News Summary
Woody’s Wharf, a beloved restaurant in Newport Beach, is set to celebrate its 60th anniversary soon. Originally opened to serve local fishermen, the establishment is now adapting to modern demands with extended hours and special events, despite facing community concerns about noise and atmosphere changes. The restaurant, known for its historic charm and traditional dishes, will kick off the celebration with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and special offers. This milestone reflects Woody’s resilience and deep-rooted connection with the Newport Beach community.
Newport Beach – Woody’s Wharf, a longstanding establishment in Newport Beach, is gearing up to celebrate its 60th anniversary on June 1, 2025. Opening its doors in 1965, Woody’s has maintained its reputation as a cherished local dive, originally founded by local fisherman Woody Payne to cater to blue-collar workers and fishermen looking for good food, strong drinks, and reasonable prices. The restaurant has seen numerous notable patrons over the decades, including Hollywood icons such as John Wayne, Cary Grant, and Mickey Mantle.
Recently, Woody’s Wharf made headlines due to a city council vote that will allow for extended hours of operation, including dancing and alcohol service. The Newport Beach City Council voted 4-3, approving permit amendments that enable the venue to open earlier at 9:30 a.m. instead of 10 a.m., and to remain open until 2 a.m. on select Thursdays and 12 additional nights throughout the year. This vote also permits dancing on Thursday nights, prompting both excitement and concern among community members.
Opposition to the extended hours has come from local residents who express worries regarding potential noise and a nightclub-like atmosphere that may disrupt their quality of life. Mayor Pro Tem Diane Dixon, alongside other council members, argued against the amendments, emphasizing the importance of community well-being. Despite the controversy, Woody’s Wharf has a history of legally battling the city over operational permits, with past court rulings typically favoring the restaurant’s right to operate.
The establishment currently boasts a co-ownership shared by Jamie Duarte, Greg Pappas, Ralph Nudo, and Andy Yniguez. Duarte, an attorney who has frequented Woody’s for 26 years, highlights the restaurant’s commitment to retaining its historic charm while providing a welcoming atmosphere for customers. Although the menu has evolved over the years, Woody’s Wharf has kept beloved dishes like fish and chips and clam chowder that were introducing it to the area.
In addition to its culinary offerings, Woody’s Wharf hosts dance nights three times a week, from Friday to Sunday, and features a special $8 martini deal on Mondays. As the restaurant prepares to celebrate its significant milestone, the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce is organizing a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 30, 2025, slated to start at 4:30 p.m. Festivities during the anniversary celebration will include a $6 dinner buffet and $6 cocktails available from May 30 through June 1, 2025.
Despite facing challenges, Woody’s Wharf has successfully become a local institution in Newport Beach, managing to thrive amid the changing culinary landscape. With the restaurant’s storied past and newfound operating flexibility, it remains to be seen how these developments will shape Woody’s future and its relationship with the Newport Beach community.
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HERE Resources
Woody’s Wharf Celebrates 60 Years of Excellence
Additional Resources
- Orange Coast: Woody’s Wharf Celebrates 60 Years
- Wikipedia: Newport Beach
- OC Register: Woody’s Wharf Turns 60
- Google Search: Woody’s Wharf Newport Beach
- Locale: Dock and Dine Newport Beach
- Google Scholar: Woody’s Wharf Newport Beach
- LA Times: Newport Beach News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Newport Beach
- Newport Beach Indy: Dancing at Woody’s Wharf
- Google News: Woody’s Wharf
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
