The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove

Excellent food in a great location in the historic section of Crystal Cove State Park. We were able to walk in without reservations, but if you want to eat outside, I’d recommend making a reservation. The bean soup is very tasty, and the fish tacos were excellent. The ocean views are incredible! I wish we could have eaten outside. The staff is very friendly and helpful and made a great recommendation to me. You will need to park at the Crystal Cove paid parking lots ($15 for a day pass) and either walk over or take a shuttle.

A great experience right on the beach. Good food, wonderful view. Very relaxing and casual - expect people to be wearing bathing suits and beach attire. A fairly steep walk from the parking lot and there is no parking at the restaurant except a few handicap spaces. The cocktails were creative and delicious. My only comment would be that the butter cake was not at all like the butter cake I'm used to having. It was more like a sponge cake with berries and caramel; the table still ate it, however!

We enjoyed an amazing breakfast on the beach! The Beignets are to die for. Service was exceptional! This is such a cute rustic place, right on the beach. We loved all the food and enjoyed a great walk in the beach after breakfast. Parking is a little far away, but they do run shuttles. We chose to walk the state park walking trails to get there instead. Just note that there is a steep set of stairs to get to the restaurant if you walk the trail. But we didn’t feel it was too difficult. All in all super amazing breakfast experience and one we would highly recommend to anyone!!!

Beachcomber is always packed but has such a good vibe with the beach view and ocean breeze. Came with a group and we all left full and happy. I got the shrimp tacos and they were bomb gone in seconds. Fresh and flavorful with just the right amount of sauce. The calamari was definitely the big hit for the table we ended up ordering it twice and the sauce or aioli that came with it made it even better. Drinks here are just as good as they look and everyone at the table had something different and all were solid. The beignets were alright they were super fluffy but honestly too airy for me not much doughy thickness like I usually like. So they were mid honestly. The chocolate sauce with powdered sugar was just a no for the whole table and kind of an odd combo. Even with how busy it was the service was sweet and attentive. They kept checking in and making sure we had what we needed which was nice through the craziness. The views and atmosphere make it a great spot to hang out and enjoy good seafood and drinks.

We visited around 10 am and ended up waiting about an hour to be seated, plus another 15–20 minutes for our meal to arrive. The restaurant was very busy, and it looked like everyone had a long wait to get in. Parking was also inconvenient—we had to park across the street and pay $20!! The food was tasty and enjoyable, but the service felt a bit slow, likely because there weren’t enough servers to keep up with the crowd. Overall, it was a good meal, but the wait time and parking situation made the experience less comfortable.

Celiac / Gluten Free Review Safety Level: Some Risk (shared kitchen, cross-contamination possible, staff tried to accommodate) Accommodations: Separate fryer: No GF menu or labeling: Yes Staff knowledge: Fair Other notes: The kitchen is about the size of two of the larger tables put together. So very small area with a higher risk of cross contamination. The waitress was knowledgeable about gluten and food allergies, however, she was very clear that they will do their best to wipe down an area to prep but they could not ensure everything was gluten-free. What I ordered: Mahi-mahi tacos, swap the flour tortillas for corn tortillas. Review: Very cool location with inside of the beach! Even though we were on the side of the building we could still see the waves and the beach. The wait for lunch was an hour to an hour and a half on a Saturday and they do have pagers you can take to the beach. However they expect your entire party to be present and ready when they beep you. The mahi-mahi tacos were fantastic! You get a whole slab of fish on each taco, it had a lot of sauce and flavor which is hard to come by with gluten-free items. Was flavorful but not fishy and even the slaw was pretty good which I’m not a huge fan of in general. The price is expensive but you’re paying for the food and the view. Won’t be able to come here every time but definitely a fun treat. Would I return? Yes

It's all about the atmosphere of right in the beach! Fantastic location. The food is adequate. A bit overpriced for what is. Service is adequate as it is very busy so just be patient and enjoy the views. If you are not staying in the cottages it can be a bit getting there bit it is not difficult. Parking is across PCH abs you can walk by trail and under tunnel but I would recommend taking the bus trolly that will bring you there from the parking lot at least the first time so you know where to go. Enjoy! PS make a reservation!

Atmosphere: Top-notch atmosphere with a great location right by the beach. However, the overall cleanliness was lacking — the floors were dirty. Seating: The seating left much to be desired. The wooden chairs were hard and uncomfortable. The so-called “couch area” was also quite uncomfortable. Food: • Burger: Disappointing. I requested medium rare, but it was served almost well-done. The patty was dry and lacked flavor. • Buns: Surprisingly good — soft and fresh. • French Fries: Just okay; nothing special. • Sparkling Water: I ordered sparkling water, but it tasted like regular tap water. Pricing: Fair prices for a beachfront location. Cook time : The wait time was longer than expected. The food from other clients looked good.

