Highlights
- Live music
- Sports
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » West Coast Tavern – San Diego
West Coast Tavern - San Diego
Photo from West Coast Tavern
West Coast Tavern at a glance
San Diego North Park
- 🍻 Bar & Grill
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 29 of the guests
#567 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#16 Bar & Grill out of 17 in San Diego
Good
6.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
315
Reviews
58.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Happy Hour
- Friendly Staff
Frequently criticized
- Loud Atmosphere
- High Prices
The restaurant West Coast Tavern, a lively Bar & Grill in San Diego’s vibrant North Park neighborhood, invites you to experience its energetic atmosphere. You’ll find yourself drawn in by the promise of live music, setting the perfect backdrop for a memorable evening.
This spot is where good times and great flavors meet, offering you a dynamic dining and entertainment experience.
Overview: Introducting West Coast Tavern
West Coast Tavern offers a lively setting, often praised for its dog friendly patio and great happy hour specials. While many appreciate the attentive staff and the overall vibe, some find the general pricing, especially for drinks, to be on the higher side.
It’s a place that balances a relaxed atmosphere with some notable offerings. However, guests have noted that the ambiance can be loud, making conversation challenging at times.
There have also been instances of slow service and concerns regarding the consistency of certain food items, suggesting a mixed experience for some patrons.
Good
6.4
out of 10
315
Reviews
58.7%
Satisfaction
103
negative
27
neutral
185
positive
West Coast Tavern holds a respectable overall score of 6.4, placing it in the average category, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 58.7%. This assessment is drawn from 315 customer opinions, with 185 positive remarks and 103 negative ones, indicating a generally balanced but not overwhelmingly positive sentiment.
Looking closer at the specifics, `Food` scores well at (6.8), suggesting many find the dishes satisfactory, though not exceptional. `Ambience` also fares well at (7), highlighting its appealing atmosphere.
However, `Service` (5.7) and `Value` (4.8) fall into the average range, indicating areas where experiences can be inconsistent or less favorable for some guests.
What people like
- Dog-friendly patio
- Great happy hour
- Attentive, friendly staff
What people don't like
- Loud, noisy atmosphere
- Overpriced drinks
- Slow, understaffed service
If you’re seeking a vibrant spot with a dog-friendly patio and appealing happy hour specials, West Coast Tavern could be a suitable choice. The cocktails and some specific dishes receive positive remarks, making it worth considering for a casual outing, especially if you prioritize atmosphere and good deals.
However, be prepared for a potentially loud environment and keep in mind that regular drink prices can be steep. With a recommendation score of 6.5, it’s a place that offers some strong points but also has areas where experiences might vary, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Similar Restaurants in San Diego
- Bar & Grill
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
98
93.9%
- $$
- Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Grill
8.5
out of 10
out of 10
152
88.2%
- $$
- Hillcrest
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Grill
8.5
out of 10
out of 10
381
90%
- $$
- City Heights
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Grill
8.2
out of 10
out of 10
261
84.7%
- $$
- Five Points
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Grill
8
out of 10
out of 10
223
86.1%
- $$
- Loma Portal
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Grill
7.9
out of 10
out of 10
163
82.8%
- $$
- Mission Beach
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on West Coast Tavern
Food (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drink, theres a lot to like, with a solid 6.8 score and 63.4% customer satisfaction indicating a generally mixed but leaning positive experience. Many of the 102 positive comments rave about delicious cocktails, shrimp tacos, and flatbread pizzas. Guests also frequently praise the menu variety, including great vegetarian options and tasty chicken and waffles, often paired with bottomless mimosas.
However, its not all perfect, as 41 negative remarks point out some areas for improvement. Some found certain dishes, like the Creme Brulee Waffle, to be dry or bland, and others noted issues with salty hash or mediocre drinks. There were also mentions of small portions and a desire for more substantial dinner options, suggesting inconsistency in execution.
Food
161
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
41
negative
18
neutral
102
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious cocktails
- Great menu variety
- Tasty chicken waffles
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Salty dishes
- Dry waffle
Often praised
- foodIt's never super busy, which is a plus. The food is good, the service is good, and the drinks are good. While it's not an extraordinary experience, there's also nothing to really complain about.
- drinksIt's never super busy, which is a plus. The food is good, the service is good, and the drinks are good. While it's not an extraordinary experience, there's also nothing to really complain about.
- bottomless mimosasenjoyed father's day and bottomless mimosas!
- chicken and wafflesWe tried the chicken and waffles which was so good
- cinnamon rollThe cinnamon roll is amazing!
