Nestled in Orange County history, The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove is a real throwback to a 1930’s beach resort town most of us have only seen in movies. It’s a real shame someone like myself, born and raised only 20 minutes north of this coastal hideaway, had never visited The Beachcomber until earlier this month.
Our friends at The Beachcomber hosted a gorgeous and delicious media breakfast to present their lovely new winter menu.
You probably already know how much Megan and I love to paint at Timree’s Art Studio. A while back we painted a darling Crystal Cove cottage tucked along the shore of the Pacific. It’s one of my favorite pieces we’ve done.
The aqua-colored cottage with its jagged weathered sign took my breath away as we made our way down the sandy walkway to the front of The Beachcomber. There it stood as it has since the 1920s.
It was a beautiful fall morning in Orange County the day we visited The Beachcomber. The ocean waves dragged on and off the shore while seagulls stood perched on driftwood posts and The Beachcomber was bustling with a heavy Friday morning breakfast crowd.
There are worst ways to spend a morning. We gathered in the back of the cafe adjacent to the Bootlegger Bar which has a definite tiki vibe.
The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove Winter Menu
We were showered with mimosas and beignets to start. I’m not typically a fan of beignets because I find them to be heavy and greasy. These were anything but. The Beachcomber beignets were fluffy and light served with a dusting of powdered sugar, whipped cream and syrup.
What Drinks Are Served At The Bootlegger Bar?
The Bootlegger Bar offers a full bar and their cocktail game is strong. If you’ve got time to linger over breakfast or lunch, I definitely recommend ordering the Big Bad Bloody Mary which has been voted “Best in OC” by the OC Register.
The $18 drink is served in the biggest mason jar known to man and stuffed with a crab claw, jumbo shrimp and fresh vegetables. It’s almost too beautiful to drink. Almost.
What’s the best dish on the menu?
My favorite dish of the morning was the avocado toast. Sure, avocado toast is having its moment right now but this particular dish was unlike anything I’ve ever seen or tasted. Avocados, heirloom cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, arugula, micro baby radish, goat cheese, and chilled poached eggs piled on top of sourdough toast and drizzled with a balsamic glaze reduction. It was amazing.
Sweet Breakfasts on the Menu
Are you torn between sweet or savory for breakfast? I usually lean towards the savory but I’m easily tempted by ingredients like challah bread, dulce de leche, coconut and macadamia nuts.
I mean, if I need savory, I can always add Portuguese sausage to my order, right? Feast your eyes on The Beachcomber’s Brioche French Toast and Coconut-Macadamia Pancakes.
Benedicts at the Beachcomber
I’m new to the land of Benedicts. For a long time I only ever ordered scrambled eggs and stayed far away from anything that resembled a runny yolk. It wasn’t until I discovered my love for a poached egg and I said goodbye to scrambled forever.
The Beachcomber’s Crab Cake Benedict has all of my favorite things and together they complete me. An English Muffin topped with blue crab cakes, hollandaise sauce and a poached egg. Get it and savor every bite.
Mimosas, beignets, avo toast, French toast, pancakes and Benedicts – there was little room left but we found some for The Beachcomber breakfast pizza which is made with tomato sauce, scrambled eggs, mascarpone mousse, arugula and olive oil. I loved the crispy thin crust on another awesome savory option.
Planning Your Visit to The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove
I was gifted a gift card to The Beachcomber some time ago but had never used it because I heard it was always packed and we’d have to wait forever for a table. Plus, I had no idea exactly where it was located or how to access it. So, here’s a few tips:
Where is the Beachcomber Located?
The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove
15 Crystal Cove
Newport Coast, CA 92657
Does the Beachcomber Take Reservations?
Yes! Click here to book a table!
Where Can I Park for The Beachcomber?
Parking for The Beachcomber is located on the east side of PCH at the Los Trancos parking lot and is validated up to three hours when dining at the cafe. A shuttle is available for $1.50 per person (children under 12 ride for free). A footpath is also available which connects the parking lot to the historic beach cottages.
What is the dress code for The Beachcomber?
The attire for the cafe is casual. It was the perfect weather for flip flops but instead I wore flats and the sand was not my friend. Not all walking paths to The Beachcomber are paved and there is sand, so keep your nice shoes at home.
More Orange County Gems
For our thoughts on other things we love in Orange County, check out the following posts:
- Balboa Island Scavenger Hunt
- Raya at Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel
- Instagram Worthy Spots in Orange County
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Hi, we’re Megan and Wendy your midlife besties! Join us on Patreon every Monday where we’re talking everyday life, pop culture, and more!
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