Beautiful view from the beachside tables. Fast and friendly service. Recommend arriving 30 minutes before lunch to put your name in, then spend the time walking on the beach.

Experience a mini hike adventure through an artist tunnel, to dining with sand in your feet with waves right in front of you. And decent food now! Fun little town experience. Located on Crystal Cove Beach (paid parking across the highway, walk or pay for shuttle to the beach cove area). It's been over a decade since I've visited and its changed. The food is ALOT better. The beach area: Plenty of folks sunbathing, swimming, etc. GREAT place for seniors too because of free BEACH WHEELCHAIRS to use at the cove area, and shuttle access. No appt available for 5ppl. Larger parties of 7 and more to call in. They said for larger groups, can walk-in; it'll take about 1-2hr wait. But there's beach things to do if anything. We can go early to wait for a table, and hangout around the beach. You give them your ID, and they'll give you a buzzer. Google Maps will take you to the beach side where the parking rangers will tell you to u-turn, and drive across the highway to the correct parking area. 1. $20 Pay for parking. They take credit card, and there is a senior discount. This lot can get full quick. On a weekday, it seemed to almost be full by 1pmish. I'd imagine it full very quick on a weekend. Getting to the restaurant from this parking lot. For seniors and those with walking ability of small elevation upward/downward of 20min-30min stroll -- 2a. Shuttle Area: $2 per person each way, no rsvp needed. It closes at 10pm? It was recommended to take the shuttle back for those who would have difficulty with the upward long stroll back. Anyone with hip issues, I recommend taking the shuttle back. 2b. Behind the shuttle is the public restroom. In between the restroom and the shuttle is a path walkway. Make left for the easy path to the cove/restaurant area. You'll stroll on a flat dirt road, through a tunnel full of colorful art, to out toward a parking lot and shuttle drop off area. This area also has the beach wheelchairs to use for free (for disabled and elderly). If you have someone with hip issues or certain abilities for walking, but they want to try the stroll....on person could walk first or shuttle first to the area to pick up a beach wheelchair to be ready for when the person needs it? Just an idea. I have not tried this yet and unsure if the wheelchairs are have distance constraints like some shopping carts at grocery stores. Crystal Cove town has a store (they call a visitor center), wood plank strolling path, rental cottages (difficult to rent online because its so popular), etc. 3. Restaurant: Check-In at the front. Seating indoors the main restaurant. The patio was enclosed when we visited. There is indoors of that or the enclosed patio. BUTT I recommend the beach side which is a short stroll to the left side of the restaurant. However, you'll have to be patient with slower service here due to being further way from the main restaurant. There are limited tables here. During waiting for a table we can stroll the beach. - Give them your ID, and they'll give you a buzzer. Once it buzzes, just stroll back to the front to get your seat. - Tables are small, and entree plate are huge. It is difficult if you plan to share entrees for your party. Food: Alaskan Cod Fish & Chips$22.00 - it can be made dairy free. Not bad. Lots of fish pieces. I also asked for the fries to be double fried, which was done okay. Macadamia Crusted Mahi Mahi$32.00 - can be made dairy free. The mash potatoes were made dairy free for me too!! This was fine. I just really loved the option to finally eat mash potatoes like everyone else. Roasted Spaghetti Squash-L$31.95 - I ordered this with jumbo shrimp to be added into it. It can be made dairy free. This dish is a must order again!! Char Grilled Artichokes-L$22.00. It is dairy free. This dish can get mess and unsure if it was worth the work unless you really love artichoke?

I made a res for 4 people about 5 days ago. The menu and the location drew me to this restaurant. We arrived 15 minutes before our reservation time and there were no tables available. I was quite upset. I am handicapped, and no place on their website did I see any reference to any issues for people who are physically challenged. We parked in the parking lot outside the restaurant grounds. Took the shuttle over and when I saw the sandy paths I had to traverse with my walker, I wasn't sure if I was going to make it to the restaurant deck. It was slow and go and I made it, but not without a great expended effort. After a wait for our table, we were seated and placed our order. The staff was friendly and efficient. And the food and ambiance watching the waves roll in was wonderful. I was so happy that I made the trek. However after a great lunch with lots of laughs, I had to make my weak legs and my walker traverse the uneven sandy path back to the shuttle pickup. No small feat! As a service to all those who would love to enjoy your food and atmosphere, but are disabled, can you please do some kind of work around to make it more easily accessible?

