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It started with one question.

“Where should we go for brunch?”

Not just any brunch - something laid-back, with good food, outdoor seating, and a place we could bring the dog. We looked up ‘patio dining ’ and ‘pet-friendly restaurants near me,’ and The Alley kept coming up again and again.

We’d heard about it. Locals mentioned the brunch. Someone else said it’s their go-to for relaxed weekends. So, we went. And right away, we knew we made the right call.

A Local Favorite With a Patio That Feels Just Right

Set along Newport Boulevard, The Alley Newport Beach doesn’t try to be flashy - and that’s its charm. It’s got character. It's a real neighborhood feel. And the moment we stepped onto the patio, we understood why so many people keep coming back.

Spacious but cozy, shaded but bright - it felt like sitting in someone’s backyard , if that backyard happened to serve great drinks and even better food. Dogs lounged under tables, a group laughed over their second round of mimosas, and servers moved around like they’d known every guest for years.

If this was patio dining, we were sold.

Brunch, the Way It Should Be

The menu hit all the right notes - classic brunch favorites with a little West Coast flair. Think: breakfast burritos, fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and yes, bottomless mimosas.

We ordered the Alley Benedict and the tri-tip breakfast burrito. Each bite confirmed what locals already know - brunch here is done right, from flavor to portion.

Midway through our first bites, we both looked up with that familiar nod - this is good.And the best part? We didn’t feel rushed. At all. People stayed. Conversations lingered. It was the kind of place that made you want to order again just to stretch the moment.

Little surprise that it’s become a favorite for brunch in Newport Beach.

Seafood, Cocktails, and the Laid-Back Bar Vibe

While brunch was the focus, the menu had more range than we expected. We noticed the seafood options from fish and chips to grilled salmon wraps making it a great choice for anyone searching for seafood in Newport Beach.

We also ordered drinks from the bar. A spicy Bloody Mary and a house-made margarita showed up fast and hit the spot. There were others sipping beers, sampling cocktails, and a few regulars seated at the bar, already deep into game day.

It wasn’t loud. It wasn’t overdone. It was just... easy.

This is what good Newport Beach dining feels like.

Takeout for the Next Time

Just as we were wrapping up, a guest came in to collect their takeout order. We overheard them say, “I always look for takeaways open near me, and I just keep ending up here.”

Makes sense.

If the food is this good on the patio, you can bet it travels well too. Whether it’s a brunch wrap on the run, or seafood takeout for a beachside hangout, The Alley has that same care-for-every-order approach with takeout, too.

Now we know what we’re doing next time we don’t want to cook on a Sunday.

Dogs Are Not Just Allowed - They’re Welcome

We brought our dog along, not knowing what to expect and it was the right call. A few other guests had theirs too, quietly settled by their tables, no one batting an eye. A server even smiled and gave a friendly nod as we got comfortable.

It’s clear that pets aren’t just tolerated at The Alley -  they're part of the patio dining culture. If you’ve ever searched for pet-friendly Newport Beach spots and ended up somewhere cramped or uninviting, this place will feel like a breath of fresh air. There’s space to relax, a calm vibe, and zero stress about having your dog by your side.

The Kind of Place You Recommend Without Hesitation

We came in for brunch and stayed longer than we planned. We weren’t in a hurry, and even if we were, The Alley made time slow down in the best way.

It’s not just a meal here. It’s a reset. A low-key weekend tradition in the making.

When friends ask for a brunch spot in Newport Beach, or where to find good patio dining without the fuss, we won’t hesitate.

We’ll say:

 “Go to The Alley.”