- cocktailsGo for cocktails not food!
- Bacon-Wrapped DatesBacon-Wrapped Dates, and wow, what a fun combo of flavors
- Bar Crafted mixed drinksHot Tea and the Beef skewers,Brussel sprouts and Bar Crafted mixed drinks. These items including our waitress were of 5 star caliber.
- Beef skewersHot Tea and the Beef skewers,Brussel sprouts and Bar Crafted mixed drinks. These items including our waitress were of 5 star caliber.
- BennyThe Benny... were extremely good
Frequently criticized
- chickenit didn't taste like anything. Same for the chicken
- drinksdrinks usually are the same, they're no longer strong enough
- ChickenChicken was tough and dry without much flavor
- Chicken and wafflesChicken and waffles were $19 with small portions
- Creme Brulee WaffleCreme Brulee Waffle. DRY
- Crème Brûlée creamAnother thing was the Creme Brulee Waffle. DRY and of course, they didn’t have the Crème Brûlée cream! To top things off, the waffle had hair in it!
- Egg Benedictit has this very unusual taste almost like it was packed with goat cheese!
- Irish coffeeThe excuse provided was that there were two new chefs on their first day and they were undergoing training. After a total of 45 minutes, all I had to show for it was a subpar $11 Irish coffee. Despite the issues with the food and service, the staff was super friendly.
- Kimchi HashThe Kimchi Hash arrived with so much salt
- My Little Pony PitchersWe loved coming here to get My Little Pony Pitchers for $40. We were so disappointed to find out the menu had changed and they no longer served our beloved drink. The prices have gone up and they now charge $20 for a single serve drink.
If youre looking for a spot with some genuinely tasty drinks and a few standout dishes like their chicken and waffles or shrimp tacos, its definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some food items might be a bit inconsistent, so manage your expectations for every single plate.
Service (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to service, it seems like this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.7 and customer satisfaction at 49.3%. Many guests have raved about the friendly and knowledgeable staff, with specific shout-outs to attentive servers and excellent hospitality. Some even mentioned surprisingly no wait times, which is always a plus!
These positive experiences account for 36 out of 73 opinions. However, there's also a noticeable number of concerns, with 34 negative opinions. Some diners faced issues with waiting time for tables or orders, and a few mentioned unattentive servers or hostess issues.
There were also mentions of poor communication regarding kitchen closures and reservation cancellations, suggesting some areas where the service could definitely be tightened up.
Service
73
Reviews
49%
Satisfaction
34
negative
3
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent hospitality
- No wait sometimes
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Unattentive servers
- Poor communication
Often praised
- serviceIt's never super busy, which is a plus. The food is good, the service is good, and the drinks are good. While it's not an extraordinary experience, there's also nothing to really complain about.
- staffthe staff is always friendly + knowledgeable
- serverBryan our server was nice, attentive, and social.
- waitressThese items including our waitress were of 5 star caliber.
- Gina S.Gina S. Was our server and she was flawless
- QR code orderingFood ordered via QR code and delivered to the table
- dog treatsbrought a water bowl and 2 treats for my dog Joy
- everyoneEveryone is exceptionally friendly.
- food choicesThey helped with food choices
- get a tableI had the niccoise salad, which was amazing. The service was also great, and we found it pretty easy to get a table on a Friday night.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service seems to range from bad to decent
- bartenderI only had cocktails. The bartender needed help. He was alone, although he was fast, he still needed help as it was busy.
- hostesshostess said she would put us back on the wait list and it would take an hour
- waiting timeWe went for some late night food and drinks, but there was only one waiter in the whole place who was apparently too busy to serve us. This would have been acceptable if the bartender or any other employee had been nice enough to mention it before making us wait upwards of 15 minutes. I understand being unexpectedly short-staffed, but at least close off an area or have the bartender step in, especially since she was attending an empty bar for the first 7 or so minutes we were there.
- waiteronly 1 waiter in the whole place who was apparently too busy
- IDs checkedhad IDs checked at the door
- bar servicelack of prompt service at the bar
- brunch advertisingHow are you going to advertise brunch on Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm, on your website show that your kitchen closes between 4 to 5 pm, and then call me almost an hour before my reservation to tell me your kitchen is closed and that you're canceling my reservation? My reservation was at 1 pm and now I'm having to change my plans last minute.
- employeeany other employee there was nice enough to mention it
- employeesI do not blame the staff for this however, as they were COMPLETELY overworked! The place was nearly full and I counted 4 employees taking orders and bussing tables. I’ll definitely take my business elsewhere and I recommend you do as well.
