3 Thirty 3 appreciates the classics

Andrew Edwards

Like one of the bar’s cocktails, Newport Beach’s 3 Thirty 3

Waterfront is a mix of styles.

The former Yankee Tavern became 3 Thirty 3 Waterfront in January,

general partner Jeff Reuter said. The $2-million renovation required

about one year of construction.

To create the bar’s new look, Reuter did away with the Yankee

Tavern’s maritime touches and went with a “Bali-modern” style that

features mahogany walls, cork floors and tropical touches on the

place settings. The island look is mixed with Bay Area-style

stonework, and the bar looks out over the harbor.

“I wanted San Francisco classic, Newport Beach classic,” Reuter

said. “Comfortable and elegant.”

During renovations, Reuter tried to think up a catchy name for the

new place, but ended up simply naming the bar after its Bayside Drive

address.

“We spent a year and about 10,000 hours trying to think of a name

that would denote ‘San Francisco classic,’” Reuter said. “All the

good names were taken or are corny.”

The bar’s throwback look and drink selection have made a fan out

of customer Michael Russell.

“A lot of people like a real traditional bar with real martinis

and good scotches,” Russell said.

The bar’s vibe mixes a casual side -- customers in jeans are OK --

with the upscale. Near the entrance is the “Wall of Cristal,” an

illuminated rack of the famed champagne, though Reuter confessed to

“cheating” by including Dom Perignon.

The bar’s menu specializes in small servings, with menu items

including a Kobe beef gorgonzola burger and macaroni and cheese. The

menu also includes “gourmet sliders” made with selections such as

filet mignon or cold smoked salmon.

Reuter wants to keep 3 Thirty 3 around for a long time and wants

the place to be a local fixture, rather than a trend that burns out

after a few years.

“We have a 25-year lease. We hope to live it out,” he said.