Brunch Party: Your Hangover Haven at West Coast Tavern

It’s the plain and painful truth that waking up in Hangoverville is far from fun. Yet time and time again, we just cannot say no to that third … and eighth shot of Patron. Arghh it’s a rough life we lead!

On weekend mornings, we locals gather together, hidden beneath protective shields of XL stunner shades, warm fur hoodies and glorious non-judgmental sweatpants, roaming the streets in search of, well… more alcohol and a fat side of French toast. 

When we are in a state of morning recovery, there are three things we despise: sunlight, children, and long lines full of enthusiastic tourists. I mean, if you want to take your screaming brats to SeaWorld after a segway ride on the boardwalk, that’s fine … but do NOT come near me before my second Bloody Mary has arrived. You have been warned.

Brunch Party: If you’re looking for a dim, cozy haven off the beaten path that serves revitalizing drinks and eats to a consistent crowd of young, in-the-know locals, West Coast Tavern is your new weekend brunch party dream come true. This North Park hot spot has finally discovered the perfect mix of hangover recluse and power hour reboot, and for that, we are forever thankful. If the all-inclusive Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar and massive Hangover Scramble don’t instantly sell you on this spot, well, then maybe we don’t want you here anyway.

Far from blinding sunlight and aggressive house beats far-too-early in the morning, West Coast Tavern offers a perfectly casual-cool atmosphere with crimson red undertones, antique chandeliers, and oversized burgundy booths that basically envelope you whole, enabling you to truly hide from the world until your headache has left the building and you’re ready to officially re-join society. After you’ve downed your first Bloody and are prepared to mingle, simply scoot out of the booth and embrace the high-energy mid-morning party scene around you. But don't you dare get up without your second - or fourth - cocktail in hand.

Morning Cocktails: If you are an avid Bloody Mary drinker, you’ll love West Coast’s Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar; they provide all the fixings, garnishes, spices, juices, and even sides of bacon, and you make your own masterpiece to your liking. However, if making a cocktail is FAR too much work in the morning, order up one of West Coast’s champagne cocktails or specialty brunch cocktails, such as the signature West Coast Champagne Cocktail – champagne, sugar cube and Angostora bitters; Vitamin C with champagne and Red Bull; SO. Comfortable – champagne, Southern Comfort and bitters; Good Morning Mojito – vodka, lime, mint, topped with champagne and pomegranate; or Sex in Silk Sheets – Absolut Mandarin, fresh squeezed O.J., cranberry, Peach Schnapps, topped with champagne. If you need serious help, trust something off the Hangover Cures portion of the menu, such as Hair of the Dog – 24 oz. PBR and a side of bacon; or a Milwaukee Mimosa – Miller High Life topped with O.J.

Whether all you can stomach is a tiny bite of bread and a tall champagne cocktail, or you’re in the mood for a full-blown feast with a strong Irish coffee, West Coast Tavern’s brunch menu has something for everyone. Our favorite Egg Concoctions include Egg in the Eye – two slices of buttered egg bread filled with two fried eggs, served with maple syrup and house taters, with your choice of bacon or sausage; Hangover Scramble – fresh celery, jalapeno and house bloody mary mix scrambled with freshly whipped eggs and cheddar cheese, served with choice of Texas toast or English muffin; and Chorizo Scramble – Texas chicken chorizo scrambled with fluffy eggs and pepper jack cheese, topped with fresh tomatillo salsa, cilantro and avocado, served with taters and choice of Texas toast or English muffin. West Coast also boasts a delish assortment of Bennies, such as the Cured Wild Sockeye Salmon Bennie or Beef Tenderloin Bennie – both atop a Wolferman’s English muffin, topped with sautéed spinach, poached eggs and lemony hollandaise sauce.

More inventive brunch specialties include the Steak and Potato Frittata with Manchego cheese, red bell peppers, chives and chipotle sour cream; Lemon Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast served with real maple syrup and choice of bacon or sausage; Bacon or Pecan Waffles served with your choice of bacon or sausage; Fried PB&J – yep, it’s exactly what it sounds like, and it’s awesome (pictured above); and of course the infamous Tavern Chicken ‘n’ Waffle – natural jidori chicken tender fried crisp with a bacon waffle, served with real maple syrup and then some. If you’re more in the mood for a lunch-centric brunch, opt for the Chili Mac ‘n’ Cheese – spicy chicken chili, red onion, white cheddar and cilantro; or the Butter Leaf Bleu Salad with butter leaf lettuce, bleu cheese, candid nuts and house vinaigrette … perfect for all those skinny overachievers who want to make the rest of us feel bad.

Convinced yet? Ya, I thought you’d come around… Leave those tourist-tastic overpopulated brunch spots by the beach for the blissfully uninformed, and head to this unassuming North Park hot spot, secretly home to one of San Diego’s best brunch parties, without the bright lights and bull sh*t.

West Coast Tavern is open Monday – Friday 4pm – 2am; Saturday Brunch 10am - 3pm; and Saturday Dinner 3pm - 2am; Sunday Brunch 10am – 3pm and Sunday Dinner 4pm – 2am. For reservations please call 877.394.9932.

Discover more about West Coast’s dinner and party perks in: West Coast Tavern – Holy Chicken n Waffles!

Hangoverville: View our gallery of San Diego party pics – warning, you may see yourself from last night…