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    Oak & Coal

    4.5 (786 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 10:30 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

    Oak & Coal Reservations

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    OAK & COAL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Casual
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    Moderate noise

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    Recommended Reviews - Oak & Coal

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    Brussels sprouts (5/5)
    Rebecca W.

    One of our last minute double date spots on Easter Sunday night, Oak & Coal popped up on Yelp when we were searching for options. There were no reservations for under six people, so we went around 6:30 pm to secure a table for 7 pm. When we walked in, they gave us the option to sit in the dining area or the speakeasy side. After checking both out, we decided on the speakeasy side. The darker ambiance felt more upscale and fun. Ambiance (4/5) The dining area has more of a casual neighborhood vibe, while the speakeasy side feels more elevated and lively. Service (5/5) Everyone was attentive and friendly throughout the night, which made the experience even better. Food (4/5) We really enjoyed the appetizers and yakitori items, especially the Brussels sprouts, wagyu beef skewers, and pork belly skewers. Those are definitely the items I would order again. I also liked my drink, the shishito sour. The main entrees, however, were a letdown. The shrimp garlic noodles were too salty and the noodles were overly soft. The wagyu don was chewy, and the beef quality felt below average. We would probably come back again, but more for sitting at the bar and sticking to appetizers and drinks.

    Celine C.

    Go to the bar side for a chill night out and some chats with your girls. The drinks are delicious, I had the lychee spritz and it was so yummy. The Mesa Marg was so strong but my friend loved it. Their food is okay for the most part. Servers will check up on you every 5 seconds.

    Marcel E.

    We went to Oak & Coal for the first time for my fiancé's 40th birthday and it was amazinggg! It ended up being the perfect spot for him. There were six of us and the dishes are the perfect size to share, so we just ordered a bunch of things for the table and passed everything around. One of the specials was wagyu skewers and it was delicious so we ordered that 3x. We also loved the garlic noodles with vegetables and the spicy tuna on crispy rice. Honestly everything we ordered was great! We cleared every plate. The drinks were also amazing, which says a lot because my fiancé Martin is very picky with his cocktails. He got the old fashioned and I had the shishito sour drink and it was perfect. Not too sweet, just really well balanced. We seriously can't stop raving about this place. The atmosphere is intimate and cozy, service was great and attentive -- it'd be the perfect date night spot. We'll definitely be back!

    Maribel T.

    Honestly sooooo good, it's just a bit hidden but it was so good. Gabriel was our bartender and he had so much patience and knowledge. The drinks are not only good but STRONG. Quality drinks and quality food. The Ponzu NY strip was to die for!!! It's a nice but hidden vibe, perfect for date night.

    Charred Unagi
    Andrew M.

    During a speakeasy hopping date night, decided to stop by Oak and Coal just for a drink. The drinks and the vibes were amazing 4 drinks later we decided to finish the night here! As soon as we walked in, the front felt modern and elegant, for an intimate dinner, business meeting or relaxing sushi night. Since it was a slow Monday they asked us if we wanted to go in the speakeasy. The drink menu has some unique flavors that work so well. The bartenders are friendly and very knowledgeable, it elevated our experience.

    Miso Black Cod
    Norma M.

    Another review that I didn't get to finish from early October. My husband's co-worker recommended we meet him, his wife and toddler son here for dinner. Hubs and I have been here once before (around the pandemic) for Oak's Japanese-version of garlic noodles. Oak & Coal is a hidden gem for Japanese-inspired comfort with a gourmet twist. From perfectly charred yakitori to crisp karaage and elegant hand rolls, every shareable appetizer was bursting with flavor. The miso black cod, shrimp garlic noodles and grilled lamb chops were the highlights--bold, balanced, and beautifully presented. Friendly service and a stylish vibe make this spot ideal for both casual bites and special nights out. Don't forget to check out their speakeasy. Highly recommend for anyone craving charcoal-grilled excellence and refined Japanese fusion in the Newport/Costa Mesa area.

    Monica V.

    Oak & Coal has that cool, speakeasy vibe that pulls you in the second you walk through the door -- dim lighting, dark cozy atmosphere, and just the right touch of mystery. The drinks are delicious, the food is amazing, and everything we've tried on the menu so far has been a hit. It leans into an Asian-fusion style, and they pull it off perfectly. The bartenders are incredibly friendly and make you feel welcomed right away. Even if you're not a local, they treat you like you've been coming there for years. It's the kind of place where the vibe, the service, and the food all sync up in the best way. If you're looking for a chill, intimate spot with great flavors and great people, I definitely recommend trying Oak & Coal.

    Bao Buns - Spicy Wagyu
    Morgan H.

    This modern Japanese izakaya was the perfect place for my friends and I to catch up for a girls night. It was a little confusing because they have a back room which they call The Oak Room, their "speakeasy". I think using that term is generous as it's just a second room that serves the same menu as the main room but has a bar and more of an ambiance. If you're looking for something lively, that's where you'll want to sit. We were greeted warmly by our server and ordered a few cocktails. All of them were fantastic, but my favorite was the Shishito Sour. I had never had anything like it. Their special menu item for the day were lobster hand rolls with caviar. At a very affordable $9 each, we knew we each had to have one and it ended up being one of our favorite items of the night. The Chicken Katsu with Yuzu Slaw was another of my favorite dishes. I'm a sucker for some yuzu and the katsu was perfectly executed. The Spicy Wagyu Bao Buns were a fun and flavorful item, and we enjoyed both the Shishito Peppers and Brussel Sprouts. I would order the Pork Belly Skewers again and again, and the Ube Banana Pudding for dessert was decadent yet fresh and a wonderful combination of flavors. I can't wait to come back and try more of the menu.

