Newport Beach in Orange County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Balboa Saloon

Photographed by Adam Margolis, November 27, 2014

1. Balboa Saloon Marker

Inscription.
The building was built by a Mr. Smith in 1924 and used as the first hardware store in Orange County. Mr. Curtis Herberts, Sr. purchased the property in 1941 and donated the premises to the U.S.O. of World War II. In 1946, the southern half of the building was leased to Mr. Roger Jolly, who opened Jollys Taproom. In 1984, Mr. Butch Wilson and Mr. Mark Bollas opened the Balboa Saloon, which is now famous around the world.

Erected by Newport Beach Historical Society, Orange County Historical Society and California State Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1924.

Location. 33° 36.162′ N, 117° 53.988′ W. Marker is in Newport Beach, California, in Orange County. It is at the intersection of East Bay Avenue and Washington Street, on the right when traveling west on East Bay Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 700 E Bay Avenue, Newport Beach CA 92661, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles

and in the Peninsular Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Pizza Pete's Cafe (within shouting distance of this marker); Balboa Village (within shouting distance of this marker); Balboa Pavilion (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named

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Balboa Pavilion (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Balboa Pavilion (within shouting distance of this marker); Rendezvous Ballroom (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Water-to-Water Flight (about 700 feet away); First Ferry Service Between Balboa and Balboa Island (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newport Beach.

Balboa Saloon and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, November 27, 2014

2. Balboa Saloon and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 10, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 1,103 times since then and 85 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 10, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.