Wild Goose Tavern

Fun atmosphere and décor. Really good whiskey sour here! I went on their taco Tuesday, and apparently their selection of tacos changes every week! Anyway, between my boyfriend and I, I tried all of them. (They’re street tacos). My favorite was the fried avocado which was AMAZING.
The only reason I don’t give the place five stars is because we waited about 20 mins to grab a seat. It’s a popular place, so of course they were busy! I wish they would have some sort of system or hostess where we could put our name in, cause its a total free for all on grabbing the first free table.

Pros:
Awesome pulled pork on the Pac Mac sandwich
My friend said his cuban was awesome
Drinks were amazing and they didn’t skimp on the liquor
Staff was friendly and helpful
Atmosphere and music was great, we enjoyed hanging out
Cons:
Was pretty dusty
Overall a great experience, great atmosphere, and great service.

This spot is dope. The environment is lively. The clientele is a nice mix of business professionals and douchebags that live on the Peninsula. The lighting is dark. It’s a nice place to hang and have a drink.
But if you’re here solely for the food, then… it’s ok. I tried the Classic burger and it was alright. Nothing spectacular. Be fooled by the size of the burger, it’s basically a glorified slider.

A Friday night at Goose made 100x better by our server Lauren. Hilarious, gorgeous, and wonderful service. I will come back just for her!

Went here on a Friday night with one of my best friends. We got there around 7 pm and it was already pretty popping. We had to wait a few minutes for a table on the patio since we wanted to eat too. The seating is first come first serve but the patio is super cute. Kind of small but cute. It was a chilly night and thankfully we had a heater right next to us. However, the waitress never turned it on despite us asking a few times. But after drinking, we weren’t supa cold anymore. My only complaint about the patio is people smoking, every 5 mins! It was nice that some people actually stepped out of the patio to smoke. The patio is so small that it’s bound to get in your face so I was thankful for those who stepped out.
For food, I got the sausage plate ($ 12). This was a bad decision. It wasn’t filling at all! It was a fairly good portion but I was just not impressed. It said it comes with different mustards but I didn’t enjoy any of them. Also, a lot of greens and I was on my cheat day so I did not want greens! My friend got the spicy burger ($ 8) and she said it was just okay. She also got a side order of the white truffle fries ($ 3). They were so yummy! I was still hungry after my meal so I ended up ordering fries too. They def saved the night!
I drank Pinot Grigio all night and my friend got a beer that tasted like coffee. I forgot the name but it was very delish! Next time I would probably get that.
There is ample parking in the back! The service was good and our waitress was fairly nice. A little fake but in Newport that’s pretty normal ;)
As it got later, more and more people showed up on the patio drinking and having a good time. The ambience is extremely chill and fun! I’m not sure if it was my type of crowd or food, but I’d come back if I had nothing else to do on a given night.

My friend and I went there the other night… Food was good drinks were yummy service wasn’t the best… We just found out that the restaurant or waitress charged my friend an additional 20 bucks… If they want more tips make better food and be better servers… Just saying… Be careful guys they might do the same to you

You will never be disappointed at the Wild Goose. The staff is friendly, the drinks are reasonably priced and the food is simple yet unique and flavorful. Its gastropub class for sure and its a local vibe kinda place. I love coming to watch some sports, catch a little fresh air outside on the patio and its just noisy enough to still have a meaningful conversation with friends. Taco Tuesday is a must go, they serve street style tacos so you can try a half dozen or so of their original recipes that none will disappoint and then order a couple more of your favorites to cap off your TT appetite. Come in and join the fun.

Best burger ever. Had the Peppadew Burger which was perfect. Cooked how I like it, medium rare. Loaded with peppers, cheese, and alfalfa. For side, we shared the Goat Cheese fritters, made with sweet potatoes. Man those fritters were good. Fried perfect with a couple sauces splashed on top. Good beer selection and loved our server Jade. She knew her stuff, which I appreciate. Place is small with interesting décor. Can’t wait to go back and try everything