    Austin B.

    Been coming here for a couple years now. They added a "speakeasy" type room too which is great for a date night. Americanized Asian food. Yakitori is good but not the best I've had and not too much variety. Overall though I enjoyed the food. Drinks are well made. Favorite was the monkey one. Service top notch.

    Charred Elote - wish the cob was not attached. Made it difficult to eat
    Jen C.

    Really great service!! Everyone was super friendly and accommodating. We came to celebrate a birthday and started in the main room. No rez for a party of 4 on a Wednesday and was seated right away. The portions are much larger than usual yakitori, but overall just ok in flavor/texture. We felt the bacon was too thick around the asparagus and tomatoes which made it really salty. The pork belly was on the drier side. Everything came with miso for you to salt your food, but it didn't need it. The lamb chops were my favorite with the yuzu on the side. After our meal, we moved over to the Oak room to enjoy one more drink. Honestly, the drinks were better than the food imo! Overall still very enjoyable night out.

    Kylie N.

    A must go and a must come back to! So much flavor with every dish! This is our fav date night spot!

    Victoria G.

    Ordered the lamb chops, kabobs, corn, shrimp, and garlic noodles at Oak and Coal. Everything was really good and well prepared. Great flavors across the board.

    Bryant N.

    Paid a visit during a weekend late night, got seated almost immediately, which was nice. The bar seating is a great place to get drinks, but the food on the other hand was passable. Drinks were pretty good but the food felt severely overpriced and none of the flavors really stood out. I usually don't mind paying a premium if it's tasty but the food here was lackluster or overly salty. Got 5 small dishes and that alone was already $120. Tldr if youre coming for food just walk away. If youre there for a drink feel to check out their bar. I will not be returning anytime soon as i am confused on why their ratings are soo high

    Bao Buns - Spicy Wagyu  Instagram: @hungrytamale

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    11 days ago

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    17 days ago

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    29 days ago

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    Jeff C.

    We love to hear it Jerry!

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    1 month ago

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    17 days ago

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    2 months ago

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    Jeff C.

    Your review makes us so happy reading it Marcel thank you so much!

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    28 days ago

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    Jeff C.

    Thank you so much Maribel!

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    4 months ago

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    Jeff C.

    Great to hear Andrew thank you!

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    6 months ago

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    Jeff C.

    Norma we appreciate you so much, thank you!

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    6 months ago

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    Jeff C.

    Thank you so much Monica!

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    Photo of Morgan H.
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    7 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    Jeff C.

    Come back soon Austin!

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    3 months ago

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    29 days ago

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    Jeff C.

    We hope to stay your favorite Kylie!

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    4 months ago

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    Jeff C.

    Come back soon Victoria!

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    9 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    Jeff C.

    Thank you for such a detailed review Tammy come back soon!

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    5 months ago

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    Jeff C.

    Thank you for your seal of approval Lisa!

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    6 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    Jeff C.

    Come back soon Anthony!

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    1 year ago

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    Jeff C.

    So great to hear Kaia thank you so much!

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    15 days ago

    Great food and good lookin dudes, cool art through dim light and many unique drinks for a nice long night.

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    5 months ago

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    Jeff C.

    A lychee fan just like us Timothy!

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    9 months ago

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    Jeff C.

    Great choices Sung!

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    9 months ago

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    Jeff C.

    Thank you so much Audrey!

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    9 months ago

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    2 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    Jeff C.

    We can't wait to have you back Lauren!

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    1 year ago

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    7 months ago

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    Jeff C.

    Thank you for your patronage Sage we appreciate you!

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    1 year ago

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    Jeff C.

    Come back for banana pudding anytime Angela!

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

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    Jeff C.

    We can't wait to have you back Latonaya!

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    3 months ago

    So good. Service was excellent. The special desserts were amazing. We came for my wife's birthday and they took such good. Are of ur

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    Jeff C.

    Glad to hear her birthday went well Peter!

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    3 months ago

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    Jeff C.

    Skylar's the best. Thank you Laken!

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    7 months ago

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    Jeff C.

    Thank you for giving us a try Kate!

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    4 months ago

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    4 months ago

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    Jeff C.

    All good choices Kelly thank you for your support!

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    Page 1 of 20

    Oak & Coal Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Oak & Coal

    Is there happy hour daily?

    They used to have Happy Hour, but they seem to not offer it anymore from my last recent visit.

    Do you have gluten free choices on your menu? Thanks!

    Hi Stephanie! We do have some gluten free options. We are also able to modify some menu items to be gluten free upon request.

    Do we need reservations?

    No, you can walk right in put your name on the list and get seated quickly. I have never waited more than 10 minutes to be seated.

    Do you have outside seating?

    No They do not

    What farm is the lamb chops from?

    Lamb is halal product from New Zealand processed locally through Newport Meat Company

    Are all the skewers gluten free?

    Gluten Free Options?

    Yes there are many

    View All 11 Questions

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    Oak & Coal - japanese - Updated May 2026

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