West Coast Tavern: North Park’s Revamped Relic

2895 University Ave.
San Diego, CA 92104
Mon – Fri: 4pm — 2am
Sat & Sun:  noon — 2am
http://www.westcoasttavern.com/

Full Bar
Late Night Dining (until midnight)
Patio Seating
Upscale Neighborhood Lounge vibe
Great for Large Parties
Happy Hour Specials

Beyond it’s rich history, it’s eye-catching modern makeover, and it’s delectably affordable cuisine, West Coast Tavern embodies the North Park archetype. Without scarifying the architectural beauty of the nearly century-old gem, the Verant Group successfully transformed the interior to reflect the edginess, comfort, and capricious cultural refinements of the neighborhood, while celebrating the venue’s own unique history. Along with the restaurant’s renovation, the original theater inside is also now open – and West Coast has become more than just a mere memory.

The entry way aesthetically enchants as it tempts your libation buds: High ceilings adorned with embellished silver tiles glimmer just above protruding lit lettering that reads “West Coast” –an innate relic of its’ past. A beautiful new bar installed in the front room surrounded by bare brick walls beckons you to stop for drink; and take a moment to absorb the visual splendor. Make your way down the hall where another circular bar invites you to take a seat, and socialize with locals.

Past the bar areas, sits a large but cozy nook; Perfect for thoughtful dining or as a place for friends to gather. Eight plasma screens have been set against beautiful dark wood walls to designate the tone – with sultry images of burning fires, or with digital images of playbills –where they originally hung.  Two circular, burgundy-colored booths, set in the room’s center, are plush yet masculine pieces that provide seating for ten of your closest friends. Or, seven good ones…

Where only a ticket booth and velvet ropes had existed before, now an enclosed patio resides: Ornate, iron tables set with coal-burning fire pits in their centers give a rustic glow beneath the bright-light theater sign above.

Staying true to tavern-style dining, West Coast offers contemporary-style comfort food at even more comforting price points. Dishes are served tapas-style with healthy portions of re-imagined gastro-pub fare, mixed appropriately with San Diego’s culinary fascination of beer-infused delicacies. Perfect plates for sharing are the hand-cut Pale Ale battered onion rings with a house-made ketchup, or the Triple Dip: served with warm flat bread, it includes a red pepper Romanesco, white-bean hummus, and an addicting Spinach-Artichoke dip, that is crafted to tantalizing perfection. Nut-stuffed dates wrapped with bacon are served skewered alongside a soft goat cheese dip decorated in chives are a must have dish: Order two to avoid dinner-table drama.

For those who like chocolate in their trail mix, the salty-sweet Tavern Chicken n’ Waffle dish is a must: A natural Jidori chicken tender is served over a crispy bacon waffle, more “pillowy” than dense. Flat breads covered in a Roasted Chicken-smoked Chili or with Bacon and Bleu cheese, are also delicious offerings perfect for bigger groups. All dishes are under eleven bucks, with the majority of items at seven dollars apiece– so go ahead and order five or six to share between friends!

The wine and cocktail list also offers affordable tavern-pricing: The Lou Chaney Martini delights the palette with either Hendricks Gin or Russian Standard, cucumber, fresh lime, and is finished with a dash of spice that is surprising but well-regarded. The Mule is served traditional-style, in a copper cup and is a strong yet slightly sweet potion that could be enjoyed all night long. For Greyhound old-schoolers looking for an upgrade, try the Frenzy 75: Tanqueray is shaken with grapefruit juice, and topped with Champagne for a touch of class.

The wine list offers a great selection of New Zealand Whites and California reds, among others — where nearly all bottle selections are less than thirty dollars a pop.

West Coast Tavern is a truly inviting, neighborhood spot—offering refined yet comforting décor and superb hospitality on a level all on its’ own. But it’s the whimsical charm and it’s preserved memory that makes West Coast Tavern a place that is truly San Diegan; a place you can call your own.

Mix It Up on Monday Nights: The North Park Theater inside the West Coast Tavern shows awesome contemporary classic movies every Monday night at 7:30 pm. Tickets for just the movie are $7 bucks, but spring for the $10 package, and get a beer or cocktail to go along. They also serve cotton candy, so order a batch to snack on during the show!
**A lot of cool interesting people attend the showings, including a lot of San Diego’s industry people, so stop by for a few social and networking opportunities as well.

Industry Night Tuesdays: $3 you-call-its & $5 PBR tall cans. O yeah.

By: TD