As its name suggests, this bustling brewery/restaurant—housed in a landmark building in the historic cannery district—is less prized for its large, no-holds-barred, perfectly passable American menu than the assortment of house brews it has on tap: Newport Beach Blonde, Kirk’s Wicked Wheat, and John Wayne Imperial Stout are among the more enigmatic favorites. The hip, upbeat music and rustic saloon-style décor rate highly with locals, tourists, and especially singles, and the free high-speed Internet access is impressive as well. Notable side draws: weeknight happy hours, monthly beer-tasting seminars, and plentiful onsite parking.

Newport Beach Brewing Company Information:

• American menu. Lunch, dinner. Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Dec 25. Bar. Children's menu. Casual attire. Outdoor seating.