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Alley Restaurant & Bar Reviews List

Alley Restaurant & Bar

For over 22 years, the Alley Restaurant and Bar in Newport Beach is the local's favorite for a dining destination. Specializing in only the best on-site cuts of beef like Filet Mignon and New Zealand Rack of Lamb. And don't forget the freshest seafood like Chilean Sea bass and our famous Sanddabs. The Alley serves as a casual, yet elegant dining experience and by late night as a high energy "Cheers" bar of Newport Beach. Come join us at the Alley and become part of the family!
See more Alley Restaurant & Bar details
44 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
(44 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 44 reviews
5 stars
(12)
4 stars
(18)
3 stars
(13)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(0)
Food 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Service 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Ambiance 
3.5 / 5
(Very Good) 3.5 / 5
Noise Level
2.5 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • neighborhood gem(21)
  • vibrant bar scene(12)
  • great for brunch(8)
  • good for groups(6)
  • great for lunch(4)
  • hot spot(4)
Alley Restaurant & Bar Reviews List
Review 1 for Alley Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Gal's Dinner Out

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This restaurant was noted for it's Prime Rib, and the server when asked about the Prime Rib indicated how good it was, and the size of the Prime Rib. Well either the server had never had it, and had not served it much (which I highly doubt), but it was neither good tasting, nor was it more than 1/4 - 1/2 inch thick. Another person in my party ordered the Fried Chicken, and we asked if it was Panko prepared Fried Chicken, and the server said yes, and the chicken was not prepared in that fashion. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone."
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 2 for Alley Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/06/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"They are now charging a corkage fee.....wish they had kept their old policy. ....buy a main course at full price and no fee for BYOB."
Dined on 5/06/2013
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Review 3 for Alley Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/03/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
4 / 3
Energetic
"We found the restaurant to be very noisy. Food was just ok. Too much salt in my dish. I would probably not go back there again."
Dined on 5/03/2013
0points
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Review 4 for Alley Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Consistently wonderful and

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Consistently wonderful and reasonable."
Dined on 04/18/2013
 2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 5 for Alley Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great place to meet friends.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Met friends at our favorite " walk to" restaurant for Sunday Brunch. Great custom omelette, Cal Benedict and hash."
Dined on 04/07/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 6 for Alley Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Where Locals Bring Their Friends

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great food, generous drinks, friendly service and an energetic atmosphere. I ordered the Prime Rib Dip again. It was tender and delicious. Previously I've ordered filet mignon, prime rib dinner or beef stroganoff. Always well prepared and delicious. Compliments to the chef. A special thanks to our servers Tia and Vanda and also our busboy Cruz for their excellent and attentive level of service. I'll be returning next week."
Dined on 03/13/2013
 2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Alley Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Unfortunately being ST PAtrick's

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Unfortunately being ST PAtrick's day- it was a real 'mad house' a bit much for a pair of 88 yr olds. But we did enjoy ourselves in watching the action."
Dined on 03/17/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups
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Review 8 for Alley Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

We were seated in the outside

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We were seated in the outside patio by request. Great for a beautiful sunny sunday brunch. But beware, some guests tend to get pretty rowdy due to $10 bottomless champagne deal they have from 10-3. Kelli was an awesome server and the food was good. Great place to spend a sunday."
Dined on 03/10/2013
 2006
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 9 for Alley Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

It is a small place, and basically

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"It is a small place, and basically the bar noise is heard throughout the restaurant. Their prices are good, but the food is just average. My husband liked it because the portion sizes are large."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2009
0points
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Review 10 for Alley Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Ordered Fresh fish which was

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Ordered Fresh fish which was recommended by server, it was cold, the server gladly took it back and brought us prime rib it was just ok."
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 11 for Alley Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Crowded and noisy but great

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Crowded and noisy but great food"
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2012
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Review 12 for Alley Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Good food, good atmosphere,

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Good food, good atmosphere, and great service but would have been more enjoyable with a softer noise level."
Dined on 02/24/2013
 2008
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, hot spot
0points
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Review 13 for Alley Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

When we arrived, there was

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"When we arrived, there was nobody waiting outside. We wondered why. Then, as we entered, only about 10% of the tables were occupied. We didn't let it bother us and we proceeded to be seated. Service was good. Food was so-so. My prime rib (day's special) was good on the edges but veiny in the middle. Prices were reasonable for being in Newport Beach. Servers were very prompt and polite. Overall, I would probably not return."
Dined on 02/23/2013
 2012
0points
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Review 14 for Alley Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Love the half off wine on

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Love the half off wine on Wed. nights. And their specials are always terrific. The service is so warm and inviting. They make you feel like you're part of their family. Can't wait to go back."
Dined on 02/20/2013
 2008
Special Features: great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for Alley Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Valentines Day!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Always a good time, great meal and excellent prices!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 16 for Alley Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Always a good value. Friendly

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Always a good value. Friendly atmosphere."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for Alley Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The Alley is a neighborhood

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The Alley is a neighborhood gem. We came from San Diego and our friends from the San Fernando Valley...it is halfway and had a relatively quiet table where we were not rushed. The food was quite good and reasonably priced. The desserts are outrageous (better than good). It was a great place to spend the evening, eating, chatting and feeling welcome."
Dined on 02/02/2013
 2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 18 for Alley Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Another Place to Frequent

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"First time here and we will be back. Husband had New York Steak, Daughter had Shrimp and Scallops, and I had the Sand Dabs. Food was plentiful and very good! Atmosphere is fun without it being too much of a bar scene. (I'm not a "Pub" person) Prices for specials are exceptionally good."
Dined on 01/26/2013
 2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
0points
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Review 19 for Alley Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Found this place on OpenTable

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Found this place on OpenTable and went because of the reviews. We really enjoyed our dinner, server was friendly and attentive while not high pressure. Friday evening special was prime rib dinner for $15, great deal and delicious. Great friendly vibe, will come back next time we're in town."
Dined on 01/25/2013
 2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 20 for Alley Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Where Locals Bring Their Friends

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great food, generous drinks, friendly service and an energetic atmosphere. I'm a creature of habit, I ordered the Prime Rib Dip again. It was tender and delicious. Previously I've ordered filet mignon, prime rib or beef stroganoff. Always well prepared and delicious. Compliments to the chef. A special thanks to our servers Vanda and Tia and also our busboy Cruz for their excellent and attentive level of service. I'll be returning next week."
Dined on 01/23/2013
 2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 21 for Alley Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

First night of NRW

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The first night of NRW was busy and the dining flow was a bit rough tonight."
Dined on 01/18/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Alley Restaurant & Bar
Based on the average of (23) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4 / 5
Food 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Service 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Ambiance 
3.4 / 5
(Very Good) 3.4 / 5
Noise Level
2.3 / 3
Energetic