Little Billy's — Restaurant in Newport Beach

I'm hoping that the day I was here was just an off day. It was a Monday so maybe there was someone inexperienced on the grill. In any event, my daughter and I came here for a fun breakfast on a day off (Veterans Day). We ordered the breakfast burrito, the blueberry rolled oats pancakes, the avocado toast, and a cup of coffee. First, the good: the coffee was quite good and the avocado toast was fine, if not particularly noteworthy (4/5). I'm glad I got it without the optional egg because that is where we ran into trouble. The eggs in the burrito were overly firm with brown patches. They were not lovely, delicious scrambled eggs but scorched. A similar fate befell the pancakes. There was a fair amount of black on the outside (not really burned, though, just clear that they would have burned were they left on the heat any longer) and yet the inside was gooey and seemed almost raw. It was clear that the griddle was set too high and the food was being cranked out too quickly without proper regard for flavor, consistency, and doneness. And it wasn't busy, only about three parties there. Sad dad frowny face. This wasn't turning out to be the delicious breakfast treat we had anticipated. The wait staff were very nice though obviously inexperienced. Turns out refills on the coffee were available but I wasn't told or offered any until we were leaving. The ambience was okay but quite spartan. I wouldn't want to be in there when filled up with people. There were three outside tables on the sidewalk but they were in full sun during the morning hours. All in all, I appreciate what they were shooting for but, unfortunately, the execution...

If you're in Newport Beach and haven't yet visited Little Billy's, you're missing out on one of the best breakfast spots in town. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere and a friendly staff that makes you feel right at home. But let's get to the real star of the show: the pancakes.

These pancakes are nothing short of perfection. Fluffy, light, and with just the right amount of sweetness, they're the kind of pancakes that stay with you long after your meal. Whether you opt for the classic buttermilk stack or choose one of their inventive signature flavors, each bite is an absolute delight. If you're in the mood for something extra special, their chocolate chip pancakes are a must-try--every bite is a perfect balance of rich, comforting flavors, especially when paired with their must try syrup.

While the pancakes are undeniably the highlight, Little Billy's menu offers plenty of other mouthwatering options as well. From perfectly made omelets to freshly brewed coffee, there's something to satisfy every craving. The portion sizes are generous, and the quality of every dish is exceptional.

What really sets Little Billy's apart is the attention to detail. It's clear the owners pour their heart into both the food and the overall experience, using the finest ingredients and ensuring that every dish is crafted with care. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Little Billy's in Newport Beach is a must-visit. It's the kind of place that quickly becomes your go-to for an unforgettable breakfast....

We visited Little Billy’s today for the first time and the overall experience was solid, however, there are a few small things that could be improved to make this place a solid contender for best brunch / casual lunch spot.

I understand the difficulty in opening and operating a new business and I have nothing but high hopes for what can very well be an excellent little gem.

We had the Billy Cakes which were great and a fun twist on your old school pancake. Cinnamon butter was excellent.

The omelette was great as were the “tic tac” potatoes, although a very tiny portion so I would work on that as well.

The smash burger was good but with some work it can be a superstar. First, the patties are way too small in proportion to the bun. It’s not a massive bun, but there shouldn’t be a 20% gap of bread-only before you get your burger. A traditional smash oozes meat outside the bun. This is the opposite. Get those patties to at least be equal of the bun diameter or let them ooze.

Baked goods were lacking; case was empty at 11:30am and we would have loved to grab some cookies, pastries, etc.

The staff are friendly, the location is great, this has the makings of future staple.

Excited to try more in the future and I hope they can remedy the smash burger issue :)

Look forward to getting this to a 4- even 5/5 stars upon our next visit.

Ps - fries would be amazing. Let’s get that...