Male Bonding, Other Good Sports

While not strictly for the sports fanatic, D.P.’s Pub and Grill is a place custom-made for people who, if given a choice between eternal life and 50-yard-line seats at the Super Bowl, might have a tough decision on their hands.

The walls are covered with black-and-white photos of sailing regattas, fishing tournaments, basketball games, cricket matches and just about any athletics-themed event that has ever existed. Two dart boards hang on the west wall and a hoop is available for monthly basketball contests.

There are more than a dozen color TVs piping in signals from three satellite dishes all tuned to every kind of programming there is--as long as it’s sports. And since a nearby chalkboard lists the schedule of about 100 of the week’s televised sporting events, you’re not likely to miss an important free throw, slap shot or photo finish anywhere.

While patrons gather around the flickering screens, they can order draft beers such as Budweiser, Miller Lite and the pub’s own brew, or 22 varieties of bottled foreign and domestic beers ranging in price from $2 to $4.75.

Male bonding goes on in a big way here. A recent weeknight visit found only two women in the place, amid a crowd of patrons cheering their TVs and socializing--drink in one hand, fried appetizers in the other.

Though there is Ladies Night on Wednesdays offering half-priced salads, it’s difficult to imagine many women flocking to this bar upon invitation from the digital announcement board, which calls out to them as “chicks, bettys, dolls,” etc. You’re more likely to find females appearing in the form of the Laker girls, Paula the Sauza Tequila Girl and the Jagermeister girls, who make frequent scheduled visits.

On Friday and Saturday nights, however, the mood shifts a bit, drawing single men and women eager to boogie to a local band for a cover charge that usually does not exceed $3.

There are daily drink and food specials, such as 50-cent beef or swordfish tacos on Tuesdays and $1.50 draft beer almost every night of the week. Stadium chow such as burgers, dogs and sandwiches is supplemented by such menu items as sauteed calamari and mahi mahi fish burgers, with prices ranging from $1.95 to $7.95.

Banker and real estate developer Doug Patty (hence D.P.) and co-owner Rusty Rasterling moved into the building that was once home to the Bouzy Rouge in March 1991. Since then, the bar has organized water rafting and golf field trips for its customers.

It’s a clientele that, although quick to comment on the relative merits of various athletes’ performances, is also surprisingly tame and friendly, even if you can’t tell a wicket from a fumblerooski. Whatever that is.

D.P.’s Pub & Grill, 3110 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach. (714) 72 3 -0293. Opens daily at 11 a.m., closes Sunday through Wednesday between 11 p.m. and midnight and Thursday through Saturday between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. (depending on business).