The other day I was driving down PCH and noticed yet another new restaurant in the former Margaritaville spot in Newport Beach. I say former Margaritaville spot because I don't think anyone ever went to the hot pink sports bar that took over and only lasted for about a year.
Now, this new addition on Mariner's Mile has finally got it right, thanks to the family friendly On The Rocks Bar & Grill chain from Garden Grove. Kids menu? Check. Kids movies? Check. And get this, they have a whole separate "Kids Movie Room" complete with sports & animal-themed bean bag chairs.
Now on to the adults. For Breakfast they have a Build Your Own Blood Mary Bar. Their Weekly Specials include Mason Jar Mondays with Well Drinks for $6, Taco Tuesdays for $2.50, Wine Wednesdays with 25% off all Wines, and Thirsty Thursdays with $7 Drinks and $5 Shots. And, Friday and Saturday nights live bands come perform on stage.
The interior is country style with dark brown wooden tables and leather booths.
The menu is typical bar food, but they mix it up with appetizers such as Steamed Clams and healthier options like Garden Burgers and Baby Kale & Grain Salads. And if you're throwing a party, they do catering, too.
The Grubdown:
- large enough to split for three, Steak & Cheese Quesadilla with Guacamole, Sour Cream & Salsa $13
- healthy & hearty, Baby Kale Salad with Goat Cheese, Heirloom Tomatoes & Five Way Grains $10
- Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar with Pimento Stuffed Olives, Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives, Jalapeno Stuffed Olives, Pickled Green Beans, Celery, Cocktail Onions & Condiments, 32oz Double Shot Pitcher for $9
The hand model and I just had a few bites to eat, but definitely want to return for the Steamed Clams and Signature Gluten Sensitive Rocks Dip.
The service couldn't be more genuine. Even though I had to return my Baby Kale Salad because it was wilted, the manager personally came out, admitted how embarrassed he was by it, and made it right.
2332 West Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, CA 92663. 949-673-8444.