Came through to grab some food after work and also catch some NBA playoffs even though my Lakers aren’t in it. The place has great vibes. I’ve been here on another occasion and its been nothing but pleasant. I love the ambiance and the feel of the place. Expect more of a bar type atmosphere but with delicious food.
Usually bar food is just ok to me, but Wild Goose Tavern actually has really amazing food. I love their burgers and fries. Like I’ve stated before, I expect a lot out of a burger and this place did me a solid serving me some of the better bar burgers I’ve had. The fries were crispy and on point too. I was really expecting some soggy stuff but nope, its good. It had me really questioning is this a bar because food actually is enjoyable here lol. I came through on taco Tuesday too but didn’t get any tacos, though I saw some of the patrons get some and it looked A1 too.
The service is outstanding. I’m always scared of service at bar type places since its hit or miss, but its definitely a hit here. The décor is awesome here. Just trust me, you gotta go here to experience it yourself. The people are courteous and not rowdy at all. I really like this place a lot. Its a great hang out spot to just kick it and unwind.
Overall, I would definitely return again to Wild Goose Tavern. Great bar area, awesome food, service is on point and the décor is dope. I didn’t get a drink but everyone tells me its solid here so I’ll take their word on that.
PS love the whole bra thing too

Not bad. I’m referring to the drinks because most of the food wasn’t anything to write home about. The place gets 4 star though for a number of reasons. I thought the bar tender that was serving us was very attractive. She was also attentive to all of our questions and she did an exceptional job as a waitress. This place is definitely a 5 star if you’re looking for a decent place to get some drinks and chill. One of things I really liked about the place was how the air flowed throughout the bar. The perfect spot for a hot summer day if you ask me.
Now the food wasn’t terrible, but it certainly wasn’t to my expectation.
Kobe Beef Dog
I had the Kobe beef dog which resembled something closely to a large regular hot dog. It was 7 bucks for the hot dog that wasn’t better than a ball park beef dog. Granted, it had other toppings such as molinari pancetta, and arugula which were fine. And bread was certainly acceptable, however the texture of the meat is what threw me off. It wasn’t worth it if you ask me.
Pulled Pork Fries
On the other hand we got an order of bbq pulled pork fries and let me tell you… that shit was bomb! It was happy hour during our visit and it was fairly inexpensive for a VERY large order of fries topped with a bunch of pulled pork, bbq sauce, coleslaw, cheese, and tomato chutney. This appetizer alone would make me come back again and again, every single time.
The food came in at about 3 stars, but the overall experience was certainly pleasant. It’s definitely worth the visit if you’re interested in going. I want to come back again and try the bratwursts on my next visit.

Quotes involving a goose.
Wild goose my @$$. Don’t send me on a wild goose chase. Goose me! Top gun Goose to Maverick: Come on mav, do so! e of that pilot shit. A fox should not be on a jury on goose’s trial. My trumpeting sounds like a good farting in the fog. When you are the cash cow that lays the golden egg, people are going to cheer you on. Don’t kill the golden goose. I do not believe in God because I do not believe in mother goose. I get goose bumps. Goose Gossage was the greatest relief pitcher ever said a Yankee fan. Grey Goose please with a little grapefruit juice. Christmas goose roasting on an open fire.
You can add mine.
Wild Goose: the booze is plentiful, the good is good, the chicks are @+$&$&#” amazing.

Great place. Surprisingly good food. I had the Club and fries, friends had burgers that looked really yummy. They also have a cocktail menu and carry Titos. :)
Juke box plays music to entertain the crowd. Interesting, fun things hanging on the wall to check out. They have an outdoor patio that connects/​opens to from the inside area. This place isn’t huge but we got there at 730pm to eat and found a table. (Would recommend they repair the booth seating as it was pretty beat up. Bathroom is tiny. Overall, Fun time!

Great place to unwind, grab a beer and hang out with friends. Very friendly attentive staff, decent selection of craft brews. To die for truffle fries.
Pros: Great staff, decent food, good beer selection, not real pricey (at least for an Orange County beach-​culture bar).
Cons: Limited parking, standing room only after 6pm (even on weeknights), loud.
If you’re on Costa Mesa and looking for an authentic, somewhat divey yet upscale bar with decent food and good beer, give the Goose a try!

