The Beachcomber Cafe at Crystal Cove in Newport Beach, CA

If you’re looking for a unique coastal dining experience in Orange County, CA, look no further than The Beachcomber Cafe at Crystal Cove. The surrounding historic district, with its beautifully preserved 1930s and 1940s cottages, provides a nostalgic backdrop for this charming beachside eatery.

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, The Beachcomber Cafe truly shines at sunset. With its outdoor patio overlooking the Pacific Ocean, diners can enjoy a breathtaking view while savoring dishes like the blackened Scottish salmon or the Maine lobster roll.

Their cocktails are crowd pleasers, too. Some favorites include their decadent bloody Mary, refreshing watermelon mojito, and classic mai tai.

The cafe’s location in the historic district of Crystal Cove State Park means you can enjoy a scenic stroll along the beach before or after your meal, making it the perfect beach day. Alternatively, you can continue quenching your thirst at The Bootlegger Bar right next door.

Read on to learn how to access this hidden gem and for more on how The Beachcomber came to be.

Key Info

Address: 15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA 92657

Walk-ins welcome. Reservations are also available here.

How to Get to The Beachcomber Cafe

The easiest way to access The Beachcomber Cafe is by parking in the Los Trancos Parking Lot located across PCH. Parking is $15.

Once you’ve parked in the lot, you have two options:

Meet Chris Seevers, General Manager

How did the idea for The Beachcomber Cafe come to life?

The Beachcomber Cafe is the brainchild of Orange County businessman and hospitality veteran Doug Cavanaugh. In August of 2006, Crystal Cove State Park welcomed us as their official concessioner for the beloved Historic District. Today, we offer guests a dining experience that captures the spirit of Crystal Cove’s storied past while allowing guests to enjoy the timeless beauty of the coast.

What’s it like being located in Crystal Cove Historic District?

Being located in the Crystal Cove Historic District is like living a dream. We give guests the unique opportunity to enjoy the very best cocktails and cuisine in one of the country’s most beautiful locations—just steps away from the crashing surf. Our location offers a glimpse back in time, to a preserved slice of California’s coastal history. Surrounded by 46 vintage cottages from the 1930s and 1940s, The Beachcomber’s setting offers a unique connection to the past, allowing guests to experience the charm of early 20th century beach life. Visitors can enjoy the simple, timeless pleasures of the coast while enjoying a meal next to the ocean. It’s a privilege for The Beachcomber to be a part of this historic enclave, which offers guests an authentic and memorable connection to California’s rich heritage.

How does the history of Crystal Cove influence the menu and dining experience at The Beachcomber Cafe?

The history of Crystal Cove greatly influences the menu and dining experience at The Beachcomber Cafe, grounding it in the rich cultural tapestry of the region. The Beachcomber’s offerings draw inspiration from the area’s coastal roots which is reflected in dishes that celebrate the flavors and ingredients native to California. Dining at The Beachcomber is not just a meal, but a journey through the history and heritage of Crystal Cove.

What are some notable traditions you have?

The Beachcomber has a cherished tradition every day at 5 p.m., where we raise the Martini Flag to salute the beginning of sunset. This nightly ritual captures the spirit of camaraderie and celebration, that brings together guests in a moment of shared nostalgia. It’s a tradition adopted from the original Crystal Cove cottage residents. Each day, they gathered on the beach to celebrate the end of the work day. There’s a photo inside our dining room that shows the residents gathered around a bugle as they salute the flag. Today, it’s part of every dinner service at The Beachcomber.

What do you hope visitors will take away from a visit to The Beachcomber Cafe?

At The Beachcomber Cafe, we want visitors to immerse themselves in a quintessential California experience. Nestled right on the beach, The Beachcomber Cafe embodies the essence of true California dining, where the rhythm of the waves, warmth of the sun, and flavors of fresh-locally inspired dishes come together. We hope that every guest leaves with a sense of connection to the coastal lifestyle, carrying with them the relaxed, vibrant spirit that makes Newport Beach so unique.