As I've explained in other reviews, my friend and I go out for happy hour every week somewhere in Newport Beach. Bayside has the best happy hour BY FAR.
FOOD: I have thoroughly sampled their extensive happy hour menu and have been impressed by each item. My favorites are the exotic mushroom bruschetta, roasted red beets, fusilli carbonara, and cast iron seared quail (yes quail, on the happy hour menu). They are all delicious!!!!
DRINKS: The House Cabernet at Bayside is wonderful and very reasonably priced. My friend orders and loves their House Chardonnay. We've both tried their martinis and mixed drinks as well. Very tasty!
SERVICE: The bar staff at Bayside is phenomenal. Chris, Oscar and Paul are all very attentive and knowledgeable without being overbearing. They know just when to ask me if need anything else or if the food was to my liking.
ATMOSPHERE: The bar and surrounding tables are tastefully decorated in warm tones. The lighting is subtle with very high ceilings to allow one to feel comfortable without a 'dark-bar' feeling. The high ceilings also work wonderfully with the acoustics so couples can talk comfortably without feeling the need to yell. The piano player plays nightly, often joined by a bassist for a wonderful background of jazz and/or contemporary music.
If I could give Bayside more than five-stars I would.
more