First off, the service my friend and I received was amazing. It was pretty busy and our waiter was running all over the place but he was super friendly and super accomodating. Our waters were constantly filled. The views were beautiful and we were able to watch the waves as we ate. As for the food, Jumbo Shrimp Pasta was a bit bland, but the Clam Chowder was pretty good. The Kung Pao Calamari however was dissappointing. The crispy rice noodles were kind of stale and the calamari was chewy. The only thing I would recommend is the beignets which we ordered with the idea of eating some of it and taking home the rest, but it was so good we ate the entire plate there. The whip cream and chocolate syrup wasn't too sweet so it balanced the powder sugar super well. The beignet itself is fluffy and not doughy and that was how we ate the entire plate. Not pictured was the Beachcomber cocktail and the Berry Bang mocktail. My friend said the cocktail was just fine, not super strong, and my mocktail was also just fine. Overall this was a nice place to enjoy just once for us.

A literal restaurant on the beach aka the best view possible. A perfect date night or girls night restaurant with high quality American food. The pesto pasta was tasty with a good amount of shrimp that was cooked well. I thoroughly enjoyed sitting on the sand watching the sunset while eating my meal. Talk about dinner with a view!

First time trying this spot. It's in such a great location. We went for breakfast and we got there around 8:30am it was perfect we only waited around 10 minutes for a table for 4. After 9 am it got soo busy, so much people waiting for a table. I highly recommend coming early so you don't wait a long time (especially on weekends). Everything was delicious and staff was friendly.

The beachcomber cafe is a nice little restaurant right along the water. They had an option for inside, outside, and also tables on the sand. We came on a Tuesday for lunch, when greeted by the host we were informed there was a bit of a wait so we grabbed a drink at the bar to start. We were seated outside about 15 minutes later. The Beachcomber (cocktail) 4/5: this drink tasted absolutely amazing and on the sweeter side. I would definitely recommend to anyone interested in getting a drink here, my only comment is that I could barely taste any alcohol in the drink. Mahi Mahi Tacos 4/5: The Mahi Mahi fish itself was a little bit dry, but it had good flavor and came with a good amount of fish and avocado (which some places skimp on but not this one!!) Fish and Chips 4/5: They were what you expected fish and chips to taste like. Although the breading looks heavy it was very light and airy which made each bite super crispy. Clam Chowder 4.5/5: I absolutely love clam chowder and this one had an amazing taste, I wish it had more clams though. Service 4.5/5: After we moved from the bar to our table, we weren't greeted for a bit. Before us our server was sat a party of 9 and then later a party of 6 so I understand that she was pretty busy that afternoon. Overall 4/5: I would definitely recommend this as a place to go if you find yourself at the beach. Be wary of the parking situation though! You can choose between a $2 shuttle each way or a 15 minute walk. Either way, would come again.

The manager Kirk was absolutely wonderful today with our 13th annual Retired teacher's celebration! We were able to all sit together and enjoy a delicious breakfast (of course we had beignets!). The service was excellent and we felt very well taken care of. The ambience is perfection, of course. The ocean view and lovely breeze completed our fabulous meal.

This is the main restaurant at Crystal Cove, so it's pretty hard to miss, but that also means it's pretty busy all the time. We got reservations months in advance for our party of 11. As our party was too big, we actually had 2 reservations for 5 and 6, and they made sure we were all seated together. The price of the food doesn't necessarily match with the place's ambiance. As it is at the beach, the restaurant itself has chill beach vibes and outside seating is on a deck, but I would expect this menu for a semi fancy place. With that said, the food is tasty and at good portions, but nothing too out of the ordinary. I enjoyed our time here, and they even sent over a cake for our bday girl. Overall a great experience.

Nice view & yummy food. Honestly all I need. This is the perfect place to take your family, grandparents, or go for a morning/afternoon date. There are indoor and outdoor seating, and I honestly loved sitting outside (a cooler dining experience) by the waves. The service was good, keeping in mind how busy they were that morning. There are seafood pastas, burgers, cute cocktails, and the usual American foods with a fresh twist. It was so good. Things are a little pricier for the taste, but it is a nice location so I understand.

A must visit when in Newport Beach! Enjoyed a wonderful breakfast on the beach. Same familiar faces for several years, and was lucky enough to have the same server both July 4th and Labor Day weekend. When they "ocean view" they mean you can almost touch the water. Perfect location!

