If you’ve lived in Orange County for more than a week, you know the drill. You want a drink. You want a burger. But you definitely don’t want the sterile, over-polished vibe of a shopping mall gastropub or the "too cool for school" attitude of a pretentious speakeasy. That’s usually when someone mentions Wild Goose Tavern Costa Mesa.
It’s tucked away on 17th Street. Honestly, if you aren't looking for it, you might just drive past the rustic wood exterior and the glowing neon sign. But once you step inside, the atmosphere hits you—it’s dark, it’s lodge-inspired, and it smells like actual wood and good whiskey. It feels like a hunting cabin if the hunter had really excellent taste in craft beer and a serious addiction to elevated bar food. People call it a "neighborhood staple," but that feels a bit too generic. It’s more like the living room of the 17th Street corridor.
The Vibe at Wild Goose Tavern Costa Mesa
The decor is intentional. You’ve got taxidermy on the walls, warm lighting, and plenty of reclaimed wood. It’s cozy. Small, actually. On a Friday night, it gets packed—like, shoulder-to-shoulder, "excuse me, sorry, just grabbing a napkin" packed. But that’s part of the charm. It’s one of the few places in Costa Mesa where the crowd is a genuine mix. You’ll see locals who have been living in the heights for thirty years sitting right next to a group of twenty-somethings who just finished a shift at a nearby boutique.
What’s interesting is how it manages to be a "hunter’s lodge" without being tacky. There aren't any singing animatronic fish. Instead, you get a space that feels lived-in. It’s masculine but welcoming to everyone. It’s the kind of place where you can wear a flannel and boots or show up after a day at the beach in flip-flops and nobody gives you a second glance.
What You’re Actually Eating (and Drinking)
Let’s talk about the menu because it’s surprisingly focused. They don't try to do everything. You won't find a twenty-page book of options here. They do sausages, burgers, and shareable plates, and they do them exceptionally well.
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The Wild Goose Burger is usually the go-to. It’s thick. It’s juicy. It’s got that charred flavor that you can only get from a kitchen that knows how to handle a grill. But honestly? The sausages are where the "wild" part of the name comes into play. They often have game meats on the menu—think wild boar or venison—which sounds fancy but comes served in a way that feels totally approachable.
- The Duck Fries: These are sort of legendary in Costa Mesa. It’s not just about the duck fat; it’s about the seasoning and the dipping sauces. If you go with a group and don't order these, you've basically failed the visit.
- Craft Cocktails: They take their bar program seriously. This isn't a "jack and coke" only kind of joint. The bartenders know their stuff. If you want a smoked Old Fashioned or something with fresh-pressed citrus, they’ve got you.
- The Beer List: It’s rotating. It’s local. Expect to see gems from breweries like Bottle Logic or Russian River making an appearance.
The prices are fair. You aren't paying Newport Beach "ocean view" prices, but you aren't at a dive bar where the beer is three bucks. It’s that middle ground where the quality justifies the cost. You feel like you’re getting away with something because the food is better than it has any right to be for a tavern.
Why the Location Matters
17th Street is a weird, beautiful stretch of road. It’s the heart of Costa Mesa’s commercial life, but it has this gritty, creative energy that separates it from the glitz of South Coast Plaza. Wild Goose Tavern Costa Mesa sits right in the middle of this.
Parking can be a nightmare. Let’s be real. The lot is small, and 17th Street is busy. If you’re planning to go on a weekend evening, just Uber. It’ll save you twenty minutes of circling the block and the inevitable frustration of trying to squeeze a truck into a "compact" spot.
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Being in this specific part of town means the tavern is part of a larger ecosystem. You can grab a coffee down the street at Sidecar, do some shopping, and then end your night at the Goose. It’s a natural anchor for a night out.
The "Secret" to the Goose's Longevity
In a town where restaurants open and close faster than you can check Yelp, the Goose has stayed relevant. Why? Consistency.
I’ve talked to people who have been going there since it opened years ago, and they all say the same thing: the burger today tastes like the burger five years ago. That’s hard to do. It requires a kitchen staff that gives a damn and owners who aren't constantly trying to reinvent the wheel to chase trends. They didn't suddenly pivot to being a vegan cafe when that was big, and they didn't turn into a sports bar just because they have TVs. They stayed a tavern.
They also lean into the community. They host events, they have a solid happy hour (which is a lifesaver for the local workforce), and the staff actually stays. When you see the same bartender three times in six months, you start to feel like a regular. That’s a rare commodity in Southern California.
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Misconceptions About the Place
Some people hear "hunting lodge" and think it’s going to be some ultra-conservative, exclusionary spot. It’s not. It’s actually very progressive in its approach to hospitality. It’s inclusive. It’s loud. It’s fun.
Another misconception is that it’s just a "drinking hole." While the bar is central, the food is the actual draw for a lot of people. You see families in there for early dinners. You see couples on first dates sharing a plate of those duck fries. It’s versatile.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you’re actually going to head down to Wild Goose Tavern Costa Mesa, here is how you do it right. No fluff, just the facts.
- Time your arrival. If you want a table without a forty-minute wait, get there before 6:00 PM on weekdays. On weekends, even 5:30 PM can be pushing it.
- Check the specials. They often have limited-run sausages or seasonal cocktails that aren't on the main printed menu. Ask the server. They actually know what they’re talking about.
- The Patio is a vibe. If the weather is nice (which it usually is), the outdoor seating is great for people-watching on 17th Street. It’s a bit less "lodge-y" but much better for conversation since the music inside can get pretty loud.
- Order the "Old Fashioned" variations. They usually have a few different takes on the classic. Try the one with the walnut bitters if it’s available. It’s a game changer.
- Don't skip the greens. Surprisingly, their salads are actually fresh and well-composed. It’s a good way to balance out the heavy, delicious fat of the sausages and fries.
The Wild Goose Tavern isn't trying to change the world. It isn't trying to win a Michelin star or be the most "Instagrammable" spot in the county. It’s just trying to be a damn good tavern. In a world of over-engineered experiences, that’s exactly why it works. It’s honest. It’s local. And it’s exactly where you want to be on a Tuesday night when you just need a cold beer and a really good meal.
Next time you're stuck in the 17th Street traffic, pull over. Walk in. Order the fries. You'll get it.
Practical Next Steps
- Check their social media: They often post daily specials and tap takeovers on Instagram. It's the best way to see what's currently on the rotating beer handles.
- Plan for a weekday: If you want the full experience without the "club-lite" noise levels of a Saturday night, a Tuesday or Wednesday visit offers a much more relaxed, conversational atmosphere.
- Coordinate with 17th Street shopping: Make it a full afternoon by visiting the nearby boutiques and finishing with an early dinner at the tavern to beat the rush.