Oak & Coal

For Californians seeking a dynamic and flavorful Japanese dining experience beyond traditional sushi, Oak & Coal in Costa Mesa offers a compelling and modern izakaya concept. This isn't your average Japanese restaurant; it's a vibrant spot designed for sharing small dishes, exploring unique flavors, and enjoying a lively atmosphere. While some might rate it a "solid find" at a 3.5-star level, its loyal patrons consistently praise its "enjoyable" food and "super nice service," making it a noteworthy addition to Costa Mesa's diverse culinary scene.

Oak & Coal specializes in charcoal-grilled proteins and vegetables, known as yakitori, which are a highlight for many diners. Beyond skewers, their menu features a variety of inventive small plates, from delectable steamed dumplings to unique takes on classic Japanese dishes. The restaurant blends the artistry of Japanese cuisine with a lively cocktail bar atmosphere, making it suitable for a variety of occasions, whether it's a casual dinner with friends, a date night, or simply a place to unwind. With a focus on fresh ingredients, innovative flavors, and an inviting space, Oak & Coal aims to provide a memorable gathering spot for families and food enthusiasts alike in the heart of Costa Mesa.

Oak & Coal is conveniently located at 333 E 17th St Ste 2, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA. This address places it squarely within a bustling and popular commercial area of Costa Mesa, a city known for its diverse culinary landscape and easy access within Orange County. Its spot on East 17th Street makes it a highly accessible destination for locals and those visiting the area.

As a popular dining spot, the restaurant can be fairly busy, and the "parking lot also fills up," as noted by a customer. However, the restaurant is located within the Paseo 17 center, which typically offers an onsite parking lot for self-parking. For added convenience, valet parking services are also available, specifically Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM. While peak hours might see a full lot, the available options generally ensure that patrons can find parking, though a bit of patience might be required during busy times.

Oak & Coal maintains extensive operating hours to cater to both early evening diners and those looking for late-night bites. Their kitchen is open until 11:00 PM on weeknights (Sunday to Thursday) and until 12:00 AM on weekends (Friday and Saturday). The restaurant itself stays open even later, until 11:00 PM Sunday through Thursday, and until 12:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. It's important to note that seating is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, as Oak & Coal "DOES NOT ACCEPT traditional reservations." This casual approach aligns with its izakaya style. The combination of its central location, multiple parking options, and late-night hours makes Oak & Coal a flexible and appealing choice for Japanese-inspired dining in Costa Mesa.

• Dine-In Service: Oak & Coal offers a lively and modern izakaya dining experience with a focus on shared small plates. The ambiance is noted for being rustic yet trendy, and it can get busy, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere.

• Yakitori (Charcoal-Grilled Skewers): A core offering, they specialize in various grilled skewers using quality organic and hormone-free meats and vegetables, including Organic Chicken & Scallion, Snake River Farms Wagyu Beef, New Zealand Lamb Chops, Kurobuta Pork Belly Skewers, and Bacon Wrapped Asparagus. Customers particularly "enjoyed the skewers."

• Diverse Small Plates (Izakaya Style): The menu is designed for sharing, featuring a wide array of "small dishes" such as Steamed Chicken Lemongrass Dumplings (praised as "delicious"), Tuna Tartare, Chicken Karaage, Agedashi Tofu, and unique items like Charred Elote and Edamame Hummus. They also offer Bao Buns and Korean BBQ Wraps.

• Signature Cocktails & Extensive Drink Menu: Oak & Coal boasts a well-curated drink menu with signature cocktails (e.g., Shishito Sour, Tokyo Gimlet, Oak Fashioned), a selection of sake, craft beers, and Japanese whiskeys, enhancing the lively bar atmosphere.

• Specialty Fish Dishes: Beyond skewers and small plates, the menu includes various fish dishes such as Salmon Crudo and Seared Yellowtail & Asparagus, offering diverse culinary options.

• Noodle Dishes: They serve both Seafood Garlic Noodles and Veggie Garlic Noodles, providing satisfying main course options.

• No Reservations (First-Come, First-Served): Seating is limited and based on a first-come, first-served availability, contributing to a casual and accessible dining approach.

• Late-Night Dining: The kitchen operates until 11:00 PM on weeknights and 12:00 AM on weekends, making it a great spot for late-night bites in Costa Mesa.

• Catering to Dietary Preferences: The restaurant prides itself on a diverse menu that caters to various dietary preferences, including vegan and vegetarian options.

• Free Corkage Offer: Patrons can enjoy free corkage on any wines purchased from nearby Caps & Corks or Hi-Time Wine Cellars, adding value for wine enthusiasts.

• Excellent Skewers (Yakitori): A prominent highlight, customers particularly "enjoyed the skewers," indicating that the charcoal-grilled meats and vegetables are a standout feature. Options include Organic Chicken & Scallion, Snake River Farms Wagyu Beef, and Kurobuta Pork Belly, showcasing quality ingredients and expert preparation.