If youre looking for a place with potentially great individual service moments, you might find it here. However, be prepared for the possibility of longer waits or communication hiccups, especially during busy times. Its a bit of a gamble, but the good experiences sound genuinely lovely.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
Alright, lets dive into the ambiance! This spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7 and a solid 72.9% customer satisfaction. Folks really dig the cool space, great atmosphere, and positive vibe, often mentioning the music, huge projector for games, and even the dog-friendly patio.
Out of 48 pieces of feedback, 35 were glowing about the ambiance, highlighting it as a great place for a good time or a chill hangout spot. However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. A few of the 9 negative opinions pointed out that the ambiance can get quite loud, making conversation tough.
There were also some concerns about the bathrooms needing attention, and some found the room cold or drafty, especially near an emergency exit.
Ambience
48
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
9
negative
4
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great vibe and atmosphere
- Sports-friendly entertainment
- Dog-friendly patio
What people don't like
- Can be very loud
- Restroom issues
- Cold/drafty areas
Often praised
- atmosphereA significant plus was the no wait on a Saturday, making it an ideal spot if you're looking for immediate seating. The atmosphere was also appreciated; it was nice and dark and cool inside. We were the only ones there, so we asked to have the music turned down slightly, and they were happy to accommodate.
- musicasked to have the music turned down a smidge and they were happy to comply
- spaceThe space is cool as well.
- vibesGreat vibes all around
- North Park spotIt's a dog friendly patio and they have great happy hour specials. It's a perfect North Park spot for lunch or for late night drinks after a show at the Observatory.
- busyNever super busy
- chill hangout spotPerfect for a chill hangout spot
- convenient locationStylish, convenient venue if you're going to a concert
- crowdnice crowd
- dog friendly patioMy experience at this restaurant was great! It's a dog friendly patio and they have great happy hour specials. It's a perfect North Park spot for lunch or for late night drinks after a show at the Observatory.
Frequently criticized
- ambianceThe ambiance is LOUD!! Not a place to have a conversation
- barthe bar is typically empty!
- bathroomsthe bathrooms overflowed on the first floor
- emergency exitnext to an emergency exit where cold breeze was coming from
- hair on my glassit also had hair on my glass
- loudMusic is to loud
- musicMusic is to loud
- restroomRestroom needed attention, no soap or paper towels.
- roomthe room was cold!
If you're looking for a lively spot with a great vibe, especially for catching a game or enjoying a dog-friendly patio, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a potentially loud atmosphere, and maybe check the restrooms upon arrival.
Value (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres a silver lining, especially if youre savvy! Many guests rave about the great happy hour and happy hour specials, making it a spot for reasonably priced drinks and bites. The bottomless mimosas and bottomless rosé also get a big thumbs up, offering a great deal for those looking to indulge, based on 12 positive remarks.
However, the overall picture for value is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.8 (average) and customer satisfaction at a low 36.4%. Many of the 19 negative comments highlight concerns about expensive drinks and price increases, with some feeling the food offers poor value. It seems the regular prices for cocktails and other items can be quite a shock.
Value
33
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
19
negative
2
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- Bottomless drink deals
- Good value items
What people don't like
- Expensive regular drinks
- Significant price hikes
- Poor food value
Often praised
- happy hourPrices are on the high side, but that's typical for the area. The ambiance is incredibly LOUD, making conversation difficult, but it's a great place for happy hour. The service was lively, vibrant, and good, albeit a bit slow, which is understandable during happy hour.
- priceBuffalo Mac most certainly is worth its price
- bottomless mimosasthey do $15 bottomless mimosas
- bottomless roséor $18 bottomless rosé
- great dealGreat deal on the large ones
- happy hour specialsMy experience at this restaurant was great! It's a dog friendly patio and they have great happy hour specials. It's a perfect North Park spot for lunch or for late night drinks after a show at the Observatory.
- price pointThe portions, food quality, price point all where like omg
- reasonably priceddrinks were good and reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- priceFood quality was very poor for the price
- drinksdrinks were outrageously expensive
- pricesI'm talking $18 for a light cocktail, and this was during happy hour. Of course, the prices aren't advertised anywhere until it's time to pay, which was a significant issue.
- $20 eachcocktails were $20 each
- Irish coffee priceThe excuse provided was that there were two new chefs on their first day and they were undergoing training. After a total of 45 minutes, all I had to show for it was a subpar $11 Irish coffee. Despite the issues with the food and service, the staff was super friendly.
