Address: 436 E 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 12 AM
Phone: (949) 722-9453
If you’re ever rolling through Costa Mesa and your stomach’s growling or you’re just vibing for a chill night out, you need to check out The Wild Goose. Tucked right into the heart of 17th Street (yep, 436 E 17th St to be exact), this place is where dive bar vibes meet unexpected gourmet eats. It’s open until midnight, which is kind of perfect whether you’re winding down from the day or starting your night late. And don’t worry, if you need to check in with them for anything, just hit up (949) 722-9453.
From the outside, The Wild Goose keeps it lowkey. Nothing flashy. But walk in and you’re met with this cozy, cabin-in-the-woods kind of energy—wood-paneled walls, dim lighting, the hum of conversation, clinking glasses, and laughter from all corners. It doesn’t try too hard, and that’s what makes it dope. The kind of place where first dates don’t feel awkward and random Tuesday nights turn into accidental memory-makers.
Now let’s talk about the food because, no joke, it’s not what you’d expect from a bar. Wild Goose is slinging serious game when it comes to the menu. Imagine this: you’re biting into a wild boar sausage topped with caramelized onions and spicy mustard, all wrapped in this warm, soft bun that feels like it’s giving your taste buds a hug. Or their truffle fries, which honestly deserve their own fan club. Everything on the menu is thoughtful, flavorful, and a little wild—in the best way possible. They’re known for their game meat and specialty sausages, which sounds niche but hits right every time.
And yeah, the drinks are just as impressive. Whether you’re into craft beer, legit cocktails, or just want a whiskey on the rocks, the bartenders know what’s up. It’s not the kind of place where you’re stuck with well drinks unless you want them. You’ll see a rotation of solid local brews, classic cocktails done right, and specials that make you feel like you’re in on a secret.
People flock here for a reason, and it’s not just the food and drinks. There’s something about the crowd—laid-back, friendly, and always down for a convo. It’s a good mix too: locals who’ve made it their regular spot, newbies checking it out for the first time, and everything in between. It’s easy to strike up a conversation with someone next to you at the bar or just vibe with your group in one of the booths.
The music, by the way, isn’t blasting in your face, which is a win if you’re someone who likes actually hearing your friends talk while still having a cool background soundtrack to your hangout. Sometimes it’s classic rock, sometimes indie, sometimes you’ll catch old-school hip hop sneaking through—it’s like your favorite playlist got shuffled just right.
Also, major props to the staff. Super friendly, fast, and they know the menu front to back. They’re not trying to upsell you, just genuinely trying to help you have a good time. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, you’ll get treated like a regular.
So yeah, if you’re looking for a new go-to spot, date night destination, or even a solo drink-and-think kind of place, The Wild Goose hits on all levels. It’s got this cool comfort to it—unpretentious, tasty, and just really good vibes all around. Costa Mesa’s packed with places trying to be trendy, but The Wild Goose doesn’t have to try. It just is.
Grab your crew, swing by, and let the night play out. And don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite hang.
