Woody’s Wharf Celebrates 60 Years of Excellence

News Summary

Woody’s Wharf, a beloved restaurant in Newport Beach, marks its 60th anniversary, celebrating its rich history and community ties. Known for its casual atmosphere and menu featuring seafood and burgers, the restaurant has attracted both locals and celebrities alike. Anniversary festivities include a $6 dinner buffet and live music, inviting all to join in the celebration of its enduring legacy and commitment to quality food and enjoyable experiences.

Newport Beach – Woody’s Wharf, a cherished establishment in Newport Beach, will celebrate its 60th anniversary on Sunday, June 1. This iconic restaurant, which has served generations of diners, initially opened its doors in 1965 to cater to local fishermen and blue-collar workers, quickly becoming a beloved waterfront dive bar. Its founding by Woody Payne was a response to the exclusivity of yacht clubs in the Newport Harbor area, offering patrons a place where they could enjoy “good food, strong drinks, and reasonable prices.”

The restaurant features a weathered, whale-shaped wooden sign and is set back from the sidewalk, maintaining a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. Inside, diners are greeted by an expansive bar and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide stunning views of the water. Woody’s Wharf has carved out a niche in the community, offering a menu that traditionally includes seafood, burgers, and salads, along with strong drink options, attracting both locals and tourists alike.

Over the years, Woody’s Wharf has hosted numerous celebrities, adding to its storied history. Notable figures such as John Wayne, Cary Grant, and Humphrey Bogart have all been spotted enjoying a meal at the restaurant. John Wayne, in particular, was known for picking up friends who may have enjoyed one too many drinks at the establishment. NBA star Dennis Rodman has also frequented Woody’s Wharf, often arriving in style on a 42-foot racer. In the 1980s, Hollywood action star Chuck Norris purchased Woody’s Wharf as a special gift for his then-wife, Dianne, while Jean-Claude Van Damme briefly worked as a bouncer during Norris’s ownership.

Despite the passage of time and the evolution of the Newport Beach dining scene, Woody’s Wharf has preserved its charm without major renovations, remaining true to its roots and legacy. The current ownership team includes Jamie Duarte, Greg Pappas, Ralph Nudo, and Andy Yniguez, who continue to serve the restaurant’s notable menu items, such as their famous fish and chips and award-winning clam chowder. The restaurant has successfully navigated the competitive landscape of upscale eateries in the Newport Beach area, ensuring its place as a hotspot for both locals and visitors.

The anniversary celebrations for Woody’s Wharf began on Friday, May 30, and will continue throughout June. The festivities kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4:30 PM, accompanied by live music from 4 to 8 PM. In honor of its 60 years of service, a $6 dinner buffet will be offered from May 31 to June 1, along with live music throughout the weekend. Additionally, throughout the month of June, Woody’s Wharf will feature $6 cocktails and various menu items from 6 to 9 PM daily, inviting everyone to partake in the celebration.

As Woody’s Wharf marks this significant milestone, it stands not only as a testament to the history of Newport Beach but also as a reminder of the restaurant’s enduring legacy in the community. With its rich past, loyal clientele, and commitment to providing quality food and enjoyable experiences, Woody’s Wharf is poised to celebrate many more years to come.

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Additional Resources

• Orange County Register: Woody’s Wharf Turns 60
• Thrillist: Woody’s Wharf
• Newport Beach Independent: Dancing and Late Nights at Woody’s Wharf
• Los Angeles Times: Council Preview
• Fox LA: Video Coverage of Woody’s Wharf
• Wikipedia: Newport Beach, California