Phone: +19496456086
Address: 414 Old Newport Blvd, 92663, Newport Beach, United States
City: Newport Beach
Menu Dishes: 35
Reviews: 2735
Website: https://www.thechickencoopbar.com
"What truly made Zubie's popular was its prime rib, especially during the weekly navy nights. To get a reservation, you had to call in early that morning. Reservations were handled like tickets for a concert—first come, first served. You’d secure a time slot, arrive, give your name, pay a mere $2.85 (back in the '70s), and then wait in line. Once inside, seating was family-style at picnic tables set over a sawdust-covered floor. Sadly, the area eventually fell victim to coastal development, but before that happened, Zubie opened a few other beloved local spots: Zubie’s Dry Dock in Huntington Beach and Zubie’s Chicken Coop near Newport Beach. Interestingly, Zubie’s Chicken Coop was once an upscale French restaurant right on the Pacific Coast Highway, complete with a chic French name, plush carpets, and valet parking. I’m not sure how Zubie acquired it, but he completely revamped the place, eliminating its fancy menu and valet service while adding a bit of sawdust to the carpet before reopening the doors. Not much has changed since then—a few new tables have replaced the worn-out French ones, and the sawdust gets topped off occasionally. Known among locals for its generous portions and freshly cooked homemade dishes, Zubie's continues to be a favorite spot. I did find the rotisserie chicken a bit disappointing, which seemed like a nod to its pizza-less pizza history. It’s amusing to see multimillionaire yacht owners mingling at the bar over breakfast, sharing jokes with local mechanics. Although Captain John Zubieta has passed away, the restaurant is still in the capable hands of his wife, who has managed to keep Zubie's charm alive. She has since sold the place but still oversees Zubie's Dry Dock in Huntington Beach. Thankfully, the tradition of weekly Prime Rib Night endures!"
All prices are estimates on menu.