature walk), there is a $15 fee... but with a $15 or more receipt from bar/restaurant, it is free... or you can buy the Tonga Lei Signature Chalace and show it to the very nice parking attendent and she will let you pass... well at least she let us pass... I give this place 4 flip-flops... PS for dog-lovers You can't leave your dog tied up outside the bar by itself... you have to be next to the dog at all times... so plan accordingly... apparently this was a surprise to some people walking their dogs(inc toy dogs)... read more

In a county overwhelmed with overcrowded and formulaic establishments the Bootlegger bar is a welcome change of pace. Located in Crystal Cove State Park along with the adjoining Beachcomber Cafe the outdoor patio is a bastion of tranquility and cold drinks. I was unfortunately unable to indulge in a cocktail since I was driving but the patrons were raving about theirs, and the selection of beers has me ready to come back already. The above average prices are forgiveable considering the quality of the food plus their proximity to the beach. Being a carnivore, I had to order the short rib spring rolls as a snack, and I was very happy with my decision. Grazers will be very happy with the selection offered. Be sure to remember your parking ticket for validation (up to 3 hours.) read more

This was our first time there. We tried the Beachcomber, the Bootlegger, the Big Bad Bloody Mary, Tropical Crush, Front Porch Blackberry Iced Tea lemonade and Harvey Wallbanger. All of them were delicious. Prices are a tad high but worth it for where you are at. Drinks have a tropical them and better then most. read more

The Bootlegger Bar - The Beachcomber with a view of the water. - American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

I I have to be stuck for 1 to 2 hours waiting for a table at The Beachcomber, I have NO PROBLEM, waiting here. As long as you can find a seat. They have a really great Bloody Mary, and some nice cocktails and appetizers. The only bad thing about this place, is that you may be too drunk or too full, by the time you get seated at The Beachcomber :) read more

My husband took me to Crystal Cove Restaurant and I had the pleasure of having Jimmy and Misty as our waiter & waitress. When we sat down Jimmy introduced us to the restaurant and told us all the specials for that day. While we were ordering it slipped out that it was my birthday so we got our orders and between the food and this place right on the beach it was perfect! But then Jimmy brought out his crew with a birthday dessert and I was so delighted & surprised him and Misty made my dining experience simply wonderful....Thank you for a beautiful birthday Jimmy & Misty I will never forget it you made my 63 birthday special! read more

The three stars are for the view and the fast service. Decided to eat here at the bar area due to the Beachcomber restaurant having a 3 hour wait. THe food was very okay. The salad was very plain with kale and chicken. The short rib spring rolls were also very okay. Expected more flavor. The ahi tacos were a bit better but the focaccia was also just okay. There is a theme here. Great views, no wait and quick service but food not as good as the restaurant. The drinks were also just okay. Maybe because it was a busy morning but Bloody Mary wasn't strong and tasted watery. Other drinks in our group were the same. If you go here just be prepared. As for me next time we will wait the three hours to eat in the restaurant. read more

It is connected to the Beachcomber Restaurant and a great place to wait out the long wait times there. It is a long walk from the inland parking lot. Don't drink too much to make a long way back. Not even your best buddy wont carry you up that hill!! read more

The Bootlegger Bar - American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Good strong drinks! We enjoyed the Beachcomber, then went to Bootlegger. I ordered a Tokyo Ice Tea which really threw them off. ;) We had a great time chatting it up with the fellow diners & cottage guests. It's busier during the day than @ night we found out. No dogs? Pooh. read more

We stopped here while waiting for our reservations to come up at the beachcomber cafe next door. I ordered a double and it came out a quadruple. After complementing the bartender on the size he said " we pour them like we drink them." I like it already. Little did he know I was about to propose on the beach after dinner and needed the extra courage anyway. After proposing (she said yes) we stopped again to celebrate. The bartender poured us a complementary glass of champagne. Now that's service. Not only did they get a good tip they got patrons for life! Thanks Brandon and John for making an amazing evening even better!!! read more

The Bootlegger Bar - This is a double. Looks like a quadruple! This is my type of place. - American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

If you Mexican non come here .............????~~~###^^]^.!{*[£[=\+£||€{€ they Even tho there nothing my musician. They don't

Great view, not exactly beach front but it has a good view of the beach & you can feel the beach breeze. Awesome drinks, I had a mojito, and coastal cooler. Great service, friendly bartenders! Will return for sure! read more

The Bootlegger Bar - This is the view from the front of the bar, great view! - American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

The bartender Brandon G is fast friendly and serves amazing drinks...easy on the eyes

This place sits on the sand between Corona Del Mar and Laguna Beach. Its a great place behind the Beachcomber. Above you have the cottages at Crystal Cove and the wonderful atmosphere of being at a bar. We were staying at the cottages and I escaped for a cocktail. This was perfect as I sat at the bar and had a few drinks. Listening to the music and waves crashing made the drinks slide down easy. It was climbing the stairs afterwords that would be hard. You have to give this place a try. Order an umbrella drink and have a great time. Made me feel like I was in the tropics. read more

A very nice bar just next to the beach. The selections of drinks can be widened. Consistency of the bartender is not good. We ordered the same type of cocktail within an hour and we got to 2 different looking and taste of the same cocktail we ordered for the first round. They ran out of the appetizer I wanted to order from the menu, to think we were there during mid day. No happy hour discounts on appetizers or drinks. Too pricey for bad bartended cocktails. read more

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This place is great if you can find a seat and don't want to wait two hours for a table at the Beachcomber. I sat at the bar and got two classic margaritas (well-made and not stingy on the alcohol) and the ahi tacos, which I highly recommend. It comes with four mini tacos: shells are fried, ahi is fresh, and the sauce was delicious! I really enjoyed the bartender's banter back and forth, and they were friendly and attentive. Great meal before going back to the beach. read more

The Bootlegger Bar - Ahi tacos! - American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

A unique place. Located in the funky Crystal Cove State Park bungalo rental area. You can take a shuttle bus from the parking area on the otherside of the PCH. If you live in the area it is likely you have never been down here. Who would no it was here? We discovered it as we were drinking shakes at the Shake Shack above it. There isa popular family Christmas card scene here - a decorated pine tree on the beach here in December. A sandy family Christmas card. read more

I second the excellent service provided by Danielle. She makes each guest feel as though they have 100% of her attention. She has a bright and cheery disposition and made our celebration even more special. The ahi tacos are perfect little treats and the ciabatta bread is yummy alongside the delicious fresh watermelon mojito that is as pretty as it is tasty! Bootlegger has the views, some great appetizers and outstanding service -- win, win, win!!! read more

Great experience! Our server, Wes, was knowledgeable and personable. The cocktails were made fresh and were delicious!! Don't skip desert! The bread pudding was delectable and the beignets were light and fluffy pillows from heaven. Totally recommend read more