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    Oak & Coal

    4.5 (801 reviews)
    Closed • 5:00 pm - 9:30 PM
    Updated 3 months 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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    Oak's Famous Garlic Noodles
    Krista K.

    Brussels sprouts: 5/5- I liked how the outside layers were fried to a thin crisp. Adding lemon on top enhances the flavors. I really enjoyed this dish as someone who isn't much of fan of Brussels sprouts. Seared hamachi: 5/5- The fish melts in your mouth. Tastes great paired with the sauce. Garlic noodles: 5/5- I liked the use of ramen noodles. The shimeji mushrooms were really good. Personally could've done without the shrimp, but it is a nice palette change. Chicken & Scallion Skewer and Pork Belly Skewer: 3.75/5- Alone they tasted bland (esp the pork belly) but with the sauces it was better. The sauces are on the salty side so use only a little at a time. Personally I preferred the other dishes over the skewers. Came at 6 or 7 pm on a Friday. It is a small location so it's pretty packed, but seating was always available throughout the time I was there.

    Erin M.

    AMAZING experience. Truly loved everything when I visited. Came here for the first time and was blown away by the service and the food. Each dish was delicious and perfectly prepared. I wanted to eat everything. I loved the cabbage salad and the cocktails. Servers were very attentive and quick. Would definitely go back

    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.

    Miso black cod, Lamb Chops, Chicken & Scallion skewers,  Veggie Garlic Noodles, Blistered Broccolini, Wagyu Beef skewers
    Asha S.

    I absolutely loved Oak & Coal! The food was delicious, the presentation was fantastic, and the cocktails were really inventive! Dishes we ordered: - cucumber sunomono - 7/10 - seared hamachi - 20/10 ~ my favorite dish by far! - organic chicken and scallion skewers - 6/10 - snake river wagyu beef skewers - 8/10 - new zealand lamb chops - 10/10 - broccolini - 8/10 - miso black cod - 7/10 - oak's famous garlic noodles (veggie) - 8/10 - smOAK show cocktail - 10/10 Overall we really enjoyed our meal. We will be back for sure!

    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!

    Jolie T.

    We ordered the tuna tartare, agedashi tofu and one of everything on the yakotori menu. The tuna tartare was okay but slightly bland. The tofu came in a big bowl of sauce and was so good!! My favorite yakitori was the wagyu and pork belly. My least favorite was the eel as it was way too mushy for my liking. Service was amazing. The food came out extremely fast. We came here with no reservations on a Saturday at 5pm when they opened and were sat immediately. Within 10 minutes of opening, the restaurant was at 90% capacity.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

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    1 month ago

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    6 months ago

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    5 months ago

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    Jeff C.

    Great choices Asha! See you soon!

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    7 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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    4 months ago

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    Jeff C.

    So good to hear Jolie thank you so much!

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    9 months ago

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    Jeff C.

    Great to hear Andrew thank you!

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    11 months ago

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    Jeff C.

    Norma we appreciate you so much, thank you!

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    11 months ago

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    Jeff C.

    Thank you so much Monica!

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    5 months ago

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    Jeff C.

    Thank you Celine!

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    11 months ago

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    Jeff C.

    Come back soon Austin!

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    6 months ago

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    Jeff C.

    We love to hear it Jerry!

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    6 months ago

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    Jeff C.

    Thank you so much Maribel!

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    1 year ago

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    Jeff C.

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

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    8 months ago

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    Come back soon Victoria!

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    10 months ago

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    Jeff C.

    Thank you for your seal of approval Lisa!

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    1 year 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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    11 months ago

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    3 months ago

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    Jeff C.

    Come back for skewers anytime Daniel!

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    1 year ago

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    Jeff C.

    Great choices Sung!

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    5 months ago

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    Jeff C.

    This review is music to our ears. We thank you Brooke!

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    3 months ago

    Jason our server was awesome. Great service great staff and amazing food. Plus those drinks are on point!!

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    1 year ago

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    Jeff C.

    Thank you so much Audrey!

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    6 months ago

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    We hope to stay your favorite Kylie!

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    2 years ago

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    We can't wait to have you back Lauren!

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    11 months ago

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    Thank you for your patronage Sage we appreciate you!

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    4 months ago

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    Whenever you are in the area Jackson we hope to see you!

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    Page 1 of 21

    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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    Pioneer

    4.6(212 reviews)
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    We made a reservation at Pioneer and really enjoyed this little spot! It's tucked inside a diner,…read moreso it can be a little hard to find at first, but it's just inside the back patio area with a cute wooden saloon-door entrance. The space is small, cozy, and intimate with just a few tables. Our waitress was super friendly and took the time to explain the menu and different options to us. - Guava Y Queso (4.5/5): I loved this! It was really unique with the cream cheese topping, but the combination worked so well. Definitely a fun spot for cocktails and something a little different!