- PricesI also enjoyed the Strawberry Margarita, though they only serve them on the rocks. Prices are on the high side, but that's typical for the area. The ambiance is incredibly LOUD, making conversation difficult, but it's a great place for happy hour.
- billcharged me twice for another tables bill
- cocktailPaid $20 for a small cocktail
- foodThe food is on the pricier side
- kamikaze shots95 dollars for 5 kamikaze shots is ridiculous
If youre looking for a great deal, definitely hit up their happy hour or go for the bottomless drink options. However, be prepared for potentially high prices on regular drinks and some food items, which might leave you feeling like you didnt get your money's worth.
How are the prices at West Coast Tavern?
On average, you’ll spend around $31 per person – based on 29 guests. That puts this Bar & Grill in the $31–$40 category. For a Bar & Grill, that’s comfortably mid-range, maybe a touch above.
While the average is $31, most diners actually spend in the $21–$30 range, with a good number even lower. This means the overall average is pulled up by a few guests who opt for more premium choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 29 reviews.
How this Bar & Grill’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Considering its a Bar & Grill in San Diego, we think the pricing feels fair. Theres a good range of options, allowing guests to enjoy a meal whether they’re looking for something more budget-friendly or a bit more premium.
Customer Reviews: what people think about West Coast Tavern
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Chill Spot with Good Food & Drinks
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the good food and good drinks. The atmosphere was perfect for a chill hangout spot, with all the games on and a pretty low-key vibe on a Sunday afternoon.
I would definitely go back.
- good food9
- good drinks9
- chill hangout spot9
Price per Person
- $101+
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Food, Service, and Atmosphere!
My experience at the restaurant was excellent. I visited on a Monday at 5: 45 PM, possibly due to a show at the observatory. The food was rated a 5, the service was a 5, and the atmosphere was also a 5.
It's a walk-in only establishment with a price point of $100+ per person. We enjoyed indoor dining in a place with moderate noise.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Excellent Food, Sweet Service, No Wait!
My experience at this restaurant was quite positive, despite a noticeable change in the brunch menu from previous visits, which is now more limited. However, the Chicken and Waffle and Shawarma Hash were both excellent! The bottomless Mimosas for $17 were a great deal, and our server was incredibly sweet and helpful.
A significant plus was the no wait on a Saturday, making it an ideal spot if you're looking for immediate seating. The atmosphere was also appreciated; it was nice and dark and cool inside. We were the only ones there, so we asked to have the music turned down slightly, and they were happy to accommodate.
- Chicken and Waffle10
- Shawarma Hash10
- bottomless Mimosas9
- brunch menu4
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Cookie's Chicken Sandwich is a Must-Try!
If you haven't stopped in to get one of his chicken sandwiches, go let Cookie hook you up! The food was excellent, with a perfect chicken sandwich. The service was outstanding, and the atmosphere was great.
I highly recommend this place.
- chicken sandwich10
- food10
- service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Father's Day with Bottomless Mimosas!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic for Father's Day! I really enjoyed the bottomless mimosas and the food was great. I'm already looking forward to returning next Sunday!
- bottomless mimosas9
- food8
What West Coast Tavern offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Dancing
- Food at bar
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of entertainment can you enjoy at West Coast Tavern?
At West Coast Tavern, you can look forward to a vibrant entertainment lineup. You’ll find live music and engaging live performances, perfect for an exciting night out. Plus, if you’re a sports fan, you can catch your favorite games here.
What dining options and atmosphere does West Coast Tavern provide?
West Coast Tavern offers a casual and trendy atmosphere where you can enjoy various dining options. You can grab breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, with seating available. They also serve late-night food, small plates, and offer happy hour food and drinks.
What is the overall customer sentiment for West Coast Tavern?
West Coast Tavern has an overall score of **6.4** and a customer satisfaction of **58.7%**, indicating a mixed but generally average experience. `Food` scores (6.8) and `Ambience` scores (7) are considered good, while `Service` (5.7) and `Value` (4.8) are average.
Is West Coast Tavern suitable for a quiet conversation?
Based on customer feedback, the ambiance at West Coast Tavern can be quite loud, with music often described as too loud. This suggests it might not be the best choice if you’re looking for a quiet spot for conversation.
What can I expect from the drinks and happy hour at West Coast Tavern?
Many guests praise the `cocktails` and `happy hour specials` for offering good value, including `bottomless mimosas` and `rosé`. However, outside of happy hour, drinks are frequently mentioned as being `expensive` or `overpriced`.