Okay so do plan ahead if you decide to come here. The parking is across the freeway and you pay $5.50 an hour or $15 flat rate for the full day. You can take the 8 minute walk across through the tunnel or wait for the shuttle to take you over to the historic district where the restaurant is located. We got there 30 minutes before closing and they were still kind enough to seat us however we did not stay as I think it was too late to order. The menu is extremely pricey for what they offer, so do take a look before you pay for parking and make the walk down. Otherwise, the restaurant itself is such a relaxed vibe and the beach out front is beautiful! The Beachcomber might be more for brunch and lunch. I probably won't come back for dinner just due to the options.

Beachcomber is always packed but has such a good vibe with the beach view and ocean breeze. Came with a group and we all left full and happy. I got the shrimp tacos and they were bomb gone in seconds. Fresh and flavorful with just the right amount of sauce. The calamari was definitely the big hit for the table we ended up ordering it twice and the sauce or aioli that came with it made it even better. Drinks here are just as good as they look and everyone at the table had something different and all were solid. The beignets were alright they were super fluffy but honestly too airy for me not much doughy thickness like I usually like. So they were mid honestly. The chocolate sauce with powdered sugar was just a no for the whole table and kind of an odd combo. Even with how busy it was the service was sweet and attentive. They kept checking in and making sure we had what we needed which was nice through the craziness. The views and atmosphere make it a great spot to hang out and enjoy good seafood and drinks.

Beachcomber Cafe is a restaurant literally located on the beach at Crystal Cove State Park in Newport/Corona Del Mar, one of the most pristine, hidden gems on the California coast. Parking at Crystal Cove is $20 and it's a short walk to the restaurant or you can pay an additional $2/per person for a shuttle to the restaurant. My wife and I opted to take the 8-10 minute walk to the restaurant from the parking lot. It's a beautiful pathway lined by foliage (and, apparently, poison ivy). My ratings tend to skew more toward food than ambiance and service. If you care about having a cute brunch at a five-star location, this this can be a four star experience. If you are like me and you look more at the food, then it's solidly three stars. I ordered a breakfast burrito and it was texturally one note. Their beignets are puffed and hollowed out like a cream puff and it tastes great with the provided whipped cream, maple syrup, and jams. I ordered a bloody mary, which looks good for the Gram, but is otherwise okay. I liked that it came with a garlicky shrimp and crab claw. I definitely needed all the provided veggies and pickles to down most of the drink. My wife ordered their short rib hash and it had a lot of short rib and less of the hash - it was like a stew, that went well with the provided toasted sourdough. Honestly, the main attraction here is the five star location for a date/boozy brunch with their mimosas and cocktails, but be ready for the Newport Beach prices. If that's what you want, then make a reservation ahead of time, plan for the 10 minute walk in the State Park to get to the restaurant, and enjoy the ocean front view. If that's what you want, then you'll be happy.

The Beignets were great as always. We get them with a side of maple syrup. I also tried a side of their coconut syrup but I was dismayed that it had lemon undertones. The Classic Eggs Benedict with a side of fruit was great. But next time my wife just wants to get a simple bacon and eggs. The Creamed Spinach and Asparagus Eggs Benedict was alright. I normally like creamed spinach with bechamel sauce but in this case it was contrasting too much with the other flavors. Also you must request your eggs to be poached soft, otherwise they will come medium. The coffee was nice and bold. Parking is always tricky here. My wife has a handicap placard so we can drive right in. But at 8:15am all of the handicap parking spots were already full!

The one star is for the two girls that "greeted" us at the Hostess desk Monday around lunchtime. They were terrible !!! Both had poor attitudes and not friendly at all !!! Right from the beginning when we signed in! After waiting a half hour I went back up to check in, one of them angrily said we just paged you.....the pager in my hand was doing nothing! So we got seated at a table down the beach. After we had been seated a while my wife asked if they had given me her drivers license when I turned the pager in. No they hadn't. She went back down to the hostess desk to got it. They hassled her and weren't going to give it back to her !!!! She finally got them to give it back to her. Even our waitress was MIA half the time and not real friendly either, although she warmed up when it came time to give us the check! Excellent food but overpriced.