• Delicious Small Plates for Sharing: The izakaya-style menu encourages sharing a variety of "small dishes," allowing diners to sample multiple flavors. The Steamed Chicken Lemongrass Dumplings are notably praised as "delicious" and "heavy on the ginger and lemongrass," demonstrating a vibrant flavor profile.

• Lively Cocktail Bar Atmosphere: Oak & Coal successfully blends Japanese cuisine with a "lively cocktail bar atmosphere." This creates a dynamic and engaging environment, perfect for a fun night out, complemented by a selection of signature cocktails, sake, and craft beers.

• Super Nice Service: Despite being a busy establishment, the service consistently receives high praise for being "super nice." Friendly and attentive staff significantly enhance the overall dining experience, making customers feel welcomed and valued.

• Rustic Yet Trendy Setting with Outdoor Seating: The ambiance is described as a "rustic yet trendy setting," contributing to a unique and appealing environment. While not explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews, the restaurant's website indicates the availability of outdoor seating, which is a desirable feature in sunny California.

• Focus on Organic, Free-Range Proteins & Quality Ingredients: Oak & Coal emphasizes its use of "quality organic and hormone-free meats" and fresh ingredients, which speaks to a commitment to both taste and responsible sourcing.

• Diverse Menu with Vegan/Vegetarian Options: The menu is designed to cater to a wide range of dietary preferences, including dedicated vegan and vegetarian options, making it accessible for various diners within a group.

• Late-Night Kitchen Hours: The kitchen stays open until 11 PM on weeknights and 12 AM on weekends, making it an excellent spot for those seeking late-night bites and a vibrant atmosphere in Costa Mesa.

• Free Corkage from Local Wine Shops: A unique perk, Oak & Coal offers free corkage on wines purchased from nearby Caps & Corks or Hi-Time Wine Cellars, providing added value for wine enthusiasts.

Oak & Coal offers a consistent and appealing happy hour, which serves as a significant draw for locals in Costa Mesa looking for great value and a vibrant atmosphere.

• Happy Hour: Oak & Coal features a popular happy hour from Monday through Thursday, specifically from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. During this time, patrons can enjoy:

  • 20% off of your meal: This broad discount applies to most, if not all, menu items, making it an excellent opportunity to sample their range of small plates, skewers, and other Japanese-inspired dishes at a reduced price.

  • $5 draft beers and sakes: This specific drink special offers a great value on popular Japanese beverages, perfect for pairing with their flavorful food.

• Free Corkage Offer: While not a direct discount on their food, Oak & Coal provides free corkage on any wines purchased from nearby Caps & Corks or Hi-Time Wine Cellars. This is a considerable saving for wine lovers who prefer to bring their own bottle, enhancing the overall value of the dining experience.

These promotions, especially the weekday happy hour, make Oak & Coal an attractive option for both early dinner and after-work gatherings, allowing diners to enjoy their high-quality offerings at a more accessible price point. It's advisable to verify these offers directly with the restaurant or on their official website, as promotions can sometimes be subject to change.

To connect with Oak & Coal for inquiries or to plan your visit, here is their contact information:

• Address: 333 E 17th St Ste 2, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA

• Phone: (949) 287-6150

As Oak & Coal does not accept traditional reservations due to its limited seating and first-come, first-served policy, it's recommended to arrive early during peak hours if you plan to dine in. You can also visit their website for general information and potentially order online for takeout, though the experience of their izakaya style is best enjoyed in person.

For residents of Costa Mesa and the wider California community, Oak & Coal stands out as a highly suitable and appealing Japanese dining destination. Its modern izakaya concept, focused on sharing small, flavorful dishes like their highly-praised skewers and steamed lemongrass dumplings, perfectly aligns with the Californian preference for diverse culinary experiences and social dining. The emphasis on organic and hormone-free meats also resonates with a health-conscious local demographic that values quality sourcing.

The vibrant "lively cocktail bar atmosphere" and "super nice service" create a welcoming and enjoyable environment, making it an ideal spot for anything from a casual weeknight dinner to a fun gathering with friends. The fact that it's often "fairly busy" and "feels local" suggests it has successfully integrated into the community, becoming a beloved neighborhood spot. Furthermore, the accessible happy hour with 20% off meals and discounted drinks, alongside the unique free corkage offer, provides tangible value that appeals directly to locals looking for quality dining without breaking the bank. For Californians seeking a dynamic, authentic, and delicious Japanese experience that encourages sharing and fosters a great vibe, Oak & Coal is undoubtedly a must-visit that deserves a regular spot in their dining rotation.

Oak & Coal

333 E 17th St Ste 2, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA