A new outdoor bar devoted exclusively to tequila and mezcal recently opened in Newport Beach. Located on a waterfront patio offering views of Newport Bay, The Tequila Bar at A+O Restaurant|Bar is an excellent place to savor difficult-to-find agave-based spirits while escaping the heat and bustle of LA.
The Tequila Bar is part of Balboa Bay Resort. Recently named the #1 Resort in Newport Beach by U.S. News & World Report, Balboa Bay Resort is both luxurious and approachable. It’s the only Forbes Four Star and AAA Four Diamond Luxury Waterfront Resort in Newport Beach.
The sips aren’t the only thing that make this bar special. The expansive waterfront setting is a perfect spot for watching a gorgeous sunset, relaxing in the ocean air, and toasting some of your favorite people in front of gorgeous fire tables.
The collection of dozens of tequilas and mezcals includes numerous limited editions and rarities. Sip one in the form of a one-ounce shot or enjoy one of five tequila and mezcal flights. Mezcal flights are offered in gorgeous shot glasses made of pink Himalayan salt. Flights range in price from $50 to $1000, and you can share a flight with a friend if you’re so inclined.
If you prefer a cocktail, ask a bartender to create a margarita, mezcarita, or other drink of your choice. I loved the margarita made with smooth Maestro Dobel Diamanté Cristilino, in a glass rimmed with black sea salt, and the mezcarita made with Casamigos Joven Mezcal.
Living large? Check out this star of the bar’s liquor collection: a limited-edition boxed tequila boxed set, resembling an altar, that’s a collaboration between filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro and Patrón. Evoking Dia de los Muertos, the box contains two bottles. The smaller bottle, shaped like a skull, contains a citrus liqueur, while the larger bottle, in the form of a skeletal torso, contains Patron Extra Anejo tequila. It goes for a cool $500 a shot. Maybe next time.
Another interesting vessel is the round bottle covered with dozens of small skulls that houses Dos Artes Mala Vida tequila.
You’ll want nibbles to accompany your drinks, and there’s a good selection to order from A+O Restaurant. We enjoyed the salt & pepper grilled shrimp, fish tacos, chicken wings with chile lime sauce, and pesto served with fresh burrata and local heirloom tomatoes accompanying focaccia that’s baked in-house.
We recommend visiting soon, as this limited-time pop-up is expected to conclude sometime this Fall.
Located at 1221 West Coast Highway in Newport Beach. The Tequila Bar is open Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 10 p.m. and on Sundays from 4 to 8 p.m. Cheers!