What a great find and a pleasant surprise to have dined at this café! We have enjoyed strolling on the trails of Crystal Cove State Park that afternoon and this "historic" area was our last stop. I have my doubt to dine at any beach front restaurants as like 90%+ of the time, the food will be mediocre at the best. It's the beautiful water/beach that called us to stay..... Parking was a bit complicated but once we got that taken care of, and got a table at the open air patio, everything was lovely! Our 2 main dishes were great! The blue crab stuffed salmon was cooked to perfection! It's a bit crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside with just right amount if the seasoning. Wow! I really enjoyed it! For the steak, the meat is tender and juicy, not chewy at all which is a good sign of the great meat quality! Even the "side kicks" - mashed potatoes and asparagus were cooked perfectly. The grilled artichoke was a bit weak, not much flavor from the grill. I felt like the chef has the high level of integrity, the passion, the skills and the experience! It really shows in the culinary art forms (the dishes) he/she presented!

Wanted a sunset dinner and beachcomber was on my radar so this was the place to be for that exact vibe. Be prepared to pay $15 for parking then another $4 per person round trip for the shuttle from the parking lot to the beach area or go on a trek through a tunnel (not sure where it is.) If you are familiar with Newport Beach you know these businesses get pretty rowdy during dinner time with beach-goers finishing off their day with a couple drinks and food and surprisingly this spot was very very mellow. The servers when I came were awesome, frequent check ups and even moving around heaters/rolling up the shades so the fresh beach air can come in. Ordered the Korean steak skewers, Miso Glazed Butterfish, and lastly the Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta. Korean steak skewers: 4.5/5 Served with black beans and edamame and shishito peppers with a side of coconut peanut sauce. The skewers themselves were bomb! Slightly sweet with a nice savory bite, good quality steak as well, not chewy or tough at all, would definitely order this again. Miso Glazed Butterfish: 4.5 Served with daikon, mushrooms, seaweed, pickled onions and black rice Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta: 5/5 Very generous amount of flavorful pesto sauce with a handful of shrimp, definitely would order again and I'd 100% recommend anyone to order this! My 4/5 rating is not final, I have to come back for breakfast/lunch, stay tuned! Hopefully a 5/5! Thanks for the great experience here, I'll be back soon!

If you are looking for a place overlooking the water and beach as you are having your lunch- this is the place to be. Wait wasn't too long. I will say the highlight of the meal was the dessert. The beignets are divine. They are like soft little pillows where you can pour chocolate in it. It was delicious and I would come back just for that!

Disappointed with the beignets!! Beignets were a letdown--super oily, not fluffy, and tasted like they came from a freezer. Honestly, they should just take them off the menu. Everything else we tried was good (just a bit pricey), and the vibe/ambiance was really nice.

This place is a straight-up vibe -- hands down one of the best beachside dining experiences in California, and I'm not saying that lightly. We rolled up when it was super busy, but that didn't kill the mood. Started at the Bootlegger Bar and wow... highlight of the night. Amazing drinks, beach breeze in your face, and that iconic Crystal Cove view -- felt like I was in Nice on the French Riviera. No joke. We waited maybe about an hour, which was expected, but once we got seated it was worth it. I ordered the steak medallions and fries, and they came out cold -- BUT here's the kicker... the manager stepped in immediately, handled it like a total pro. Didn't catch his name, but he brought out a fresh hot plate that was honestly perfect, and even took it off the bill without us even asking. That's how you do customer service. Even with a hiccup, this place earns 5 stars from me because: * The location is unreal (literally steps from the beach) * The vibes are immaculate * The staff handled everything with class * The food, drinks, and atmosphere together make it unforgettable If you're visiting SoCal or just want to be reminded how lucky we are to live here, go to Crystal Cove, start at the bar, and stay for the Beachcomber. Beach, sunset, cocktails, and good energy -- 10/10 recommend.

I was looking for a place for my boyfriend and I to have a cute brunch date and I remembered that I haven't been to the beachcomber in a while. I was so excited to go back because that's where my mom would take me when I was younger and I remember they had the best beignets. When we got there it was just how I remembered it. The server was amazing and took our orders quickly. The food was just as great as I remember and the beach view made it that more wonderful. We started out with beignets which brought back so many great memories. I ordered a cranberry mimosa with avocado toast, both were great, however I think there could have been more tomato and avocado. I really enjoyed the experience and I hope to be back soon.

Absolutely perfect anniversary dinner. Extremely accommodating, friendly, attentive staff. Waters full, drinks flowing, fast service, delicious food. carbonara was near perfect (pancetta wasn't crispy ). But I would come here every year. Absolutely worth the time and money.... That view and the delicious drinks (they taste like juice) feel so luxurious and you would still be supporting a state park!

