Wild Goose Tavern is set to open in Costa Mesa early November 2012. Nestled within the Westcliff area, Wild Goose aspires to be much more than a local watering hole. The intimate bar, owned by Mario Marovic and Andrew Gabriel, will provide guests with straightforward, world-class cocktails, seasonal beers and elevated pub grub in a space that’s cozy and casual with vintage décor reminiscent of a hunting lodge saloon.
“We wanted to create a place with laid back atmosphere, where guests can enjoy quality libations and artisanal fare without being stuffy and overly pretentious,” said Marovic. “The type of place where you can relax and unwind among friends in a quaint and comfortable setting, that’s the Goose.”
In addition to classically-crafted cocktails made using fresh, high-quality ingredients, guests will find a select range of draught and bottled craft beer, premium wines by the half bottle, as well as shelves stocked with single barrel whiskeys and small-batch spirits.
Basic in concept with a culinary twist, the scratch-made menu will be comprised of artisanal burgers and tacos, a wide range of locally-made bratwurst sausage, and seasonal salads, among an assortment of pub-style appetizers. Many sauces, including ketchup will be house-made. Whenever possible, the menu will also showcase locally-sourced fresh produce and ingredients.
In line with its lodge motif, comfy diamond-tufted booths and banquettes back up to walls trimmed with vintage wood scaffolding planks, an array of taxidermy including a Canadian goose, ram, beaver, and tossed in for good measure, a mythical “jackalope,” or two. A blend of framed hunting prints and paintings, retro beer signs, repurposed lighting fixtures fashioned from old chicken feeders, and a large vintage American flag further punctuate the authentic rustic vibe. With plenty of natural elements throughout the space, it will be hard not to feel enveloped by its warm ambiance.
At the heart of the room stands a unique, curved bar topped with classic hammered copper, while the hand-built back bar is completely clad in raw, reclaimed wood picked from an old barn in Tennessee. Tables, chairs and barstools are equally unique, each hand-made from raw materials. A small, yet cozy outdoor patio is decked with a wrap-around banquette, providing yet another space for guests to relax and enjoy.
In time for the holidays, the doors are scheduled to open to the public in early November following a week of soft openings including private bookings and charity events.
Wild Goose Tavern is located at 436 East 17th Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627. Open daily from 10am for lunch and dinner with cocktails ‘til 2am. On-site parking available. Private bookings at goose@goosebar.com. For more information, call 949.722.9453 or visitgoosebar.com