Newport Beach's Businesses Of The Year: 2020

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Is it the friendly staff, the quality food, or the top-notch service that makes you love a business. During the coronavirus pandemic, shopping small has become of utmost importance as businesses, restaurants and local stylists struggle to make ends meet. In Newport Beach, Costa Mesa and Corona Del Mar, readers suggested their favorite places to shop and dine in the 2020 Orange County Businesses of the Year.

Here are the businesses that rose to the top, according to Patch readers:

Bar / Restaurant

Name: Arc Butcher & Baker

Location: 417 30th Street, Newport Beach

What our readers are saying: "Amazing food and atmosphere, creative chef!"

Name: Blue Water Grill

Location: 630 Lido Park Drive, Newport Beach

What our readers are saying: "Lot's of outdoor seating for residents that want to go out to eat. By the water and great, friendly staff and good food!"

Name: Moulin

Location: 1000 Bristol Street. North, Newport Beach.

Find Moulin also in: Laguna Beach, San Clemente, Dana Point, Costa Mesa

What our readers are saying: "The owner is often on-site, friendly and available. They closed during COVID, and really re-opened thinking about what was best for their customers," a reader told Patch.

Name: Royal Hen Restaurant

Location: 311 Marine Avenue, Newport Beach

What our readers are saying: "I find the creative response to covid so well thought out at this restaurant," one reader tells us. "Because of the small size of the indoor space, they had to move tables outside on the sidewalk areas, which made them limit their service to the evening when the adjacent stores closed. The tables are well spaced and there are heaters for warmth, still beautiful and charming table setups including flowers."

Name: Shirley's Bagels

Location: 270 E. 17th Street 1, Costa Mesa

What our readers had to say: "Shirley goes out of their way to help their customers and adapt to a changing business environment," a customer told Patch. "Always great customer service and delicious product!"

Business / Professional

Name: Corner of Paradise Bike Rental, Sales & Ice Cream

Location: 101 Palm St.Newport Beach

What our readers are saying: "Completely turned around a failing business into a thriving fun service in just a few months under new management."

Name: Seaside Gallery and Goods: Gift Shop

Location: 124 Tustin Avenue, Newport Beach

What our readers had to say: (6 nominations): "I always feel like I am walking into a friend's home when I enter. Very friendly, and helpful," a reader told Patch. "Great experience every time."

Name: Roger's Gardens - Plant Nursery

Location: 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona Del Mar

What our readers had to say: "Throughout the pandemic, Roger's Gardens has remained open and diligent about keeping their guests and staff safe by following Covid safety measures," a reader said. "It is the one destination people have found to be their 'happy' place; where they can be outdoors, shop for beautiful plants, garden, and home decor and holiday decor in order to create their own 'happy place' in their home."

Name: 17th Street Dog Spaw

Location: 285 E. 17th Street, Costa Mesa

What our readers had to say: "Annie never fails, she has driven to pick up my Yorkie for play day, and grooming twice a month for 6 months," a reader tells Patch. "I suffered a fracture and can’t manage the dog and drive. Annie treats every animal as if it is her own. Loki, my Yorkie is crazy about her and waits on pick-up days patiently then gives her a fabulous welcome!!"

Hair / Nail Salon

Name: Ka'Bar Boutique

Location: 13 Corporate Plaza Drive, #204

What our readers had to say: "Katherine is smart, meticulous and kind," one reader told Patch.

The private salon provides nail, brow, and facial services in a pleasant and chemical-free environment.

Which other Newport Beach area businesses do you love? Tell us in the comments!

Orange County Patch will regularly feature nominated businesses throughout November and December. Be sure to add yours and email your editor by Dec. 30.