It was a "cool vibe" from the beginning. We parked and took the shuttle that drops you off literally steps from the restaurant. We made a reservation 3 wks. ago--I highly recommend! Such a gem in a beautiful historical setting. Service by Alexis was timely and friendly. I got the grilled artichoke: 5/5 cooked just right. 5/5 tasty--generous salting of the outside leaves. And not sitting in a pool of oil, which is a mess to eat. We also ordered grilled Mahi tacos; 4/5 A little over-cooked, should have been more moist . Coleslaw was good. Our friends both got fish and chips; they said it was the best they have had. Wow! They were happy! It's a special time to go there. Wonderful setting, walk along the sand while you wait for a table. A win-win.:)

Went with 3 people and we all ordered the Kobe burger.......absolute perfection, easily the definition of a perfect burger. We also tried the mahi tacos and eggroll appetizers, and everything was amazing. This place is always packed for a reason. Solid 5/5!

I've dined at the beachcomber many times, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's a unique and secluded spot. You will have to pay for parking and either walk or pay for a bus ride down to the restaurant, it can get pretty cold and windy most nights so be prepared! Highly recommend making a reservation in advance. Regardless of this, the restaurant is always super busy, the last few times we have dined here there has been an extremely long wait for service, refills, and our food to come out. I am not typically one to mention this as I know many places are short staffed or doing their best, but we have waited excessive times multiple times. The food is okay, it is similar to what you would find when dining out elsewhere, if you're coming to the beachcomber it's really for the views and ambiance. I was also shocked to find out that we were charged regular price after asking for the "steak chilaquiles," without the steak (vegetarian) - we double checked with our waitress to confirm the charge after the bill was brought and she continued to say it was the same price.

this place is adorable. i recommend it to everyone to sit under the blue tables for a good view. our server was amazing and super sweet. my only complaint is that the hostess was very very rude and would talk bad about customers in front of us!!!

Another brunch spot added to my list of favorite places to visit. I recommend making reservations ahead of time if you want to sit on their patio for a view of Crystal Cove. I went mid-week so the service was quick and our server Nancy was so attentive. The restaurant is located steps from Crystal Cove Beach Cottages and a good place to eat after exploring the area. Start off with their beignets, they're freshly prepared. The sweet treat is crispy and melts in your mouth. Worth the hype. Since we chose the inside seating area, we were seated right away, but the wait to sit out on the beach or patio is worth the wait. I'll definitely come back another day to try their dinner menu and their Mother's Day Brunch. Food- 5 stars Service- 5 stars Ambiance- 5 stars Overall Experience- 5 stars

This place is disgusting!! Their food is drenched in oil and no one came to check to see how we liked our food. Not sure what happened it used to be better!!

Located right on the beach, listen to the waves crash onto shore during your meal. It takes a bit of work to get down to the restaurant from the parking lot, but is worth the hike.

Rats, rats, everywhere you look, everywhere you turn, there's rats Rats, rats, eating all your books, looking at your photographs Rats, rats, nesting in your closets, hiding underneath your socks Living in your living rooms, sleeping by your bedroom clocks There must be a couple million and more are coming every day Soon, there could be a couple billion, how will you make us go away? Ew, those dirty rats, they're ruining everything! There must be some way to get rid of them! Ew, kill them with poison! summary : massive rat issue

If I could give more than 5 stars, I would! We had the most incredible experience dining here, and it was all thanks to our AMAZING server Maximus . From the moment we sat down -- a group of seven (four adults and three kids) -- he treated us like absolute VIPs. He was warm, attentive, and genuinely kind. Every request we made was fulfilled promptly and with a smile. Our drinks were always full, our food came out perfectly timed, and he even took the time to interact with the kids in such a thoughtful, respectful way. It was our daughter's birthday, and he made her feel so special! Not only did he surprise her with a birthday dessert (which made her light up with joy), but what blew us away was what happened after we left. We had gone to the beach after our meal, and in all the chaos, we accidentally left our daughter's baby bottle behind. Without hesitation, he went out of his way -- literally -- and brought it back to us at the beach. Who does that these days?! That kind of thoughtfulness and going above and beyond is so rare. This wasn't just good service -- this was genuine care, and it meant the world to our family. We'll absolutely be back, and we'll be telling everyone we know to come here. If you're lucky enough to be served by him, you're in for a treat. Thank you for turning a simple dinner into a beautiful memory we won't forget.

Always a nice getaway day trip. Staff is great, and the view is amazing. Had the burger which was good and the crispy chicken salad.