    This place is well hidden, but unfortunately the experience was ruined by how rude and dismissive…read morethe employees were. I asked about seating for two and was simply told to wait outside with no explanation. After 15 minutes, I asked for an update and was again given a vague, dismissive response. Why not give a yes or no answer to whether accommodations can be made? There were several parties waiting in the brightly lit hallway with no A/C, despite plenty of tables seemingly available. At one point, another party peeked inside and a young kid employee with an Afro came out and rudely waved his hands in a "what do you want" manner without saying a word. Two waiting parties immediately left, and we decided to do the same after witnessing that. Another party with a reservation waiting told us this happens regularly and that the staff can be rude. Whether that's their normal practice or not, it was enough to make me not want to give this place my money. We ended up going to two other bars nearby that the one party waiting there recommended and had a completely opposite experience, welcoming and respectful. Definitely disappointing and don't recommend wasting your time as there's so many other places to try.

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    Habana - outdoor patio, late night dining and cocktails by the fire pit

    Habana

    4.1(6.1k reviews)
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    Hipster vibe
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    Love this restaurant. Best vibes and ambiance. Dim, patio is super cute! I recommend sitting in the…read morepatio vs inside. The chorizo mussel clams steamer is so flavorful and good! Order an extra side of bread and dip it!! Perfect appy! Espresso martini was made to perfection. The filet was perfectly cooked and seasoned. Comes normally with fries but I got the garlic mashed potatoes instead. Service was great! Highly recommend this spot! Great for dates, girls date night and it's the perfect vibe!

    More parking than I thought on a weekend…read more Restaurant located at The LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa. Tropical vibes and decor. Our server was initially prompt, but as the evening passed, we saw him less and less as the tables began to fill to the point we had to ask other waiters to refill our water. We ordered a bunch of entrees and sides to sample the menu. I ordered the Chef's Special which included a hanger steak, broccoli, and roasted potatoes, along with a side of the Chorizo Mac n Cheese. The consensus was that the food lacked seasoning. The sauces that were served with the dishes enhanced the flavor and added the needed seasoning. What I want to highlight is that they had cooked my steak just as I wanted (rare) and the broccoli was just how I liked it. Price is a bit steep, but you're paying for the aesthetic and atmosphere. Overall, while I'd be open to trying it again, it wouldn't be my first choice for Cuban food.

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    Topside Roof Deck - James fries

    Topside Roof Deck

    3.9(314 reviews)
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    What a view! Super nice bar to of Lido House! It opens after…read more4 o'clock. Great bar! Great bar menu, good service good food selection on menu. The feta was creamy, savory and delicious!

    If I were able to leave 0 stars I would. I reserved a table for my birthday yesterday for 7 guests…read more We were seated immediately and then left unacknowledged and not greeted for roughly 45 minutes. After finishing our bottle of water I eventually had to go to the host stand myself and ask that someone greet the table. Once a server did come by, the drinks arrived promptly, which we appreciated. The side of olive juice we had requested, however, never came and mind you I asked 3 different people for it. After that, the table was effectively abandoned. I had brought a birthday cake and had to return to the host stand to ask for plates, a knife, and forks. What arrived was a stack of plates and a single knife. No forks. We waited about ten minutes, then ate the cake with our hands. Crazy. The bill came to nearly $500. As we were signing it, and as I was still finishing a drink that had reached the table only about twenty minutes earlier because our server had been absent, a man in a white shirt (assuming manager) approached and told us we needed to vacate the table for the next reservation. When I explained that we had not been greeted or served in a timely manner, he argued with me and insisted that we had been. For a large party, on a birthday, the service was inattentive and the closing interaction was dismissive and rude. My friends and I will not be returning!

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    Playa Mesa - Plato del Patron. Roasted Jidori chicken, confit spare ribs, cesina, chile toreados, pico de gallo, ceboilltas, papas bravas & refried beans

    Playa Mesa

    4.4(3.5k reviews)
    0.2 mi
    •$$

    Late review but I felt like I should leave this here just in case people are wondering cause if…read morethey closed down cause of the food quality. -- Came back to Playa Mesa for my friend's birthday. The chips and salsa were really good. The aguachile had a nice spicy flavor that made it stand out. The queso fundido was SO good super cheesy, and paired with the handmade tortillas it was one of my favorites. We also ordered the calamari and I was surprised by how good it was. Everyone ordered different rounds of cocktails throughout the night and honestly, not one missed. Service was a little slow, but it was a busy Friday night, so that's somewhat expected. I've been here before and the grilled octopus tacos and carne asada burrito were just as good as I remembered them. They also made the birthday celebration really cute. They sang happy birthday, brought out a small ice cream, and gave my friend a big mariachi hat. Good food, great drinks, and still consistent as I remembered it. So long Playa Mesa. 9.5/10

    Playa Mesa has a great atmosphere with beautiful aesthetics. In the evening, the open windows…read morecreate a nice breeze, though they do let a few flies in. The hostess was friendly, and our server was funny and kind. He was a little less attentive as it got busier, but the staff worked well as a team, so we never had to wait for refills or anything we needed. Parking in the back can be a little tight. The birria tacos were packed with flavor, and I loved the inside-out cheese crust. My husband's fajitas were flavorful, although the chicken was a little overdone. The guacamole was excellent, especially with the pepita seeds adding great texture. Overall, we enjoyed the flavorful food, service, and atmosphere. We'd definitely come back!

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    Oak & Coal - japanese - Updated October 2026

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