Wild Goose Tavern — Restaurant in Costa Mesa

Wild Goose Tavern in Newport Beach is a hidden gem that has quickly gained a reputation for its amazing burgers and vibrant atmosphere. Here’s a detailed review based on what makes this place stand out:

Burgers:

The burgers at Wild Goose Tavern are nothing short of spectacular. They are crafted with high-quality ingredients and cooked to perfection. Each burger is juicy, flavorful, and generously portioned. Some standout options include:

Classic Cheeseburger: A timeless favorite with a perfectly grilled patty, melted cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, and their special sauce. Gourmet Options: For those looking to try something different, the tavern offers unique creations like the BBQ Bacon Burger or the Spicy Jalapeño Burger, each packed with bold flavors. Vegetarian Options: Even non-meat eaters are catered to with delicious veggie burgers that don’t compromise on taste. Atmosphere:

The tavern has a lively and welcoming vibe, making it a great spot to hang out with friends or family. The interior is cozy with a rustic charm, featuring wooden accents and dim lighting that create a warm and inviting ambiance. There’s also outdoor seating for those who prefer to enjoy their meal al fresco.

Service:

The staff at Wild Goose Tavern are friendly and attentive. They provide excellent service, ensuring that your dining experience is enjoyable from start to finish. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, you’ll feel right at home.

Drink Selection:

In addition to their fantastic burgers, Wild Goose Tavern offers a great selection of beers, cocktails, and other beverages. Their drink menu complements the food perfectly, with plenty of options to pair with your meal.

Location:

Conveniently located in Newport Beach, the tavern is easily accessible and makes for a great stop whether you’re exploring the area or just looking for a...

While this wouldn't necessarily be the first stop when bar-hopping in Costa Mesa, Wild Goose Tavern is a viable option given its location. For starters, reservations are not mandatory but highly recommended if you're bringing a large party with you. Second, if you aren't lucky enough to get parking in the back then you'd do best to just valet it at Playa Mesa next door or you'll be walking very far away.

Since we dined during the pandemic, we opted to sit outside and were very pleased with the patio. The interior itself is definitely more like a tavern so if that isn't your scene that I definitely recommend going outside.

BBQ SHORT RIB FRIES - $12 - holy moly was this amazing! Arguably the best short rib fries I've ever had... if I could even recount the times I've ever had it to begin with! Seriously, it was just that good. They don't skimp on the meat and they certainly fill you up. If you're ordering this to share, just know that this will realistically be best for no more than a party of 3-4.

PEPPERONI PIZZA - $30 - now I am a huge fan of pan pizza and I'm also a huge fan of thick sicilian slices of pizza but the only gripe I have with this is that the pepperoni was beyond salty. So much so that if you didn't feel compelled to order a drink you would definitely want to do so after having a couple bites. Maybe they make it this way on purpose, but I couldn't tell you. We had these cut into about 6 squares but if you're sharing with a lot of people it's definitely possible to cut them into smaller pieces as it was good for close to 6 people.

Other than that, the place itself wasn't terrible but I wouldn't say it was memorable and something I'd come back to either. While I certainly would consider getting the short rib fries again, there are just so many other options in the area that you may want to...

I was the DD for a few of my friends and we had decided to try this place out. It was busy but we decided to stay since most everyone had a drink and we're enjoyig themselves. However, one of the employees there was excessively rude to me the entire time and he had a bad attitude unfitting for that atmosphere. I ignored it and carried on laughing with my friends while they drank since I was trying to make the best of the situation. After awhile, I decided to use the restroom and another employee informed me it was towards the door on my left, so I went that way while carrying on a conversation with another one of my friends. I should have been paying more attention but I opened up the door and quickly discovered it was a stockroom and that the bathroom was actually on my righthand side. But the damage was already done as the rude employee was back there rummaging in a box and instantly started to scream at me. I tried apologizing and hastly informed him that I had been misdirected to which he ran to the door and SLAMMED it shut in my face, nearly hitting me with the swing of the door. My friend saw everything and looked mortified seeing the door slam less than an inch from my face.

The bar is pretty cool but because of the way that employee acted all night towards me, neither I or my friends will ever...