Westend

Visiting friends in Costa Mesa and we wanted to go out but not drive too far so we checked out Westend on a Friday night. We were pleasantly surprised by the great food options and as the evening got later the energy elevated as local young professionals poured in the DJ started his set. We had a few more cocktails, danced and had a blast! Great experience with just a short uber ride. I hope to visit again! Thanks Kayleigh!

Food: West end from the outside seems like a local small bar with dark exteriors and quirky interior. Yes, the main thing is drinks and their own crafted cocktails. However it’s a hidden gem for southern-inspired food. With offerings like fried pickles, chicken and andouille po’boy, and shrimp and chicken jambalaya, they offer dishes inspired in southern, Cajun and creole cuisines. We ordered a Dauphin St Po’boy and a Duke burger. The burger was ok, with a heavy hand in pepper and salt, but beyond that expected flavors for a burger. The po’boy was flavorful and really good. Soft, yet toasted bread filled with the chicken, trinity veggies, good pieces of andouille, sauce, and cheese. The flavors complemented each other well and was well executed. For the sides we ordered their baked beans that had maple, bourbon and bacon. Those beans were made to perfection with a thick sweet sauce where you could feel hints of maple coming through and bits of bacon. And for desert we ordered the beignets. WOW! They were soft, perfectly golden pillows. If you go, please leave room for the beignets. It’s a must! Price: The prices were fair for the portions and service. Service: the service was amazing!! Our server was so nice, friendly, and attentive. They also never made us feel rushed which was great. Atmosphere: While there was a bit of light when we arrived, we quickly realized the place is really dark and small. We were given a candle but maybe adding a tad more lighting with fairy lights or something might help. Parking: there is no parking for this place, but there’s a supermarket across the street that has enough parking for all! Overall great place, very unexpected but I loved it. Will definitely come back!

A nice cozy setting. If you get a chance to speak with the owner then do so. He'll explain all the decor. Apart from that, food and service was great.

The staff is fantastic, the best customer service hands down. They know the menu, will cater recommendations to your tastes, and will even offer tasters. The food takes a little while to cook, but it's well worth the wait. Get the fried pickles and the Brussels sprouts!

New favorite spot. Service and atmosphere are great and the food absolutely delicious! Brussel Sprouts were to die for. We will be back soon :)

This place is a true hidden gem. The food was surprisingly good - we love the pizza in a box. There is a lot going on in there, like 500 different lights and weird things on the walls. Kind of like a pleasant acid trip. The bartender (Lauren?) was really funny. She talks about life and death and how the sea will end up taking us all. I will be back soon to hear more about her life. Something is there.

Super quaint local joint with fun and terrific service. Spanish, French, Italian menu with a Southern/creole flair. Westend gets super busy on Friday nights but is fun and worthwhile any night. Top dishes here are Jambalaya (superb), squid ink pasta, and lobster mac and cheese; all dishes are made in house daily. Pizzas are super thin crust Italian style. HINT: Try their sangria; they make it in batches with their own homemade syrup and real fruit steamed in the mix for a long long time

I had a great experience the bartender who might be the owner is awesome. I had mesquite the first time I was there. And empanadas the second visit. The food is amazing this cozy relaxing place is a must visit