Stag Bar

The Stag is back, and better than ever! 

I had a fabulous evening checking out the new Stag Bar & Kitchen in Newport Beach a few nights ago! 

From the minute you walk in, you'll be struck by what an amazing job of updating this beloved historic bar they did! Those of us who grew up in Orange County and lovingly referred to "The Stag" as the local dive bar to pop into after hanging at the beach all day are in for a pleasant surprise. Now offering thoughtfully crafted cocktails and unique upscale bar food w a fun updated vibe. The best part is it's still feels like The Stag just a little more grown up - kinda like us OC kids. ;) 

With the update, came a new kitchen with the creative Chef Jeff Moore at the helm. I was lucky enough to get to try a few of their new offerings including the soon to be infamous meatballs -- the stag ball: a combination of venison and pork and the house grind: sirloin, short rib, mortadella, & prosciutto were both standouts. Both moist and exploding with flavor, and please please PLEASE don't be afraid of the venison- no gaminess here folks! More like a little a hint of richness combined with the pork! You can have these served with your choice of cheese (YES, you get to pick your cheese!) and sauce - marinara for the traditionalists or white sauce for the non-conformists - either way its' a win-win with these balls folks!

Pizza Blanco

Another standout (and no doubt soon to be favorite with the vegetarians!) was the Pizza Blanco! Holy smokes.. hand-tossed crust with a garlicky creamy white sauce, stretchy mozzarella (just the way I like it!), big chunks of artichoke hearts and topped with some nutty parmesan. This is a definite winner in my book and don't fret carnivores as you can even customize it by adding any number of meats. The pizzas are available to order in two sizes $6-$8 for the personal size or $14-$16 for a larger version to share - and yes, of course there's a gluten free option!

The Cucumber Cooler and the Mai Tai

The cocktail menu is gonna send you into a tailspin cuz if you're like me, you'll want one of each please! After drooling over them all, I finally settled on the cucumber cooler with Nolets Gin, St Elder, cucumber, basil, lemon, and agave.  If you're a fellow gin drinker you'll go nuts for this refreshing drink. I know, I know... cucumber drinks are everywhere these days but the basil and the hint of agave combined with the high end smooth Gin really sets this apart gin lovers! I also tried the Mai Tai which was also on point and another great option if you want a refreshing drink that isn't overwhelmingly sweet. It's,made with a combination of premium Kauai coconut rum (sinful!), Pilar dark rum, house made orgeat, lime, orange and pineapple. If neither of these two strike your fancy, no worries as the cocktail menu has something for everyone including an extensive list of both whiskey and draft beers. Take a look for yourself: http://stagbar.com/drinks/

The Stag Bar & Kitchen is definitely worth checking out! 

They have specials almost every day so what better way to give 'em a try?!

Meatball Mondays - get your own flavor balls for only $2!

Tiki Tuesday - $6 Tiki Cocktails & $6 Hawaiian Pizza

Whiskey Wednesday - Featured Weekly Whiskey Special & Whiskey Flights (Ask about this one!)

Thursday - Locals Night w $5 Personal Pizza (Any 1 Topping) *beginning in February

They also have 11 hour HH from 8am - 7pm Monday - Friday w $1 off Wells & Wine, $3.50 domestics & $5 HH Food 2pm-7pm