Duck. Duck. duck… GOOSE! Wild Goose Tavern is super fun!
I guess I am a little late to the grand ball of awesome dive bars, and hadn’t decided to come here with the hubbster until New Years Day 2016. I had passed this place too many times on my way to lunch or after hanging out on 17^th street, but didn’t venture in. I had heard about a cool New Years Day brunch that the tavern publicized and took a chance.
The inside bar area is bumpin with fun locals and laid back atmosphere. The bar display itself is impressive with a cool selection of libations, and the décor that surrounds you is like visiting your nerdy aunt and uncles hunting cabin. Its cute and comfortable. A nice blend for you and your friends to definitely hang out and drink! The hubbster and I had the bloody mary’s and mimosas of course, which were excellent! But I also tried the St. Germain Sprtiz with the Elderflower liquor! Unique and refreshing for sure! I had to try the food on the brunch menu which were so tempting. and worth the drool over. We had the Old School Breakfast, Breakfast Sandwich and shared the Waffle dish that was amazingly delish! A++ for simple brunching!
Perks: Great Bar food menu thats inviting to try more items. Beer, Wine and Cocktails a plenty. Brunch and Weekly specials. Cool staff and outdoor patio area.
Downsides: Can get crowded especially on busy nights like Fri and Sat. Inside area can fill up quickly.
KNOW before you GO: Location may be hard to find right away, but once you see the sign, pull on in and parking is in the back. There is another entrance there.
OverALL: Its not a wild goose chase here. Good drinks and good times!

The apps, drinks, and service here are excellent. The juke box is my favorite! You don’t see that too often in bars nowadays. There is always great music playing too.
They have great bar garb here! Awesome hats, tanks, etc. The bathrooms are immaculate and the ambience and the crowd are amusing.
This is my favorite bar to visit when I’m in Costa Mesa!

Do not come for food unless you drink! That’s the vibe I got when my boyfriend and I came in. Reading all the great reviews, I was really excited to come here but was disappointed. Extremely sub par food & mediocre service…
I feel like we got mediocre service because we did not drink, if I am being completely honest. I understand it is a bar like environment but every customer should be treated the same.
The truffle fries were below average.
The burger was good! But not the best I have ever had.
The chicken sandwich was average.
I think what turned me off the most is the service which made me not like the place overall. 2 stars for wild goose tavern.

Great burgers, truffle fries, cold beer, big screens, dingy stools, dark interiors.
Tries to be wild, but this is your mother goose, will take care of you, will make sure you indulge, will not let you go thirsty.

Jen is amazing! We came in at 4pm and had a few suggested craft cocktails and the Cubano sausage sandwich from the food menu!
Excellent truffle fries! (Chimichurri sauce is the business)
Just an amazing experience overall!
Thanks Jen!!! Our new favorite local bartender!

This is probably one of my shortest review in Unilocal.
Unfortunately, I was too shitfaced to give vivid description of what exactly happened here.
So far; this is what I remembered:
* Good food
* Great service
* Parking in the back
* Someone left their bra
* They have happy hour
* Cocktail was awesome!

I’m sure that if given the chance to review me, the Wild Goose Tavern would easily and without hesitation assign me 3-​stars across the board, at best. And they’d have every right to. I mean, to them, I’m not spectacular or necessarily radiant, not a part of their targeted demographic, and surely not a «Woohoo! As good as it gets» 5-​star by any stretch of the imagination, except my own. I don’t really drink, so there’s one, solid strike. And unless there’s a Pub Run, I don’t bar hop, so steeeeerike two!
However, I do like burgers! And WGT definitely offers ‘em!
So, then, my Wild Goose Tavern review will rest entirely upon that premise. Because, I’ll tell you what, those posted Unilocal photos of the «Peppadew Cheddar,» the «Cilantro Caprese,» and the «Cubano» (actually a sausage dog, I know) make WGT’s burgers appear shockingly delicious. In fact, Unilocalers’ photos alone ushered me through the tavern’s doors, sat me down at a barstooled table (away from the smokers’ patio up front), and taunted me as I waited (impatiently) for our grub to arrive.
My first impression: the burger was tiny, a bit shy from what I was expecting. After all, this place is a bar! And so I was expecting something messier, something dirtier, something tougher… something bigger. Although our shared Peppadew and Cubano were tasty, they didn’t match what I was ultimately hoping for after seeing the photos. Even the sweet potato fries let me down (too much cinnamon.) So, overall, WGT’s burgers garner 3-​stars, an «A-​OK.» Not the best review in the world, I know, but not the worst either.