Newport Beach Restaurant That Once Hosted John Wayne Closes

By Edwin Goei Tue., Oct. 18 2011 at 7:00 AM

Photo by Jonathan Ho

The Arches, a restaurant that once hosted the likes of John Wayne and Shirley Temple at its original location, where A Restaurant now stands, moved to its 29th Street location in 2007, and then to 1617 Westcliff Drive. Now that location is closed.

The restaurant was the first Newport Beach establishment to hold a liquor license when it opened in 1922. Dan Marcheano, its current owner, bought it in 1982.

Through the years, Marcheano tried to expand with not one, but two Arches restaurants. Arches On the Water didn't last and was replaced with The Dock. The remaining Arches stood its ground until last Wednesday night, when, The Daily Pilot reports, it closed with its phone number disconnected and the doors locked.

To read my review of the 29th Street location, click here.

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Newportblue65

It had become a bad joke.........It's day had come and gone ......years ago!

Jonnyr72

No surprise this place closed. My wife and I were rudely treated when we arrived on FRIDAY evening at around 9:45pm. The front door was wide open and we went up to the bar. The older bartender with the grey hair rudely asked us how we got in. We just stared at each other and I said, "um, the door was open and its not even 10pm on a Friday. Are you closed?" he rushed to lock the front door and came back in a huff. I said a few choice words to him as how customers should be treated and we left.

Maymay88

Joel, did you read the review? It told of the insane pricing ($58 for crab legs?), which actually explains a lot.

Joel S

Explains a lot?!? What does it explain? That they were overpriced over four years ago, in a different location, with a different menu, catering to a different clientelle? I think the statute of limitations on that ran out long ago.

I just think your linking to that ancient review served no purpose but to be self-serving.

Sam

The prices weren't out of line at the latest spot.

Sam

The Westcliff location was really sad and never very busy. Dan (nice guy though he may be) should have thrown in the towel after the Lido failures.Waiters wearing tuxedos in shabby surroundings with crummy food is just depressing.

909Jeff

I don't know why they moved from the original location. Personally I think that's ultimately what did them in. They served one of the best Montecristo's ever!

Joel S

Providing a link to a review over 4 years old, of a restaurant that has closed twice since is simply absurd. Obviously, despite your raves about it, summin' might not have been quite right with the way the restaurant was run, or it wouldn't have failed again....and again.