You definitely come here for its location and view. Food and service I would say is just okay, not the best but also not horrendous. Surprisingly my sister and I decided to come here on brunchy Sunday morning and we were seated right away (inside that is, the patio is where the longer wait happens). I had their chicken tortilla soup to start as an appetizer (it literally felt like it took 30 minutes for that to come out). I also had a nice mock tail being pregnant and all. And their burger and fries was decent. Again, the access right on the beach is why this place is a hit!

I've never had a bad experience at the Beachcomber! Hadn't been in a couple years and finally had the chance to bring my wife here for her first time. Fish and chips for my daughter, Waygu burger for my wife and Lobster Roll with Cole slaw for me. Everything was of course amazing. The toast on my lobster roll was melt in my mouth perfection. Kellen was a wonderful server as well. I also ordered the Beachcomber cocktail which was a perfectly light beachy drink. Just one for me but they're so tasty they could be dangerous. So glad to have been able to come back here today!!

One of my favorite places. Put your name in at the restaurant, go for a walk in the beach, and by the time you turn around, your table is ready. Nothing is better than beach dining. We had breakfast this trip. The food was delicious- i had the avocado toast and my friend had classic bennie dish. We each enjoyed a tasty & healthy elixir, turmeric citrus skinny lemonade, with our meal. The waitress was quick, informative, and friendly.

After a nice coastal stroll along the beach, we finally decided to try Beachcomber Cafe. Best place to park is right across and it's $14 for two hours or $20 for the whole day. To get to the restaurant there's a little walk down through the tunnel or there's a shuttle for $2 each way that is provided for your convenience. The wait wasn't too bad. There's a little shops and historic store next to the restaurant, where you learn about how Beachcomber started. The ambience reminds me a place in the big island that has that Hawaiian vibe to it. Our server Alexis is amazing. She brought condiments after we ordered that paired with our meals. We didn't have to ask. She always gave us status of every stage of drinks, apps, and main course coming out. Very professional and genuine. Everyone is great and the manager Andrew was welcoming and sociable making it feel like we were regulars. What we ordered: everything was delicious from the Tiny Aho Tacos, Ceviche de Camaron, clam chowder soup, and the famous Kobe Beachcomber Burger. Definitely will come back! You can't beat having a place to eat on the sand near the beach and watching the waves. Can't get more serene!

Not easy to get down to, so unless you have a handicap placard for your car and score a spot down there, be prepared to walk a lot if you don't take the shuttle. Another idea is to have the driver drop the crew off and then go and park so only one person has to hike or wait for the shuttle. We parked in the lot across the street, and hiked down and under the road through the tunnel ($15 to park as of Jan 2025). Perk is you can park there all day, so hanging at the beach is feasible. Casual atmosphere, but note there are no restrooms in-house. You'll have to walk awhile to get to a restroom. We got down there around 11am and put our name on the list for first table available - inside or outside, although "outside" is covered, so not really outside. Trade a credit card for a device that buzzes when your table is ready. Took around 45 mins to be seated on MLK Day. I imagine it'll be similar on weekends, so be prepared. We walked the beach and looked at tide pools while waiting, so it was a nice way to kill time. Mahi mahi tacos are grilled and served on flour tortillas. Two generously sized tacos and a scoop of their slaw. Plenty for a lunch. Also got the blood orange margarita, which came in a large glass. Those items alone with tax and tip will run you around $50. All great tasting, though!

Validated sent some of my good friends from out of town to the restaurant three days ago and couldn't be more disappointed. The place smelled like raw sewage the entire time we sat there the meal we got was nowhere near as robust as I expected it to be at least that I remember to be in the past. The food was not that good. The service was not that good and after 22 years of coming here, I will never come back nor will I ever recommend this place again. Additionally, you used to validate the parking that cost $15 and that was not honored either again this trip. So add $15 to my hundred dollar bill that I spent there and it's money we never spend at your establishment again

Came in today with my hubby for brunch and had a fantastic time. We sat inside because the patio was full but we could still see the ocean so we were happy as could be. Oscar greeted us and took our drink order. He was wicked fast! I ordered the blackberry tea (prohibition style) and my hubby got iced tea with extra lemons. Oscar didn't fail- he brought a plate full of beautiful lemons. For brunch I enjoyed the Mediterranean omelette and my husband had a bacon omelette. Both were fantastic. For desert we shared the Beignets which were soft, warm, and lovely in every single way!!! We will absolutely be back! Oscar was fantastic!!

The food was so so and pretty pricy. I get it it's the Beachcomber but I was pretty disappointed. We had a nice afternoon at the beach so wanted to have an early dinner. No restroom besides the public restroom for the beach so they didn't want to seat us till everyone was there even though we were all there. Just 2 needed to use the restroom. Very rude no we can't seat you till everyone is here. I actually work at a busy restaurant and am the hostess from time to time. I know it's very stressful but a little kindness goes a long way. The other complaints I had was it was really cold and we had to ask serval times to have the heaters turned on. And the no parking validation thing is pretty disappointing as well as the shuttle cost $2 a person and you have no idea till you're on the bus. So extra $25 for parking and the 2 minute ride up the hill. Service was ok and of course sitting outside on the beach is always fun. My husband loves this place and we have a painting in our home that looks down on the restaurant. It wasn't terrible but next time we're in town I'll skip it

The food here is really good considering they could just rest on their location ( which is spectacular) and have mediocre food and people will still come to dine and look at the ocean and the sunsets. With that said onto the food . Started with the ahi tacos- 4 mini crispy tacos with a wasabi sauce which complemented the ahi perfectly. The salmon stuffed with crab was excellent I don't know what they do to get such a nice crust on the salmon but it works! Not to be outdone by the salmon the short ribs were excellent. They were flavorful and better yet, juicy! They sat on a bed of ravioli with a rich béchamel sauce, the dish was almost too rich. The weak link here is probably the drinks. The Pimm's cup didn't taste like a Pimm's cup. Too watered down. The blood orange marg was kind of tasteless but the straight margarita was good.. Also, I wished they have a better selection of mescals

I got the jumbo shrimp pasta for lunch and it was very yummy! Shrimp pieces were fairly large and sauce was creamy and flavorful. It was a little pricey ($32), but what can you expect nowadays, especially in Newport. We came on a weekday afternoon at around 12:30 and there was already a 40 minute wait, so make sure you come early or make a reservation! Service was alright

Beautiful area. The sand and the ocean. Went for breakfast. The staff is hurried and stressed and that really influences the dining experience. The food? Ok; but not good enough for the prices they charge. All in all the stress of the staff bleeds over to the guests and dining there becomes a less enjoyable experience and maybe even alittle stressful. Nowhere near good enough for the prices they charge.

The Beachcomber is a cool place located in paradise, in the beautiful beach of Crystal Cove. The food is good, the cocktails are excellent and the service is attentive. My first two visits were to have breakfast and it was delicious as well, I don't know why I didn't write about it. Both were during the weekdays. This time was different, was at lunch and on a Saturday. All the times we had reservations, but in my opinion during the weekdays you don't really need them. This time our table was straight on the beach which was awesome! What did we have? To drink : a Beachcomber nice and refreshing and a Big bad Bloody Mary, almost too pretty to drink from it. To eat: grilled shrimp tacos simply delicious and shrimp pasta. Theme of the day shrimps. Great place, unpretentious with good food and with the best view. Of course I'll be back!

Simply a can't beat location. Love the outdoor tables overlooking the beach. Food and service are excellent.

Long wait, but as expected considering it was a perfect weekend day at the beach. Service was friendly and attentive. Highly recommend the beignets, poke nachos, fish tacos. Open and airy on a late June 80 degree day. Tables are close together but noise level is reasonable.

This is hands down my favorite brunch spot in all of Orange County! Literally nestled right along the sandy beach at Crystal Cove, the views and atmosphere here are immaculate! Their Eggs Benny, shrimp cocktails, and burgers are delicious. Paired up with a great cup of coffee and beautiful view of the waves? Pure heaven if you ask me! The servers here are awesome as well and given the popularity and lack of reservations, I'd recommend getting here early on the weekend to secure a table right out on the patio. I highly recommend this spot and definitely will be grateful for be back!

Wow, wow, wow! This place is stunning, right on the beach. In all our years my mother and I have always wanted to come here and we finally had the opportunity to. Definitely make reservations as I could see this place filling up quickly. Pay attention to their instructions as you do have to park in the public beach parking lot. Leave time for the shuttle and/or walking, I highly recommend walking down and riding the shuttle back up. We came for breakfast and that was definitely a winning play. Our server started us with some iced coffee (yum!) and we opted for pancakes, the coconut and lemon ricotta, and both were out of this world. Luckily my mom opted to split with me otherwise I might have just gone for the coconut pancakes ;) This would be a great spot for a special occasion or just a fun relaxing meal. This is such a special spot.